July 16, 2001
Subject: Help with LPs
I am looking for an LP that has frequency sweep or warble
tones or something, so I can EQ my phono playback system/room. I have the Stereophile
Test CD and have used it successfully for the CD playback system, but the EQ doesn't
sound quite right with the phono side (probably because the native frequency response of
the cartridge/phono preamp isn't the same as the CD player). Do you know of anything?
Thank you,
Roger Fukai
Hi Roger:
You want the HiFi News & Record Review Test
LP, which goes for about $30. You can find it at Acoustic Sounds and Audio Advisor.
ATB…Wes
July 15, 2001
Subject: Where do I get high-quality CDs?
I have recently discovered the pleasure of 20- and 24-bit
CDs and found them to be the easiest and least expensive audio upgrade available. I am
having a hard time finding them in my town. Can you recommend an online merchant since
Amazon and CDnow don't have most of the new reissues?
Brent
Hi Brent:
I've had good luck with Tower Records' website (www.towerrecords.com).
ATB…Wes
July 13, 2001
Subject: Amplifiers
I recently purchased a Musical Fidelity A3CR preamplifier
and want to match it up with a good amp. I have a rather old Yamaha M-65 stereo amplifier
at present time and want to upgrade for better jazz (guitar) sounds.
With this information in mind, would you recommend the
Musical Fidelity A3CR power amplifiers, in a biamped configuration, or the Parasound
HCA-3500? I have found no reviews on the Parasound HCA-3500, and I am a bit shy of putting
down the bucks for it, untested.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I read your
reviews often and find much information and enjoyment in them.
Jeffry Ford
Hi Jeffry:
Well, using a pair of A3CR amps would certainly get
the job done and would sound really good, I'm sure. On the other hand, while I haven't had
as much experience with the Parasound, it's also a good 'un and, like the MF, sounds a lot
better than its price would indicate. But I'm not sure the HCA-3500 is still available.
It's not listed on the Parasound website anymore.
ATB…Wes
July 12, 2001
Subject: DACs
I've read your article regarding the A3CD CD player, and I
was astounded by the way you described the player. Last night my audiophile friends and I
auditioned the X24k DAC, which is also made by Musical Fidelity. I checked out their
website and found that it is no longer on it. After hours of listening, I was really moved
by the way it handles passages and it gives me a wider soundstage and more depth. In other
words, I'm completely satisfied with the music. Do you have any experiences with this DAC?
Does this have the same technology as the A3CD, and give me the same listening pleasure?
These are just a few of the questions running through my mind right now. I'm using an A3
integrated amp, Dynaudio speakers and Kimber Kable throughout.
I'm really planning to buy a digital source this month and
from your help and advice I hope this confusion will take to an end. I'm considering the
A3CD on top of my list. Sit down, relax and enjoy music and that's what it's all about.
Thank you and hoping to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry:
Yes, I've heard the X24 DAC and I thought it was
very special. John Atkinson reviewed it in Stereophile and rated it quite highly.
It is not the same DAC as in the A3CD, but it's still pretty darn nifty. I think you'll
like the sound of the A3CD teamed with the Dynaudios a lot.
ATB…Wes
July 11, 2001
Subject: B&W CDM9NTs /A3CR Power Amp
Hi Wes,
I have read many reviews on the Musical Fidelity preamp and
power amp combo. However, I would like to purchase the A3CR power amp only. Is this amp
well suited for a match with B&W CDM9NT speakers? My preamp would be an existing Denon
AVR-3300.
Thank you for your time and look forward to a reply.
Barbara
Hi Barbara:
Yup, seems to me that would be a great pairing. I
think you'll love it!
ATB…Wes
July 10, 2001
Subject: Record Clamps
I have a question about the use of record clamps. I
recently heard that a record clamp should only be used on a dished platter -- i.e.,
a platter designed for use with a clamp. Could this be true? Have I been misusing my
record clamp all these years?
What's the scoop on record clamps?
Matt B.
Hi Matt:
No, you've probably been using your clamp just
fine. There are three basic types of record clamp. The first and simplest merely attempts
to put the record into better contact with the spindle and platter. Examples of this one
are the "pig," which covers the spindle area only, and the Clearaudio clamp,
which is the size of the label area and uses a friction fit to the spindle to work. These
certain change the sound of a record, but I've always considered it to be just that -- a
change, not necessarily an improvement.
Then there are platter/clamp systems, where a
slightly dished platter is used in conjunction with a screw down clamp (think
Well-Tempered Table). This has two purposes: (1) It puts the record in intimate contact
with the platter over its whole surface and (2) It flattens minor warps.
The third system is the one used by Sota and VPI,
where a small washer is placed around the spindle and then a cup-shaped clamp pushes down
an area outside its circumference, slightly dishing the record and putting it into contact
with the platter or mat over its entire surface. Most after-market clamps (including the
CounterParts and SOTA Reflex) are of this type -- and they don't work nearly as well if
the washer is eliminated.
ATB…Wes
July 9, 2001
Subject: DACs
First, let me say that you're my FAVORITE writer and I
highly respect your opinion. So, I was wondering if you could answer a couple of
questions. I recently plunged into the mid-fi world for my 40th birthday (cheaper than a
Lamborghini at this point) and purchased a Rotel RX-975 receiver (using it as a
tuner/preamp), Rotel RB-1080 power amp (200Wpc), Rotel RCD-961 CD player and a Rotel
RTL-900 line conditioner (I like the automatic sequencing). Speakers are B&W Nautilus
804s.
Question #1 - The RCD-961 has a Burr-Brown PCM 1732 24-bit
DAC and was advertised as such on the Rotel website. However, the user's manual says it's
an 18-bit machine. When I asked Rotel about this, they said that their engineers
determined that the 961 is optimized for 18-bit use. I'm totally confused. BTW, the Rotel
website NOW advertises the 961 as an 18-bit player. So, why put a 24-bit D/A converter in
a machine that's only supposed to be used as 18-bit?
Question #2 - I haven't bought equipment in a long time and
didn't want to go berserk (money wise) the first time out. Do you think I bought
"good stuff" or do you think I could've done better in this price range? Just
curious.
Thanks for your advice.
Randy
Hi Randy:
First, let's look at reality -- Red Book standard
for CDs is 16 bits at 44.1kHz. That's all the resolution you're going to have on a CD no
matter what processor you stick in the unit. The reason that Rotel is using a
24-bit-capable chip is probably that that particular chip satisfies certain other design
parameters (balanced operation, thermal stability, price…). Also, it's not like
manufacturers have an unlimited choice of chips - Burr-Brown discontinues old models
fairly imperiously, without regard to who might still want to use their older models. As a
result, manufacturers are forced to choose among the available options, which may or may
not be the chip they would have chosen all other things remaining equal.
BTW, by making the chip operate as an 18-bit chip,
Rotel is probably maximizing the unit's true 16-bit performance.
And yes, you bought good stuff that represents very
good value. The simplest upgrade to your current system might be to add a second RB-1080,
so you can biamp your 804s.
ATB…Wes
July 8, 2001
Subject: Super Amp AE-25 and Silverline Sonatina
Hello Sir,
I am very impressed with you review of the Super Amp AE-25
and the Sony SCD-C333ES. I am planning to buy these new toys, but I am not sure the Super
Amp can drive my original Silverline Sonatinas (Avalon-style lookalike). Should I order
this amp in triode (15W) or ultralinear (25W) or go with the AE-25 Signature?
Thank you very much for you help.
Sincerely yours,
Ngoc Ho
Hi Ngoc:
Silverline says the Sonatinas are a 93dB-sensitive
loudspeaker with a relatively benign 8-ohm impedance that drops to 7 ohms at certain
frequencies, so I'd think 15W could drive them adequately, depending on the size of your
room and your listening habits. Myself, I'd be more comfortable with 25W, but you might
want to push it just to get that sweet triode sound.
ATB…Wes
July 7, 2001
Subject: Melos SHA Gold
Hi Wes,
I'm considering the purchase of a used Melos SHA Gold
preamp in very good condition. Lately I've been reading a lot of negative reviews
concerning poor customer service and the difficulty in getting Melos products repaired.
However, I understand that at one time Melos preamps were highly regarded.
What is your opinion of the Melos SHA Gold?
Frank Palmieri
Hi Frank:
Yes, the Melos SHA Gold was a very highly regarded
preamp and headphone amplifier. When I reviewed it for Stereophile I pretty much
raved about it. However, now that Melos is no more, service and replacements parts are
certainly a consideration. I would especially be concerned over replacement parts for the
rather unique light-activated potentiometer in the SHA Gold. Unless I could be assured of
replacement parts for that, I'd be leery of buying the preamp at this time.
ATB…Wes
July 6, 2001
Subject: Axiom vs. B&W
I talked to you last year about a system I'm trying to
build for college (I'm starting this fall). I finally decided on and bought the NAD C340
integrated amplifier, but have yet to decide on my speakers. My friend owns a pair of
B&W DM601 series 1s, and I love them, so my first inclination was to get the series
2s. I auditioned them, and they're incredible as I expected, but they're just so expensive
(of course, not really, I guess, but for me they are)! My local dealer is charging $600
for a pair.
Looking around on the Internet for alternatives, I stumbled
across a review on SoundStage!
about the Axiom Millennia M3Tis. Everything I read about them seems just so hard to
believe. The kicker is that I can get them for $275.
Now, I'm no audiophile, so I'm just going to ask a simple
question. How do these Axioms and the 601s compare?
Thanks,
Andy
Hi Andy:
I haven't directly compared the Axioms and the
B&Ws, so anything I say is just speculation. However, Doug Schneider and I have spoken
at length about the Axioms, which Doug insists are extraordinary. Considering that Doug
isn’t prone to raving (those laid-back Canadians, eh?), I have come to the conclusion
that the Axioms must be a remarkable bargain. I'm sure you'll have no regrets if you buy
them.
ATB...Wes
July 6, 2001
Subject: Rack system question
Hola Wes:
I separated my stereo system from my home-theater system
and will need a new rack to incorporate my stereo into my new listening room. There are so
many brands available that it is almost impossible to decide. Also, I read many opinions
about the advantages of one rack over the another, and they are confusing. How important
is the rack to the sound of a system? What about looks and convenience?
Thanks Wes,
Jose Garcia
Hi Jose:
Your question is a tough one. It is true that racks
can affect the sound of your system. Generally you want a combination of solidity (you
sure don't want the gear tumbling onto the floor) and, according to whom you listen, a
whole bunch of other factors. Do you believe in "mechanically grounding" the
sound or do you believe in the light 'n' flimsy school of thought? And do you go for
space-age materials like polycrystal or carbon fiber or do you go for tried and true wood?
And, as you ask, is it possible to get something that looks good as well as sound good?
I'm starting to believe the answer is wood. Get a
good rack with wood shelves (Salamander, for instance) or buy a metal rack, such as those
sold by Sound Organisation, and replace its shelves with maple cutting boards cut to size.
I have no idea why maple sounds so good (although it is a tone wood in guitar building),
but it does -- and the combo of black metal shelving and maple cutting board looks
stunning.
Hope this helped,
ATB...Wes
July 5, 2001
Subject: CD player replacement
Hi Wes,
I am looking at CD players, especially the Meridian 506.24
(used), which I like very much. But I would like to know if the Bel Canto DAC1 connected
with a two-meter TosLink cable to the Pioneer DVD player you used is a better choice in
your opinion. I know the 506.24 is a nice player that is hard to beat sonically, but the
Bel Canto incorporates new technologies that may offer a sonic advantage over the
Meridian. My system consists of Totem Mani-2 speakers, Conrad-Johnson MF2500 amp and
Premier 17LS preamp. Do you have any other suggestion that could be a nice match with my
system?
Thanks for your advice!
Alexandre Fortin
Dear Alexandre:
This is a tough call, as I'm sure you've already
determined. I think that, for some discs, the Pioneer/Bel Canto combo will offer superior
sound, but that for your CD collection on the whole -- which still probably represents 98%
of your listening, the Meridian is probably the better-sounding choice. It's a really
special CD player, and I can't think of anything that will better integrate with your C-J
gear.
ATB...Wes
July 5, 2001
Subject: NHT Super Two speakers
Wes,
I am interested in upgrading my current speaker system, and
I am looking at buying NHT's Super Twos. I have read a lot of favorable reviews on them
and have listened to them at my favorite A/V store and they sounded great when matched
with a mid-level Onkyo receiver.
Right now I have the NHT Super Ones as my mains and center
paired with a Sony receiver. I have some cheap JBLs for surrounds and a Velodyne FSR BV 12
sub. I use my system for both music and home theater equally. Obviously I would move the
Super Ones to surround and the Super Twos as the mains.
I listen primarily to jazz, blues and reggae. I'm not
looking to upgrade my receiver in the near future. I really like accurate reproduction.
Will the Twos sound good with the Sony receiver? Do you have any other speaker
recommendations instead of the Super Twos? After having read your columns and other
advice, I realize you are the guy to talk to. Thanks for your input.
Abe Kellison
Hi Abe:
Yes, I think you'll have no problems with inserting
the Super Twos into your system -- certainly none from the Sony at any rate. I like the
Super Twos a lot and, while there are other great-sounding speakers at their price point I
might recommend under different circumstances, in this case (needing to integrate them
into a system with the Super Ones), they are at the top of my list. Go for it.
ATB...Wes
|
