Rotel
or Anthem?
August 25, 2003
Editor,
I made the decision to upgrade from my Denon AVR-5803
receiver into the world of separates. I am considering going with either Rotel or Anthem
products, specifically the Rotel RSP-1098 processor and 1095 amp or Anthem AVM
20 and MCA 50. I am stuck. I think Anthem may be a skosh higher rated than Rotel, but
I am not sure. From looks, the Rotel 1098 really caught my eye with the front-display LCD
window, but I am buying quality, not mere window dressing. I have read so many good things
about the AVM 20, but it lacks certain options versus the Rotel as far as inputs. Amps are
another thing. I know the Anthem has a little more kick than the Rotel (225 x 5 vs. 200 x
5) and all indications are that it is very quiet (haven't heard one way or another on the
Rotel). Price is a push.
Any thoughts, experiences, comments would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Jim
Most will tell you that you're in a can't-go-wrong
position -- and they'd be right! I'd personally choose the Anthem because the company has
proven that it will support the product with regular updates via its software program.
This alone pushes it over the top because you know you're not likely to get stuck with a
bug or glitch of some kind, which is important, as these are complicated products. I'm not
sure if Rotel has an upgrade claim for the products you mention, but it would be one of my
first questions. The Anthem is a clear winner in that regard. Also, we'll have a review of
the Anthem MCA 50 online soon....Jeff Fritz
THX relevant?
August 19, 2003
Editor,
I haven't heard as much about THX-accredited components
lately. Is this still a badge I should seek out, or has it fallen out of favor? I don't
want to pay for something I don't need.
Ricardo
THX is relevant to those buyers who value their
component certification. It does offer some guarantee of meeting minimum specifications.
However, THX Certified is a designation sought out by certain manufacturers willing to pay
their licensing fee. The lack of it by no means makes a component any less competent. I
wouldn't pay extra to have "THX Certified" on my multichannel amplifier, for
example....Jeff Fritz
Speaker mounts
August 12, 2003
Editor,
I'm in need of some speaker mounts for my NHT speakers. I
have small children and would like to have all the speakers off the floor, but I don't
want to have to buy in-walls and replace my NHTs. Do you know a good source?
Janet McCarry
NHT makes speaker mounts designed to work with their
speakers. I'm assuming you have bookshelf models, in which case you'll most likely be able
to buy the mounts from your NHT dealer. Make sure you specify the exact model so that the
mount will fit the speaker properly as well as your wall construction so that the anchors
are designed for your application....Jeff Fritz
Accusound
August 6, 2003
Editor,
I read the review
of the Accusound Eclipse EP-55 system, and I am quite intrigued by the look of the
speakers. I'd like to hear how they sound, but the appearance is definitely cool. Not
having heard of these before (and I follow home theater closely), I'm wondering where your
publication finds such diverse equipment?
Raj Mingh
Being an Internet-based publication has numerous
advantages. One is the access to a worldwide readership -- both those looking to read
reviews and those looking to have their products written about. This gives us the unique
opportunity to expose new products to new readers on a regular basis. You'll read about
another set of Australian speakers on August 15th....Jeff Fritz
