Multi-speaker comparison
December 18, 2003
In the opinion of your staff, in descending order from best
to last, which of these would be the best speakers to go with a Marantz 5300 (music 75% HT
25%)? I've read glowing reviews on each of these products. Does one stand way above the
rest?
Axiom M22ti
Axiom M3ti
Ascend CBM-170
Paradigm Titan
PSB Alpha B
B&W DM303
The only speakers I've actually listened to are the
B&Ws and the Titans. I actually enjoyed listening to the Titans more than the B&Ws
(I listened to them at the same time). Thanks for your response in advance.
David R.
Each speaker you list will have sonic attributes
specific to it, and the only way to clearly sort those out in your mind is to listen to
them. The truth is that's there's not a dog in the bunch you list, which I'm sure you've
surmised. Obvious differences, like the fact that the larger Axiom will play lower in the
bass department than the smaller Axiom, can help you narrow down your choice based on your
listening preferences. There's also incidental differences such as cosmetics and finish
options to take into consideration. As much as I'd like to give you a straight ranking,
it's just not that simple because each product is excellent in its own way.
What to do with the buss bar?
December 15, 2003
A friend of mine has a set of Technics speakers (model
unknown). They are of a tower design with a dome tweeter and one 6 1/2" or 8"
woofer. They have two sets of connections on the back for biamping and a small buss bar to
tie the connections together for a full-range input, which brings me to my question. How
do I connect the speaker wires, with the buss bar, for full range? The owner's manual has
disappeared during a move. Thanks!
Richard
In most cases you'll use the woofer connection for your
speaker cable and leave the buss bar in place. If you choose to biwire or biamp, remove
the buss bar and use both the woofer and tweeter connection for each respective
speaker-cable set.
Kudos
December 11, 2003
While searching the Internet for just the right speakers
for our home surround system, I read the 2002 review of
the Magnepan MMGs on your site. I bought my first pair in 1985, totally destroying my
minimal college budget, and sold them to a friend four years later. I am considering
Magnepans once more after reading your article, and I am pleased to have found a website
that gives real-world audio reviews/advice without the snobby "you need to ask how
much it costs" attitude.
It just so happens that in early 1990 I upgraded my stereo
equipment to the exact Carver configuration your writer described. I still love my Carver
amp and preamp, but now I realize it is time to upgrade my amp if I am to venture into
Maggieland once again.
Kudos to a great site, and keep up the quality reviews!
Dean Smith
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