June 29, 2001

Editor,

I have just purchased a Paradigm home-theater speaker system (Monitor 11 v2, CC-370, ADP-370) with a Definitive Technology PF-1500Tl+ subwoofer. Power is from an Onkyo 777 receiver rated at 105Wpc. The Paradigms have provision for biwire/biamp connections. Biamping is not an option at this time. What do you think about biwiring?

Lee Richardson

I think overall biwiring is a small consideration. It may produce a small improvement in sound quality, but this is not guaranteed by any measure. Almost always, one run of good cable will outperform two runs of mediocre. I wouldn't stress about the option to biwire; it's a minor one....Jeff Fritz

June 27, 2001

Editor,

I am trying to put together a budget home-theater system. After reading your February 2001 review of the EdgeAudio 502D/SW-12 speaker system, I have decided to give it a try. Can you recommend an appropriate A/V receiver for this package, and any accessories necessary to complete the system?

Thanks,

Harry Spanos

The Onkyo TX-DS595 seems like a good option to me. I've been suggesting it in the $500 price range because it includes Dolby Pro Logic II and seems to have a beefy power supply. Also a good consideration, although without Pro Logic II, is the Outlaw 1050. It is very simple to use and has enough oomph to drive the EdgeAudio (now Aperion Audio) speakers. Add the appropriate cable and stands if needed, and of course a DVD player, and you are in business....Jeff Fritz

June 22, 2001

To Doug Schneider,

I am a home-theater novice, and I only have a stereo setup at the moment. I am thinking of getting a pair of Axiom Audio Millennia M3Ti speakers and the corresponding VP100 center-channel speaker to make a home-theater setup. I will then just use my existing six-year-old floorstanding speakers for the rear channels.

Can you advise me what sort of brand/model of receiver will match well with the three front Axiom speakers? I want something that would be good for music and home theater as well. Any particular brand and model -- e.g., Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo?

Many thanks,

Armand Sangueza

The M3Ti speakers are a relatively easy load on most amplifiers and will therefore need only a moderately powerful surround-sound receiver. Something in the area of 50 to 100Wpc into 8 ohms should suffice (the closer you can get to 100Wpc the better since I believe it's better to have too much power than too little). As for brands, the ones you mention are all very good. I have a Nakamichi AV-10, which I find very good for the money. I am also a fan of Denon and Onkyo since I have found over the years that even their modestly priced receivers tend to offer a combination of very good performance, build quality and value....Doug Schneider

June 12, 2001

Editor,

Thanks for all your wonderful home-theater reviews. They have been enjoyable and absorbing. Great work.

If you don't mind, I need your assistance. If you can, recommend a few brands and models of affordable high-performance, great-value music and home-theater equipment with a budget of 4000 Australian dollars. I assume that we should have here almost all brands that you have there. I have read your review of EdgeAudio speakers, but unfortunately I can't get them here in Australia.

Many thanks,

Mandy Sangueza

Some of the more widely distributed brands that we have covered include Paradigm, PSB, Axiom, and Energy. These would be a good starting point for you. I was in contact with EdgeAudio, now Aperion Audio, and told them we had a reader in Australia interested in the line. I will let you know if they have any advice for you. I'm not sure if you are looking at a total system or just speakers, but one approach to maximize your dollar is to buy a packaged system. Most brands market a "5.1 system" that is composed of various models that are designed to work together. These systems are typically priced more attractively than if you bought in steps. Regarding electronics, we have had good experience with Onkyo and Denon lately....Jeff Fritz

June 7, 2001

Editor,

I have a normal stereo system with two medium-sized speakers, two bookshelf-sized speakers and a subwoofer. I decided to improve to an A/V reciever (to start in home theater, a Sony STR-DE475). I don't have a center-channel speaker, and I don't know how to hook the subwoofer to the jack in the reciever (so I have it the regular way). Should I buy a proper center speaker, or is it possible to use an alternative? I'd apreciate your help and comments

Maximo Iglesias

The subwoofer should be connected via the LFE (or subwoofer) output on the receiver. Then, on the setup menu on your receiver, you will simply turn the sub "on." In your situation I would suggest running all speakers set at "small" as well, therefore routing all bass to the subwoofer. Lastly, you will turn the center channel "off," which will route this channel to your left and right speakers providing you with a phantom center image. Providing that you your speakers are placed symmetrically and you are seated centrally, you will be just fine. I would only suggest adding a center-channel speaker from the manufacturer of your left and right speakers. If this is not possible, adding a center-channel speaker may be a step backwards....Jeff Fritz

June 5, 2001

Editor,

Regarding your June 2001 editorial, of course your same argument could have been used when 5.1 first came out: "Why confuse things when the consumer is just now learning how to handle stereo, much less Pro Logic." I don't think TMH has the slightest intention of replacing 5.1 soon or in the near future. Their 10.2 system is sort of like the concept cars Detroit displays at auto shows. They're simply trying to stay ahead of the curve. I wouldn't blame them for it.

Norm Strong

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