Speakers for a bedroom
January 14, 2009
I've always appreciated your no-nonsense approach to sound.
I request your help in picking speakers for the bedroom in our new house. My main system
is of pretty high quality (electrostatic speakers, hybrid tube/solid-state amp, etc.) and
I appreciate good sound. I would love a dose of something similar in the bedroom -- though
just for background/casual listening.
The room is 13’ x 11’ and the amplification will
be a Sonos Zone Player (55Wpc) hidden in a cupboard. I need to wall-mount the speakers
unfortunately -- and the only spot I can wall-mount them will allow only four feet between
them. I was planning on spending $500 or less on the pair and was looking for a refined,
sweet sound -- no ear-bleeding treble! Also, given the all important wife-acceptance
factor, good looks won't hurt.
Would you have any suggestions? On paper, the Mirage OS-Sat
seems pretty good. Your reactions?
Punit
My first reaction is that the Mirage OS-Sat is a pretty
good choice. It’s a speaker not known for being anything close to bright and can be
somewhat forgiving of odd placement locations. Another strength of the design is its
spacious sound, which could benefit from the short dimensions you have available to place
the speakers. I’m honestly at a loss to think of much else that might work better
given your requirements, except for one other option: the Architectural Series from Axiom.
These speakers have some unique mounting and finish options that might benefit you as
well. One additional consideration would be a small subwoofer placed somewhere in the
room. That addition could provide truly full-range sound and could also be done fairly
inexpensively. Give it a try without the sub first, though, and you might find the Mirages
or Axioms do enough in the bass not to warrant it.
Paradigm replacement driver?
January 7, 2009
I have a really old pair of Paradigm Monitor speakers. I
recently heard some crackling sounds coming from the woofer. Would it be wise to try and
just upgrade the woofers to better drivers? I really like the speakers and see no reason
to buy new ones. Any ideas?
Zack
I’d give Paradigm a call at (905) 564-1994 and ask
them what they think. My first thought is that you should replace the driver with a
replacement direct from Paradigm. But my second thought is that if you really like the
speakers and it’s not too expensive, I’d replace both speakers’ woofers.
This way you’re assured of having the latest replacement drivers in each speaker,
which might make a difference in sound quality. Certainly take Paradigm’s advice, but
if it were me I’d buy two woofers -- then you’d be guaranteed of having a
matched set of speakers after the repair.
iPod Nano docking station
January 5, 2009
I am looking to buy a fourth-generation 8GB iPod Nano, and
I am wondering if there are any really cheap docking stations that you would recommend. I
don’t want to put much money into it and want something that is durable and portable.
I’d like to be able to take it outside for gardening and for when the kids are
playing in the yard. Is there something like that available?
Andrea
The ArtDio Silver 2.0 is a portable docking station
that can be operated either via your wall outlet or batteries. It has plenty of output for
outside listening and is made of durable plastic. It doesn’t produce much bass, but
it does have a fairly clear midrange and won’t take up a lot of space. The best part
is that it sells for about $15 at major retail outlets such as Best Buy and online at
Amazon.com. I think it would work perfect for your application.
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