|
| Welcome to Ask Wes One of the joys of the Internet is the speed with which
communication takes place, and I‘m hoping that this is the section where we take
advantage of that. I’ll be happy to answer questions about audio and audio-related
topics with one exception -- don’t ask me for system recommendations. These require a
knowledge of your specific room, tastes, and priorities that just isn’t possible by
e-mail.
All the best...Wes Phillips -- looking forward to
hearing from you at askwes@onhifi.com.
Due to the high volume of questions submitted, it may not
be possible to publish all letters. Letters may also be edited for length and clarity. |
|
Ask Wes Archives |
| "Ask Wes" questions up to:
|
|
|
|
Amp for Vandys
November 26, 2004
Wes,
I'm looking for replacement suggestions for my NAD 2200PE
amp. The rest of the system is Vandersteen 2Ce speakers, Arcam Alpha 9 CD player and an
Adcom GFP-750 preamp. My listening preferences are primarily post-W.W. II jazz and blues.
My listening space is not large. I've not felt that the 2200PE is underpowered for the
speakers or space. I like the sound of the 2Ces, but I think an amp with more control in
the bass and a crisper high end would improve things. That sounds like a solid-state
device to me. But lots of Vandy lovers talk about tube gear. I'm not wild about the whole
idea of tube gear. The 2200PE has been a zero-maintenance item for almost 20 years. I'd
like to think the next amp I get could be almost that reliable. I don't expect tubes could
do that.
Have you heard the Audio Research 150.2 yet? Or the
multichannel version? Might a McCormack DNA-125 or DNA-250 or the Odyssey Stratos be good
fits in my system? Others?
Andy
If tubes make you nervous, don't feel you have to use
'em -- no matter what other "experts" insist. (Oh yeah, that applies to me, too.
) I consider it ironic -- especially since those of us with long memories remember when it
was definitely not the case -- but Audio Research's current products are about as reliable
as tubes could possibly be, with long tube-life and zero maintenance. So, if you were so
inclined, the 150.2 (a digital amp) would be a fine choice for the 2Ces.
I'm also really hipped on the McCormack DNA amps, which
have the sweetness that people generally ascribe to tube amps with all the low-end boot
you could ask for. I know the DNA-125 really ought to be enough amp for the 2Ces, but I'd
go for the 250 -- especially since you're used to the NAD 2200PE.
I've heard the Odyssey at hi-fi shows and it sounded
promising, but I've had the McCormacks and the ARCs in my system and know they'll cut the
mustard.
Personal Jukebox versus iPod
November 18, 2004
Hi Wes,
Thanks for recommending the PJB-100. I've
really enjoyed it. I was wondering if you have ever compared it to the iPod in regard to
sound quality.
Warren
Yes, I have compared the two and while the PJB-100 might
get a slight nod for sound quality if you compare similar bit-rates, I prefer the iPod
with Apple's Lossless Processing. In addition, online support for the PJB-100 seems to
have completely vanished -- and I can't find a replacement battery for it for love or
money.
Therefore, the iPod gets my ongoing recommendation, whereas
the PJB-100 doesn't.
Do the JBLs need tubes?
November 16, 2004
Hi Wes,
I was thinking of actively searching out a pair of JBL
L300s. However, the electronics in my current system comprise of two 3009A Tandberg
monoblocks (180W per side) and an Audio Research SP9 Mk 2 preamp. I was wondering if the
L300s would be a good choice with my electronics, considering that I'm using Boston
Acoustics vintage A400s.
Some people say the L300s need tube power and not a lot of
it, and that they would sound overly bright with solid-state gear. As always, your opinion
would be much valued.
Francesco
I wouldn't worry too much about blanket statements like
"speaker X works best with tube (or solid-state) power amps," since there are
always exceptions to every rule -- not to mention the whole question of personal taste.
The Tandberg 3009As don't have the stereotypical
"solid-state" sound (nor do many SS amps these days). If you like them -- and
obviously you do -- I wouldn't worry about it.
What I would worry about is the condition of the foam
surrounds on the woofers on a pair of L300s. Check them very carefully before buying --
some aging/drying is inevitable, of course, but you can't buy those drivers anymore and
replacing them with drivers of similar size will change the sound of the speakers.
Krell preamp a bargain?
November 11, 2004
Hi Wes,
I'm really enjoying your site. I've been looking for a new
preamp and recently read your review of the Krell KAV-280p. Your review made it sound like it's a
real bargain. Are there any other preamps that you'd recommend in that same price range?
Balanced inputs are desired. Is the Krell KAV-280p a significant step up from the KRC-2 or
KRC-3 preamps from a few years ago? My system consists of a Nottingham Analog Spacedeck
turntable and tonearm with a Linn Linto phono stage, a Dodson 217 Mk II DAC, Fanfare FT1
tuner, and Unity Signature 1 speakers. I use a couple of different amps: an upgraded
Museatex STR-55 and PSE Studio 2.
Kurt
Is the 280p "better" than a KRC-2? I suppose
it depends on what you mean by better. There may be measurable differences between the
two, but I doubt most of us could discern the differences readily -- if at all. I haven't
heard the KRC-2 since I reviewed it back in the 20th century, but I found it close to
perfect at the time. If I owned the KRC-2, I wouldn't trade it in simply because the '280p
is newer. OTOH, I think the '280p gets you as close to the KRC-2 as makes little
difference -- and at a bargain price.
Of course, I don't need to explain value or longevity to
you, since you have the Museatex STR-55, which, although far from new, is still an
extremely satisfying amplifier (one I wished I owned, actually, since I always loved that
little guy).
If your question is would I install a '280p into your
system if I owned it, the answer is, "Heck yes."
Tube integrateds
November 9, 2004
Hi Wes,
I own Meadowlark Shearwater speakers (standard version) and
I am looking for push-pull tube amplifier. My budget is not huge, so it will probably have
to be an integrated. Do you think that the ARC VSi55 would be a good match?
I am also considering a Cary SLI-80 Do you know if Cary
intends to upgrade this model in near future?
Any other suggestion? Unfortunately it is not possible for
me to audition those models with my speakers, so your advice is really important to me.
Nenad
I'm sure the ARC integrated amp would be a good match,
but I haven't auditioned the unit myself. However, I have auditioned the Cary SLI-80 in my
own system and I'm a bit batty about it, especially for its ability to offer full-bodied
bottom end at moderate volumes.
I don't know if Cary intends to upgrade the '80 in the near
future, but I'd bet against it, since the company tends to bring products to market pretty
cautiously, which means they don't need to use consumers as beta-testers.
Entry-level preamp
November 4, 2004
Dear Wes,
I am in the market for an under-$1000 preamp. Have you had
any experience with the Parasound Halo P3, Adcom GFP-715, NAD C162 or other entry-level
preamps?
Sam
Entry level? I think you're looking at some pretty prime
destinations there, especially the Halo P3, which I think is an absolute knockout. The NAD
and Adcom are also fine choices, but they are models I have less direct experience with. I
can't imagine anyone being unhappy choosing the Halo P3.
|
