Letters to the Editor - April 2003
Building a system
April 29, 2003
To Wes Marshall,
I recently purchased the NAD T572 and NAD T762. I read your
article on the NAD T571 after purchasing those items. I was wondering what you felt about
these products. I am planning on getting a Sony 42" plasma monitor, along with three
Linn speakers (two Ninkas and center-channel), and two Anthony Gallo speakers for the rear
to complement my system. I was wondering if you felt that this was a good design. I chose
the Gallos for the rear to save space and for the look. I was also considering all Gallos,
but did not know how this system would sound with my NADs, and whether that would do my
NAD system justice with the sound quality. Your input would be appreciated. Many thanks.
Manoj Reddy
Those NAD pieces of equipment are both excellent. I
don't know the size of your room or how loud you listen, but 100Wpc should be enough in
most cases for most rooms. I think the most important thing you can do is get all the
speakers from one company, preferably five identical speakers and a sub. This is a case of
do as I say, not as I do. I have two ATC SCM50A speakers, a KEF 100 center and Sonance
surrounds. Personally, if I could afford having all ATC speakers, I would. I can't so I
have a mixed bag.
Regarding which speakers The Linn Ninkas are rated at 90dB
efficiency versus the Gallo's 89dB. But the Linn is a 4-ohm speaker and the NAD has plenty
of current, giving you a lot of additional potential power. The Gallos do have a beguiling
look, but, like a lover, remember they have to also keep your interest when the lights are
out. The Gallos that I've heard have an open and inviting sound. But we may disagree on
which has a better sonic signature. I'd listen to both in a full-range, 5.1 system using
your normal software and decide from there. And remember, the world is full of outstanding
speakers in this price range.
Let us know what you choose....Wes Marshall
Popping sounds
April 25, 2003
Editor,
I just bought the Anthem AVM
20 a couple weeks ago and love the sound, but I get these annoying digital pops. The
place I bought it from says it's the Sony DVD player I have, because of digital-stream
drop-outs from not-so-good tracking abilities. This is Sony's best DVD player, the
DVP-S9000ES, so I don't understand what's causing these pops; please advise me. I don't
want to return this processor -- it sounds absolutely great but for these digital pops
once or twice every couple of movies or so. It never pops in other modes like the tuner,
or TV, or DVD-Audio, just the DVD movies.
Gregory
It does sound as if to me it is the DVD player, possibly
some kind of interruption to the digital signal being sent to the processor. But, I'd
first check on another culprit: your digital cable. I recently spent several hours
troubleshooting a friend's system only to find out that the TosLink cable he was using was
defective or damaged. Upon replacing the cable all was well with his system. It was the
least-likely suspect -- or so I thought! So start with the simplest things. Look at your
connections and replace that digital cable and see what happens. Then perhaps you can
borrow another DVD player to see if you can reproduce the problem without your Sony. These
steps should let you know where the problem is....Jeff Fritz
Bose
April 21, 2003
Editor,
I have been an avid reader of your site for some
time now, and have based my home-theater choices on your recommendations. I now have such
a wonderful-sounding system that my friends all beg to watch movies at my house.
One thing I have noticed is that none of you seem to
like Bose speakers much. One of my friends is about to plunk down a bit of cash upgrading
his system, and is seriously considering Bose speakers. Are there any reviews I can point
him toward to show that he may not be happy with Bose, and are there any speakers in the
same price range as most Bose products but better brands?
Thank you so much!
Michael Barnhart
Bose speakers come in all different price ranges, so
I'm not sure where your friend is on the Bose continuum. We have reviews of speakers at
all different price points in our archives at www.audiovideoreviews.com. Have a look there for alternatives for your
friend. As for reviews of Bose products, I've never seen or heard of Bose submitting
review samples. The company hardly needs press, either. Their advertising is definitely
state of the art, so I'm not sure any review would really add much to their bottom line.
But a bad review could always detract from that stellar reputation amongst uninformed
consumers....Jeff Fritz
System advice
April 9, 2003
Editor,
I am in the market to replace my very old Pro Logic
receiver. I would like to get something reasonably good. I have narrowed my choices down
to the Pioneer VSX-49TXi, the Rotel RSP-1066 and its corresponding amp, and possibly the
Anthem AVM 20 and its corresponding amp. The Anthem system is on the expensive side for
me.
What would be your order of preference of the three
systems? Is there anything else you would suggest? Is the extra outlay for the Anthem
worthwhile, in your opinion? FYI, I have Paradigm Studio 100 v2 and CC Studio for the
center-channel and old Celestions for the surrounds. Keep up the good work guys.
Best regards,
Peppy
In quick order I'd likely go with the Anthem first,
the Rotel second, and the Pioneer third. The Pioneer is not a third-rate choice, though --
in fact, it is a fantastic piece (I just heard one the other day), but it is a receiver,
so all components are built into one chassis. There are inherent compromises that have to
be made in this type of component. The Rotel combo is probably very good based on past
experience with their gear, though I haven't heard the specific pair you mention. I have
heard the Anthem gear, however, and think the world of it. If it were me and I knew I'd
keep it for a long time, I'd spring for the Anthem and not look back....Jeff Fritz
Speaker choices
April 7, 2003
To Doug Schneider,
Thanks for a
great and insightful review [of the Paradigm System 2]. I have been trying to decide
between this Paradigm system, the Aperion 5.1 system, or the Mirage OMNISAT 6. I only wish
you had reviews those as well!
Any suggestions?
Regards,
Seth Foster
Actually, if you search through our SoundStage! Network equipment
archives located at www.audiovideoreviews.com,
you will find that we reviewed the Mirage system too -- in addition to a whole lot
more....Doug Schneider
From a Linnie
April 4, 2003
Editor,
Thanks for the review of
the Linn Sizmik subwoofer. Although I'm not in the market for a sub, I love reading
about Linn gear. I guess that makes me a Linnie! Keep up the great work. And keep those
Linn reviews coming.
John Markus
Component reliability
April 2, 2003
Editor,
I was wondering if you have any information on which
product brands have the best reputation for reliable operation. I love your reviews, but I
don't see the reliability issue addressed. I want my purchase to last a long time. Thanks.
Gerald Parks
Our review period lasts only an average of eight
weeks, which is far too short to keep any meaningful reliability statistics. I do wish we
could provide that information for you, however. My best advice would be to buy your
components from a dealer that can offer an opinion on what lasts and what doesn't. Dealers
don't like defective equipment coming back into the store for warranty work because it
costs them money for shipping and loaners. Therefore they carry gear that they are
confident will operate reliably in the field. Lastly, good service after the sale is
important, too, so make sure you buy from someone that you trust will take care of any
issues you have if something goes wrong....Jeff Fritz |
