Which center-channel speaker?

May 31, 2007

To Doug Schneider,

I've read many of your speaker reviews and noticed that you don't like many center-channel speakers. You seem to like those from Mirage, though. Are there any others you can recommend?

Russell Watson

Your letter is short, but it actually brings up a number of points. First, about me not liking many center-channel speakers. Technically, that's correct -- I find that most center-channels don't sound like the left- and right-channel speakers they're playing with, making for an odd presentation across the front of the stage. This was particularly true about five years ago, when few companies were making good centers. And while there are more good ones today, more often than not I still find that the center doesn't sound quite right.

As for me liking Mirage's center-channel speakers, yes, that's also right. I've reviewed a number of Mirage speakers, and in those setups (i.e., an all-Mirage system), I've found that they do match the tonal characteristics of the left- and right-channel speakers very well. However, that's for an all-Mirage system. Although I like them, I wouldn't necessarily use a Mirage center-channels with another company's speakers.

Finally, you ask if there are others I recommend. Well, I've found that some other companies do make great center-channel speakers -- Paradigm comes to mind. However, like the Mirage center, I wouldn't just go use a Paradigm center with any ol' speakers. I'd use them with other Paradigms. Therefore, there's no blanket recommendation I can make. A center-channel speaker is part of a complete speaker system and has to be considered that way for best results....Doug Schneider

Speaker selectors

May 15, 2007

To Wes Marshall,

Any preference between Sima, Niles, Monster cable, or Phoenix Gold speaker selectors without volume control? I’m looking to use them with four sets of speakers. I’m mostly concerned with protection features and effects on sound quality. I have a Denon AVR-1705 and would connect using the B channel since A will be dedicated for the surround system.

Lindsey

I use Niles. Monster should be good also. I can’t speak to the others….Wes Marshall

Onkyo DV-SP502 or...?

May 2, 2007

To Randall Smith,

Just read your review of the Onkyo DV-SP502 universal audio/video player. I am wondering whether you're still the happy chappy with regard to this player. I'm looking for a reasonably priced SACD player, and this seems to be able to deliver quality in that regard.

Steve

I only spent a month with the Onkyo DV-SP502, so my experience with it was quite brief. It functioned very well and provided good detail both in video quality as well as audio quality. However, if I were going to recommend a universal player to someone I would recommend one of the Oppo players. They continue to be some of the best-reviewed electronic components available at any price. While I haven’t actually spent much time with one, so much praise has been given to it by people I trust that they all cannot be wrong. I believe the Oppo is slightly cheaper than the Onkyo, and it provides video upconversion to 1080p, as well as the ability to transmit an audio signal over HDMI via one cord. If I were spending my money on a universal player right now, it would be on an Oppo. No doubt about it….Randall Smith

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