March 9, 2001
Subject: NAD S300 and S500 combination
I'm now using the NAD S300 integrated amp and Rotel RCD-971
CD player with one-meter DIY silver single-ended RCA cable in between. I'm considering
upgrade to NAD S500 CD player and make use of the balanced output/input of the NAD duo
(probably will use van den Hul The Second XLR cable, if I upgrade). Will it be any benefit
in doing so except the 3dB boost? I've emailed NAD to clarify whether the NAD duo is
balanced throughout the circuit, but they say that they are not sure (that was less than
excellent customer service). They also say that, for the length of the cable used, RCA may
be the better choice. Can you please tell me:
- Is the NAD S500 a better mate to my NAD S300 than the Rotel?
- Will the absent of HDCD decoder be a concern? (I have quite
a few HDCD CD)
- Are the NAD duo really balanced throughout? I really want to
know.
- What is your comment on the S300 and S500 as a standalone
product? I've seen a few review on the NAD duo.
Thank you,
Derek
Hi Derek:
I like the NAD Silver Series quite a bit, although
I've never actually lived with either the integrated or CD player. I spoke to Greg
Stidsen, NAD's director of sales and marketing, for several hours when the Silver Series
was introduced and the amplifier and CD player are differentially balanced
throughout the circuit.
Does that mean there's an audible difference when
you connect them with balanced cable? I've never been convinced it does, at least in a
home audio context. That said, it certainly can't hurt -- after all, one reason studios
are wired balanced is that it offers such good noise rejection. In my experience, that's a
theoretical difference more than a practical one -- but your mileage may vary.
Now the whole question of HDCD encoding is a
trickier one. Several of the best-sounding CD players I've heard do not have HDCD
processing and I haven't missed it while listening to them. However, a lot of listeners I
respect seem more enamored of HDCD than I am -- they probably wouldn't be happy
without it. The trick is knowing which sort of listener you are.
All of which begs the question of whether I
think the 500 is a better CD player than the RCD-971, doesn't it? That's the whole point
-- it doesn't matter what I think. Both the NAD and the Rotel have unique features that you
will value more or less for your own reasons. Me, I'd really want the NAD, but I'd
certainly understand why the Rotel floated your boat.
ATB...Wes
March 7, 2001
Subject: Warm cables
A great site you run! In many reviews it is suggested to
tweak a "cold" "analytical" system with "warm" cables (both
interconnect and speaker). Beside choosing copper over silver, is there any specific brand
which is known to make such cables (at down-to-earth prices), or does it change within the
different models made by each brand?
Thanks again and best regards.
Dan Eshel
Hi Dan:
Yeah, a lot of people do use cables as tone
controls -- whether consciously or not. I've had good results with AudioQuest, Kimber, and
(believe it or not!) Monster. It's best if you have a dealer who will let you audition
cables at home -- otherwise, try some of the web-based firms that offer a
try-before-you-buy policy.
ATB...Wes
March 7, 2001
Subject: Profound audiophile confusion
I was hoping for an unbiased response to the following: Can
you name a very good solid-state integrated or preamp/power amp combo that would be
symbiotic with the Cary 303 CD player? I really would prefer to stay away from tubes.
Currently, I am using a Bryston B60 and Triangle Zephyr speakers. I guess what I really
want to know is whether there is a solid-state amplifier that will make a vital sonic
difference (without breaking the bank), or if money might be better spent on a significant
speaker upgrade ($3000 to $4000). I have received a number of different responses, but I
was hoping I could get some information from a real expert such as yourself.
Thanks,
Joe
Hi Joe:
I used to have a Bryston B60 in my office system
and I really, really liked it, so I'm not so sure you want to get rid of it until you've
heard it with some really good speakers. Listen to some Dynaudios, Thiels, or PSBs (to
name but a few) with the Bryston and see if you don't agree.
ATB...Wes
March 6, 2001
Subject: Best upgrade option
I have a Denon 3300 receiver, Paradigm Reference 60s and a
Toshiba SD-2200 DVD player as my only music source. I am happy with the performance with
AC3 and DTS DVD movies and videos, but I am not satisfied with music CDs.
I have thought about integrating a good two-channel amp
(Parasound HCA-1500a or B&K 4420) for my front speakers and/or getting a good
dedicated CD player or recorder (have been eyeing Marantz DR-6050). What do you think
would make the most significant improvement in my two-channel listening? And if I invested
in a two-channel amp, would that throw off 5.1 material (using three amp channels from the
Denon)?
Thanks,
Mike Kistler
Hi Mike:
I doubt the Denon's amp section is your problem. I
think the DVD player's your culprit. I know a lot of people say they make dandy all-in-one
digital players, but I've never been convinced that they sound all that good with CDs.
(Although I'm listening to an Arcam Diva that might prove an exception to the
rule.)
You might benefit from a separate CD player, but I
think an outboard D/A section might be just the thing. The Perpetual Technologies PA-3 I
reviewed recently is a superb D/A converter.
On the other hand, if you want to add CD recording
to the system, go with the Marantz.
As to adding a two-channel amp -- you could do it,
but I don't think that's where you'll gain the most ground.
ATB...Wes
March 6, 2001
Subject: Musical Fidelity
I have been reading your opinions in Stereophile
with interest; and I am delighted to be able to contact you directly with my hi-fi
queries.
I'm an Indian audiophile, living in Bombay (Mumbai), and
the reason we are so dependent on reviews is that it is difficult to audition many brands
of hi-fi in this country.
Having recently purchased a Marantz 6000 OSE CD player, I
find its explicitly detailed treble response exacerbates the somewhat ragged treble of the
NAD 1000S/216-THX combo its connected to. Speakers are the B&W DM-640i, via
Transparent Music Wave biwire speaker cables; interconnects are Kimber Hero.
Since the NADs were never the most refined of performers,
and have become worse after being used (with the same speakers) for more than five years,
I thought of replacing them with the Musical Fidelity A3 integrated amp. There's no way I
can audition it at the moment.
Would this be a good choice in the context of my system?
Would upgrading the speakers to B&W CDM-9NT overload this amp? I listen mainly to
classical and opera -- at realistic levels! The room is well-damped, 12 by 16 feet; I
listen on-axis, approximately 10 feet away from the speakers.
Please advise on how best I can rid myself of the grit and
glare in the treble -- its driving me nuts!
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
Jiten S. Merchant
Hi Jiten:
I would think the MF would sound great in your
system and no, I don't think upgrading the speakers will overload the room. But one at a
time, Jiten -- that way you'll get the best idea which change made the most difference.
Have fun...Wes
March 4, 2001
Subject: Tower and sub?
In your September 2000 review of the Soliloquy 5.0 and S-10
you said, "As good as I found the 5.0ses, they lacked ultimate bottom end impact. I
love the benefits of small monitor speakers and would rather live with their subtractive
deficiencies than with the thick, muddled sound of a poorly designed floorstanding
loudspeaker. But that's a personal choice -- other listeners value a physical sound far
more than I do."
I have a decent-size living room and I listen to a wide
range of rock music -- from classic and light rock to heavy metal. I like a lot of punch
in my speakers. I also like a wide variety of blues, like BB King and Mighty Sam McClain.
I use the B&K Ref 20 and AVR6100 with an Arcam Alpha 8
CD player and Paradigm Monitor 7s. I'm in the market for new speakers and recently heard
the Soliloquy 6.3s. I was really blown away! But, I also want to add a sub for HT. So my
dilemma is getting a punchy, rocking speaker for the metal, a detailed, soundstaging
speaker for the blues (and some rock), and a speaker that will blend well with a sub for
HT.
What do you think about combining the Soliloquy 5.3 with
the S-10? It has one more driver/woofer than the 5.0, so I would get the extra
"punchiness" that Metallica needs without having to bring the sub up into a
higher range, and it should still have all (or most) of the detail and clarity of the 5.0s
for the blues.
Are there complications to having a tower (which should
have pretty good low end) and a sub in the same audio system?
Thank you for your time and advice.
Wes McCarty
Hi Wes (that feels weird!):
There is a problem and that's blending the
sound from the sub to the speaker -- but to be perfectly fair, that's a problem
with every speaker and sub. I got the best sound from the 5.0s running them full range and
blending in the sub sound subtly. Because the LF roll-off of the 5.0s matched reasonably
well with the S-10's output, I managed to blend the two with relatively little doubling.
The added bass of the 5.3s probably means you'll
need to use the woofer's low-pass filter, which may lose you a little low-end
transparency. But the added impact may make the trade-off a minor one. Remember, you
should always set a sub so that its contribution is never obvious (only its absence should
be obvious). Most people crank 'em so they can hear them, and that's just wrong.
Let me know how you make out,
ATB...Wes
March 4, 2001
Subject: Power conditioning
First off, let me say how readable and entertaining your
reviewing style is! A relative novice to hi-fi can come away from your reviews
understanding them.
Let me say first off my listening set-up sounds a little
inorganic (harsh) than I think it should sound:
- Arcam Alpha 9 CD player on Vibrapods
- DH Labs BL-1 interconnects (Harmonic Tech. Pro Silway on the
way)
- Earmax Pro Tube headphone amp
- Grado RS2 headphones
OK, I am mostly concerned about headphone listening, and I
think the present interconnects are part of the problem. I think you would agree that due
to the fact that I live in a major metropolitan area and have dirty AC, a power
conditioner would be beneficial. I used the Monster Power 2000 until an audio retailer
said that it was limiting my amp's ability to bring out the best in my CD player. Indeed
when I plugged the head amp into the wall, the soundstage improved immediately. Can you
recommend a less-than-$500 improvement that would provide protection and filtration to all
of my equipment? I would appreciate any advice you can offer.
Mark in Atlanta
Hi Mark:
No, I probably can't recommend a power-line filter
under $500 that will help your amp. Most don't -- although the PS Audio units seem to, if
you get a version that can handle the wattage. It's not a cheap option, although several
of my friends, including John Atkinson, swear by it.
Your word, "inorganic," causes me to
wonder if your problem isn't RF. A cheap and removable tweak would be to add magnetic
collars to your interconnects. Many companies offer them, from Memorex to AudioQuest --
even Radio Shack! They're relatively cheap and might remove that harshness you're hearing.
Good luck...Wes
March 3, 2001
Subject: Musical Fidelity or Meridian?
Hi Wes!
I like your writing style very much. I have the opportunity
to buy a brand new Musical Fidelity A3 or Meridian 506.24 used (for ten months) for about
the same price in Québec City area. Are they equal in regard to: pace, rhythm, bass,
soundstaging, dynamic range (140dB) and warmth?
My system:
- preamp: VTL 2.5 TL
- power amp: Sugden AU 51
- speakers: Vandersteen 3A Signature
Thanks a lot
Au plaisir,
Denis
Hi Dennis:
I love my Musical Fidelity A3CD a lot, but if I
could have bought a Meridian 506.24 for the same money, I would have jumped at the chance.
I haven't actually compared the two, but Bob Stuart
always seems to get so much music out of his designs -- and the 500 series is seriously
sexy looking, in my opinion. I've never heard a Meridian digital product that didn't
seriously swing -- they're champions when it comes to pace. I say go for it.
Let me know what you ended up with and what you
think.
ATB...Wes
March 2, 2001
Subject: Mark Levinson or Meridian?
I submitted the following question to SoundStage!'s
Marc Mickelson and he directed me to you:
I noticed that you also reviewed the Mark Levinson No.39 in
the past. Have you ever had a chance to review the Meridian 508.24? I was just curious as
to how these compared against each other.
Thanks for the time,
Brian Miller
Hi Brian:
I reviewed them both back when I was at Stereophile
and thought they were both superb. They do sound different from one another -- I found the
No.39 slightly more forward and detailed, while the Meridian had a slightly more liquid
presentation with astonishingly good dynamics -- but the audible differences are minor, in
my opinion.
The No.39 has a lot of versatility, however.
Remember that it has an analog volume control as well as digital inputs that allow
you to use it as a digital processor/switching unit. If you don't need these features and
are sure you never will, then the two units are on even ground and the Meridian will
probably win out on price. But I think the extra functions on the No.39 are awfully
convenient and the flexibility they offer is worth the extra cash.
ATB...Wes
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