August 24, 2001
Subject: Radio-frequency interference
This problem is so old, it has probably been discussed to
death, but, when "you're the guy that has the problem," it becomes
"new" again.
I have just purchased an Audio Valve preamp (with
Telefunken tubes), which is connected by 34 feet of Cardas QuadLink to the two VTL Deluxe
120s (class A mode). Included, is a Denon turntable (Grasshopper cartridge) and a TP-2 VTL
phono preamp.
My problem is feedback. I pick a lovely Mexican station (I
live in Texas) in my right speaker that detracts from the sound during low passages.
Occasionally, I hear another (different) station in my left speaker. When I disconnect the
cables at the preamplifier, the noise ceases.
The dealer wrapped the four tubes in lead and grounded
them, but it was no help. I have the tried the "magnetic" RF-filters, but to no
avail.
What will restore the "lovely quiet," in an
utterly beautiful sound system?
Galen Burke
Hi Galen:
Actually, your problem is RFI (radio-frequency
interference), not feedback. Something in your system, probably the preamp or the long
cable run, is acting as an antenna and loading your system with RF. I'm not sure why -- or
how -- your dealer wrapped your tubes in lead, since tubes are almost never responsible
for this.
The easy thing to do is move the preamp within a
meter of the power and substitute a 1m run of shielded cable. If that solves your problem,
fine. Just move the preamp, even if it is inconvenient.
However, if you still get radio, the problem
resides in the preamp. The easiest solution would be a Jenson CI-2RR isolation
transformer, which should eliminate any ground, hum or RFI problems you are experiencing.
(see the following
link at jensen-transformers.com).
ATB...Wes
August 23, 2001
Subject: Musical Fidelity A3CD CD player
Hi Wes. As the happy owner of the MF A300 integrated, I've
been considering the A3CD. Do you still feel the same way about it now that a years gone
by?
Thanks,
Paul Sokoloff
Hi Paul:
Yes I do. I still love my A3CD, but I also love the
Sony SCD-333ES, which is $800 these days and also offers SACD. But for CD only, the A3CD
is still my first choice.
ATB...Wes
August 22, 2001
Subject: Musical Fidelity A3CR preamplifier
Well, I bit the bullet and ordered a Musical Fidelity A3CR
preamp based on your glowing review. I'm giving my Rotel RX-975 (which I'd been using as a
pre-amp/tuner) to my Dad. I think he'll enjoy it more, although I really like the product.
Anyway, I haven't heard the A3 yet (it should arrive next week), but was wondering if you
think it will mate well with my system: (Rotel RCD-961, Rotel RB-1080, Rotel RLC-900,
Nakamichi DR-8, and B&W N804s). Your opinion, as always, would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Randy
Hi Randy:
I've taken a while to post this batch of Ask Weses
(sorry about that), so you should have your preamp by now. So tell us, what do you think
of it?
Looking forward to hearing your opinion,
ATB...Wes
August 20, 2001
Subject: Proposed system
Hello. I have a Marantz SR 8000 A/V receiver. I will be
using it for music and home theater in a room measuring 11' x 10' with a 9' ceiling. I'm
thinking about teaming this receiver with the Soliloquy 5.0 fronts, Soliloquy C3S center,
Soliloquy SAT 5 surrounds, and Soliloquy S10 sub. How do you think this will match up?
Will I need an additional amp? I saw in your recent review of the DiVA DV88 DVD player
that you used a similar setup. You had the Denon 3300 receiver, which appears to be
similar to my Marantz. How do you think everything will sound in a room this size? The
room will be dedicated to music and HT. If not the Soliloquy system, can you recommend a
similar quality (in terms of build and sound) system that will work with my Marantz?
Thanks,
Bill Bennett
Hi Bill:
I think you'll find that system will work just fine
-- as you say, it's more or less what I used for the Soliloquy speaker review and the
Arcam DVD review in HT&S. No extra amp should be necessary. If you're big into
explosions, you might prefer a different sub -- a Velodyne 12" perhaps. I'm happy
with the S-10 myself -- it offers good deep bass reinforcement (especially for music)
without shaking my walls and that's what I want.
The only caveat I have is to give the speakers as
much breathing room as possible -- and pull the L&R speakers out in front of the TV
screen. It'll be cozy, but you should have phenomenal envelopment from well-produced
surround soundtracks.
Good luck,
ATB...Wes
August 15, 2001
Subject: Sony SCD-333 review
I just read your review on the Sony SCD-333. Question. Why
don't you write more reviews? It was great. I'm not an audiophile or anything like that.
But, because of your review, I'm going to get that Sony. (of course it's only 600 bucks
now, and I'm going to have some of the guts upgraded) Anyway, you have a good reviewing
style, and I thought I'd compliment you on that.
Sincerely,
John
I sure miss the Dead concerts here in the Bay Area.
Hi John:
Thanks for the kind words. Let me know about the
mods you have done -- I'm sure onhifi.com's readers will want to know about them.
And yes, it's hard to believe that we'll never hear
Jerry G's lovely guitar lines again -- I keep buying, and taking comfort in, more and more
of the Dick's Picks as they come out. But it's not the same….
ATB...Wes
August 11, 2001
Subject: Changing CD players
I'm struggling with changing CD players. I've used a Rega
Planet for two years (the original Planet), but recently got hold of a Sony SCD-777. Sony
is discontinuing the 777, so the price is very good, $1600. I'm trying to evaluate
strictly on the basis of Red Book CD performance. I have bought several SACDs and I am
favorably impressed but I own mostly standard CDs.
Can you provide any thoughts on the characteristic sound of
these two players (without making a system recommendation of course). When you A/B
players, what do you listen for? What helps you decide? Have you listened to the 777? And
finally, with the rapid and ever-changing digital market, is this a good time to spend big
money on a player. I've got 30 days to evaluate the 777.
Thanks,
Howard
Dear Howard:
I love the 777 and would gladly buy one if I could
get a deal as good as yours. As a CD player, I thinks it's superb -- even more detailed
and liquid than your Rega, which is pretty good to start with. Plus you get SACD and build
quality that just won't quit.
Listen to either the Kind of Blue SACD or
the Dave Holland Quintet's Not for Nothin' CD and tell me if you can return the
777. I suspect not.
Go for it.
ATB...Wes
August 10, 2001
Subject: Power condition
I am currently interested in acquiring a power conditioner
for my system. The options are vast, and it really isn't clear which ones are more
favorable, based on my limited research of the literature. I have only had experiences
with the API Power Wedge 116 and the Monster Cable families of power conditioners.
I am unsure of which power conditioner would be a better
fit for my system. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
FYI, my system consists of the following:
- Musical Fidelity A300 integrated amp
- Sony CDP-XA20ES
- Paradigm Studio 40
- Cable: AudioQuest Coral interconnect, Mapleshade
interconnect, Tributaries digital optical, Monster Cable Z2 biwire speaker cables
Thanks in advance. As a side question, any comments or
recommendations for my current system?
Sincerely yours,
W. Chung
Hi WC:
I've had excellent results from my API Ultra 116 --
although I don't use it for power amplifiers -- and I've heard nothing but raves
concerning the newest PS Audio units, including their new receptacles. I was impressed by
a demonstration of Monster's new variac-based conditioner at HT2001, but haven't managed
to get one for review yet.
I don't really have any comments about your system,
which looks like a real high-stepper, but I do have a question: What's your impression of
the Mapleshade interconnect? I've seen it at audio shows, but have no experience with it.
ATB...Wes
August 5, 2001
Subject: Bel Canto DAC1
I read with interest your review of the Bel Canto DAC1. I
have one of the few Rotel RCD-990's in existence. It sounds great with jazz and rock
music, but seems a little congested with large orchestral works in the mid and upper
registers. Would the Bel Canto be a good upgrade option for this unit, which, by the way,
has a great transport (Philips CDM-9 Pro).
Thanks,
J. Port
Hi JP:
Yes, I think it would go a long way towards
improving the sound of your RCD-990 -- especially if you can convince your dealer to grant
you a try-before-you-buy home demo.
ATB...Wes
August 1, 2001
Subject: I need your advice!
Hi Wes, my name is Joe Leaman and I
go way back on stereo -- like with Harmon/Kardon's Citation I and II with AR-3 speakers! I
am now in the process of buying a new system. My resources are not unlimited, so Krell is
probably out of the question. I am looking at Bob Carver's Sunfire theater preamp and
amplifier (his amplifier design is very interesting) and the B&K Reference 30 preamp
and amplifier. For speakers, I am looking at the Thiel CS2.3 and CS3.6.
I would like your opinion of B&K vs. Sunfire and the
CS2.3 and CS3.6 I am undecided if I need to go with the home-theater system or stay with
the pure stereo system. My main interest is music; however, at times I would like to use
the system for TV.
I know you are very busy but would appreciate your opinion.
Also, anything else you would like to add or refer to me.
Thank you very much for your time,
Joe Leaman
Hi Joe:
I haven't auditioned the
Sunfire for myself, so I can't express an opinion either way. On the other hand, I have a
pair of the B&K M220s and a Reference 30 preamp in for evaluation and they are pretty
special, at first glance. Watch onhifi.com for a full evaluation. The B&Ks certainly
have both the power and the current for the Thiels.
BTW, simply running your TV through your stereo
system makes a tremendous improvement in sound and in getting rid of that "in the
box" sensation. It's such a huge improvement that you may never get around to taking
the "next" step to 5.1 channels.
ATB...Wes
July 25, 2001
Subject: Stax write-up
Thanks for your penetrating and
objective write-up on the Stax Signature system. I recently heard them and was favorably
impressed. However I had not yet heard the other "reference systems" in your
article. Could you indicate whether you preferred, to the latest Stax Signature systems,
either:
1) the Sennheiser/ HeadRoom Max combination?
2) the Older Stax versions
In your opinion, what were the primary differences in the
between those other systems?
Thanks for sharing your experiences in this matter.
Alan Kuritsky
Hi Alan:
As a sometimes recordist, I
think the Stax are unparalleled at revealing what's wrong with a recording. However, for
musical pleasure and hours of listening comfort, I vastly prefer the Sennheiser
HD600/HeadRoom Max combination -- they tell me what's right about a recording. If you're
really intent on tube-liquidity for headphone listening, get yourself a CARY 300SEI
amplifier ($3395) and pair it with the Sennheiser 600s.
ATB...Wes
July 20, 2001
Subject: Amp crackling
My question concerns some strange noises emanating from my
audio system, which is comprised of an NAD 317 integrated amp, an Arcam Alpha 7SE CD
player and B&W DM602 S2 monitors. After about 45 minutes of listening (classical music
at lower volumes) I get a crackling sound often accompanied by momentary drop outs of
sound altogether. I have eliminated the CD, speakers and cables as contributing to this
problem, which leaves the amp as the suspect unit. Any suggestions for what this may be.
This problem doesn't occur when listening at louder volumes.
Thanks,
Steve
Hi Steve:
It's probably a leaky capacitor discharging,
although if that's the case, I can't understand why it doesn't occur at louder volumes. It
is possible that it's a faulty transistor in the output stage, but that doesn't seem as
likely. In either case, a good technician should be able to diagnose it pretty reliably.
Good luck!
ATB…Wes
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