Letters - March 2009
Classé versus Integra
March 25, 2009
To Wes Marshall,
I wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. I
recently read your glowing review of the Integra DHC-9.9 and also your older
review of the Classé SSP-600. I was curious to hear your thoughts on the two
pre-pros. If you factor in the Dynamic Volume and Audyssey setup of the DHC-9.9, which
would you say produces the better sound? This may be subjective, but I was curious about
your opinion. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Chris
If the Classé had Audyssey, I’d pick it. But the
change made by the Audyssey system is a dealmaker. If you can afford Classé, also
consider the Anthem D2. I haven’t yet had the chance to directly compare the Integra
to the Anthem, though I love kidding SoundStage! Network writer Roger Kanno (proud Anthem
owner) about the number of Blu-rays I can buy with the $5500 price difference. Good
luck!...Wes Marshall
Integra questions
March 11, 2009
To Wes Marshall,
I've been reading your reviews of both the Integra
DHC-9.9 and the DTC-9.8 and they, along with the valued opinion of my local Gramophone
salesman, convinced me that the DHC 9.9 was a good choice. Since you've had yours for a
bit longer, I thought you'd be a good person to ask a few technical questions, if you
don't mind.
- Have you had any problems getting the video to display on
the monitor when switching sources (cable DVR box to Blu-ray player) and if so, what did
you do to cure it?
- I have B&W 803s as my front three speakers with Classé
amps, but only bargain equipment for my rears powered by the two-channel amp Integra
makes. I've been told that the truest way to listen to music is in two-channel stereo, but
I swear this thing sounds like a dream in all-channel stereo, even with the cheapies in
the rear. Do I just have a really unsophisticated ear, and what is your preferred setting
for listening to a CD?
- I have a Velodyne sub (SPLR 1000) that, as you know, has its
own EQ onboard. Do you think I should turn off the sub's EQ in favor of the Audyssey
settings?
I know you're not tech support for Integra, and I apologize
for the questions if they're out of line. I thought you'd be a good source, though, based
on your reviews (very well done) and your down-to-earth approach to these high-end
pursuits.
Michael Phillips
Good choice for a processor, speakers, amp and sub. Are
the Classes mono amps? I’m assuming yes.
In order, the answers to your questions.
- No. For video sources, I only use HDMI and haven’t
had any problems.
- I try to avoid all-channel stereo, though I’m happy
using one of the DHC-9.9’s matrixed modes. Luckily, audio and video pursuits
aren’t the equivalent of being forced to eat your Brussels sprouts. The reason
there’s a button on the remote to scroll through the listening modes is so you can
pick whatever makes you happy. I find that the fewer the number of microphones used (as in
an ORTF array in an orchestral recording) the better the matrixed, DD and DTS settings do.
The greater the number of microphones (like 99% of today’s pop and rock recordings),
the more I prefer straight stereo. But that’s just me.
- Audyssey. Absolutely, positively and without any
question. Turn off the Velodyne’s EQ, set its upper level as high as it will go, put
the volume about half way up, and let the Audyssey do its magic.
...Wes Marshall
Paradigm versus Paradigm
March 4, 2009
Editor,
I have two Paradigm Servo-15s. Will the new Paradigm Sub25
provide me with an incremental or significant upgrade? I would probably purchase two
Sub25s.
Kevin Porter
The Sub25 is a huge leap in performance over the older
Servo-15. In fact, I think one Sub25 would play lower and louder than a pair of Servo-15s.
A pair of Sub25s? There would be no contest. The Sub25s are the best subwoofers Paradigm
has ever produced, and by a significant margin....Jeff Fritz |
