March 31, 2001
Subject: Soundstaging
I have been reading your articles in the stereo magazines
and on the web site and enjoying them. I wish to ask for your help in one problem I have
in my system. I have Verity Parsifal speakers with Bryston 4B-ST amp + BP-20 preamp +
newHK7545CD/BelCanto DAC1 + all Cardas cables. I find that I do not get the 3-D soundstage
that most of you describe in the write-ups. I have spent enough time to get the speakers
places away from the back and side walls to get fairly good sound -- but it just does not
give me that soundstage imaging that gives one goosebumps. Do I have to go to tubes? Or
change CD player? I did try a German tube amp and preamp named Experience Classical and
the sound improved over my Brystons -- but I still did not have a 3-D holographic
soundstage. Is there something with the speakers that it does give the image but just the
detailed clarity???
I would greatly appreciate your experienced comments.
Thanks,
Vasu
Hi Vasu:
This one's puzzling -- I would certainly think the
Brystons would soundstage, especially with your front-end. Before I spent more money on
equipment, I'd exhaust all the placement and room treatments I could. Try the speakers
against a different wall. Or play a single speaker in your typical listening position and
chart its response throughout the room. If you're currently trying to compensate for a
room null at either your listening position or at one of the speakers' positions, it would
rob you of soundstaging, so turn everything around 90 degrees. Also try to add some
diffusion to your listening room -- especially on the wall facing the loudspeakers.
Good luck!
ATB...Wes
March 28, 2001
Subject: Amps for my B&W 803 speakers
I currently have B&W Nautilus 803s. I am searching for
the right amp and preamp to go with it. I can only buy one piece at a time and wouldn't it
be a shame if I get it wrong. Currently running:
- Denon 1650 CD
- Marantz MA 700 amps
- Yamaha 1070 receiver with AudioQuest Ruby interconnects
- Sony 7700 DVD
- AudioQuest speaker wires (don't know which ones -- just big
and fat biwires, blue too)
I have been looking at the Arye V-1 and Theta Cassanova.
The V-1 is pretty expensive, and I wanted to know if there might be something a little
cheaper that would make the 803s sing just as nice. I don't want the sound to be bright
and piercing.
Jim
Hi Jim:
The Ayre is expensive, but it's awfully well-built
and sounds great. I wouldn't even think twice about it -- go for it.
ATB...Wes
March 26, 2001
Subject: Audio Alchemy repair center
Just started reading onhifi.com, but
have enjoyed your writing for years. Since you are close to the industry, perhaps you can
help. I need repair on an Audio Alchemy 3.0 and can't find anyone. I tried Channel Islands
Audio, but they just have a voice mail and don't return calls. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any help,
Glenn
Hi Glenn:
E-mail my friend Dusty Vawter at: dusty@monolithicsound.com. He'll return your
e-mail.
ATB...Wes
March 25, 2001
Subject: Upgrade?
I am thinking about upgrading my CD
player (CAL Icon Mk II). My system includes Bryston 4B-ST amp, Bryston M25 and a valve
home-made preamp (I am using valve mostly), and System Audio 1005 speakers. I also use and
love my Project 6 Turntable. Cables are a mixture of XLO, Nordost and AudioQuest. I wonder
if buying a new player or maybe an external upsampling DAC might not be the answer to my
problem. I've listened to several CD players in $2000-$2500 USD range and none was better
then CAL. Can you suggest a CD player and/or DAC? I can spend up to $3500. I mostly listen
to jazz and classical music.
Thank you
Boaz Rozencwajg
Hi Boaz:
I know your problem -- despite its age, the Icon Mk
II is still a benchmark product. Getting better sound for a reasonable amount of money
isn't easy. You might try to see if you can find a discontinued Sony 777ES player (good
luck!), which does a great job on CD as well as SACD. Or perhaps the 555, also
discontinued.
My friend Ruben is in the same dilemma. He likes
his Icon and he has been treated well by CAL as he has had it updated over the years. But
even though he is actively looking for a new digital source, he hasn't found anything
better that is remotely in his price range.
But when and if he does, I'll let you know.
ATB...Wes
March 23, 2001
Subject: AES Super Amp
Which do feel offers the best
performance -- the AES amp, or the VTL tiny triodes?
Thanks,
Gary
Hi Gary:
That's not a simple question to answer. Partially,
it's because I see the two as such different beasts -- after all, monoblocks do ultimately
give you better separation, no matter what other similarities or differences exist. And
separation is a good thing.
I'd also say that, depending on which tube you
chose, the sound of the AE-25 could range from soft and classic tube-like to perky and
fast, whereas the sound of the TT-25s is always pretty much sweet and (in triode
operation, at least) rich.
A lot of the appeal of the AE-25, to my way of
thinking, is its kit origin. I like the fact that you can build it yourself, and I really
like the fact that you can change capacitors, inputs and binding posts and see what
difference they actually make to the sound, if any. And I love its adaptability -- it's an
excellent tutorial on how each of its power tubes sounds. If you're a hands-on type, I
can't imagine anything more fun than the Super Amp. That it also sounds so good is almost
gravy.
In comparison, the TT25 is pretty much a
set-it-and-forget-it audio experience -- and that will appeal to a lot of audiophiles,
too. Plus I just love the sound of its EL84 output tubes.
I have a hard time picking one over the other --
which does make the kit-built AE-25 a bargain at $1000.
ATB...Wes
March 22, 2001
Subject: Right amplifier?
I want to start by saying I love the
site and find great information in both the questions and answers that you post on
"Ask Wes." Please keep up the good work.
I am completely upgrading my system and want to combine the
right integrated amp or amp combo with Paradigm Reference 100v.2 and a Sony SACD
front-end. I have heard great things about the Bryston B60, but was concerned that it may
not push the speakers (the Bryston dealer doesn't carry Paradigm and was recommending
Maggies, which he carries, but I think room set up would be too difficult and thought the
Maggie 1.6 needed MORE power). I have also read and heard great things about Musical
Fidelity products and Creek's 5350 SE, but the Paradigm dealer (who doesn't sell either of
those brands) says that the limited warranty -- two years -- and problems the English
manufacturers have had in US systems outweigh any benefit of additional power when
compared to the Bryston and the 20-year warranty. I like the idea of a 20-year warranty,
and if the B60 can drive the Paradigms, I would like to give it a shot. Do you think I
need more power?
Any help is appreciated.
Robert
Hi Robert:
Power's a good thing, but it's not the only thing.
I think that any of the amps you've named would drive the Paradigm's, which are well
designed and are not difficult loads.
I have a small problem with the advice your dealer
gave you, because he's partially BSing you to make his product (the Bryston) sound even
better than it is. I have no problem with the Bryston B60 -- it's a great integrated, and
I used one in my office system for over a year and, yes, I agree a 20-year warranty is a
marvelous thing. The combination of great sound and great customer back-up means that the
B60 doesn't need any help selling itself. It's a lot of amp for the money.
That said, the "problems the English
manufacturers have had in US systems" line is complete and utter bullshit and your
dealer is revealing himself to be a liar when he indulges in that kind of scurrilous
salesmanship. I've owned and sold and reviewed Musical Fidelity, Creek and Arcam products
for decades and I'm not aware of any "problems."
Go by what you hear, you haven't named any risky
choices for mating with the Paradigms. And Robert, if you decide to buy the Bryston -- and
I repeat, a 20-year warranty is awfully attractive -- buy it from someone who hasn't lied
to you.
ATB...Wes
March 20, 2001
Subject: Thiel CS7.2 loudspeakers
Nice job on the review in SoundStage!...sounds like
you really put a lot of thought into it and I appreciate the fact that you detailed the
other components. I'm wondering what your opinion would be of using the Levinson
integrated with these speakers? Or do you think separates are the only way to go with
these?
Thanks,
Rick
Hi Rick:
The Levinson integrated is about the only
integrated I would suggest you try with the 7.2s. I haven't tried the combo myself, but it
would be worth the experiment -- and I think a No.39/No.383/Thiel CS7.2 system would be
about as minimalist as a system could get and still sound that good. (I'd be tempted to
try that one myself -- except that I might like it so much I'd quit reviewing and just
listen to music for pleasure. No, better not go there...)
If you do try it, let me know how it went.
ATB...Wes
March 19, 2001
Subject: Digital sources
I have recently purchased the Musical Fidelity A3CR combo
and have ordered Magnepan 1.6s. I have read most of your reviews of products (in the last
year) and am confused over how to upgrade my digital source. I currently use a
seven-year-old Rotel RCD-945AX CD player with digital output. I had thought about using
this with an external DAC that upsamples and which is upgradeable. I am also considering
the A3CD CD player, but I was told that it does not upsample. My first priority is sound
quality. My second is upgradeability. Should I use my current CD player as a transport and
go with one the $1000 dollar DACs, and maybe a universal transport when they become more
affordable? Will the A3CD CD player sound better than my Rotel (transport) and, say, the
Perpetual Technologies P-3A?
Please help.
Bill Coy
Hi Bill:
I really like the Musical Fidelity A3CD CD player,
but it sounds as though you already have a good transport in the Rotel. In terms of
flexibility and upgradeability, I'd go for the Perpetual Technologies -- especially now
that I'm starting to experiment further with the DSP potential of the PA-1 (review coming
soon).
ATB...Wes
March 18, 2001
Subject: Damage?
I have been using balanced interconnects. Recently I tried
a pair of RCA unbalanced interconnects between the CD player and preamp without putting
the pins back into the balanced sockets of the pre-amp.
Can you kindly tell me whether any damage has been done?
There is something wrong with my CD player, which caused me to try out the unbalanced RCA
interconnects. My system is down at the moment and I wonder whether my preamp is at fault
too.
Many thanks.
Leong,
Singapore
Hi Leong:
You don't describe what happened when you connected
to unbalanced cables -- was there a loud noise or did the system shut down? If neither of
these things happened, then you probably didn't do any harm. But it does sound as though
your CD player should be looked at by a professional.
ATB...Wes
March 16, 2001
Subject: Regarding amps and preamps
I am looking at buying an AMC 2100 amp and not sure about
the preamp. I am looking at the FT Audio Little Wonder One passive preamp and the AMC 1100
preamp (not passive). My questions are, first, can I use just a passive preamp with my
system (without the intention of using a turntable) and, second, my music interests are
jazz and rock, so will I be happy with this combo? I understand that the last question is
subjective, but the Little Wonder One is available only mail order, so listening to it may
prove difficult. Any input you have would be very much appreciated.
P.S. GoodSound.com
highly recommends the Little Wonder One as a preamp, thus the interest.
John Whitcomb
Hi John:
Yes, you can certainly use a passive pre in your
system, but you may or may not prefer it over a more conventional model. I've owned a few
passive preamps in my time and they have a directness and clarity that certainly is
beguiling. And they don't, as a rule, cost an arm and a leg. However, I have always come
back to preamps with gain, because passive units don't have the heft and low-end
definition that I find essential for my musical enjoyment.
You may have different requirements in that regard
than I do, but I would be reluctant to buy any preamp I hadn't auditioned in my system.
Contact FT Audio and find out what their satisfaction policy is -- if they allow you to
return the unit for a full refund (less shipping, most likely), you should give it a try.
ATB...Wes
March 14, 2001
Subject: AKG K1000
Any chance you'll be reviewing the AKG K1000 headphones? It
would be interesting to have your comparison with the K501s (which I now have and love).
Tom
Hi Tom:
I'd like to hear 'em. I'll see what I can do about
getting a pair for review.
ATB...Wes
March 13, 2001
Subject: Preamps and SACD
I just read your interesting review of the Musical Fidelity
A3CR preamp on SoundStage!.
I notice that this preamp has an input for a SACD player. Did you have a chance to test
this preamp's abilities with SACD discs? I am about to plunge into the world of SACD, and
I am looking for a stereo preamp that will handle it successfully. Your thoughts would be
appreciated.
Thank you.
Charles T. Bridges
Hi Charles:
No, I didn't have an SACD player at the time of the
review, but any line-level input is identical to any other, no matter what they're
labeled. That said, The A3CR has amazing specs (-1dB @ 100kHz!), which would
seem all but made to exploit the SACD format's strengths.
ATB...Wes
March 13, 2001
Subject: Upsampling DAC or SACD?
Good article on upsampling. I'm currently considering
purchase of a new CD player. I've been considering using a DVD player because it can also
drive the video part of my system. I have about $1500 to spend and two options I've
considered are: (1) buy a less expensive DVD player ($300) and an upsampling DAC like MSB,
Bel Canto, or Perpetual Technologies; or (2) buy a Sony DVP-9000ES DVD player that also
plays SACDs. Now in theory I think the SACD should sound better, but I don't listen to
much jazz and I'm not sure if SACD will take off so the player will be likely used to play
my existing CDs. I'm not a big videophile, so all the DVD bells and whistles on the Sony
wouldn't be of major benefit. I haven't had a chance to listen to the separate DACs due to
lack of dealers in the area. Any thoughts on what would make a better system? Also, what
about long-term upgradeability? Will a separate DAC provide better insulation from future
changes like MP3 or multichannel SACD or DVD-A?
Thanks,
Chuck
Hi Chuck:
Boy, ask a tough one why don't you? Outboard DACs
such as the Bel Canto, Perpetual Technologies, and MSB units currently have a lot going
for them -- you'll get better sound on your CD collection as a whole for a lot less than
the price of a new source component. This is not a trivial argument.
But it's not at all clear where the market is going
when it comes to SACD and DVD-A. Maybe nowhere. I'm of the opinion that DVD-A has blown it
by failing to get product out in a timely manner, but I'm not sure that this guarantees
that SACD will win. I now have some 40 or so SACDs and the majority of them are records I
owned back in 1970 -- which is a marketing move on Sony's part I simply don't get. But
AudioQuest and Telarc are releasing new discs and they do sound yummy.
As to MP3, it's a convenient digital storage
format, but the sound quality just ain't there. It shouldn't enter into your audio
decisions at all.
I have a Sony 555 SACD player lined up for review,
so hang in there -- not that I'm promising a definitive answer.
ATB...Wes
March 13, 2001
Subject: Krell KAV-240 CD/2
Having recently bought a KAV-250 CD/2, I would like to know
the difference between it and the model it replaced. Is the transport section the same?
Thank you,
Roger Rahal
Hi Roger:
I called the guys at Krell and they -- like me --
are puzzled over why you didn't just ask them in the first place. They live to talk
about Krell gear. You can use their website at www.krellonline.com any time night or day.
The KAV 250 CD/2 uses a different transport from
the Mk I version. The new one can read CD-Rs, for instance. There are also substantial
differences in the analog output section, as well. If you have specific questions about
your player, you should cut out the middle man and go straight to Krell.
ATB...Wes
March 12, 2001
Subject: Phono preamps and cartridges
I hope you can help me with your advice. I've been
following your writing and generally I seem to like what you do.
I have the following:
- LP12 ARO Armageddon turntable Dynavector XX
- Conrad-Johnson PFR
- Meridian 557
- Tannoy Turnberry
- Linn Linto phono stage
My question is: In your experience, what is the difference
between a Naim Prefix (with Hi-cap) and Linn Linto?
I love the Linto's dynamic freedom, but sometimes I need a
little more expression on voices. What would I get more and what will I lose with the
Prefix + Hi-cap?
Which of the two do you think will be a better match with a
van den Hul Frog cartridge that I am considering buying?
Thank you. I will continue to read you with interest.
Nobody
Hi Nobody:
I've paired the Frog with both the Linto and the
Prefix and they are both superb matches. I prefer the Linto by a slight margin, as I feel
it is quieter and offers more authoritative low-end reproduction.
ATB...Wes
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