Better-sounding receivers?
August 30, 2007
Who makes the best-sounding receivers? I will probably buy
a surround model because my wife wants a home theater, but my interest is mainly how it
sounds in two-channel mode. Do you have any ideas?
Will
I have no direct experience with them, but I keep
hearing that the Harmon/Kardon receivers are a cut above the rest in stereo mode. I’m
not sure if there is one particular model that would be best to look for, or if they are
good across the board, so you may want to do some checking on some of the consumer-review
websites. The good thing is that these units are widely available and you should have no
issue finding whatever model you choose to buy. So hopefully you can try one and then
return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Speaker comparisons?
August 24, 2007
I am in the market for a good set of bookshelf speakers in
the $250-$300 range to be the foundation for a home-theater system (90% HT, 10% music). I
have read some of your reviews of speakers in this category (Paradigm Atom Monitor, PSB
Alpha B1, AV123 x-ls, etc.) and while the reviews are very helpful, you don’t compare
the speakers to each other. If you were buying a new setup, what bookshelf pair would earn
your $300? It doesn’t have to be limited to the speakers listed.
Justin
Comparisons of equipment are very helpful, and in a
perfect world we’d be able to ship all of the gear we review to each individual
writer to try and therefore be able to compare with what they themselves are reviewing.
Unfortunately, this is not a feasible endeavor for an audio publication. Of the models you
mention, each one was reviewed by a different writer, hence no comparisons to each other.
One other thing to remember is that each model will appeal to a slightly different buyer.
Like a wood finish? Choose the AV123. Want one of the cleanest-sounding speakers anywhere
near its price? Choose the Paradigm Atom Monitor. Want a warmer sound? The PSB B1 might be
the ticket. These are quick generalizations, but you get the idea. Hopefully you can hear
the Paradigms and PSBs at local dealers, and AV123 has a generous audition policy. Good
luck in your search.
Extended warranty on speakers?
August 17, 2007
I was at a big-box store the other day, and I was offered
an extended warranty on a set of speakers I bought. I did not bite, but now I am wondering
if I should have. What are your thoughts on an extended warranty on a set of speakers? I
can see buying it for a computer, or even a TV, but speakers?
Ralph
There is no question that the big-box stores are
pushing extended warranties on just about everything, so it is not surprising to hear that
you were offered one on a set of speakers. I’m with you on this one: I don’t
think it is necessary to buy an extended warranty on a set of speakers, for a couple of
reasons. First, there should still be a manufacturer’s warranty that applies to the
product! Since when should we have to pay extra for basic warranty support? The more the
consumer accepts this shady practice, the more it’ll be pushed on us. Second,
speakers rarely break unless they’re abused, and when they do break, they typically
can be repaired by swapping out a driver -- something that can be done quite easily. So I
think you made the right decision. Enjoy your speakers and don’t second-guess
yourself just because the big-box stores are trying to squeeze every last dime out of your
pocket.
Sub not working
August 13, 2007
I am trying to connect a Denon AVR-1707 to my JBL Venue
tower speakers and a Venue 12' sub. The tower speakers are OK, but nothing is coming from
the subwoofer. I followed the manual. Don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Daryl
My guess is that you don’t have the subwoofer
selected in the Denon setup menu system. This is quite common. What you need to do is go
into the menu and look for something labeled “speaker setup” or similar. Simply
turn on the subwoofer and you should be all set.
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