In praise of 7.1

July 29, 2003

Editor,

I took Wes Marshall's advice from my June letter and tried 7.1 sound. I use three Paradigm Reference Active/40 speakers in front, two Active ADP dipoles on stands in the corner next to my listening position with each driver facing a wall, and two Active 20s mounted near the ceiling next to my listening position. I listen mostly to music and the rear effects channel made little impact. I connected the Active/20s to the side-axis channels. WOW! I adjusted them about 1dB lower than the other speakers when I set them up. They make the sound in my room much more lifelike. When I turn them off the sound seems to have lost the sparkle on the highs and the 3D placement of voices and instruments in the soundstage. What a difference this made in my small NYC apartment. It would probably be better if you could go full 9.1 in a big room. My speakers have a reputation for integrating well. It is probably best to use similar speakers if you try this set up. I know Wes likes 5.1, but I encourage him to try this setup if he can get matching speakers and he still has the Sunfire Theater Grand III.

Todd

Wharfedale

July 23, 2003

Editor,

I want to have your opinion about the Wharfedale Diamond speakers (8.1, 8.2, and Center) as I am aware that the series is in an affordable price range. I am using an integrated amp, an Onkyo TX-SR600. I know the power output is not really great, but will they be a good match? Do you have any other speaker recommendations for me?

Harry

Unless I'm mistaken, the Onkyo you are referring to is actually a receiver, so you should be OK with the number of channels you have powering a 5.1 system (if it were an integrated amp it would likely be stereo only). I'm not all that familiar with the Wharfedale speakers you're looking at, but some quick research shows the range to be of average rated sensitivity (86dB to 88dB). That's perfectly acceptable, and as long as you don't listen at extreme levels I see no reason why what you are proposing wouldn't work just fine. As for other speakers, have a look at www.audiovideoreviews.com for alternatives. You should be able to compile a list of potential candidates that match your requirements....Jeff Fritz

Likes the Polks

July 16, 2003

Editor,

I read your latest review of the Polk Audio RTi150/CSi40/RTi38/PSW505 system, and I'm considering buying this system. Is there a reason you chose to review the RTi38s instead of the FXi50s as Polk recommends with RTi150s? I could not find a store to listen to LSi series, but I heard that the speakers are more for a serious music listener. I'm looking more for a home-theater system than a music system.

Devender Hanumaihgari

I went with the RTi38s for surrounds as an alternative to the FXi50s due to my preference for direct-radiating surround speakers. There's ongoing debate on which type of speaker sounds better -- "bi-directional" or a direct radiator -- but it really comes down to personal preference and room layout. If, for instance, your room dictates that you place your surrounds very close to the listening position, you may not have room for direct radiators to blend properly. This would be a perfect environment for the FXi50s. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space, you may find that directional cues are more exact with speakers like the RTi38s. As always, listen to both types if you can before making a decision....Jeff Fritz

$1500 processors

July 14, 2003

Editor,

There are currently several preamp/processors in the $1500 range: Rotel's RSP-1066, Sherbourn's PT-7000, Adcom's GTP 860, and Atlantic Technology's P2000. Would it be safe to assume that sonically they probably share the same characteristics and any individual differences that they may have pretty much boil down to versatility?

Jack Barnes

I wouldn't necessarily say that just because the units you mention are priced similarly that they sound the same. I'd hazard a guess that there are some sonic as well as functional differences. Preamp/processors are complicated devices, and with so many variables, this leaves the door open for myriad design and construction differences. I'd be sure to try out each unit so that you get a handle on what each will bring to your system. That's the only sure-fire way to choose the right one for you....Jeff Fritz

DVD player

July 7, 2003

Editor,

I have a Yamaha DSP AX1 with a pair of B&W CDM 1NT speakers up front. I am working to make a system for audio only.

What's best for music (stereo and multichannel): Yamaha DVD-S2300, Onkyo DVSP800, or Marantz 8300?

Claudio

Not having heard any of the units you mention, I can't give you a reliable recommendation. I can tell you that you should make sure the player you buy will work with your system from a processing standpoint. With multichannel music you'll need bass management that's flexible enough to work with your chosen speaker system. Unless your receiver has bass management for its six-channel analog inputs, you'll have to rely on the player. That's one important criteria to look at before you make your decision....Jeff Fritz

New NAD

July 4, 2003

Editor,

I enjoy you your writing very much. I currently own some older KEF C-55s and some C-35s. These are the first generation of the Uni-Q design. They are 4-ohm speakers with a 8" midrange/bass drive r. I like NAD equipment. I ran the C-55s with a 7240-PE for years with much enjoyment. The 40 watts this receiver delivers seems to drive the speakers just fine. Will a new NAD 742 receiver -- 40W x 5 -- be enough power to run these older speakers? The 752 and 762 are unacceptable due to the fan noise. My room is 10' x 17'. The room is in the basement with a drywall ceiling, wood-paneled walls, and a carpeted floor. I do like the new Q series but don't find them a whole lot better. I'd rather wait another five years and buy Revel F-50s, Bryston SP-1.7 pre/pro, and Proceed amps. This dream will happen when my kids are finished with Catholic high school/college education. Hopefully there will be a bigger house in the future to play this stuff in. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Have a good holiday.

Jim

You seem to know an important fact concerning amplifier power: all watts are not the same. Or, to be more accurate, amplifier ratings can be misleading. Although you have successfully driven your KEFs with a 40W receiver, will the new one, with the same 40W rating, be enough? I don't know for sure, but one clue could be the 4-ohm rating. If an amplifier is rated into a 4-ohm load, and increases its output power into that load compared to an 8-ohm load, it typically indicates a stiff power supply, which is always good for driving loudspeakers in the real world. Take a look at this specification before you buy, and if possible, see if you can get a listen in your system....Jeff Fritz

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