Amplifier choice for B&W
speakers
May 25, 2002
My speaker is the B&W DM603 S3 (25W to 150W into 8
ohms). I want to buy an amplifier. My choices are the NAD C350 (60Wpc) and NAD C370
(120Wpc). What's your recommendation? Thanks.
Amir Hossein
Generally speaking, the more powerful amplifier will
clip (distort) less when driven hard. This is directly related, however, to the
loudspeaker and its demands. B&W speakers have the reputation for being power hungry,
so power may very well be an issue in your case. There's more B&W's website states
that the DM603 S3 has a minimum impedance of 3 ohms, quite a punishing load for an
amplifier. The NAD C370, with its greater power rating, likely has a more stable power
supply, which means it will deal with low-impedance loads more easily. I think the NAD
C370 is clearly the better choice based on the reasons above.
Choosing a surround package
May 24, 2002
I'm contemplating getting a surround package of Axiom
speakers based off of the M3Ti. I am tempted to just get the Epic Master package on the
Axiom site, since I figure they probably know how to match the speakers, but I have two
questions.
Would I be better off buying a Hsu Research VFT-2 instead
of the Axiom 10" EP175 subwoofer? I personally don't need the larger subwoofer, but
if musically it is a better mate for the M3Ti, then I would consider it.
Also, I saw some reference to using four M3Ti speakers for
surround instead of the Axiom QS4 surrounds, but I can't find more info about this. I like
the idea of matched speakers but then again, the Axiom website claims the QS4 is well
matched to the VP100 center. Any insight into which may work better, or am I splitting
hairs at this point?
Alex
I strongly suggest getting the Axiom subwoofer to match
the rest of the system. Integrating a subwoofer can be tricky, and using a sub that has
proven to be a good match with the satellites is the way to go. The harder question is
whether to use Axiom's QS4 Quadpole surround or another set of M3Tis. The QS4 will
generally provide a more diffuse sound, while the M3Ti can be made to sound more precise.
Using a direct radiator in the rear does require more space behind the listener, though,
so this is a major consideration. My preference is that if you can place them a far enough
distance from the listening position (say, at least six feet) and equidistant apart, then
the M3Ti would be my choice. If they need to be somewhat closer or on the side walls, the
QS4 is likely the better match to your room.
Axiom or NHT?
May 22, 2002
First, let me thank you for the wonderful site! You have
made many people realize that one does not have to spend a fortune to enjoy quality sound
reproduction.
I will be buying my first hi-fi system in the next month or
so and I have a few questions. I am working with a $600-$900 budget and simply want to
obtain a nice integrated amp and a pair of bookshelf speakers (I have a CD player and will
wait a few more months to upgrade it). For the speakers, I have basically narrowed it down
to the Axiom M3Ti or the M22Ti, both of which I am excited by (due to their reviews on
various sites including yours), but I am wary due to having to order them without
listening to them (direct purchases only). My other speaker option is the NHT 1.5. For
some reason, NHT has dramatically dropped the price on these, and they are now going for
$275 per pair at many stores! I have done less research on the amp, but I am learning
towards the NAD C350 (approximately $350).
Jon
Thanks for the kind words! The speaker choices you've
selected -- Axiom and NHT -- are ones I recommend quite regularly. It's not just because
we've positively reviewed them; I've helped set up several NHT- and Axiom-based systems in
the past few months, and to a person everyone has been extremely happy with the sound.
It's great when review results are borne out by real people!
Now to your picks The larger Axiom will give you similar
bass capabilities to the NHT 1.5, so if that is important to you, I'd stick with those two
speakers. If not, the M3Ti is a stellar performer for a small bookshelf system. As to the
NAD C350, I haven't heard one, but have heard that it is immensely powerful and quite
clean-sounding -- a great potential match for either speaker brand you've mentioned.
NAD review?
May 21, 2002
First, I must congratulate you on a great website,
especially your "Ask the GoodSound! Guy" section. Its down-to-earth, realistic
approach is a breath of fresh air to me.
I am not an audiophile -- I think of myself as a listenerphile
instead. The point, I think, is to enjoy the music and to get the best sound you can
afford. My wife and I love to listen to our music, and for me, the best thing that happens
is when I'm swept away by the sound to the point that I become unaware of anything but the
music.
At 52 years old, I've been into this hobby since 1965. Over
the years, the electronics in my system have changed, but there is one thing that has been
a constant: my speakers. In 1969, I purchased a new pair of Acoustic Research AR3as. I
have them still, and listen to them daily. Six years ago I had the woofer surrounds
replaced, and this year I replaced all the crossover components except the inductors. The
sound of these speakers is wonderful to me. Low, clean, powerful bass, extraordinary mids
and highs, and they sound so dynamic, at low or very high volumes. I have yet to find a
bookshelf speaker (although these weigh-in at over 50 pounds each!) that sounds better.
I have a Dual CS 622 turntable with a Shure V-15 Type IV
cartridge, and when my old Pioneer SA9800 integrated amp bit the dust finally (after 30
years), I purchased a NAD C350 integrated amp. Great dynamics, plenty of clean power,
especially since the AR3as are quite inefficient (about 84dB, I think). I couldn't be
happier. I've got decent interconnects (TARA Labs), and 12-gauge custom speaker cable. The
upshot is that I feel that well-designed equipment can last for a long time, and if
well-integrated with other components, can give enormous satisfaction. System synergy, as
I have read, says it all.
I'd like to upgrade my CD player. I currently have a very
old Kenwood, and I'm not into home theater, so those features are not important to me. I'm
leaning towards the NAD C521i because I'm so happy with the NAD C350 integrated. I don't
think you've ever reviewed any NAD CD players, but I'd be interested what you think.
Thanks for a great website.
Larry Rosenthal
Are you in luck or what! We have a review of the NAD
C521i coming online June 1. So hang tight!
I like your approach too -- buy well-made gear that'll
last a long time. In many ways, this embodies the GoodSound! concept, and what
really makes the most sense. After all, you can then spend time enjoying your music, and
spend less time worrying about the equipment.
You're not alone in liking the AR speakers. Many have
found this to be a timeless design. Thanks for the kind words, and be sure to check back
on the 1st.
Do-it-all system
May 17, 2002
I enjoy classical music as well as jazz. I would like to
buy a good audio system that I can use once in a while to watch movies. I want to start
with a pair of speakers. Do you think I should have a CD player and a DVD player? A/V
receiver as well as integrated amp? Thanks.
Hetal Shah
I sure wouldn't split my resources up like that. I'd buy
the best integrated amplifier (if two channels are preferred) or receiver (if surround
sound is preferred) I could afford and then a good DVD player to serve as the single
source component. You'll end up with better equipment and one do-it-all system.
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