|
| 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:
|
|
|
|
Audio Physic or Amphion?
December 9, 2004
Hi Wes,
This is my system: Copland CDA289 CD player, Counterpoint
SA1000 and SA100 preamp and power amplifier (100Wpc into 8 ohms). I mainly listen to jazz,
electronic music and classical.
I have found two second-hand loudspeakers that I am
interested in, and because I live far away from civilization, I find it almost impossible
to audition loudspeakers in audio shops. These are the two speakers I am trying to decide
between: Audio Physic Virgo Mk II and Amphion Xenon (these things look sooo good).
Thanks very very much for any help.
Borja
What a great dilemma! Those are both really great
loudspeakers -- especially driven by your Counterpoint amp. I heard the Virgos at Mikey
Fremer's house way back in 1995 and they sounded great. On the other hand, everything
sounds great at Mikey's house and that was a long time ago.
I've auditioned the Xenons at my place a lot more recently
and really loved 'em. A lot -- and you're right, they're gorgeous!
I'd say you can't go wrong, but my familiarity with the
Amphions has me leaning in that direction, even while I confess that's emotion, not reason
talking.
Good listening!
$300 turntable
December 2, 2004
Wes,
As I am getting up there in years, I wish to buy a
turntable (probably my last one) to play vinyl, mostly classical. I've had an old Technics
turntable that lasted at least 15 years. I started researching inexpensive Denon, Sony,
and Technics models. Then, I moved up to the Music Hall 2.1 and the Pro-Ject Debut II for
consideration. My pension allows me about $300 to spend on a new turntable.
Can I count on you for an honest, professional opinion on
which product to buy so that I can put this seemingly endless search for a new turntable
to bed?
Len
"Can I count on you for an honest, professional
opinion on which product to buy?" Well, yes -- but that is what I'd say, isn't it?
I think your research has already pointed you away from the
Denon, Sony, and Technics, which is a good thing -- in my opinion. I doubt you could buy a
turntable from any of those companies that’s a match for your 20-year-old Technics.
Both Music Hall and Pro-Ject would be good choices, but
I've had my mitts on the Pro-Ject and have played quite a few records through it, while
I've only heard the Music Hall at hi-fi shows. The Pro-Ject was surprisingly well made,
and I liked its tonearm quite a bit.
Hope this helped.
|
