Amp for NHT system
December 28, 2007
Can you suggest a power amp for the NHT ST4? I'm somewhat
new to the audiophile scene. I have a Yamaha HTR-5890 for my power and processing. Would I
benefit from buying an amp to power the speakers instead of using my stereo receiver? If I
bought a seven-channel amp could I run two channels to each ST4 as it is biampable, and
the other three to my center (SC2) and rears (SB3s)? Great website. Any info much
appreciated.
Zach
I think it sounds like a fine idea. Replacing the power
section of a receiver with a standalone power amplifier is an excellent upgrade path. The
fact that could biamp speakers that were obviously designed to operate best in that
configuration is only a bonus. As for which amp, you could go with something from Outlaw
Audio, or Axiom Audio’s new amp, which I hear is tremendous. Other options are a
PVA-series amp from Anthem, or the new multichannels from NuForce. There is no shortage of
candidates, any of which would do wonders for your system. Good luck.
Speaker selection
December 20, 2007
I listen to rock as much as any genre, but I've always
listened at a fairly low volume. Subwoofers make me leave a room. Which of your reviewed
speakers would you recommend for that type of listener? I'm looking at the cheaper PSB,
Axiom, Paradigm, Energy and Ascend models, but will try anything you suggest. In the
‘70s, I owned ADC 303ax speakers, which I felt had too much bass. Since then I've
owned shelf systems, but I want to try a decent entry-level system. I'll be using an Onkyo
receiver (TX-8011) and plan to buy the Oppo player you just reviewed. My room is 15’
x 20’. Despite my listening tendency, I'm hoping to put together a system that will
make me say "Wow." I also listen to Celtic, classical, jazz and a lot of early
music.
Bob
You’ve assembled your short list from the products
that we’ve highly reviewed, and therefore I really can’t add too much beyond
that. All of the speakers you mentioned will sound good at lowish volumes, none is pumped
up in the bass, and each brand has a good bookshelf model in their lineup that will likely
fit your space and budget. And I agree with you about most subwoofer systems -- those that
are calibrated for maximum effect with movie soundtracks generally sound offensive on
music. However, that is typically more a symptom of poor setup and calibration; a good
subwoofer set up properly for music can seamlessly blend into the texture of the music.
Make sure you set the receiver’s speaker setup menu to Large for your front speakers
so that they are receiving a full-range signal. Some receiver default to Small, assuming a
subwoofer will be used. Good luck with your selection, and let us know how it works out.
Possible system directions
December 18, 2007
I have an NAD 705 stereo receiver, Mordaunt-Short MS20i
speakers, Arcam 7SE CD player, Thorens TD104 turntable and recently a Squeezebox. The
Squeezebox has liberated a lot of music on the PC, and in the long term I want it to be my
sole front end. In the meantime, I want to upgrade the amp and/or the speakers. I listen
mainly to jazz and classical in a medium-sized room. I want to add some bass and power to
my current system but keep its musicality.
What component should I start with: speakers of amplifier?
Or should I do both together (and spend a bit less)? How high do I need to go to feel the
upgrade? Take for example, the NAD: If I stick with this firm, will an NAD C720 BEE make
that much of a difference in my overall sound, or maybe I should keep my 705 and just go
for amp power such as the 352 or even the 372. There is also the theoretical possibility
with the 705 to keep it as a preamp (and tuner) and upgrade just the amp, but I don't know
if that is a good idea with such an old box.
Steve
If you are looking for “bass and power” I
think the best possible upgrade for your system is a powered subwoofer. Adding a sub these
days to a good stereo system is far easier than it used to be due to the range of controls
available on most good subs: crossover, phase, room EQ, etc. It would cost you a lot more
money to buy a new set of stereo speakers that will play as low and with as much power
versus your current speakers with the addition of a subwoofer. And remember that adding a
subwoofer not only will add more low bass to your system, but it could free-up your main
speakers to sound more dynamic and lower in distortion (if you use a high-pass crossover
on them, which many subs also have). I don’t think you could make as dramatic of an
improvement by upgrading any other part of your system. Go for the sub!
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