December 26, 2001

Editor,

I live in Kuwait, and I am interested in buying a Anthony Gallo Nucleus Micro system. Unfortunately, I can't get an accurate idea of the price I should expect from the various websites I've browsed. I've seen the system quoted at anything from $699 to $2500. I realize that some of the confusion may be due to the dates of the various sources. Any idea what a reasonable US price should be at the moment? Thanks.

Rick Terres

In a case like yours, it is always wise to contact the manufacturer for advice. Since Anthony Gallo Acoustics has numerous dealers around the world, there is likely someone that services your part of the world. They would be best able to give you a fair deal and service the product after the sale if the need ever arose. The e-mail address is nucleus@roundsound.com. I have taken the privilege of forwarding your request to them so that they can expedite help...Jeff Fritz

December 22, 2001

Editor,

I recently bought my Denon AVR-4802 from Tweeter, and this receiver features the new DTS 96/24 processor. Is DTS 96/24 also known as DTS-ES 96/24? The reason I ask is because the front panel of my unit has a logo sticker as DTS-ES 96/24, rather than the DTS 96/24 logo featured on the unit that I saw at the other stores or even at Denon's website. Also, even at www.dtsonline.com, the logo is just DTS 96/24. Your clarification on this matter is much appreciated.

Samuel Kong

It is likely simply an attempt to keep the number of stickers on the unit down. These two technologies are separate altogether. The DTS 96/24 feature allows for similar resolution to DVD-A with 96kHz/24-bit processing to a full 5.1 soundtrack, and can be carried on DVD-V or the video portion of DVD-A. ES refers to either the discrete or matrix version of the DTS 6.1processing, which incorporates the addition of a rear-center or back channel....Jeff Fritz

December 17, 2001

Editor,

I'm trying to decide between the Yamaha RX-V1200 receiver and the older RX-V1000. The newer model has all the newer Pro Logic II and DTS ES decoding, but the older one has just slightly more power. Since I have a powered subwoofer (and both receivers use a sub preamp out), does the wattage per channel in my receiver really matter? Do I need the more powerful receiver, or should I go for the more up-to-date decoders? Thanks.

Quentin Hidalgo

Please see my December 2000 "Director's Chair" column discussing receiver power and how the specs can be a bit misleading. If the differences in power were substantial, and were backed up by a much larger power supply, more dynamic headroom, and the ability to drive lower impedances, I'd put much more weight into the power rating. If that is not the case, and you have reasonably efficient speakers, you may want to look at the newer model with the additional/more up-to-date features. With a lot of the program material benefiting (such as two-channel CD) from the newer processing modes (like Dolby Pro Logic II), I'd weigh this heavily in your case. I think this is where you would derive real benefits....Jeff Fritz

December 14, 2001

Editor,

Perhaps you can shed some light on a troubling problem I'm experiencing with my Integra DTR-5 receiver. Through all channels, all modes, and all inputs (assigned or unassigned), I have a hiss coming through my speakers as soon as the volume hits a relative setting of one from zero. This noise increases at a slower rate than the sound of music or movies, dependent upon input, and can be heard from the listening position. This is very annoying during quiet passages or while listening to music in stereo mode. Note I'm running a Klipsch Synergy speaker system with quality interconnects and cables.

Jim Rutherford

Although you may be experiencing a technical problem with your receiver, the problem may be a side effect of your extremely efficient horn-loaded Klipsch speakers. The Klipsch advantage is its speakers' sensitivity, which means they play louder with lower power than most systems. This is great for dynamics, absolute output level, and compatibility with lower-powered components, but can be problematic with amplifiers with a higher noise floor. Simply put, the noise will be more apparent in listening....Jeff Fritz

December 11, 2001

To Wes Marshall,

I read your excellent review of the PLUS Piano, and I was wondering if you could help me with the decision process about selecting a new projector. I have a now-defunct Runco 750T that I bought in 1992. Last month, the power supply module went, and the dealer wanted $800 to replace it. As the unit was getting pretty long in the tooth, I chose not to pour good money after bad, and I am looking for a replacement. I am wary of making a large investment in a new home-theater projector. What sells for $10k today, I think, will quite possibly sell for $3-$4k in just a few years when HDTV will be more common over the airwaves. The PLUS seems to be a low-priced alternative to what is out there in the home-theater-projection market.

Thus, I am looking quite seriously at the Piano to replace my Runco 750. I do not have a DVD player yet, but intend to buy one this holiday.You mentioned in the article that you cannot run progressive scanning through the Piano. I was told that this technology was the most superior to watch DVDs and I should get a DVD player that allowed this. Thanking you in advance.

Sincerely,

Steve Berman

The Piano is really made for DVD, and so would be a great choice for this medium. The comparison with your Runco depends on a lot of things. The built-in scaler in the Piano works very well, much better than the circuit in my Pioneer 434 DVD player. The Piano is also very much brighter than the Runco. The Runco will have better contrast than the Piano though. Not dramatically, but still better. Satellite and S-VHS on the Piano looked similar to the Runco, mostly because the Runco was designed in an era where a good NTSC signal was about as good as it got. But for DVD, the PLUS is the way to go....Wes Marshall

December 3, 2001

Based on reading Internet reviews and shopping around, the following system looks pretty solid for my budget of around $3000:

• Denon AVR-3802 A/V receiver
• Paradigm Monitor 9 front speakers
• Paradigm PS-1200 subwoofer
• Paradigm CC-370 center-channel speaker
• Paradigm ADP-300 surrounds
• Panasonic DVD-RP56 DVD player

My real question is this: do you have any experience with how well the Paradigm speakers would match up with the Denon receiver? Most of the reviews I read of the speakers had systems that used a Yamaha or Onkyo receiver. I don't know if that was just coincidence or if another speaker would match up better. Purposes are TV (60% of time), music (25%), and movies (15%). Comments would be appreciated! Thanks!

Adam Buccolo

Denon makes solid gear, and I would not hesitate to pair it with most any speaker brand out there assuming reasonable impedance and sensitivity. The Paradigms surely fit that criteria and are outstanding speakers. Denon receivers are typically conservatively rated compared with their perceived power. They pack a punch, which I hear carries over to the AVR-3802. Your picks look fine to me....Jeff Fritz

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