If you have a question about audio or video you'd like answered, please e-mail avanswers@soundstageav.com.

May 12, 2008

I have a home-theater system that I use quite a bit but neglect. It's quite dirty and covered with dust. Q: Do you had advice on cleaning electronic equipment? Is one product or procedure better than another?

A: When electronic equipment works, it's easy to forget about, which leads to layers of dust building up. I am constantly cleaning my audio equipment, but when I need to do something more than dusting, I use Endust to remove the fine coating of dust that accumulates, then clean with Plexus, which is a plastic cleaner and polish. It puts a shine on many surfaces, including plastic and brushed aluminum, and it leaves a very light coating of wax, which makes it harder for dust to adhere. It's great stuff.

Don't neglect the connections when you're cleaning your equipment. Use isopropyl alcohol, pipe cleaners and Q-Tips to clean jacks and binding posts as well as the connectors for your cables. You'll be surprised at how much better everything looks and sounds after you're done.

...Marc Mickelson

May 5, 2008

I am thinking of buying an electronic item from someone on eBay. The item is hard to find, and the person on eBay seems to be selling one that's in exceptional shape. But I'm a little concerned. What if the item isn't as good as the description paints it to be? What if it is damaged in transit to me? Q: Do you have any advice for someone considering buying from eBay?

Laura W.

A: As you've discovered, eBay can be a great source of items that are hard to find locally. I've recently made two purchases, and I'm waiting for both items to arrive, apprehensive, as you are, about what I'll find. Many people make a living selling on eBay, so there is incentive for them not to get negative feedback. On the other hand, it's easy to be vague with language in descriptions and hide issues with items being sold, even if doing so is not particularly honest.

I wish I had some sort of magic formula for buying from eBay sellers. The best advice I can give is to read the item's description closely, examine any pictures, and ask the seller questions. These things should go a long way toward getting you the item you want in working condition. If things don’t work out, contact the seller and let him or her know of your problems. Buyers do have recourse, even through the seller may be 2000 miles away.

...Marc Mickelson

April 28, 2008

I just bought a Yamaha cassette deck that can use metal tapes, and I'd like to use it to make high-quality copies of CDs. However, I can't seem to find any of these locally. Q: Do you have any suggestions about where I can find them online?

Jason Reitz

A: It's still possible to find new good-quality Cr02 cassette tapes -- Maxell still makes them -- but no company that I know of is making metal tapes any longer. You can search for them on eBay, but get ready to pay a high price for any you find. A better way is to comb thrift stores and garage sales for them. You will likely find some that have been used -- they can always be reused -- and you might even find some that are still sealed. Beyond that -- or some company deciding to manufacture them again -- you're out of luck.

However, if you're going to copy CDs (presumably for your own use only), why not just burn a copy to CD-R?

...Marc Mickelson

April 21, 2008

To Joseph Taylor,

A brilliantly written article. Thank you so much!

You really know Zappa, don't you? You were right about my arrangement of "Take Your Clothes Off" being inspired by the Lost Episodes version. I had written a chart on the song years ago (the first year of my tribute concerts) as a polka. When I heard the Lost Episodes version, it really reminded me of that early-'60s Blue Note vibe, where guys like Lee Morgan were playing bossa/R&B/straight-eighth-note grooves. I considered redoing it like that until it dawned on me that I could do it as a full-blown mambo, influenced by my history of playing with Tito Puente in the late '70s.

I'm going to forward your piece to my entire band. Thanks!

Ed Palermo

April 14, 2008

I own a pair of Merlin VSM SE speakers and want to downsize for my wife, but I don't want to give up the Merlin sound. Q: Can you recommend some smaller speakers? I'm thinking about a Reference 3A Veena or Tetra 405.

Ken E.

A: Well, the obvious choice would be Merlin TSMs, although on 24" stands they won't be much or any smaller than VSMs. Same with the other speakers you've mentioned. ProAc and Silverline both have slim floorstanders that have a smaller footprint than the VSM, but I don't think either sounds quite like a Merlin.

...Marc Mickelson

April 7, 2008

I recently read the June 2007 SoundStage! review of the Ayre CX-7e CD player and would like to solicit a little bit comparative input from you. Currently I am looking to replace a very old Meridian 207. It still works, but it is time. I have a decent analog front-end with Thorens and Linn turntables, and I have McIntosh solid-state electronics and speakers. The latter also have some age on them, but they have recently been brought into spec by McIntosh.

The CD players I am considering are the Ayre CX-7e, Simaudio Moon 5.3, Naim CD5x, Primare CD31 and possibly the new Bryston BCD-1. I would like to be around the $3000 price point, so the Moon 5.3 may be a bit of a reach. Like a lot of people, I am looking for smooth detailed highs and tight, well defined bass. My system is equalized with a noise generator and a real-time analyzer to take out most of the negative effect of the room. Because it is impossible to compare the players, let alone listen to them through my system, I am looking for some input. Q: Which player should I consider above the others? Also, I am curious as to which of the players I am considering is the best value for the dollar spent.

Bill Thomas

A: Of the CD players you mention, I would choose the Ayre CX-7e, which I heard and enjoyed greatly. It's well made, and Ayre supports its customers by upgrading their products instead of requiring that you sell and rebuy.

In terms of "value for the dollar spent," let me suggest a player not on your list: the Stello CDA320, which is similar sonically to the CX-7e, fully balanced like the CX-7e and costs less than any of the players you've listed. It also has a digital input, so you could connect a DVD player with a 24/96 output and play music DVDs through its upsampling D-to-A section. When we reviewed it, it was $1995, though with the sinking dollar its price might have gone up.

...Marc Mickelson

March 31, 2008

I have noticed that more and more music is available for download, which means that the owner doesn't get, and doesn't need, the actual disc. Q: Given this, is it wise to buy a new, expensive CD player these days? I mean, if discs are going away, why do you need a CD player?

David Gray

A: The answer to your question has a parallel in the world of analog playback. The LP was supposedly killed off by the CD years ago, yet people still buy turntables today. Of course, this signals that there are new LPs being released, but it also recognizes that people still want to play the the LPs they've had since they first bought them. Therefore, as long as you have CDs, you will need some way to play them, so buying a CD player today isn't a bad idea at all.

...Marc Mickelson

March 24, 2008

I am loading my new music server with the CDs I own, which I then plan to sell, as I won't need them. Q: Do you know of any good online retailers that will pay a fair price for used CDs?

Dan K.

A: Before I discuss to whom you might sell your CDs, I want to point out that if you load them onto your music server, you should not sell them, as you will be breaking the copyright by keeping the music on your server and selling the physical disc. This is the same as creating a CD-R copy and then selling the disc -- a definite no-no.

Now, as for selling CDs, I've pruned my collection a few times, selling discs I no longer want to Second Spin, which does extensive online business and has a few brick-and-mortar stores. You can visit them at www.secondspin.com to see how much they'll pay for your discs, which fluctuates according to their stock and the desires of buyers. Second Spin even gives a reimbursement for the cost of shipping discs to them, and they buy movies as well.

...Marc Mickelson

March 17, 2008

I know you have reviewed both the PSB Platinum M2 and now the (newer) Synchrony Two B. Q: How do you think they compare? Personally, I purchased a pair of M2s a little over a year ago, but I have since been disappointed with their lack of warmth and emotion. (I play a lot of late-'60s rock and pop, as well as hard-bop jazz from the late '50s and early '60s.) They just seem kind of clinical-sounding and don't really involve me in the music the way I would like them to.

However, I recently heard the Synchrony speakers, and they seemed to have that warmth and vitality that my M2s lack. When I mentioned this to the dealer, he actually pointed out to me that the real culprit might be my amp, which is an NAD C352. So I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the matter. Do you think that the Synchrony Two Bs are actually warmer-sounding and more "alive" than the M2s, or am I just biased because my amp is giving me the wrong picture of the M2s?

Dave Donohue

A: Although I don't have the M2s on hand anymore and I am only going from memory, I would say that the new Synchrony models are a little warmer and more present in the mids, regardless of the amp. I noticed this when I listen to the Two Bs on their own, and then in a head-to-head comparison with the Paradigm Reference Signature S1 v.2, which I talked about in the review.

Therefore, it sounds to me like your dealer is more interested in selling you an amp than speakers. If you like the PSB sound but want a touch more warmth, I'd check out the new Synchrony speakers in your system instead of ditching your NAD amp.

...Doug Schneider

March 10, 2008

Q: How important is the center-channel speaker in a home theater? I’m thinking that if I can’t get a really good one I might be better off doing without one altogether? What do you think?

Reggie R.

A: The center-channel speaker in a home theater is extremely critical to good soundtrack reproduction. You’ll find that the majority of the soundtrack is reproduced by the center-channel speaker, which includes the all-important dialogue elements. I agree with your thought that if you can’t get a really good, matched center speaker you’re better off letting your main speakers reproduce this critical channel of information. A really dinky, compromised center speaker flanked by much more capable mains makes no sense -- and will lead to worse sound than not having a center speaker at all. If you decide to forgo the center speaker, just remember to set your receiver’s settings so that it routes the center signal to your front left and right speakers.

...Jeff Fritz

March 3, 2008

I remember that years ago you could buy receivers and preamps with built-in phono stages. I still see some of these at thrift stores. Nowadays, though, you have to buy a separate unit for playing records. Q: Is there an advantage in sound of one approach or the other?

Jerry K.

A: You can blame the CD for the death of the built-in phono stage, which became expendable, given that digital playback was to replace analog. But analog playback is especially strong right now. I know that one online seller has over 14,000 new titles available on LP, and new turntables appear with great frequency.

There is a theoretical advantage to a built-in phono stage: no interconnects needed between an outboard unit and a preamp. However, outboard phono stages can be more elaborately designed and built, and include user-friendly loading features. I use built-in and outboard phono stages, and both are very good, so I'm not sure there is a sonic advantage to either one. However, the built-in phono stage is much less expensive, and that's not even factoring in the cost of the interconnects. Less money spent on equipment means more money to spend on music -- and that's a very good thing, given those 14,000 new LPs available.

...Marc Mickelson

February 25, 2008

I appreciate your reviews. They are informative, helpful and "easy reads."

I noticed that you used Simaudio's new Moon i-1 50Wpc integrated amplifier and their CD-1 CD player to review the PSB Two B speakers.

I am currently looking at $1500 integrated amplifiers. I haven't come across any SoundStage! Network reviews for the Simaudio integrated. I am comparing it to the Rega Mira 3 (60Wpc). I found the Mira to sound quite decent, but I would like to see if I can match this sound quality with an integrated amp that has no capacitors -- my current (older) integrated amp apparently lost some of its abilities due to the degradation of its capacitors.

Q: What are your impressions on the Moon i-1 and any other comparable integrated amps readily available in Canada?

David Hoehne

A: I received a number of e-mails from people who noticed I used the Simaudio pieces in that Two B review. There seems to be a lot of interest in them. Reviews of both the i-1 and CD-1 will appear in March on our Network. The i-1 will be on GoodSound!, whereas the CD-1 will be published on SoundStage!

...Doug Schneider

February 18, 2008

Q: Are you going to add a search feature? Please. Pretty please.

Dave M.

A: You're in luck! We have a search feature for the entire SoundStage! Network. You can find it on our SoundStage! Network site. Right now, it searches only equipment reviews, but we should be adding more content for searching soon.

...Marc Mickelson

February 11, 2008

I'm considering a combination CD/SACD player, and I'm wondering what you think about this. Q: Are there enough SACDs available to make this purchase worthwhile?

Daniel Rey

A: I think the answer depends on your musical priorities. There are literally thousands of SACDs available, with new titles appearing every day. Many of these are classical titles, which people are listening to in surround sound and not strict stereo. If you listen mostly to rock, SACD will likely disappoint you in terms of selection, although there are many Rolling Stones, Police, Genesis and Peter Gabriel SACDs available. Jazz is somewhat stronger, though there are still many, many more jazz CDs than jazz SACDs.

I find SACD a worthwhile format in terms of sonics, but I can't remember the last SACD I purchased. Vinyl, believe it or not, is a much stronger format right now than SACD.

...Marc Mickelson

February 4, 2008

I recently upgraded my two-channel system and now I'm getting "mixed" comments on my upgrade. I am running a NAD C162 preamp, NAD C272 power amp, NAD C521BEE CD player and Boston Acoustics PV700 powered subwoofer.

My speakers were originally B&W CM1s that I loved, but I wanted to go a bit better, so I purchased B&W 805ses two months ago. Now I hear that my speakers are too good for my electronics. Q: I am very happy with the sound and was wondering what your opinion is. I keep thinking about the law of diminishing returns.

Peter O'Gorman

A: Most likely, the people who told you that think that because you bought more expensive speakers you now have to buy more expensive electronics to go with them. This is an old audiophile myth that's not based in fact. Most likely, it was started by some salesman. Furthermore, as I learned over the last 12 years by reviewing, although more expensive equipment can sound better than less expensive stuff, the reverse can also be true. So there's no direct correlation between price and performance. In the end, what matters is how products perform, not how much they cost, an important thing to take note of that's often even lost on reviewers.

What should you do? As you indicated, you're happy with the sound. Therefore, forget what those people told you and live with what you've got. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't still keep looking. You've got a very good system, and it's quite possible that you will find something that allows you to move up a step in performance again and you might feel it's worth purchasing. Only then should you do so. And who knows -- you might even find out that your upgrade involves your electronics, or even your speakers again!

...Doug Schneider

January 28, 2008

I really enjoy your speaker reviews. You've reviewed a lot of good ones lately, haven't you? Q: Can you give me a heads up on what's coming? I want to know if there's something I should be looking out for.

Will Ziegler

A: I can tell you what speaker reviews I have coming, but I can't tell you much more. A review of the PSB Synchrony Two B speakers will be published on February 1 in the "On HiFi" section of SoundStage! A/V. Then, most likely in April, I'll be writing a review of the Synchrony One speakers. It will appear on SoundStage!, and, like the Two B review, will be accompanied by a full suite of measurements. But, other than that, I have no more speakers in the queue. However, given that I review so many, I suspect that something more will come along.

...Doug Schneider

January 21, 2008

I have read a few of your reviews in which you tout the superiority of balanced connections. I've always thought that they are simply a different kind of connection and not better or worse. Q: What's so significant about balanced connections?

Joseph Heyerman

A: It's not so much that "balanced connections" are superior, but that the circuitry behind them can lead to improved sound. In theory, balanced circuits have some impressive advantages, the sum of which is lower noise, which is never a bad thing where the reproduction of music is concerned. "Improved" varies from product to product, but I've found that with truly balanced source components -- those with duplicated circuitry for the positive and negative phases for each channel -- the improvement ranges from obvious to startling. Some people whose engineering acumen I trust claim that the extra circuitry and cost of balanced products overshadow any sonic improvements, if they exist at all. Given that companies like Convergent Audio Technology and Conrad-Johnson make terrific-sounding equipment that's never been balanced, this view deserves some consideration.

As with all things in high-end audio, let your ears guide you and you can't go wrong.

...Marc Mickelson

January 14, 2008

I visit a number of online forums that deal with high-end audio. I've noticed that you and the other writers for your sites don't post there and probably don't visit either. Q: Is there a reason for this? I find certain forums very informative and useful.

David J.

A: You are correct -- we don't frequent or post on the online forums. Speaking only for myself, I find the "help" offered on many of the forums less than helpful, and the attitude on many isn't very welcoming to people in the audio industry or press. But we journalists do have our say, of course, in the many reviews and other articles we publish. I am happy to let those represent my opinion. I also answer a great deal of e-mail sent to me directly.

...Marc Mickelson

December 31, 2007

Q: If you had the choice between using a turntable as your source or a CD player, which would you choose and why? I am debating right now how to spend my music dollars, and I'm considering both.

David M.

A: I don't have to choose between using a turntable or CD player -- I can use both, and you can too. You can buy an inexpensive DVD player that will play CDs, and thrift stores often have working turntables. "Considering both" is a place to start, but buying both may be where you end up, especially if you anticipate playing both vinyl and CD. Why limit yourself if you don't have to?

...Marc Mickelson

December 24, 2007

Happy holidays. My three-year-old son seems to like music, and I'd like to get him some CDs for Christmas that aren't of the "silly songs" variety. Instead, I'd like to get him some serious music made for young children like him. Q: What do you recommend?

George C.

A: I have two recommendations. First, the venerable A Charlie Brown Christmas, which features the Vince Guaraldi Trio, certainly fits the profile of what you're after. There is also a Sesame Street collection called In Harmony that includes songs from Carly Simon, Bette Midler, the Doobie Brothers and James Taylor, whose "Jelly Man Kelly" is worth the cost of the CD all by itself. I'm a grownup (most of the time) and own both of these recordings.

...Marc Mickelson

December 17, 2007

I've been doing a lot of reading about audio equipment -- I'm putting together my first serious system right now -- and I'm confused by the lack of perspective among all of the audio publications online and in print. Q: What makes one product better than another? I read the reviews and two writers may have a completely different opinion of a product, though both will seem to like it. Maybe veteran audiophiles can decipher multiple reviews, but I can't!

Thomas

A: You ask a very good question that I hope I can answer to some degree. First, audio coverage is confusing, mostly because publications are not all run in the same way. Some are professional and others are not. Ultimately, you have to pick publications -- and even writers for that matter -- based on their published output. Which reviews resonate with you? Which ones seem to be written by knowing people? Who seems to know what he or she is talking about? That's the place to start, then use the work of those writers you trust as a measuring stick for whatever you read. In all honesty, I think the audio press is in a very bad way right now, but there are skilled writers doing their jobs -- which is, in the end, providing useful information to readers. Find those writers and stick with them.

...Marc Mickelson

December 10, 2007

I've been looking for stereo speakers and was impressed by your review of the PSB T45s. I currently have a 28-year-old pair of Celestion Ditton 33s and a Sony STR-DE635 receiver. I recently "test drove" a pair of the PSB T45 vs. some Totem Sttaf speakers. The salesman suggested that the PSBs would be better for the rock/pop music to which I listen than the Totems, which to me seem better suited to classical music.

I then listened to the PSB T45s at another store vs. the new Mirage OMNI 350s, which the salesperson attempted to convince me would be a better speaker for my receiver because he said the PSBs are "bright" and my Sony STR-DE635 is a "bright" receiver. This was a new theory to me.

I found the PSBs to be delightfully "alive," but I'm aware that listening through a higher-end receiver in a shop doesn't replicate what I'd get at home. Q: I'm wondering if you have an opinion on using the PSB T45s with my Sony receiver. Would the sound likely be too sharp or harsh, or would I still get the realistic sound suggested by your review?

Anne Simpson

A: Unfortunately I can't tell you whether the combination of your Sony receiver and PSB T45s would be harsh or bright, because I've never heard that receiver. You may very well get good sound, but you won't know until you try. I would suggest auditioning the PSB T45s with your Sony receiver and decide if you like what you hear. I'm sure the store will be happy to exchange them for something else they have if you aren't satisfied.

One thing that caught my attention in your letter was that a salesman told you that the T45s would be better suited to rock/pop music. I agree that the PSBs sound good with rock and pop, but I found they were fine with classical music also. In fact, I thought they were good speakers for all types of music, and as is always the case, their sound was highly dependent on the quality of the recordings I played through them. Don't believe the misconception that some speakers are good for certain types of music but not for others. A good speaker is true to the source, and if a recording is good the speakers will let you know.

Personally, I didn't find the T45s overly bright, but I was using a NAD integrated amplifier and CD player, which obviously had considerable bearing on what I was hearing. If ultimately you aren't happy with the PSB/Sony combination, you may want to consider a change in amplification. In your system the receiver might be the weakest link, especially when connected to a revealing set of speakers such as the T45s.

...Philip Beaudette

December 3, 2007

Q: Can you kindly recommend a set of headphones (not the earbud type) for my new Sony Walkman? I will be flying to Asia next month, so I will take the headphones at that time. I also like to listen to my classical CDs while walking here in Florida. I need the headphones to be comfortable and provide fine sound quality.

Len Bloom

A: It can be difficult to find good sounding headphones that can be driven by the output of a Walkman, or other similar device. In such situations, I prefer an in-ear monitor, because of its ability to block some amount of ambient noise. I, personally, use the Shure E3c for its slightly warm sound and robust build quality. The Etymotic ER-6 is another good choice, though it seems fragile compared to the Shure. The disadvantage to in-ear monitors is that a noisy headphone output can render quiet passages  almost inaudible.

If you prefer a more traditional headphone, the Grado SR-60 is well suited to most types of music, classical included, and can be driven by all but the most anemic headphone outputs. They are also, relatively, inexpensive, and I find them quite comfortable. For good sound with the widest variety of equipment, I'm not aware of any better headphones than the Grados.

...S. Andrea Sundaram

November 26, 2007

Like many women this time of year, I am trying to find a gift to give to my husband. He loves music, which he plays from his computer and iPod. Q: Do you have a suggestion for a good gift for him -- something he may not have heard of? I'd rather get him something unique than some new speaker or CD.

Martha

A: I may have just the product for you -- the Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB turntable system, which is an LP-to-digital recording system complete with software. Your husband can plug it into a USB port on his computer and then record vinyl LPs to his hard drive. From there he can play them or upload the music to his iPod. Audio-Technica knows analog playback, so I'm sure this would be a very good holiday gift.

...Marc Mickelson

November 19, 2007

I am new to playing LPs and I'm wondering how important it is to clean them thoroughly. Q: I mean, won't there always be noise when you play an LP? I see many cleaning machines on the market, some costing thousands of dollars, and I wonder how vital they are for a small-time LP collector like me.

Daniel Y.

A: Yes, you will always hear ticks, pops and surface noise when you play LPs, but you can reduce this greatly by cleaning your LPs before playing them and then storing them right -- in non-paper sleeves. I have been very impressed with a couple of cleaning regimens on the market and two very good cleaning machines. They can turn LPs that are unplayable because they are so dirty into very enjoyable sources of music. I would let your budget guide you. If you can't afford a cleaning machine, even the $540 VPI HW-16.5, then go without, investing instead in very good cleaning products, including a carbon-fiber brush. Either way, cleaning LPs and maintaining their clean surfaces is important to getting the most out of analog playback.

...Marc Mickelson

November 12, 2007

I read your review of the Ascend Sierra-1 speakers in the October edition of SoundStage! A/V with great interest. I had auditioned the Paradigm Signature S2 speaker that you currently own and referred to in your article. I was very impressed with its performance; it was clearly my favorite from among the speakers I considered. The $2000 price tag was a bit beyond the reaches of my budget, but because of its outstanding performance, I was thinking it might be worth the stretch.

It sounds from your review like these Ascends are also quite impressive at a substantially lower price. Q: What, if anything, do you sacrifice with the Sierra vs. the performance of the Paradigm? If it's not all that much, it may be nice to make the stretch toward the less-expensive alternative. Any information would be appreciated.

I really appreciate the quality and clarity of your writing -- free of jargon and techno-speak. It's a pleasure to read.

James Winarski

A: I’m glad you enjoy the reviews. First, though, I must say that my remarks are confined to the original Paradigm Signature S2, not the new v.2 model, which I don’t have experience with -- at least yet.

In terms of value, the Sierra-1 comes out ahead. It does a lot of things that the S2 does, but at a fraction of the price. For example, they’re both very refined-sounding speakers and quite neutral from head to toe. Bass extension is comparable, although I’d say that the S2 comes out a little ahead in that regard. Resolution through the Sierra-1 is extraordinary, and easily the equal of the S2. Therefore, if you want most of what something like the S2 gives you, the Sierra-1 accomplished all that at less than half the price.

Still, it’s not the S2. The S2 looks nicer and seems built to a higher standard. As I mentioned, the S2 also seems to go a little deeper in the bass, but what I didn’t mention yet is that the S2 can also play considerably louder -- you can really hammer at them with quite a bit of power and they stay clean.

So, in a nutshell, if cost is a strong consideration, definitely look at the Sierra-1. It gets you most of the way there, which seems to be Ascend’s mandate when creating new speakers. If cost is no consideration -- and it isn’t for some – the Signature S2 is still a very good choice.

...Doug Schneider

November 5, 2007

I work in the recording industry and use active nearfield monitors for all my work. Active two-ways can sound very decent,  but I want to get a full-range speaker system for additional mastering work that I have started doing, as I find that the combination of a two-way active and subwoofer just never really seems to integrate properly -- unless you cross over very low, and even then....

I know that you have the opportunity to audition many full-range speaker systems. Q: Could you specify two or three full-rangers that are accurate, precise and very detailed?

Obviously something like the ATC SCM150 actives would be wonderful, but I have to look in the sub-$5000 range -- actually sub-$3000 would be better, but I doubt that is doable!

R.T.

A: Two floorstanders that fit your criteria are the Thiel CS2.4 and Paradigm Signature S8. Both are "accurate, precise and very detailed." The Paradigm speakers cost more than your $5000 limit, but the S8 has been replaced by the S8 v.2, so you may be able to find a pair of demo S8s for $5k or less.

If you need bass flat to 20Hz, you won't find that for under $5000. The Thiels and Paradigms will both get into the 30Hz range, however. We measured both. You can find those measurements on our "Speaker Measurements"  page.

...Marc Mickelson

October 29, 2007

The power-conditioning options are much more extensive in the audiophile world than in the music-production world, so I hope that you can help me. I am trying to put together a portable rig that would include a couple of keyboard synthesizers (Kurzweil K2661 and Yamaha Motif SX6) and a pair of Motion Sound 100-watt keyboard amps. I purchased some Xantrex PowerPack 600HD batteries and discovered that when I plug in the amps, they emit an obnoxious buzz. Neither a Furman Elite 15 Power Filter nor a Furman IT-1210 Balanced Power Transformer quelled the buzz. In fact, the Furmans themselves began to buzz when I plugged them into the batteries. I suspect that the problem is that the inverters on the batteries produce modified-square-wave AC and my gear needs pure-sine-wave AC. Q: What power conditioner would work best for my purposes? The PS Audio Power Plant Premier seems like it would take care of the problem, but I would prefer to purchase a lighter-weight and less costly power conditioner -- if it could do what I need it to do. Would a PS Audio UPC-200, a PS Audio Duet, or a Magic Audio Stealth Mini Reference do the trick? Would I be better off with the Magic Audio Stealth XXX (even though it costs a bit more)? Or would something else be more suitable? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Aviel Goodman

A: I have two recommendations. First, ExactPower makes power regenerators like those from PS Audio but smaller and lighter. Second, Shunyata Research has a long list of pro clients who swear by their products. I would think that either of these companies would have something that will work for you.

...Marc Mickelson

October 22, 2007

I was wondering if you could answer the following question. Both my receiver (Pioneer Elite VSX-49TXi) and powered subwoofer (Polk PSW1000) have crossover-frequency controls. Q: How should I adjust them? Should they be higher on the receiver and lower on the subwoofer (to allow the subwoofer to control its frequency response)?

Jorge

A: I would use the receiver to cross over your subwoofer. If you did use the receiver and the subwoofer crossover controls as you suggest, you would probably miss out on some bass. The next question would be if you were optimizing your setup for movies or music. If your setup is primarily for movies, set the crossover to 80Hz in the receiver and your speakers to "small" and be done with it. Also make sure the subwoofer’s crossover is set to full range so that it doesn’t filter your signal a second time. I would then use a SPL meter to level match the speakers from your receiver’s test tones. I personally like to have my subwoofer run a few dB louder than my mains for extra effect.

If you want to optimize your system for both music and movies, you can go a few steps further. You can try setting your mains to "large" and your sub to "plus" inside your receiver’s setup menu. This way, a full-range signal is sent to both the sub and the mains. At this point, you should use the sub’s crossover to filter the bass. I would still use the 80Hz setting for movies and then adjust the crossover to mate with your main speakers. You can check the manufacturer's specifications for your particular speakers to see how low they play. You can also adjust the subwoofer’s volume to integrate better for music. For example, if you have the speakers level matched and your receiver set flat for music, then adjust the volume control on the sub to +3dB for movies.

Finally, if you do decide to go this route, make note of these settings so that you can quickly adjust them on the fly, depending on what material you intend to listen to. Use your ears to make your final adjustments. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

...Randall Smith

October 15, 2007

I have about 800 to 900 NOS tubes from my father's old TV-repair shop that are still in there boxes and have been stored in his tube caddies. Q: I would like some honest advice about how to find an honest buyer. The tubes are from the 1960s, maybe a few from late '50s. Mostly RCA, but there are other brands too.

Sue

A: The value of your father's tubes depends on a few factors. First and foremost, whether they are tubes that have wide use in audio equipment. You can determine this by the combination of numbers and letters on the boxes or the tubes themselves. Valuable new old stock (NOS) audio tubes are 12AX7s, 12AU7s, 6DJ8s, KT66s, KT77s, 6550Cs and others commonly used in preamps and amps. There are many vacuum tubes that have little or no value because they were used for TVs (mostly) and not audio products. After that, the maker and year they were made affect value. The boxes may be marked "RCA," but the tubes were probably made by some other company. Certain brands and vintages can carry great value. Determining this is very tricky and involves looking at the inner workings of the tubes themselves. Experts know what to look for. Finally, how well the tubes test matters too. Your tubes may all look new, but some will likely test as weak or have shorts, while others will test as strong and new. Also, preamps and amps generally require pairs (or even quads) of matched tubes; matching is something that has to be done with a tube tester.

Regarding finding a buyer, if you live in an area with a large population, I would put an ad in the newspaper and field offers. You can also list the tubes on eBay, but then you'll need to catalog what you have to get top dollar. A knowledgeable local person will be able to tell what the entire lot is worth just by looking at them all.

For background information on the entire subject, here is a link on SoundStage! for a series of articles on NOS tubes:

...Marc Mickelson

October 8, 2007

I want to get the Magnepan MMG Ws and C for my home theater. Q: Can you recommend any receiver that would do the job (preferably under $500)?

Asim

A: I would recommend that you look at the specs of the various manufacturers and choose a model rated to play into 4 ohms. I do think the Onkyos, NADs, and Harmon/Kardons fill the bill, and perhaps some of the Denons. I would also buy a model that has preamp outputs so that if you ever wish to upgrade the receiver’s internal amplifiers with a separate multichannel amp you’ll have that option.

...Jeff Fritz

October 1, 2007

I want to connect my audio system to some speakers that will be on my patio. Q: Do you know of any reliable way to protect speakers outdoors? I can carry them in to avoid weather problems, but I can't be 100% sure I'll do this before every storm.

Jason

A: Many speaker makers have outdoor speakers in their product lines. These are meant to be used, and left, outdoors. Some look like traditional speakers, and others like rocks to hide them from view. Instead of carrying a pair of speaker in and out of your house, I would invest in a pair of speakers meant to be left outdoors. They are made to withstand the elements.

…Marc Mickelson

September 24, 2007

I noticed that you’re reviewing a Paradigm Signature home-theater system. Q: Any chance you’ll be reviewing the larger speakers, maybe like the S8 v.2?

Anthony Greico

A: We’re scheduled to review a large Signature v.2-based system, but Roger Kanno will write about it. That won’t be for some time, and it will be after the S1-based system that I’ll be reviewing on Home Theater & Sound.

...Doug Schneider

September 17, 2007

I've lost the remote control for my TV, and I don't want to pay big money for a fancy universal replacement. Q: What kind of remote control to you suggest for someone like me?

John Woods

A: You can buy a simple universal remote at just about any department store for around $10, but if you frequent garage and estate sales, you can often find these with their manuals for a dollar. You can also try combing eBay for the exact remote that came with your TV. TVs often go bad before their matching remote controls, so you may be able to find an exact replacement for less than the cost of a universal.

...Marc Mickelson

September 11, 2007

Q: A quick question: Should I spring for a new HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc player? Which is better?

Paul S.

A: You'll find proponents for both high-resolution video formats, so which one is "better" is impossible to find out. However, there are now universal players from LG and Samsung that handle both formats natively. We saw them at CEDIA. Here is a link to our coverage of them.

…Marc Mickelson

September 3, 2007

I have hundreds of old records that I've kept in good condition, cleaning them religiously with a Discwasher before I play them. I see that there are many new recording-cleaning products on the market now, and I'm wondering how they compare to the tried-and-true Discwasher. Q: Are they better, and if they are, how clean does a record need to be?

Tony S.

A: Cleaning records well is the key to enjoying them to their fullest. Not only will you reduce surface noise, pops and clicks, you will give your cartridge a better surface to track, so you'll hear the music with greater fidelity. Decades ago, Discwasher dominated the record-cleaning market, but advances in cleaners and cleaning regimens have made the Discwasher an  anachronism. Some of the newest products, like those from Walker Audio and Audio Intelligent Vinyl Solutions, use enzyme formulas that deep-clean records in a way that a Discwasher simply can't.

So, yes, the new products are better, and the cleaner you can get your records, the better they will sound when you play them.

…Marc Mickelson

August 27, 2007

I have heard that you can repair CDs and DVDs with things like toothpaste and metal cleaner. Q: Have you tried this? I have a number of scuffed CDs that skip, and I'd like to repair them if I can.

Paul S.

A: I have also heard of people spot-repairing CDs with toothpaste and Brasso brass polish, but I personally wouldn't attempt such DIY remedies for scratched discs. You might wear through to the data layer and completely ruin the disc. A much better option is to have your CDs and DVDs professionally repaired. Many retail stores have machines that polish the entire playing surface, which makes it look like new, and they charge a dollar or two for this service. I've had a number of CDs and DVDs repaired this way, and each one played like new afterwards. However, it's important to know that this will only fix scratches on the clear playing side. Scratches on the printed label side are unfixable.

…Marc Mickelson

August 20, 2007

I am looking for a high-end AM/FM radio -- one that sounds as good as it looks. Many of the models made for the audiophile crowd are attractive and presumably sound good too, but they're also very expensive. Q: Do you have any recommendations?

Steve Barry

A: I listen to a lot of talk radio, and for me the most important feature of a good radio is its reception. I live 100 miles from the nearest big city, and I'm surrounded by mountains, which makes radio reception a challenge. Still, I have two radios to recommend: the TEAC Premium Edition R1 ($129) and Grundig S350 ($149). Both pull in distant stations well and sound very clear. The Grundig has an especially long antenna and a very good tuner that differentiates stations well, so it's a very good buy. If you'd like to read a little more about both, here's a link to an article published on SoundStage!

…Marc Mickelson

August 13, 2007

A quick question from a newbie for you: Q: How should I allot the money I have budgeted for a two-channel audio system? I plan to have both a CD player and turntable.

Paul Scarpa

A: I think the idea of spending the largest share of your budget on your speakers is still a good one, but your plan to purchase two sources changes things a bit. Here's how I would carve up your budget: 40% on speakers, 25% on preamp/amp combo or integrated amp, 15% on a turntable and cartridge, 15% on a CD player, and 5% on interconnects and speaker cables. If you buy an integrated instead of separates, you will probably spend less, in which case you can shift some of that money to your cables. Be flexible, but don't cheap out on your speakers.

...Marc Mickelson

August 6, 2007

I am noticing that analog paraphernalia -- turntables, cartridges, and LPs -- seems to be showing up more and more. Q: Why would this be? I thought the CD replaced the LP long ago.

Barrie G.

A: While the CD was introduced in the early 1980s, it never "replaced" the LP. There are a few reasons for analog's staying power. First, the ritual of playing an LP makes for more intensive listening. You have to put out much more effort to play an LP than a CD, and you have no remote control for jumping from track to track. Second, young people who never really knew the LP are discovering it and embracing it as a musical experience distinctly different from the iPod, which they know well. Finally, analog playback sounds darned good -- much better than digital playback, some would argue.

For all of these reasons, analog has not only survived but is enjoying a renaissance right now. That's why you're noticing it.

...Marc Mickelson

July 30, 2007

Q: Do you guys have future plans to measure the new crop of Paradigm Studio v.4 models?

Aaron Waters

A: We won’t cover the entire lineup, but we’ll certainly review and measure a few of the newest Studio speakers.

...Doug Schneider

July 23, 2007

Q: With all due respect, aren't you guys a little embarrassed that Red Book CD now sounds better and more lifelike than SACD? You should. You guys were gung ho for this corporate (Sony) format a few years ago, but now realize that this was a false belief.

Not that you were wrong about SACD -- it was good in its prime (vs. Red Book). It's just that it has taken some time for CD to improve to a point of no return. A 20-bit recording (which gets preserved on the 16-bit consumer issue) contains 120dBs of dynamic range and has nearly as much signal-to-noise ratio to boot. Harmonic distortion is also incredibly low -- hundreds of times lower than analog recording systems!

Knowing this, reviewers years ago should have realized that playback was the concern, not the format itself. Because Red Book was admittedly inferior in sound (to LP and maybe SACD, although not everyone was convinced of this) quite a few people in our community cried out for 24/96 or, even worse, a 1-bit recording system that never held water theoretically. This last point, despite "evidence" to the contrary. True, Red Book needed a few more bits and/or a higher sampling rate to reach full potential -- 16 bits wasn't quite enough, nor was the 44'1kHz. The latter had to increase to 48kHz, at least for acoustic, distant-miked music. This slightly higher rate solved the issue of phase errors that were created when mixing down to 44.1kHz.

The big news -- since 1993, when audiophile labels started doing it -- was to record and preserve a full 20-bits worth of music information on the 16-bit consumer copy. Best of all, we don't need any more bits for music. Boy, were we lucky!

John Harnick

A: You state your premise -- that Red Book CD playback sounds better than SACD -- like it's a universal truth. I don't agree at all. A well-made SACD still beats CD, though I will concede that playback does have its role. Would I prefer listening to CDs on the Zanden DAC and transport I just wrote about on SoundStage! instead of SACDs on an inexpensive Sony DVD player? You bet. But I have an Ayre C-5xe, and in terms of pure sonics, a well-done SACD still beats even the best-sounding CDs. And that's just in stereo.

SACD's biggest problem is availability. I might find a dozen new SACDs I want to buy in a given year -- and often far fewer than that -- while I could buy that many CDs every month. The best SACD can hope for going forward is numbers comparable to those for vinyl. Pretty pathetic for the "next big digital thing."

...Marc Mickelson

July 16, 2007

I am looking at Slim Devices for my digital playback. Q: Which do I go for, the Transporter or the Squeeezebox with a good DAC (Stello DA220 Mk II)? I will also have to keep in mind the cost that goes into cables -- Slim Devices unit to DAC and DAC to preamp.

Alwyn Pinto

A: The Slim Devices products are remarkably good and, frankly, both options are good. The Transporter incorporates a marvelous DAC section, but the entire unit is about $2000. As I pointed out in my review, you could go for the Squeezebox (an amazing device that’s only about $300 and has all the functionality of the Transporter) and use a high-quality external DAC, like the Stello DA220 Mk II. Of course, you’d need to factor in a digital cable. However, as I said, both options are good – equally good, as a matter of fact.

...Doug Schneider

July 9, 2007

I was at Circuit City the other day and saw some Polk Audio dipole surrounds that looked really good. Q: How would these compare with the direct-radiating models that I have also seen (by Polk and others)?

Ron Lawson

A: Generally speaking, direct-radiating speakers are being used more and more for surround duty and dipoles seem to be slowly fading away. I do think dipoles still have their uses, particularly in difficult installations where the surround speakers are mounted close to the listener's head and therefore a more diffuse sound is needed than can be attained using a direct radiator. However, today’s soundtracks are designed with ample effects placed in the rear speakers, and these effects are designed to be placed properly in space. This is the real strength of direct-radiating speakers and why they are used more for surround channels in most home theaters today.

...Jeff Fritz

July 2, 2007

Q: Can you recommend some inexpensive speakers suitable for my apartment? My room isn’t very big. I can afford a few hundred bucks. My amp is a Denon.

Kelly Greene

A: One of the best inexpensive speakers we’ve come across lately is Paradigm’s Atom Monitor v.5, which is priced at just $249 per pair. It’s a small, stand-mounted speaker that produces a big, big sound. It should be more than adequate for your apartment and a good match for your amp (traditionally, Denon amps are quite good, and sufficiently powerful for most dynamic speakers).

...Doug Schneider

June 25, 2007

I’ve recently purchased a Unico integrated amp and Unico CD player, and I am waiting for a pair of Sonus Faber Concerto Domus speakers to arrive. In the meantime, I am shopping for surge protection for the system. I’ve read on numerous forums and websites that the MOVs in cheap surge protectors are not good enough for protecting the hardware. I’ve been considering the eight-outlet Brickwall PW8R15AUD. Q: What’s your take on this issue? Please suggest a reliable way to protect hi-fi systems.

Wilson

A: The low-quality MOVs used in many cheap power bars will protect what's plugged in, but such units are bad for sound. All you have to do is plug your audio system into one of these to hear this. But there are companies that make products that preserve sound quality while protecting against power spikes and surges. Chief among these are the Shunyata Research Guardian and Hydra products, and the Essential Sound Products power distributors. All were designed and manufactured for audio purposes, and all will protect your electronics. There may be other brands as well, but these are the two I'm most familiar with. I've used them both with great results.

...Marc Mickelson

June 18, 2007

Q: Which is the best digital output to be used from a DVD player -- coax or optical? I'm so confused. Maybe you can help me decide.

Loyd Pedrosa

A: Most often you’ll hear that coax is superior to optical; however, what’s more important is the implementation of each type of connection. Depending on that, the superiority of one over the other could vary from player to player. Therefore, the only way you can really decide what works best with your DVD player is to simply try them both and see what differences, if any, arise.

...Doug Schneider

June 11, 2007

I plan a 2.1-channel audio/video system in a 20'L x 10'W x 8'H open living room. Most new HDTVs have 10-15Wpc audio amps built in. Q: Can a main pair of relatively sensitive (88-90dB) stand-mounted speakers utilize the onboard power via audio outs without additional amplification? If yes, should I be concerned with distortion/clipping that may damage the speakers, and do you have any suggested speaker candidates?

Russell Blair

A: I wouldn’t recommend using a TV's onboard amp. It will likely be of low quality and low power, 10 to 15 watts per channel aren't much, and there’s no indication of how such an amp will perform into low-impedance loads. More than likely, it won’t sound very good anyway, and there is a real concern that you could damage your speakers due to clipping. My suggestion would be to buy a simple two-channel integrated amplifier designed for good-quality audio. For those on a budget, one brand we often recommend is NAD.

...Doug Schneider

June 4, 2007

Amplifier technology has been changing rapidly over the past few years with the introduction of switching-amp circuits. Q: Where do these fit in with traditional solid-state and tube circuits? Are they better or worse?

Gary Barrow

A: "Better or worse" depends on how you look at things. Switching amps are certainly better in terms of power usage. They turn more of the electricity from your wall into output power, and do so without getting hot. They are also better in terms of size. You can have a 200Wpc amp that you can literally tuck under your amp. On the down side, however, are sonic considerations, and based on my experience, the digital/class-D/switching-amp circuits on the market don't sound as good as the bulk of more traditional solid-state and tube amps. They are popular for home-theater use because of their size and high output power, but for strict music, audiophiles haven't taken to them in a paradigm-shifting way. Maybe they will with more time, but so far tube and solid-state amps are still on very solid ground.

…Marc Mickelson

May 28, 2007

I am very keen on the MartinLogan Vantage speakers. I auditioned them with an Ayre 200Wpc amplifier and the sound was good. As the price of the Ayre is beyond my budget, I later auditioned the speakers powered by PrimaLuna Dialogue 1 as well as the Primare i30 and they sounded very ordinary. The details were just not there. I realized in the course of the audition that the MartinLogan speakers require high voltage and current from an amplifier. I have been told that it is possible for valve amplifiers such as Audio Research V55 to drive these speakers, but I have not been able to audition them together (in Singapore these brands are marketed by different companies in different locations). I usually listen to jazz, bossa nova and fusion. Q: Will the 55Wpc Audio Research valve amp will be sufficient or should I go for the Musical fidelity A5 to power the speakers?

Fun-Gee

A: I have no experience with the speakers or the amplifiers that you mention, so it is hard for me to make a solid recommendation. I understand that at times it is almost impossible to try equipment from two different distributors or dealers together, which is really the only way to know if the results will be acceptable to you or not. My guess is that the Audio Research will do a credible job for you, but that is just a guess, although it is based on knowing that the ARC amps are used in many widely varying systems. However, you liked the MartinLogan speakers best with a high-power solid-state amp -- the Ayre -- so that type of amplifier might be the best alternative simply based on the lower-powered amps that you’ve tried not being able to fully satisfy you.

...Jeff Fritz

May 21, 2007

I have a question about SACD. I have what I think is a pretty good stereo system, and I'm intrigued by everything I've read about SACD. Q: Do I need a megabuck audio system to hear the difference between a CD and SACD, or will I hear it even with my more modest system?

Harrold Pease

A: If you can hear the effect of equipment changes -- such as when you swap your amp for another -- you will be able to hear the difference between CD and SACD. However, one of the greatest features of SACD is its multichannel support, which makes for an enveloping soundstage. If you add center and rear speakers or play a multichannel SACD back through your home-theater system, it can sound like a different recording -- and in some cases a much better one. Also, it's worth keeping in mind that while new SACDs do appear, they are not abundant by any means, so your choices for new listening material on SACD are rather limited.

…Marc Mickelson

May 14, 2007

The High End show in Germany is coming up. Q: Will you guys be there? I love your show coverage.

Joseph Gaynor

A: Absolutely! Doug Schneider and Jeff Fritz are on their way to Munich right now, and they'll be providing live coverage of the show, which runs from May 17-20. You can see what Doug and Jeff see -- and hear -- on our A/V Tour 2007 site.

…Marc Mickelson

May 7, 2007

I like big speakers because of their bass, but I don't have a big living room in which to put them. Q: Are there any smaller speakers that offer big-speaker bass, and what will they cost me?

Bill L.

A: Today you definitely don't need big speakers to get deep, powerful bass. Subwoofers are plentiful and most sound so good that they are indistinguishable from each other. You can easily mate one of these subs with a pair of small speakers -- some no larger than a box of crackers -- and get full-range sound. You can also hide the subwoofer away in a corner, taking up even less of the floor space in your small room. A sub-sat system, as such a configuration is called, seems ideal for you, and it doesn't have to cost you much money at all.

…Marc Mickelson

April 30, 2007

I'm just becoming interested in high-end audio; I have no system now, but I will soon begin putting one together. I don't know where to start, though. Q: Do you have any advice on what I should buy first?

Jerome Russell

A: It may seem trite, but the best thing you can find right now is a good dealer to help you with your project. A dealer can expose you to many different brands of equipment and guide you based on your budget and perceived sonic interests. With the rampant buying and selling of used equipment on the Internet, dealers are often overlooked, and many have gone out of business. But for true music lovers who don't want to perpetually buy and sell audio equipment, they are vitally important sources of products and experience.

…Marc Mickelson

April 23, 2007

I just wanted to thank you for the reviews of the Axiom M3-series speakers. I bought a pair of M3 v2 speakers last month and I'm still breaking them in. For the price ($333) these gems sound like $2000 speakers.  If anybody needs new speakers, run, don't walk, to Axiom's website.

Robert DeVries

April 16, 2007

Great review of the Mirage OMD-28. Thank you.

Q: My room will be around 14’ x 14’. Is that in your mind too small a room to use the OMD-28s to their full potential?

Tony Balaberda

A: I believe that a room 14’ x 14’ is too small for the OMD-28s. The speakers are capable of quite extraordinary output levels, not to mention super-deep bass. I think they’d overload the room and, as well, you wouldn’t get out of them what they’re capable of. My suggestion would be to look at the OMD-15s, which are smaller and, better yet, one-third the price.

…Doug Schneider

April 9, 2007

I have an Esoteric DV-60 and I'm thinking of upgrading to the P-03 and D-03 Universal combination for audio and video playback. Q: Is the video of the P-03 Universal better than that of the DV-60, and if so, how so? Also, will the video circuitry in the P-03 Universal affect its audio capabilities?

Brett Humphrey

A: According to Esoteric, the DV-60 and P-03 Universal use the same video chipset and scaler, and have the same software functionality. However, the P-03 Universal has a different and better output stage, so its video is better than that of the DV-60. In terms of audio performance, the standard P-03 and P-03 Universal are essentially identical because you can turn off the P-03 Universal's video circuit.

...Marc Mickelson

April 2, 2007

I am in the process of buying a new stereo system, and I am finding it hard to choose between tubes and solid state. I like the sound of tubes but hate the idea of having to do maintenance -- I had my last stereo system for more than a decade without a hint of trouble. Q: How do I get past my aversion to tubes wearing out in order to enjoy the sound they produce?

Terry Rose

A: The answer to your question is more psychological than audio-related. I love tubes and have found tube gear to be at least as reliable as solid state. Yes, I have to replace tubes every now and then, but it's easy to do. In the end, if you enjoy the sound that tubes produce, you will probably find that the equipment doesn't enter your mind when you listen, in which case the tubes will have cured your aversion to them.

…Marc Mickelson

March 26, 2007

Every time I go out to try and find the perfect sound system for myself and my wife, I become befuddled with the number of options and engineering features that hi-fi equipment offers. I like listening to good music -- my music, of course: contemporary and traditional jazz, blues and some limited classical. Every time I go out to a store I bring my jazz CD with me to listen to various systems. I find subtle differences that make me go "Wow!" with each one. Yet I'm a consumer looking for the best value for my money, and I don't mind spending, within price breaks for good equipment. How do you qualify synergy when components are interdependent and you are trying to match components with quality and budget?

Recently I purchased Simaudio Moon Evolution i-7 integrated amplifier and Moon Evolution SuperNova CD player have stuck out for me with the quality and price without breaking my bank account. Now come the speakers (currently Pioneers from way back). Q: I'm not sure where to go or what to look for. Any suggestions with the synergy of these pieces and how to marry a speaker to them?

Claudio Bortolussi

A: You have two problems. The first is that you’re looking for the “perfect sound system.” In all my years of reviewing, I’ve never found one. Every hi-fi components has flaws --- although some are more flawed than others! -- so, you basically pick what works best together.

The next problem that you have is that your options for speakers are nearly limitless. You have simply outstanding electronics, and they’re more than suitable to work well with a wide variety of speakers. Frankly, if I recommended just a few I’d be doing you a disservice since there are just so many. The only piece of advice I can give, then, is to say to shop and don’t stop until you find speakers that are the equal to those Simaudio components you already own. If you find that, you still won’t have a “perfect” system, but you’ll certainly have an outstanding one.

...Doug Schneider

March 19, 2007

Q:Are you guys going to cover the Festival Son & Image in Montreal this year? I know you skipped it in 2006 in favor of covering the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest.

Guy Sherman

A: Yes, we'll be in Montreal April 12-15 covering the show. We skipped last year's show because Doug Schneider was expecting an important delivery at that time: his first child. Look for the coverage on our A/V Tour 2007 site to begin on April 13.

...Marc Mickelson

March 12, 2007

I am currently considering two A/V preamp/processors for my new home-theater system: the Anthem AVM 30 and the B&K Reference 50 S2. In reviewing the input and output capabilities of both units, I have noticed that the B&K unit does not have HDMI in or out. Q: In this day of HD and HDMI connectivity, how important is it to have this feature integrated into your A/V processor?

Greg

A: This is a great question. My suggestion is to purchase a processor with HDMI capability, but my recommendation comes with a few strings attached. There is no doubt that HDMI capability is a great selling point for video and audio equipment, but not all electronic components that feature HDMI connections are equal. Since you are searching for a processor on the level of an Anthem AVM 30, it is obvious to me that you are in the market for top-notch audio performance, so don't buy a processor just to get the HDMI feature. Doing that would be a mistake! Make sure that you make no compromise in your system's performance just for that prospective feature. Just because a processor has HDMI capability doesn't mean that it can perform all of the potential duties of an HDMI connection. Ask yourself this question: While auditioning equipment; does this processor have enough video bandwidth to properly transmit a full 1080P signal? Why would you want to degrade your video signal just to employ HDMI? Most of the new HDTV displays come with two HDMI inputs, so unless you are dead set on using your processor's ability to be a video switcher, you can use the HDMI inputs of your TV.

In the end, it boils down to your personal expectations and your budget. I just reviewed the Anthem AVM 50 on Home Theater & Sound and I thoroughly enjoyed using its HDMI connections. With one HDMI cable I was able to enjoy the 1080i video signal as well as the new Dolby Digital Plus and TrueHD soundtracks from my Toshiba HD-DVD player. With my AVM 20, I had to use six RCA cables to carry that audio signal and the HDMI carried the video signal to the TV. The ease of using just that one cable was a huge luxury. The newer HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players are now only being made with HDMI connections. This means that the option of using the multichannel analog inputs on the processor for the new sound formats could someday come to an end. The consumer is being pushed toward HDMI.

By choosing to buy a processor with HDMI capability you are taking a big step toward the future. A surround-sound processor is the foundation of your system; so take that into consideration when you are forming your budget. That is the process I went through before I bit the bullet and bought the new Anthem D2. I think it will serve me well for a long time.

...Randall Smith

March 5, 2007

I am a 23-year-old who is just jumping into the exciting task of building my first real home-theater setup on my own. Only having been living on my own for a short while, it goes without saying that I don't have a ton to spend. I thankfully have already gotten my video needs out of the way, and I am moving on to speakers and a receiver.

I stopped by a local shop the other day and fell in love with some Usher S-520 speakers. I am looking to pair them with either a Denon 2307CI or Onkyo TX-SR674 receiver with the intent of adding another pair for rears, along with the matching center at a later date. Then I discovered (what I believe to be) a problem. The Usher website lists the power handling of these particular speakers as 50 watts, while the power output of both of these receivers is right around 100 watts. So I arrive at my question. Q: If I pair either of these receivers with the S-520s, will I damage the speakers?

John Craig

A: While some may think that using a high-powered amplifier is a problem if your speakers can only handle low power, the opposite is really true. The reason is that what will damage speakers faster than high power is distortion. And distortion often occurs when the amplifier puts out too little power.

The distortion I'm talking about is called "clipping," and it's what happens when an amplifier reaches its maximum power output -- if you examined it on a scope, you'd see the waveform being sheared off. This is a nasty type of distortion, and when it happens it wreaks havoc on the speakers. Therefore, it's easier to damage a pair of speakers with, say, a 20-watt amplifier driven into clipping than a much-more-powerful amplifier delivering high power but running totally "clean."

So, in a nutshell, understand this: You can damage your speakers by delivering too much power to them, but you can damage them more easily by putting clipping distortion into them, even if the power level is much lower. As a result, it's best to buy an amplifier that delivers more power than your speakers can handle; that'll ensure the amplifier never clips. You shouldn't necessarily try to use all the power, though.

...Doug Schneider

February 26, 2007

I have a Dish Network receiver in one room and it's hooked up with HDMI to an HD TV. Now I have it in another room in the back of the house and it's connected with coaxial and the picture is not that great. I do not have access to the attic to run the wire and the outside foundation is concrete. Q: Is there a connector or adapter that plugs onto HDMI from coaxial? Or is there another way to connect things? Or do I just have to break down and get another DISH Network receiver?

Ted Smith

A: There is no connector or adapter that converts a coax RF signal to a digital HDMI signal.

If you are wondering why an SD TV fed an SD signal by an HD box looks worse than an HD TV fed and HD signal by an HD receiver, the problem is not the coax, it’s the TV. You can’t send an HD signal over a coax cable unless you switch to a cable company and have them put an HD receiver at each TV. If you want to stick with Dish, I’m afraid you’ll have to just get another box from the company. That’s a pretty cheap solution.

I’m a big fan of Dish’s VIP622 HD-DVR, which could solve some of your problems. It has both an HDMI output and a SD coax output. You could use the HDMI HD signal for your HD TV and use the SD coax for your other TV.

...Wes Marshall

February 19, 2007

Q: Is there a way to keep the sound quality the way I like it when the channels of the TV are changed? As an explanation, I have noticed a wide variation in the sound quality between cable TV programs. Some sound nice and crisp; most are soft and muddy with no crispness. It is like the frequency response is rolled off. It is frustrating to get your system set up and then find that the sound changes all the time when the incoming signal varies. It would be nice if designers would make receivers and pre/pros that would compensate for this difference in signal.

Jeff Salmon

A: The only solution (within the framework we operate under of accuracy first) is to set up the system properly -- i.e., as flat as possible at the listening area. If some stations sound different, there could be two causes: The originating station is making an error (unlikely) or your carrier is creating the problem (likely). First call your carrier -- and I’m betting it’s a cable company -- and complain and demand the problem be fixed. If they don’t act, get a satellite system. I like Dish Network.

If the problem is really bothersome, you can always put a compressor between the source and the amplification. This will render the quiet sounds louder and the louder sound more quiet. You would also be able to hype the high frequencies. This is obviously not high fidelity, but it might solve your problem. The best in the under-$5000 range is the ART PRO VLA. It has two completely independent channels, provides both limiting and compression, uses transformerless design and 12AX7 tubes, and accomplishes its goals in analog, something that will help maintain some smoothness. It runs about $300.

...Wes Marshall

February 12, 2007

I recently hooked up a new Yamaha RX-Z9 receiver to my Polk Audio LSi-series in-wall speakers. The darn thing keeps cutting off any time I turn up the volume past an audible level. I keep getting a "check speaker wiring" error message, although the wires are correctly installed. It’s OK as long as I keep it in two-channel stereo. Q: Any ideas why this would be happening?

Michael Moncrief

A: Probably the hardest part to know is whether the error message you're getting is true or if there is another problem and that message just happens to come up. My suggestion would be to contact the store where you purchased the Yamaha unit to find out all the things that could trigger a message like that. As well, remember that the speaker wiring may not mean just the wires that are connecting the RX-Z9 to the speakers. A receiver not only “sees” those wires, but the binding posts, crossover components, and drivers, which are all connected to those wires, too.

….Doug Schneider

February 5, 2007

I just read your review of the Oppo Digital DV-981HD. I only have a two-channel system. You mention that the Oppo makes a good transport. Q: How would I connect it to my audio DAC? If connected to the DAC, could I play both CDs and DVDs?

Arthur

A: You could use the Oppo for CDs, but not DVDs. I’m not sure I would recommend it for a system without a display, since most of the settings require menus. If you have your two-channel system hooked up to a display, then yes, it would make a fabulous CD transport.

...Wes Marshall

January 29, 2007

Q: Is there anyone out there who can repair my Yamaha RX-1130 receiver? It took a power surge on the AC line due to a nearby lightning strike.

I am emotionally attached!

R. Renne

A: Without doubt, there’s someone who can fix it. Simply go to www.yamaha.com, pick the appropriate part of the world for you and look for a "Service Locator" option. That will likely help you out.

However, whether you should repair it is another issue. Depending on the damage to it and its original cost, replacing it with a new model may save you money. You'd have a full warranty for the new unit as well. This is sadly the case with most mass-produced consumer electronics -- it's cheaper to replace them than fix them.

….Doug Schneider

January 22, 2007

I find that the audio quality when using my iPod (using the headphone out) as a source is not as good as when I use my CD player. Q: Is there anyway I can improve the sound from my iPod? My equipment includes a Denon 5805 receiver and a Denon 3910 universal player.

Ananth Desikacharlu

A: We have published a couple of articles on SoundStage! Network sites that may help you: "Apple iPod Technical Brief and Usage Tips" and "Accessorize Your iPod." The first thing to do is make sure you're storing music on your iPod without compression, which will limit sound quality.

...Marc Mickelson

January 15, 2007

I recently purchased new Omnistat V2s (fronts, center and rears) to complete my home theater. The sound from these speakers is amazing; however, the deep bass is missing. Q: Is it better to buy a new Mirage sub to go with this system? What problems will I run into if I use a Klipsch Reference 10" sub with the Mirage speakers?

B. Kermode

A: Congrats on a great home-theater setup. Some people seem to like to cobble together their home-theater systems from what they find here and there. However, I believe that it’s important to have brand- and line-matched speakers when putting together a good home-theater system. This doesn’t necessarily extend to the subwoofer, though. Subs are different beasts in that regard, and the key with them is getting the position, crossover settings, and volume level correct to integrate seamlessly with the speakers. Therefore, you can use products from a variety of different makers, as many do. I happen to like Mirage’s subs and still use their Omni S10 with my Omnisat V2 setup. However, I have heard good things about Klipsch’s subs, too, so if that’s what you have, it could also be a good choice for your system.

...Doug Schneider

January 2, 2007

Q: With CES coming up, I'm wondering if you'll be covering it and THE Show. You publish the best show coverage; I always find out about new products and trends on your site first.

Garry Bezar

A: Yes, we will be doing daily coverage of the CES and THE Show starting January 8. Here is a link to our Las Vegas 2007 site. Just check each morning from the 9th to the 12th to read about what we saw and heard.

...Marc Mickelson

December 25, 2006

I live in Minnesota, where it's quite humid in the summer and shockingly (!) dry in the winter. In winter, it's hard to keep the household air humid enough to prevent the typical static shocks when touching light switches and most metal surfaces, including my equipment stands and audio equipment. Sometimes this is enough to cause temporary problems (input switching, powering off) with my abnormally sensitive Bel Canto Pre/Pro.

Q: What, apart from humidification, can be done to reduce static in carpets, cables, stands and equipment? All outlets are properly grounded.

Chris Valle

A: I live in Arizona, where it's dry all year. Static electricity is constantly on my mind, especially as I am about to touch my audio electronics or laptop. One shock could mean a trip for service that would not be covered by warranty. I know there are various sprays for carpet that will reduce static electricity, but I wouldn't want to deal with their smell. What has worked for me (along with using a good humidifier) is being in the habit of touching something metal to discharge static electricity before I touch any of my electronics.

If you want a higher-tech solution, you can make a Zap Arrestor, the creation of former SoundStage! writer Greg Weaver. Here are the details.

...Marc Mickelson

December 18, 2006

I would like to share a cheap fix-it tip for this holiday season.

With two teens in the house, disposable income is a rare commodity, so, as the bedroom-system Boston Acoustics A70 speakers' sound turned bad from disintegrating foam surrounds, I found myself shopping for speakers with a budget of less than $300. None of the speakers I heard had the musicality I was remembering from the early life of the A70s. Desperate, I decided to fix the speakers. I found the "how to" information on the Internet, the surrounds at a local repair shop for $2.50 each, and the glue at the grocery store. For $8 and two hours of my time I now have speakers that sound like new and better to my ears than new speakers within my budget.

If someone with two left hands like me can do it, anyone can. Happy holidays.

René Fortier

December 11, 2006

I have a modest audio/home-theater system that I have plugged into one of those computer surge-protector strips. My question has to do with power purity. Q: How important is power conditioning to the overall sonic or video outcome of an A/V system? Would upgrading my surge-suppressor strip make a dramatic difference?

Bill Charles

A: Most people who take their audio and video very seriously use good power conditioners, believing that their effect easily offsets the added cost. I am among these people. However, "a dramatic difference" to me may be barely noticeable to you. Much depends on the quality of your power to begin with and, frankly, your powers of perception. Luckily, power conditioners are an easy product to audition; just borrow a few from local dealers, plug your gear into them, and determine if you like what they do. I can tell you that the first time I swapped a power bar for a bona fide power conditioner the difference was easily discernible, especially with video, so I would be surprised if you return all of the units you borrow.

...Marc Mickelson

December 4, 2006

I am seeking a new CD player. Marc Mickelson gave the Aurum Integris CDP a good rap, as you have done for the whole Aurum system. I noted that your reviewed the Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 back in 2001. I can see that the Aurum CDP is obviously fantastic. Q: How do you see the two machines comparing? If you could give your opinion, that would be great. The Aurum CDP certainly sounds to be a fantastic new model on the market.

John Craven

A: I reviewed the entire Aurum Acoustics system as well as the Integris CDP alone here on SoundStage! A/V in the "On HiFi" section. As you’ll see in that review, I gave it five stars for performance -- the highest rating that I’ve ever given a component. So what do I think of it? It’s the best I've heard, a true reference product. How does it compare to the Audio Aero I reviewed back in 2001? It’s been quite some time, obviously, but I’d say it’s better in every way, right down to the build quality. (I have no idea what the new series of Audio Aero products are like, mind you.)

The key to the Integris CDP, though, is that it’s not just a CD player but an outstanding preamplifier as well. Some people make the mistake of running the Integris CDP into their preamplifier. That’ll work, obviously, but you’re putting a line stage in the way for no reason. Get that out of the way and you’ll revel in what I believe is perhaps the best-sounding digital front-end in the world.

...Doug Schneider

November 27, 2006

Q: Could you please comment on the placement comparison between the Focus Audio FS68SE and the FS-688. Is one more challenging to position in the room? Also, would the 70Wpc from the Pathos Classic One Mk II integrated amp be adequate to power either speaker in a smaller listening area?

Fred Sechan

A: I've reviewed both speakers. The FS-688 is the better of the two, but it's much more money (over $3000). The FS68SE, while not quite the '688, is the better value (about $2000). Some people say that the FS68SE is more placement sensitive, but I don't see why that would be. The offset tweeter on the FS68SE isn't going to make an enormous difference, and that's the biggest design difference between the two. I believe that you'll have to put about the same effort into setting up both to get the desired result. As for your question about power, 70Wpc should be more than sufficient in a "smaller listening area."

...Doug Schneider

November 20, 2006

I will finally have my own media room – just a unused bedroom, but at least it's all mine. The room is 12'W x 15'L -- too big for my current speakers, I think. Q: What speakers would you recommend for a room this size? I will be setting up a combined home-theater/stereo system.

David J.

A: Not knowing what your current speakers are, I can only recommend that you experiment with them before dumping them to buy something new. You might discover that they will work well in your room. Also, not knowing what your budget is, I can only speculate in terms of new speakers. I am very impressed by Energy's new Reference Connoisseur-series speakers. We've reviewed two of them on SoundStage!, and both were named Reviewers' Choice. They are the speakers with which I would start my search.

…Marc Mickelson

November 13, 2006

I have $500 to spend on a home-theater and music system -- speakers, amplifier, DVD player, and all cables. Q: Can I get anything decent for that price, and where should I look?

Jerry C.

A: Can you get a decent system for $500? You bet! You will be limited to home-theater-in-a-box systems, however, not separates from different companies, even if you buy used. Over and above what you can buy at Circuit City or Best Buy, I would look at what your local Costco has available. I recently pointed someone to Costco and a Philips system I saw there. It looked to offer a lot for it's $499 price, and Costco has a six-month return policy that would allow you to try any system before committing to it for the long haul. If you don't belong to Costco, perhaps one of your friends does. They also sell a wide array of HDTVs.

...Marc Mickelson

November 6, 2006

Q: How much do I have to spend on a turntable to get "good" sound? I see models that cost from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars; my budget is certainly closer to the low end than the high. I can also buy a working turntable from my local Goodwill store. I have many old records I'd like to tape, and I want them to sound their best when I do so.

Claude H.

A: You understand the turntable market well, it seems to me. While buying any old 'table at your local thrift store probably won't help you meet your goal of making your tapes sound their best, I don't think you have to spend a fortune to find a good-sounding turntable. You should determine your budget down to the dollar and see what you can buy for that. Keep in mind that while you can buy complete turntable packages, many turntables are sold alone, so you have to buy the tonearm and cartridge separately, and have both professionally mounted. If your budget is $300 or more, you will be able to find a high-performing, well-made turntable with which you can make fine-sounding tapes.

…Marc Mickelson

October 30, 2006

I have a dilemma. What is the best way to improve my system (NAD 515 CD player, Bryston BP-25 preamp feeding the power portion of a Yamaha RX-1130 receiver, Energy Veritas1.8 speakers, Kimber Kable interconnects and speaker cables)? Q: Which do you think will give me the most sonic improvement: having Bryston retrofit my preamp with their DAC, getting a dedicated power amp (I am thinking of a Bryston 2B SST or 3B SST C-series), or buying a better CD player and lesser power amp? Any comment or other thoughts you have would be appreciated.

René Fortier

A: Definitely buying a power amp to match your Bryston preamp will give you the biggest sonic improvement. Many home-theater receivers don't drive complex or low-impedance loads very well, and a Bryston amp will control your speakers much better than your receiver. If you can afford an upgrade of your power amp and CD player, all the better. However, those NAD players are generally pretty good, so I would concentrate on a new amp first.

...Marc Mickelson

October 24, 2006

I want to replace a pair of 20-year-old speakers with new models, but I hardly know where to start. There are so many brands on the market, each with a positive review. Q: How does one begin buying new speakers when he hasn't followed the audio market for decades?

Arthur J.

A: Speaker shopping isn't so much different from shopping for other items that cost the same amount of money: You determine your budget and then shop within that constraint. I think what baffles most buyers who aren't audiophiles is the notion that there is one best speaker and if they don't buy it they will be wasting their money. In truth, there are many well-designed, good-sounding speakers in every price range that are never a poor buy. However, you can usually find one you like more than others, and this is where reviews can help you narrow down the field. After you've identified models that interest you, find stores that carry them and go listen. If they are sold direct, you can likely order them and use them for a short period with return privileges. This is ideal because the room in which a speaker is used affects its sound.

In the end, don't get too caught up in the sheer number of speakers on the market, but rather focus on a few that interest you and proceed from there. There's a forest out there to be sure; you only want to buy one tree, however.

…Marc Mickelson

October 16, 2006

I read your glowing review of the Logitech Harmony 880 remote control, and I agree that it looks like all that and more. However, it's expensive! I can buy three very good progressive-scan DVD players for what it costs. Q: Is there a cheaper remote in Logitech's Harmony line that's as good as the 880?

Sam Bartel

A: You show impeccable timing with your question! Logitech has just announced the availability of the Harmony 670, which retains many of the 880's features, including Internet setup, but omits the 880's color LCD screen and rechargeable battery. It costs $149 -- $100 less than the 880. If it were my money, I'd still buy the 880 -- who needs three DVD players? -- but I'm sure for day-to-day use the 670 will work just as well.

...Marc Mickelson

October 10, 2006

Even though I am not looking to assemble a full 5.1-channel home-theater system -- I am committed to stereo only -- I still find the task daunting because of the sheer number of products on the market. Q: Where would you begin if you were in my loafers?

David L.

A: The place to begin with any such project is determining your budget. Do you have $1000 or $100,000 to spend? If you're just now getting into home theater, you likely want to spend closer to $1000 than $100,000, in which case I would recommend visiting your local audio dealer -- one that specializes in stereo -- to find out what you can afford. If you don't want even that level of involvement, visit Best Buy or Costco and see if you can find an all-in-one system that you like. I saw such a system at Costco recently, and I was amazed by the quality and low price. This way you get to enjoy your system sooner without having to fret about how to build it.

…Marc Mickelson

October 2, 2006

I own a Yamaha RX-Z9 A/V receiver, and I recently upgraded my speakers to Polk Audio LSi series: LSi15 for my fronts, LSiC for my center, LSiFX for my surrounds and LSi9 for my surround rears. These speakers are rated at 4 ohms and my receiver was not designed to drive 4-ohm loads on all channels. I want to purchase a power amp to drive these speakers without fear of melting down the receiver. I will still use the receiver as a preamp/processor.

Q: Which would be the best amp to buy for sound quality and safe operation of my speakers: Arcam FMJ P7, NAD M25, or Outlaw 7700?

Anghel Matura

A: This is going to sound like the ultimate copout, but I can’t tell you which of those three amps will work best in your situation because they’re all good-quality offerings from reputable companies. Furthermore, the differences between well-designed solid-state amplifiers are subtle, and while one person may think one amp is best, another person could favor one of the others. I know it’s not necessarily what you want to hear, but it’s the truth. Let your own ears and pocketbook be the judge.

...Doug Schneider

September 25, 2006

I need a pair of bookshelf speakers for my room (20'L x 11'W x 10'H). I read the reviews for both the Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-10 and Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v.3 and I am confused. Q: Which speaker should I buy?

Amit Shah

A: I suspect that you've realized from the reviews that both are outstanding speakers. Furthermore, both are probably suitable for your room. I could be happy with either speaker, and you may be able to as well. Which is best for you, though, is something you'll have to decide. Give them both an audition; I'm sure one will suit you.

...Doug Schneider

September 18, 2006

I recently bought a pair Polk RT-6 speakers (40Hz-27kHz) as well as a Polk PSW1000 subwoofer (20Hz-160Hz) with which to listen to music only. Q: What is the best way to hook them up given that I am using a home-theater receiver? Again, I am just using them to listen to music. The other question that I have is where to the set the low-pass adjustment level (50Hz-140Hz) on the sub to have the speakers blend nicely.

Bernard Crane

A: The particular receiver you have will determine, to a large extent, the best way to connect your subwoofer. Most of the current crop of receivers have a setting that will be labeled something like "Stereo + Sub" that uses the receiver’s subwoofer output. A receiver like this will basically toggle back and forth between sending the subwoofer the LFE channel (with a 5.1 soundtrack) and sending the sub a low-pass output derived from the stereo channels. This makes setup easy and painless, and you have nothing to do but make sure you choose the right processing mode when listening. As to where to set the low-pass crossover