Letters to the Editor - August 2002
Center-channel bass
August 26, 2002
Editor,
I have a Polk Audio center speaker that goes down to 40Hz.
I have read in a few DVD reviews that say there is bass below 25Hz in all channels. If I
have the center speaker set to "Large" and there is bass below 40Hz sent to it,
will it simply not produce those frequencies, or will it actually damage the speaker? Are
there often frequencies below 40Hz sent to the center channel? I have it set to
"Small" until I find out if it will damage the speaker. Thanks for your time.
Dave Best
If your center-channel has a frequency response down to
40Hz, you'd likely be best off to leave the speaker set to "Small" anyway. While
it's true that there is a fair amount of bass routed to the center speaker -- in fact a
large portion of the soundtrack is designed for the center channel -- most center speakers
aren't truly full-range designs. Large amounts of bass produced from high-powered
amplifiers can damage almost any speaker, so you're right on that assumption. You're also
missing the soundtrack information that the center-channel speaker can't reproduce. So by
routing the center channel's bass to the subwoofer, not only will you protect the speaker,
but you'll end up with better sound because the sub will be augmenting the sound....Jeff
Fritz
NAD
August 23, 2002
To Wes Marshall,
Thanks for your great NAD
T571 review. I spent almost a year collecting information about the NAD T571 DVD
changer before I actually purchased it. I knew NAD was an assurance of quality right from
the start, no questions asked, but then I discovered the Denon DVM-4800 DVD changer that
had 5.1 outputs and other features. It is then that my quest began. But after writing to
just about everyone on the subject, I finally found out that the Denon was more DVD
oriented and that the NAD was more music oriented. I bought the machine mainly to listen
to burned CDs and MP3s.
I don't really care about the picture; really the sound for
me is the most important thing. And the NAD T571 sounds absolutely superb. I'd have to
spend something like $2000 on a CD player just to get that sound, or buy the NAD C541i to
get anything close to the sound coming from the T571.
Personally, I think I'll wait more than five years before I
even consider a replacement. Thanks again, and thank you NAD.
Jean Roger Filion
Receiver or processor?
August 20, 2002
Editor,
I am considering adding an A/V processor to my home-theater
rig. I originally started with an A/V receiver, a Yamaha RX-V800 (five channels, 100Wpc).
I then upgraded to a two-channel power amp for the mains (250Wpc) and a three-channel amp
(220Wpc) for my surrounds and center-channel. I also use the Outlaw ICBM for DVD-Audio.
There was immediate impact on the sound -- bass extension and tightness for sure -- when I
upgraded to separate power amps. It was a night-and-day difference. Not knowing any
differently, the Yamaha seems to work fine as a pre/pro, handling the different
surround-processing modes. Most of the A/V processors on the market carry hefty price
tags, and several don't offer all of the options of an A/V receiver. Some of the A/V
processors have built-in digital bass management, which would allow me to discard several
interconnects. If I upgrade to an A/V processor, will any sonic improvements be minimal,
or will there be a drastic difference? If so, can you explain? Thanks.
Eric Verter
I know quite a few people that use an A/V receiver as a
home-theater processor. The amplifiers within the receiver seem to be the biggest
compromise in such a component, and therefore is the area most often upgraded, such as in
your case. Going to a stand-alone processor seems like a worthy upgrade path for you at
this stage. However, whether you'll notice a difference, or one large enough to justify
the expense, is something only you can determine. I'd be tempted to try it (whichever
processor you're considering) in your system before making a decision either way....Jeff
Fritz
New home theater
August 15, 2002
Editor,
I recently came across your website and enjoyed the
material presented by you and your staff. I have been using simple home-theater techniques
in my family room for years -- large-screen TV, surround-sound system, etc., and I am now
ready to make the leap to an advanced, dedicated, true home cinema. We are planning on
converting a large walk-up attic into a home cinema for movies and special-event (sporting
events, etc.) viewing.
Can you recommend any additional sources of
information on planning such a project -- a primer, major dos and don'ts? I'm assuming we
will hire a design/installation professional, but I always like to research and understand
the key points and fundamentals of a project. Also, any tips on locating, hiring,
reviewing a design firm? I live in Connecticut.
Thanks in advance for you help.
Tom
Sounds like quite a project. The most important
aspect of hiring a professional is what type of finished product they produce. The fastest
way to find out what you are likely to end up with is by asking to see prior work. It has
been my experience that most reputable firms have some type of showcase capability, which
is likely a combination of pictures, video, even a home theater or two that they've
completed and have worked it out with the owner that they can show to potential clients.
You should have access to references galore. Also, look at their showroom and the brands
they carry. Good designers typically work with good products and have them installed in
their store in a way that is similar to how they will be set up in your home. There's lots
to think about, but your research will pay off in the end....Jeff Fritz
Impressed with Onkyo
August 12, 2002
Editor,
When I purchased my premium Onkyo TX-DS989 receiver,
I was concerned about upgrading, considering the rapidly changing world of home-theater
technology. I just got my receiver back from Onkyo after they performed the latest
upgrade. All I can say is that I'm impressed! This receiver just keeps getting better and
better with each upgrade. If you can arrange to get an upgrade done on an existing
TX-DS989, I think quite a few of your readers would be very interested with the outcome. I
know I would have been. The upgrade program says a lot about Onkyo's commitment to its
customers.
Brent Rogers
We were impressed by the Onkyo TX-DS989's upgrade
capabilities too, so much so that Doug Blackburn wrote a two-part series on the process
and its outcome. Have a look at his
"Video Noise" column on the subject. I'm glad to see the upgrade process
working out there in the real world....Jeff Fritz
Outraged with Triad review
August 7, 2002
To Anthony DiMarco,
I find it hard to believe you did not emphasize the
ridiculous cost of the Triad system in your
review. For instance, the monitors are $2000 each. EACH! You can get Silverline
Sonatinas for that! Or Revel M20s (TWO PAIR!). Or Merlin TSMs. The subwoofer is $1400. For
that you can get the Paradigm Reference Servo-15. Incredible. Triad seems to me to be
SERIOUSLY lacking in the value department.
I forgot to mention that you could, for a tiny bit
more, get the VMPS RM 40, which will kill ten times over the Triad monitors. Disgusting.
Regards,
Eric Ajimine
As Jeff Fritz pointed out in this month's
editorial, my job as a reviewer is to report on products in respect to my personal
observations and experiences. Since I have not personally observed the performance of
those products you cited, applying such comparisons would have been irresponsible to both
you, the reader, and the manufacturer.
Make no mistake, the Triads do cost a considerable
amount of money. For a long-term investment, though, they command a premium not unlike
custom-made fine furniture or an expensive Italian sports car.
Of course they may not present a good value to those
who find themselves trading up to the newest toy -- like myself. As a long-term
investment, however, they do offer excellent heirloom-like construction as well as neutral
sound.
Choosing loudspeakers is all about balancing your
budget with your priorities. If you actually auditioned Triad, I'm guessing that (1) you
didn't enjoy their sound, or (2) the levels of fit and finish they offer weren't high on
your list of priorities....Anthony Di Marco
More PLUS!
August 3, 2002
Editor,
Thanks for your review
of the PLUS Piano HE-3100. I saw one demonstrated recently and was pleasantly
surprised by the quality of the image. I immediately ordered one, but it hasn't been
delivered yet. Then I found out that it doesn't feature a zoom, but the new model does (my
room is 14' wide, and I would prefer to place the unit on an equipment rack up against the
wall). I was wondering if you've seen the HE-3200 and if you would recommend my waiting
until it hits the streets.
Don Solosan
I did get a brief opportunity recently to see the
PLUS Avanti HE-3200, and it looked fantastic. We will be doing a review soon, so we will
have more information available. You'll likely have yours by then, though. If it were me,
I'd go for the newer one, but there is a price differential to be paid for having the
latest (PLUS, as you are likely aware, recently lowered the price on the Piano). Either
way, you really can't go wrong....Jeff Fritz |
