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Paradigm Signature In-Wall Speakers
Stephen Hornbrook - Monday, 21 May 2012
Stephen Hornbrook - Monday, 21 May 2012
Paradigm's line-up of in-wall/in-ceiling speakers includes both the SA Series v.3 and the top-of-the-line Signature Series v.3. When deciding to go with permanently installed speakers, one does not want to choose the wrong speakers.
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Synergistic Research Tesla Series AC Power Conditioner and Power Cables
Michael Jude Galvin - Thursday, 17 May 2012
Michael Jude Galvin - Thursday, 17 May 2012
Moving can really suck. On top of everything else, it seems like I always lose stuff, at least temporarily. Eventually, that lost pair of shoes will turn up in a box labeled "towels," but it had been a few months since the move and I was still looking for some of the magic of my system. Reviewed here is the Synergistic Research Tesla Series Power Conditioner and Power Cables.
Comments (9)
Again
written by RAALLEN , May 17, 2012
I couldn't finish reading this review as my extreme BS filter kicked in at the mention of the optional "shielded" power cable.
I place this slightly behind ringing bowls and amplifier isolation feet.
written by RAALLEN , May 17, 2012
I couldn't finish reading this review as my extreme BS filter kicked in at the mention of the optional "shielded" power cable.
I place this slightly behind ringing bowls and amplifier isolation feet.
...
written by Mr. Manuel , May 17, 2012
Why is it I've never seen a before and after comparison of measurements in these types of reviews of cables, power conditioners and power strips?
Why can't we get a review that shows the reviewer taking a system that is plugged directly into a wall socket, measuring distortion, changes in impedance, frequency response, etc, etc, etc and compare those results to the same system with the only difference being the power cables which have been changed to something like the Tesla SE T3 SE Active Power Cord and plugged into something like the Tesla PowerCell 4.
Now if the claims are true in that you get: More clarity, more detail, improved sound stage, more air, more depth, the sound becomes more Three-dimensional, wouldn't it be EASY to show the measurements of said improvements? Even doing something as simple as increasing the volume of your system, you can measure a bunch of changes: distortion levels increasing, more power gets drawn from the power supply, impedance increases, etc. All which are very measurable.
Also, since the internal wiring of homes have hundreds of feet of electrical wire that's UNSHIELDED plus the wires coming from the outside of the home is not shielded and it does not even have a ground. Can a few feet of shielded (active or passive) audiophile grade power cable get rid of all that contamination going into the wires in the home and the thousand for miles of cables coming for the Electrical Power provider?
written by Mr. Manuel , May 17, 2012
Why is it I've never seen a before and after comparison of measurements in these types of reviews of cables, power conditioners and power strips?
Why can't we get a review that shows the reviewer taking a system that is plugged directly into a wall socket, measuring distortion, changes in impedance, frequency response, etc, etc, etc and compare those results to the same system with the only difference being the power cables which have been changed to something like the Tesla SE T3 SE Active Power Cord and plugged into something like the Tesla PowerCell 4.
Now if the claims are true in that you get: More clarity, more detail, improved sound stage, more air, more depth, the sound becomes more Three-dimensional, wouldn't it be EASY to show the measurements of said improvements? Even doing something as simple as increasing the volume of your system, you can measure a bunch of changes: distortion levels increasing, more power gets drawn from the power supply, impedance increases, etc. All which are very measurable.
Also, since the internal wiring of homes have hundreds of feet of electrical wire that's UNSHIELDED plus the wires coming from the outside of the home is not shielded and it does not even have a ground. Can a few feet of shielded (active or passive) audiophile grade power cable get rid of all that contamination going into the wires in the home and the thousand for miles of cables coming for the Electrical Power provider?
Seriously?
written by Ron W , May 17, 2012
Considering the countless reviews done on these types of products over the years, which generally discuss what they can and more often what they can't do, once again and especially considering the asking price, I just have a great deal of trouble taking another review of one of these products seriously.
written by Ron W , May 17, 2012
Considering the countless reviews done on these types of products over the years, which generally discuss what they can and more often what they can't do, once again and especially considering the asking price, I just have a great deal of trouble taking another review of one of these products seriously.
...
written by Mr. Manuel , May 18, 2012
I actually tried to read the entire review. And like the first comment I could not finish due to the excessive BS on top of BS multiplied by more BS...
HomeTheaterhifi.com, please don't allow these types of reviews anymore on your site. Reviews like this diminishes your credibility as a reliable source for information. We are not looking for fairy tales..
This review would have been taken seriously prior to the advent of the internet. It would have been written in some snobbish Audiophile magazine. But with the net, people are way more educated and don't fall so easily for this sort of BS. Though some still do.
written by Mr. Manuel , May 18, 2012
I actually tried to read the entire review. And like the first comment I could not finish due to the excessive BS on top of BS multiplied by more BS...
HomeTheaterhifi.com, please don't allow these types of reviews anymore on your site. Reviews like this diminishes your credibility as a reliable source for information. We are not looking for fairy tales..
This review would have been taken seriously prior to the advent of the internet. It would have been written in some snobbish Audiophile magazine. But with the net, people are way more educated and don't fall so easily for this sort of BS. Though some still do.
Give Tesla a try
written by Peter , May 18, 2012
I have Tesla power cell 10SE and got it from local dealer for a trial very reluctantly, but ended up keeping it because it completely transformed my system (Theta DN 2, Martin logan/ Cary cinema 12). I went through several power conditioners and none came close to it.
I know this review is unexpected from this web site without all the fancy comparison graphs, but in the end reviewer is honest about what he heard!
Many times best reviewed products may not match your system; Everyone has to listen to the unit in their own system and then decide if it is worth buying.
Tesla allows for 1 month in-home free trial through dealers.
Peter
written by Peter , May 18, 2012
I have Tesla power cell 10SE and got it from local dealer for a trial very reluctantly, but ended up keeping it because it completely transformed my system (Theta DN 2, Martin logan/ Cary cinema 12). I went through several power conditioners and none came close to it.
I know this review is unexpected from this web site without all the fancy comparison graphs, but in the end reviewer is honest about what he heard!
Many times best reviewed products may not match your system; Everyone has to listen to the unit in their own system and then decide if it is worth buying.
Tesla allows for 1 month in-home free trial through dealers.
Peter
Sigh
written by James , May 19, 2012
I have never heard the tesla stuff so I have no comment on them but the comments section just frosted my goat with theoretical rather than practical comments. People who are not tone deaf and blind can easily hear and see the difference with power cords. Shunyata can give you all the measurements you want but it doesn't make them sound better. Even though I use their hydra power conditioner, I use an audience power cord on my amp because I like the warm relaxed less detailed sound as opposed to a thinner and clearer more detailed sound but ultimately more sterile sound with a shunyata cord. But use the shunyata cord instead of the audience cord on the separate conditioner managing the panasonic plasma tv and the improvement in clarity richness and pop of the picture is stunning.
written by James , May 19, 2012
I have never heard the tesla stuff so I have no comment on them but the comments section just frosted my goat with theoretical rather than practical comments. People who are not tone deaf and blind can easily hear and see the difference with power cords. Shunyata can give you all the measurements you want but it doesn't make them sound better. Even though I use their hydra power conditioner, I use an audience power cord on my amp because I like the warm relaxed less detailed sound as opposed to a thinner and clearer more detailed sound but ultimately more sterile sound with a shunyata cord. But use the shunyata cord instead of the audience cord on the separate conditioner managing the panasonic plasma tv and the improvement in clarity richness and pop of the picture is stunning.
Enough
written by Tod , May 19, 2012
What I find incredible is the constant shilling against what is so obvious to anyone who listens. ie: cables, power cords and line conditioners make a difference, sometime for the positive and occasionally, a remarkable improvement at that.
Please continue to sift through the chaff and let us know when you make an exceptional find. This saves me time by narrowing my search. I'll be auditioning the PowerCell 4 as a result of this review.
Thanks Michael
written by Tod , May 19, 2012
What I find incredible is the constant shilling against what is so obvious to anyone who listens. ie: cables, power cords and line conditioners make a difference, sometime for the positive and occasionally, a remarkable improvement at that.
Please continue to sift through the chaff and let us know when you make an exceptional find. This saves me time by narrowing my search. I'll be auditioning the PowerCell 4 as a result of this review.
Thanks Michael
I believe it
written by Dr. Richards , May 20, 2012
I tried some of their T3 cables on my amp and preamp and these cables really did make a difference in all the aspects mentioned in the review. Believe it, the SR cables really do work. I'm sure that all of the naysayers here haven't actually tried the SR cables, and are only expessing their unbelief because of an inability to explain the phenomenon.
I think it would be good to do an RTA measurement of FR using a before and after with the cables in the system. I'm sure it would be measurable.
written by Dr. Richards , May 20, 2012
I tried some of their T3 cables on my amp and preamp and these cables really did make a difference in all the aspects mentioned in the review. Believe it, the SR cables really do work. I'm sure that all of the naysayers here haven't actually tried the SR cables, and are only expessing their unbelief because of an inability to explain the phenomenon.
I think it would be good to do an RTA measurement of FR using a before and after with the cables in the system. I'm sure it would be measurable.
...
written by JJ , May 21, 2012
As Editor-in-Chief of Secrets, I would be showing bias if I were to eliminate cable reviews from our roster. And THAT would reduce our credibility. I have shown electronic measurements on the reactive impedance vs. frequency for numerous cables, and the response varies between cables. Some have more rolloff at the high frequencies than others. That rolloff WILL affect the signal passing through the cable (high frequency loss and phase shift). The problem is that the effect is very small. Although the human ears are very sensitive, not everyone can hear the difference, in part because they don't know what to listen for. In fact, I have not been able to hear the difference, but that is probably because I am older than most of you (67), and my hearing doesn't go beyond about 12 kHz. Music resides mostly between 60 Hz and 6 kHz, and I can hear differences between amplifiers and speakers easily, but cable difference are beyond my hearing.
written by JJ , May 21, 2012
As Editor-in-Chief of Secrets, I would be showing bias if I were to eliminate cable reviews from our roster. And THAT would reduce our credibility. I have shown electronic measurements on the reactive impedance vs. frequency for numerous cables, and the response varies between cables. Some have more rolloff at the high frequencies than others. That rolloff WILL affect the signal passing through the cable (high frequency loss and phase shift). The problem is that the effect is very small. Although the human ears are very sensitive, not everyone can hear the difference, in part because they don't know what to listen for. In fact, I have not been able to hear the difference, but that is probably because I am older than most of you (67), and my hearing doesn't go beyond about 12 kHz. Music resides mostly between 60 Hz and 6 kHz, and I can hear differences between amplifiers and speakers easily, but cable difference are beyond my hearing.
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Runco LightStyle LS-100d DLP LED Projector
Chris Heinonen - Monday, 14 May 2012
Chris Heinonen - Monday, 14 May 2012
For a truly immersive home theater experience, nothing compares to a large image that fills your field of view. Unfortunately many of us don’t have a room that will work for a projector due to space and throw limitations and are forced to make do with a far smaller plasma or LCD display. Runco has a solution for those challenging situations with their LS-100d, a short throw, LED-based projector capable of producing a 100” image while being placed right up against the wall.
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Emotiva ERC-2 CD Player
Rick Schmidt - Monday, 07 May 2012
Rick Schmidt - Monday, 07 May 2012
Emotiva continues to occupy an interesting space in the audiophile realm. It is now possible to get an entire two channel or five channel system consisting almost entirely of Emotiva products, CD player or DAC, a preamp, a variety of amplifiers from one to five channels, a pre-pro on the way and interconnects. The Emotiva ERC-2 is a two-channel CD player with balanced outputs for low noise transfer between the CD player and your preamplifier. At $449, this is a player to reckon with.
Comments (1)
...
written by Mr. Manuel , May 11, 2012
Quote: "For break-in I put in a disk and let the ERC-2 run for about a day continuously before I listened. "... Okay.. What the heck are you actually "Breaking in"? There are a lot of quirky 'nonsense' you get in the audiophile world (cable lifts, copper weights, ambient field conditioners (http://www.lessloss.com/blackbody-p-200.html) etc, etc that don't do a damn thing to the sound just sucks money from the idiot who bought into the gimmick. Equipment break-in is also one of those gimmicks. The only thing that is being broke-in is your ears and brain as it get accustomed to the sound it's hearing. You broke-in the CD unit but cannot tell if what you did change the sound quality.. This makes no sense. Quote: "If there was any change in the sound due to further break-in I didn't hear it."
I really hope newbs who are getting started with serious music listen (no 128k mp3) don't get suckered into the "Audiophile" way of doing things. Buy the ERC-2 and out of the box it's gonna sound the same from day 1 to day 100.
written by Mr. Manuel , May 11, 2012
Quote: "For break-in I put in a disk and let the ERC-2 run for about a day continuously before I listened. "... Okay.. What the heck are you actually "Breaking in"? There are a lot of quirky 'nonsense' you get in the audiophile world (cable lifts, copper weights, ambient field conditioners (http://www.lessloss.com/blackbody-p-200.html) etc, etc that don't do a damn thing to the sound just sucks money from the idiot who bought into the gimmick. Equipment break-in is also one of those gimmicks. The only thing that is being broke-in is your ears and brain as it get accustomed to the sound it's hearing. You broke-in the CD unit but cannot tell if what you did change the sound quality.. This makes no sense. Quote: "If there was any change in the sound due to further break-in I didn't hear it."
I really hope newbs who are getting started with serious music listen (no 128k mp3) don't get suckered into the "Audiophile" way of doing things. Buy the ERC-2 and out of the box it's gonna sound the same from day 1 to day 100.
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Sony VPL-VW95ES 3D Projector
Chris Heinonen - Monday, 07 May 2012
Chris Heinonen - Monday, 07 May 2012
With the shift from CRTs to flat panel and projection displays, Sony has had to find something to replace the veritable Trinitron that was a symbol of excellence for so many years. Their proprietary version of Liquid Crystal on Silicon, SXRD, has been their high-end technology, appearing in products their Qualia reference line, to the first home 4K projector this year, and in the VPL-VW95ES reviewed here.
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Paradigm SUB 1 Subwoofer
Chris Heinonen - Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Chris Heinonen - Wednesday, 02 May 2012
One can never be too rich, too good looking, or have too much bass. The first two axioms are ones that unfortunately I cannot test out myself, but the third is one that I am willing to get a shot. For years Paradigm has delivered some award winning, room rattling subwoofers. The SUB 2 is their most powerful subwoofer, and the SUB 1 isn't far behind. In fact, either one of these top notch subs can blow you out of the room.
Comments (10)
Cheap, small, ultra powerful subs?
written by Broke after Payday , May 02, 2012
It's too bad no one can build a small sub and get it to go down to 16hz and below at high spl's and cost under $450. Where are the Chinese sub manufacturers? Poor folks like myself need you..
written by Broke after Payday , May 02, 2012
It's too bad no one can build a small sub and get it to go down to 16hz and below at high spl's and cost under $450. Where are the Chinese sub manufacturers? Poor folks like myself need you..
Two?
written by Ron W , May 03, 2012
I am just wondering, given the cost of this sub and even if one was willing to spend the money for it, in the vast majority of HT applications, I personally, still believe one would be better off taking the cash and buying TWO $2500 subs which in this price range are still going to give the user performance levels reasonably close to the Sub-1. I would also gather in a large room a single sub, even of this category, is still going to be subject to the usual potential room "anomalies" that two subs, like in many other applications, would help smooth out.
written by Ron W , May 03, 2012
I am just wondering, given the cost of this sub and even if one was willing to spend the money for it, in the vast majority of HT applications, I personally, still believe one would be better off taking the cash and buying TWO $2500 subs which in this price range are still going to give the user performance levels reasonably close to the Sub-1. I would also gather in a large room a single sub, even of this category, is still going to be subject to the usual potential room "anomalies" that two subs, like in many other applications, would help smooth out.
Re: Cheap, small, ultra powerful subs?
written by Josuah , May 03, 2012
Our current technology isn't capable of producing a subwoofer that does what you describe at that price point.
A small subwoofer that produces high SPL and low frequencies needs a large amount of clean excursion and power. Producing a driver capable of doing that and pairing it with an amplifier of sufficient output cannot be done at a materials cost of around $200.
Currently the most cost effective way to achieve high SPL at low frequencies is through a tuned port. That will get you a higher SPL with lower requirements for driver capability and power, but it will drop off below the port frequency, and larger ports require larger enclosures. A passive radiator is an alternative that can get you to a smaller enclosure but would cost a little more than a port (I think). However even these designs are unlikely to achieve reference-level SPL without increasing the driver/power costs and port size requirements past a small enclosure.
written by Josuah , May 03, 2012
Our current technology isn't capable of producing a subwoofer that does what you describe at that price point.
A small subwoofer that produces high SPL and low frequencies needs a large amount of clean excursion and power. Producing a driver capable of doing that and pairing it with an amplifier of sufficient output cannot be done at a materials cost of around $200.
Currently the most cost effective way to achieve high SPL at low frequencies is through a tuned port. That will get you a higher SPL with lower requirements for driver capability and power, but it will drop off below the port frequency, and larger ports require larger enclosures. A passive radiator is an alternative that can get you to a smaller enclosure but would cost a little more than a port (I think). However even these designs are unlikely to achieve reference-level SPL without increasing the driver/power costs and port size requirements past a small enclosure.
Fletcher
written by Fletcher Shives , May 04, 2012
I do recall that two original Bose 901s with active equalizer went as low and maybe as loud for the price of $450 (1971 dollars.)
written by Fletcher Shives , May 04, 2012
I do recall that two original Bose 901s with active equalizer went as low and maybe as loud for the price of $450 (1971 dollars.)
Bose Comparison
written by ChrisHeinonen , May 04, 2012
The original 901 had nine 4" drivers, and weighed a total of 36 lbs. shipped. An 8" driver has 4 times the surface area of a 4" driver, and would be capable of more excursion, and each of those 8" drivers in the Sub1 has a magnet weighing more than 9 lbs to offer control over it.
If everything else on the 901 weighed nothing, the largest magnet for each driver would be 4 lbs. The 901 was (and still is) a very distinct speaker that can do relatively strong bass, but comparing it to the SUB1 is like comparing an 8" mini subwoofer to the SUB1, they're just different weight classes. You might get low, but at the expense of volume and distortion, and doing them all at once is expensive.
written by ChrisHeinonen , May 04, 2012
The original 901 had nine 4" drivers, and weighed a total of 36 lbs. shipped. An 8" driver has 4 times the surface area of a 4" driver, and would be capable of more excursion, and each of those 8" drivers in the Sub1 has a magnet weighing more than 9 lbs to offer control over it.
If everything else on the 901 weighed nothing, the largest magnet for each driver would be 4 lbs. The 901 was (and still is) a very distinct speaker that can do relatively strong bass, but comparing it to the SUB1 is like comparing an 8" mini subwoofer to the SUB1, they're just different weight classes. You might get low, but at the expense of volume and distortion, and doing them all at once is expensive.
Bose? Really?
written by JimM , May 04, 2012
The 901s had trouble producing clean bass at 40Hz (among other egregious faults).
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/425/index.html
written by JimM , May 04, 2012
The 901s had trouble producing clean bass at 40Hz (among other egregious faults).
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/425/index.html
I Love Paradigm
written by Jim R , May 05, 2012
Am running Paradigm References for the front rwo channels and Paradigm Studios for the Center and Surround Channels. Subwoofers are Velodyne 12" cube and an old Carver 12". They get down to the mid 20s. The Sub 1 would be a great addition, but is too expensive right now. Have been saving for the new Hsu sub which also goes down to around 12 hz or so, at a quarter of the cost of the Sub 1. Do you have any experience with this sub?
Don't think I would associate the Bose 901 with high fidelity sound although Bose owners swear by them!
written by Jim R , May 05, 2012
Am running Paradigm References for the front rwo channels and Paradigm Studios for the Center and Surround Channels. Subwoofers are Velodyne 12" cube and an old Carver 12". They get down to the mid 20s. The Sub 1 would be a great addition, but is too expensive right now. Have been saving for the new Hsu sub which also goes down to around 12 hz or so, at a quarter of the cost of the Sub 1. Do you have any experience with this sub?
Don't think I would associate the Bose 901 with high fidelity sound although Bose owners swear by them!
$450 16Hz Sub
written by Derek , May 06, 2012
Actually my PB10-NSD was $450 when I bought it on sale 4 years ago. It is flat to 20Hz. It might have an f3 of 16. That's the closest I can think of...
written by Derek , May 06, 2012
Actually my PB10-NSD was $450 when I bought it on sale 4 years ago. It is flat to 20Hz. It might have an f3 of 16. That's the closest I can think of...
Come on, man...
written by Captain Stereo , May 07, 2012
And I'd like Ferrari performance for $2,000. But you'd have to be an idiot to expect reference level performance for virtual pennies right? What's amazing is that I hear people whining about how much this or that costs while at the same time they're driving a late model car that cost $30,000 or better with a $400/month payment. Try this. Get an $8,000 car and a $22,000 hi-fi instead. You'll still get to work and back just fine, but the difference is that when you get home from work, you won't be listening to cheap garbage anymore, or wishing that someone would sacrifice their livelihood and make a reference level product and lose all their money selling it for $400. GAD ZUKES!
written by Captain Stereo , May 07, 2012
And I'd like Ferrari performance for $2,000. But you'd have to be an idiot to expect reference level performance for virtual pennies right? What's amazing is that I hear people whining about how much this or that costs while at the same time they're driving a late model car that cost $30,000 or better with a $400/month payment. Try this. Get an $8,000 car and a $22,000 hi-fi instead. You'll still get to work and back just fine, but the difference is that when you get home from work, you won't be listening to cheap garbage anymore, or wishing that someone would sacrifice their livelihood and make a reference level product and lose all their money selling it for $400. GAD ZUKES!
Hsu Sub
written by ChrisHeinonen , May 08, 2012
I haven't used any of the Hsu subs, so I really can't offer any comments on them that aren't just what someone else has written. As far as a single vs. multiple sub, you might want to do a single for multiple reasons: Space, processor/receiver support, performance, the ability to upgrade to duals later. Two @2,500 subs might outperform a single $5,000 sub, but that's also going to be room dependent along with other factors. I'd suggest going out and listening to both and deciding what you want.
written by ChrisHeinonen , May 08, 2012
I haven't used any of the Hsu subs, so I really can't offer any comments on them that aren't just what someone else has written. As far as a single vs. multiple sub, you might want to do a single for multiple reasons: Space, processor/receiver support, performance, the ability to upgrade to duals later. Two @2,500 subs might outperform a single $5,000 sub, but that's also going to be room dependent along with other factors. I'd suggest going out and listening to both and deciding what you want.
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Optoma HD8300 3D DLP Projector
Chris Eberle - Monday, 30 April 2012
Chris Eberle - Monday, 30 April 2012
Now that 3D has become commonplace in HDTVs, projectors are following suit. Most of the new models introduced at CEDIA 2011 incorporate 3D into their feature set. While 3D has not lured me into upgrading my reference equipment just yet, I can’t help but wonder when I might really want to watch Avatar in 3D. So, I managed to obtain the new Optoma HD8300 DLP projector which just happens to have 3D capability.
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Wireless HDMI Round Up
Chris Heinonen - Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Chris Heinonen - Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Now that our TVs are thin enough we often want to hang them on a wall, and manufacturers keep pushing the limits of thickness year after year. CES this year saw the advent of OLED TVs that are just millimeters thick as they no longer need backlighting systems, and serve double duty as a cheese slicer with their razor-thin profiles.
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Accell UltraCat HD HDMI Cable Extender
Sumit Chawla - Monday, 23 April 2012
Sumit Chawla - Monday, 23 April 2012
During CEDIA 2011, one technology that caught my attention was HDBaseT. It provided a solution to the all too familiar cable clutter problem. Below is a picture that I took at their booth which shows a set of cables whose signals could all be transmitted over a single Cat5e/6 cable at distances up to 100m.
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Velodyne vPulse In-Ear Headphones (Earbuds)
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Wednesday, 18 April 2012
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Wednesday, 18 April 2012
With the prevalence of portable music players to the point that you must be from Mars if you don't own one, there is a huge aftermarket for high quality earphones (headphones is the category, with over-the-ear headphones, on-ear-headphones, in-ear headphones, in-ear-earphones, and in-ear earbuds being the specific type of headphone one is referring to). Velodyne, renown manufacturer of subwoofers, not to be left out of this trend, has released a set of in-ear headphones called the vPulse....and best of all, they sound like Velodyne all the way . . . a.k.a. very, very good.
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Anthem P2 Two-Channel Power Amplifier
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Monday, 16 April 2012
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Monday, 16 April 2012
Anthem's statement multi-channel power amplifiers are called the P series. They come in two versions, a five-channel (P5) and a two-channel (P2). My home theater test lab has a 200 watt x 5 amplifier which works great for the majority of applications, but it is driving electrostatic speakers (ESLs), and for a handful of Blu-ray movies, the amplifier will go into protect mode when at high volume, because ESLs typically have a very low impedance (1 ohm) in the high frequency range. So, I figured I just need more power for the front two channels, since they are set at higher volume than the side and rear channels. My center channel speaker is a conventional cone design, so it does not have this problem. I turned to Anthem, and requested their P2 to see if it would solve my problem. It solved my problem, and I think now all the cockroaches that had been hiding in the walls have now left the building.
Comments (5)
Amp shootout Please
written by Mr. Manuel , April 16, 2012
When are you guys going to do a side by side comparison of reviewed amps?
Anyway, you should know what question is coming.
How does this $4300 beast compare to the Emovtiva XPA 2 $800 monster?
written by Mr. Manuel , April 16, 2012
When are you guys going to do a side by side comparison of reviewed amps?
Anyway, you should know what question is coming.
How does this $4300 beast compare to the Emovtiva XPA 2 $800 monster?
Sound?
written by Jaime , April 16, 2012
Only six words to state, BTW, the P2 also sounds very good. Soudstage? Imaging? Tone? Bass strenghts? Forward or recessed presentation? Even frequency response (in a system, not in the bench)? Dark or golden sounding? Grainy? Etc...
Nothing! So, if I wanted this $4,300 amplifier for it's designed purpose - to drive two channels - and decided to use it on an "old-fashioned" hi-end two channel stereo system, I would have no clue as to how it really sounds (subjectively, of course).
You can do better!
written by Jaime , April 16, 2012
Only six words to state, BTW, the P2 also sounds very good. Soudstage? Imaging? Tone? Bass strenghts? Forward or recessed presentation? Even frequency response (in a system, not in the bench)? Dark or golden sounding? Grainy? Etc...
Nothing! So, if I wanted this $4,300 amplifier for it's designed purpose - to drive two channels - and decided to use it on an "old-fashioned" hi-end two channel stereo system, I would have no clue as to how it really sounds (subjectively, of course).
You can do better!
...
written by Mr. Manuel , April 17, 2012
@Jaime
"Soudstage? Imaging? Tone? Bass strenghts? Forward or recessed presentation?"
Wouldn't those things you want and answer to change from speaker to speaker? Lets say the reviewer is using some Klipsch horn speakers, Imaging and sound stage may be very good but bass may sound just okay and he'll most likely get a more forward sound. And the complete opposite may happen if he was using a completely different set of speakers like Paradigms own Reference Series. I think the methods he used to review the amp is very acceptable. But, is it worth $4300 or is a $800 amp from a little but well known company just as good or better? :D
written by Mr. Manuel , April 17, 2012
@Jaime
"Soudstage? Imaging? Tone? Bass strenghts? Forward or recessed presentation?"
Wouldn't those things you want and answer to change from speaker to speaker? Lets say the reviewer is using some Klipsch horn speakers, Imaging and sound stage may be very good but bass may sound just okay and he'll most likely get a more forward sound. And the complete opposite may happen if he was using a completely different set of speakers like Paradigms own Reference Series. I think the methods he used to review the amp is very acceptable. But, is it worth $4300 or is a $800 amp from a little but well known company just as good or better? :D
I'm with Jaime
written by Steve Scaggs , April 17, 2012
This amp was reviewed for the HT crowd. What about music. The questions he asked are the same one's I would ask. What speakers you use will have some effect on sound,but there are characteristics most amps exhibit that weren't mentioned. I would say most people buying a $4,300 stereo amp are not putting it in a home theater system. C'mon John. A little more if you don't mind.
written by Steve Scaggs , April 17, 2012
This amp was reviewed for the HT crowd. What about music. The questions he asked are the same one's I would ask. What speakers you use will have some effect on sound,but there are characteristics most amps exhibit that weren't mentioned. I would say most people buying a $4,300 stereo amp are not putting it in a home theater system. C'mon John. A little more if you don't mind.
@Mr. Manuel
written by Jaime , April 18, 2012
I've been at this for over 30 years - your argument is one for a audiophile neophyte. A statement of "it sounds good" is not going to get me much interested in a $4300 amp.
Paragraphs stating that it doesn't clip at high volumes are meaningless. I can buy an industrial PA amp that will output 1,000 watts and not clip, but sounds like junk in a high-end system.
written by Jaime , April 18, 2012
I've been at this for over 30 years - your argument is one for a audiophile neophyte. A statement of "it sounds good" is not going to get me much interested in a $4300 amp.
Paragraphs stating that it doesn't clip at high volumes are meaningless. I can buy an industrial PA amp that will output 1,000 watts and not clip, but sounds like junk in a high-end system.
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Phase Technology Premier Collection PC-3.5 LCR Speakers
Dr. David A. Rich - Thursday, 12 April 2012
Dr. David A. Rich - Thursday, 12 April 2012
The Phase Technology Premier Collection LCR Speaker - the PC-3.5 - is a unique product. It is designed well, and it sounds great for a speaker only 22" high. It can be placed just about anywhere, and can be used as LCR speakers in home theaters or two-channel audio systems (or both).
Comments (4)
Highly informative review
written by Vinh , April 12, 2012
Dr. Rich, thank you for another outstanding product review. Your work is very much appreciated and continues to be without peer in this industry.
written by Vinh , April 12, 2012
Dr. Rich, thank you for another outstanding product review. Your work is very much appreciated and continues to be without peer in this industry.
Great review
written by randy bessinger , April 12, 2012
Secrets is lucky to have you reviewing for them. I am hoping to see future reviews and perhaps a review of the new ADA trinnov add on box or Trinnov's own 4 channel box.
written by randy bessinger , April 12, 2012
Secrets is lucky to have you reviewing for them. I am hoping to see future reviews and perhaps a review of the new ADA trinnov add on box or Trinnov's own 4 channel box.
Very good work
written by Robert Gaboury , April 13, 2012
It is refreshing to read such a well documented review from the audio press. Major print magazine (and E-zines) should take notice. Well done.
written by Robert Gaboury , April 13, 2012
It is refreshing to read such a well documented review from the audio press. Major print magazine (and E-zines) should take notice. Well done.
Thank you for your feedback
written by David Rich , April 13, 2012
Randy, Robert, Vinh
Thank you for your kind and supportive feedback. As one would anticipate, the quality of the acoustic measurement system influences the quality of the review. Doug Plumb, the software designer, has been a mentor and recently modified the code to add functionality for near-field measurements. In addition to the NRC engineers cited in the review, Howard Ferstler, formerly of Sensible Sound, also deserves mention for encouraging a greater emphasis on in-room measurements.
With regard to room-correction reviews, I have an upcoming one on the Anthem ARC, which I employed in the speaker review. The unit’s Quick Measure function was especially useful for quickly locating optimal speaker placement.
David Rich
written by David Rich , April 13, 2012
Randy, Robert, Vinh
Thank you for your kind and supportive feedback. As one would anticipate, the quality of the acoustic measurement system influences the quality of the review. Doug Plumb, the software designer, has been a mentor and recently modified the code to add functionality for near-field measurements. In addition to the NRC engineers cited in the review, Howard Ferstler, formerly of Sensible Sound, also deserves mention for encouraging a greater emphasis on in-room measurements.
With regard to room-correction reviews, I have an upcoming one on the Anthem ARC, which I employed in the speaker review. The unit’s Quick Measure function was especially useful for quickly locating optimal speaker placement.
David Rich
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Rein Audio X-DAC with USB Input
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Monday, 09 April 2012
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Monday, 09 April 2012
USB DACs are hot items now because you can play music from your computer through them and into a set of headphones or to your main hi-fi rig. Some of these DACs only have a USB input, (no S/PDIF inputs) because their main purpose is for use with a computer. Of course, all computers come with audio ciruitry on the motherboard, and if you have a sound card installed in one of the PC card slots, it may very well have an S/PDIF output. However, their quality is often questionable due to the typically low cost of the sound card. Rein Audio, a German manufacturer, makes the X-DAC, which is a 24/192 DAC with both coaxial and Toslink optical S/PDIF inputs, but also, it has a USB input (24/96) to be used with your computer, giving you better sound quality than you would get from your computer's audio circuit.
Comments (12)
We can put SACD tracks..
written by Michael , April 09, 2012
Some DACs already support native DSD over USB..
See Pure Music on Mac + integer mode.
written by Michael , April 09, 2012
Some DACs already support native DSD over USB..
See Pure Music on Mac + integer mode.
Uhh..
written by Mike , April 09, 2012
I have not gained a single bit of info about this DAC, besides technical. What about the way it sounds. Was it more analytical or musical, detailed, not detailed. bright, soft on top?
written by Mike , April 09, 2012
I have not gained a single bit of info about this DAC, besides technical. What about the way it sounds. Was it more analytical or musical, detailed, not detailed. bright, soft on top?
DAC and DSD
written by JimM , April 09, 2012
John,
This article may be of interest to those of us that enjoy DSD:
http://www.audiostream.com/content/dop-open-standard
written by JimM , April 09, 2012
John,
This article may be of interest to those of us that enjoy DSD:
http://www.audiostream.com/content/dop-open-standard
...
written by JJ , April 09, 2012
Well, from the above comments, it sounds like progress is being made for playing DSD files, but currently, only in the world of the Mac, and from the info I found on various websites, there are still problems to be solved. As for the PC, one can play them from an iTunes library, but the tracks are imported as conventional music files such as *.wav, so they are converted to PCM before storing them. I think eventually, DSD files will be importable from the disc, stored as DSD files, and played as DSD files, but that situation is not in the immediate future.
As to the sound of the Rein, I did make a few comments in the In Use section, but I admit that I am somewhat terse in describing my subjective impressions, but only because I feel there are so many variables that affect the subjective impression, I tend to emphasize the objective measurements. However, I have added a few more sentences about the sound.
written by JJ , April 09, 2012
Well, from the above comments, it sounds like progress is being made for playing DSD files, but currently, only in the world of the Mac, and from the info I found on various websites, there are still problems to be solved. As for the PC, one can play them from an iTunes library, but the tracks are imported as conventional music files such as *.wav, so they are converted to PCM before storing them. I think eventually, DSD files will be importable from the disc, stored as DSD files, and played as DSD files, but that situation is not in the immediate future.
As to the sound of the Rein, I did make a few comments in the In Use section, but I admit that I am somewhat terse in describing my subjective impressions, but only because I feel there are so many variables that affect the subjective impression, I tend to emphasize the objective measurements. However, I have added a few more sentences about the sound.
USB Output Voltage
written by Wesley Miaw , April 09, 2012
The low output voltage when using USB is odd. I can't imagine that being by design. Are you sure the computer wasn't adjusting the sound volume somehow when sending audio over USB?
written by Wesley Miaw , April 09, 2012
The low output voltage when using USB is odd. I can't imagine that being by design. Are you sure the computer wasn't adjusting the sound volume somehow when sending audio over USB?
...
written by JJ , April 10, 2012
I checked it on two different computers and analyzers. It is odd, but when I mentioned it to the manufacturer, there was no comment. In any case, the output from the computer is digital not analog, so it just sends the bitstream from the music file as is.
written by JJ , April 10, 2012
I checked it on two different computers and analyzers. It is odd, but when I mentioned it to the manufacturer, there was no comment. In any case, the output from the computer is digital not analog, so it just sends the bitstream from the music file as is.
...
written by JJ , April 10, 2012
Chris Heinonen mentioned that with a Windows PC and the USB output, the Windows volume control actually changes the bitstream to reflect the volume control setting before sending the digital bitstream to the USB port. So, I retested the X-DAC with the Windows volume control all the way up, and got a much more expected result, which was about the same output voltage as with the S/PDIF inputs. No one I showed the manuscript to, including Rein, made any comments about the low measured output analog voltage with the USB input, so it appears that information about Windows downconverting the voltage in the digital domain for output through a USB port is not widely known. I have replaced the graphs showing the USB performance.
written by JJ , April 10, 2012
Chris Heinonen mentioned that with a Windows PC and the USB output, the Windows volume control actually changes the bitstream to reflect the volume control setting before sending the digital bitstream to the USB port. So, I retested the X-DAC with the Windows volume control all the way up, and got a much more expected result, which was about the same output voltage as with the S/PDIF inputs. No one I showed the manuscript to, including Rein, made any comments about the low measured output analog voltage with the USB input, so it appears that information about Windows downconverting the voltage in the digital domain for output through a USB port is not widely known. I have replaced the graphs showing the USB performance.
Windows Volume Control
written by Wesley Miaw , April 12, 2012
Yeah, that's what I was thinking was probably the issue. For Windows and Mac you can still have the OS or software adjust volume, or apply processing filters, before sending the digital signal out. Glad to hear that was what was going on. :) Although doubly weird that Rein didn't have any response.
written by Wesley Miaw , April 12, 2012
Yeah, that's what I was thinking was probably the issue. For Windows and Mac you can still have the OS or software adjust volume, or apply processing filters, before sending the digital signal out. Glad to hear that was what was going on. :) Although doubly weird that Rein didn't have any response.
External Dac = confusion
written by Mr. Manuel , April 13, 2012
Should someone with a AV receiver invest in an external DAC? That is the question which I have not seen answered. All I seem to see is guesses and speculations that external DACs will be better than the one in a receiver in the $1000 and below range. But where's the proof? Can someone point me to a comparison review of an external "high-end dac" vs a built-in dac of a medium cost receiver?
Second thing, PC sound. How good does a sound card have to be if one is sending music from a PC to a receiver's dac but using software like J-River media center which allows users to bypass Windows mixer thus they'll be sending unaltered digital code to a dac for processing. Can any cheap integrated or pci sound card be okay for just "bit streaming" music from toslink/coaxial to a receiver?
written by Mr. Manuel , April 13, 2012
Should someone with a AV receiver invest in an external DAC? That is the question which I have not seen answered. All I seem to see is guesses and speculations that external DACs will be better than the one in a receiver in the $1000 and below range. But where's the proof? Can someone point me to a comparison review of an external "high-end dac" vs a built-in dac of a medium cost receiver?
Second thing, PC sound. How good does a sound card have to be if one is sending music from a PC to a receiver's dac but using software like J-River media center which allows users to bypass Windows mixer thus they'll be sending unaltered digital code to a dac for processing. Can any cheap integrated or pci sound card be okay for just "bit streaming" music from toslink/coaxial to a receiver?
Compared to reciever
written by ChrisHeinonen , April 13, 2012
I haven't tested the DACs on a $1,000 or below receiver, but I did test them on the $2,300 Onkyo Preamp that came in last year:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/surround-sound-processors/1364-onkyo-pr-sc5508-91-av-receiver.html?start=4
The Onkyo also measured well, but I was only able to go out to 20 kHz due to a software issue, and since I was using an Oppo as the digital source instead of a more accurate generator (like the Audio Precision), the number could be off there as well. The Rein seems to have a bit more headroom on the IMD tests, but it's close. Of course the Onkyo can't work as a USB DAC, so they're a bit different beasts. Next time I have a sub-$1K receiver I'll do the same tests on it as well.
written by ChrisHeinonen , April 13, 2012
I haven't tested the DACs on a $1,000 or below receiver, but I did test them on the $2,300 Onkyo Preamp that came in last year:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/surround-sound-processors/1364-onkyo-pr-sc5508-91-av-receiver.html?start=4
The Onkyo also measured well, but I was only able to go out to 20 kHz due to a software issue, and since I was using an Oppo as the digital source instead of a more accurate generator (like the Audio Precision), the number could be off there as well. The Rein seems to have a bit more headroom on the IMD tests, but it's close. Of course the Onkyo can't work as a USB DAC, so they're a bit different beasts. Next time I have a sub-$1K receiver I'll do the same tests on it as well.
Better DAC...
written by JimM , April 13, 2012
The difference between an external DAC and the built-in DAC on a receiver can be large or even nonexistent. Anyone with a definitive answer to this question is doing you a disservice. My suggestion would be to "trial" a DAC to compare with your receiver. Many come with a 30 day money back (like the Emotiva XDA-1 or the Schiit Bifrost DAC. Both are around or less than $300) if it does not exceed your expectations. One big benefit of an external is the amount of devices you can feed into it (USB, toslink, coaxial, CD player, computer, etc.).
written by JimM , April 13, 2012
The difference between an external DAC and the built-in DAC on a receiver can be large or even nonexistent. Anyone with a definitive answer to this question is doing you a disservice. My suggestion would be to "trial" a DAC to compare with your receiver. Many come with a 30 day money back (like the Emotiva XDA-1 or the Schiit Bifrost DAC. Both are around or less than $300) if it does not exceed your expectations. One big benefit of an external is the amount of devices you can feed into it (USB, toslink, coaxial, CD player, computer, etc.).
...
written by JJ , April 13, 2012
I put some of my favorite music on a USB thumb drive that fits into a USB port in my car. The problem is that the amplifiers are low quality Class D, and even with the treble turned all the way down, the sound is still too bright. So, now I have to go back and EQ the music with a slow rolloff above about 5 kHz so I can stand to listen to the MP3s in the car.
Can anyone recommend a good outboard Class AB power amplifier that I can install in the car, using the existing player and preamp?
written by JJ , April 13, 2012
I put some of my favorite music on a USB thumb drive that fits into a USB port in my car. The problem is that the amplifiers are low quality Class D, and even with the treble turned all the way down, the sound is still too bright. So, now I have to go back and EQ the music with a slow rolloff above about 5 kHz so I can stand to listen to the MP3s in the car.
Can anyone recommend a good outboard Class AB power amplifier that I can install in the car, using the existing player and preamp?
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ZVOX Zbase 555 Speaker System to Place Under Your Flat Panel HDTV Pedestal
Jim Milton - Thursday, 05 April 2012
Jim Milton - Thursday, 05 April 2012
So here is the problem. Actually, there are two problems. Problem one: the new HDTV flat panels are getting thinner and thinner. The speakers inside those panels are also getting thinner and thinner. The sound from those speakers…well...
ZVox comes to the rescue with a powered speaker system that sits underneath the pedestal of your flat panel HDTV. Called the Zbase 555, it retails for only $399.
Comments (3)
Couldn't agree more...
written by Chris , April 09, 2012
I have the ZVOX 555 as reviewed here and couldn't agree more. It is easy to set up, use, and sounds great! Even my wife approves of how seamless it integrates with the TV, DVD player, Roku, etc., and she loves how much better it sounds (even though she originally said "the TV sounds fine as it is").
I am constantly singing the praises of ZVOX and wish them continued success.
written by Chris , April 09, 2012
I have the ZVOX 555 as reviewed here and couldn't agree more. It is easy to set up, use, and sounds great! Even my wife approves of how seamless it integrates with the TV, DVD player, Roku, etc., and she loves how much better it sounds (even though she originally said "the TV sounds fine as it is").
I am constantly singing the praises of ZVOX and wish them continued success.
Easy does it...
written by JimM , April 09, 2012
I am somewhat surprised that ZVOX has few imitators. Lots of mfgs. make sound bars, but no other company makes this particular type of TV speaker system. It reminds me of my old Cambridge SoundWorks TVWorks 250, which was made long ago (and for only about a year, then discontinued)...only bigger and better.
written by JimM , April 09, 2012
I am somewhat surprised that ZVOX has few imitators. Lots of mfgs. make sound bars, but no other company makes this particular type of TV speaker system. It reminds me of my old Cambridge SoundWorks TVWorks 250, which was made long ago (and for only about a year, then discontinued)...only bigger and better.
...
written by Bill Leeper , April 09, 2012
Thanks for the comprehensive review. As a ZVOX user for several years I can say I agree completely with your statements. It is not as good as a good 5.1 system but it sure beats the heck out of a sound bar. I think a ZVOX would more than satisfy most of the listening public.
written by Bill Leeper , April 09, 2012
Thanks for the comprehensive review. As a ZVOX user for several years I can say I agree completely with your statements. It is not as good as a good 5.1 system but it sure beats the heck out of a sound bar. I think a ZVOX would more than satisfy most of the listening public.
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Spin Clean Record (LP) Washer MK II
Michael Jude Galvin - Tuesday, 03 April 2012
Michael Jude Galvin - Tuesday, 03 April 2012
Got LPs? Got a cleaner? Maybe try the Spin Clean. I didn't play any records before I cleaned them, so I can't satisfy the typical audiophile nervosa A-B, but wow, the records looked smashing after they came out of the Spin Clean, and there was gunk in the water below. It worked, and it's inexpensive.
PSB Imagine mini-Monitors
Piero Gabucci - Monday, 02 April 2012
Piero Gabucci - Monday, 02 April 2012
For the audiophile world to take seriously a small bookshelf speaker, let alone a "mini"-monitor there has to be some significant backing and/or history. Much has been said and written about the NRC, or National Research Council located in Ottawa, Canada. The decades of research developed helped shape many generations and iterations of speaker design by focusing on the "physchoacoustics" or specifically the tools by which we analyze sound within a space. Much of the jargon we all use; open, airy, transparent, open, closed, etc., comes from the many papers presented from this group. The NRC gave designers and audio visionaries like Paul Barton the facilities to develop research and experiment. The PSB Imagine mini-Monitors (lower case m on "mini" is on purpose) are some of the many results of Paul's labors, and we find out here if his efforts paid off.
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Classe CP-800 Stereo Preamplifier
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Wednesday, 28 March 2012
John E. Johnson, Jr. - Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Classé's new CP-800 is a high performance ("High-End") stereo preamplifier, but it is not just yet another preamp with minor changes from previous models. This one has the option of switching in some DSP that adds several EQ bands and dedicated stereo subwoofer outputs. If you don't use the DSP, it's not in the signal path, and you can still call yourself a "purist" audiophile. Have no doubts; this is a very unique product, and the performance is stellar.
Comments (13)
Classe CP-800 as a DAC
written by Ampus , March 29, 2012
Thank you for the timely review! I have been eyeing this product for quite sometime and have been waiting impatiently for a review.
I have the Classe M600's but don't have the Oppo 95. My CD player is not as good as the Oppo in terms of analog output, but it does have digital output. Just wonder if I would have the same great sound quality, without having to buy an Oppo, if I connect my CD player's digital output to the CP-800's digital input, essentially using CP-800 as a DAC as well as a pre-amp.
Thank you.
written by Ampus , March 29, 2012
Thank you for the timely review! I have been eyeing this product for quite sometime and have been waiting impatiently for a review.
I have the Classe M600's but don't have the Oppo 95. My CD player is not as good as the Oppo in terms of analog output, but it does have digital output. Just wonder if I would have the same great sound quality, without having to buy an Oppo, if I connect my CD player's digital output to the CP-800's digital input, essentially using CP-800 as a DAC as well as a pre-amp.
Thank you.
More details please
written by Hififofum , March 31, 2012
Your review is not as detailed as it usually is. This is a complex unit and you seem to skip over the features. How about using different speakers to see how well the sub management system works? How about testing the unit as a DAC with a regular CD transporter and see what sound quality you would get, compared to the Oppo? I heard that the CP 800 has Wolfson 32/192 DAC's (not listed in your review) which are not bad. I bet you that the CP800 as a DAC would sound better than your beloved Oppo.
written by Hififofum , March 31, 2012
Your review is not as detailed as it usually is. This is a complex unit and you seem to skip over the features. How about using different speakers to see how well the sub management system works? How about testing the unit as a DAC with a regular CD transporter and see what sound quality you would get, compared to the Oppo? I heard that the CP 800 has Wolfson 32/192 DAC's (not listed in your review) which are not bad. I bet you that the CP800 as a DAC would sound better than your beloved Oppo.
...
written by JJ , April 03, 2012
I did test the unit as a DAC using the digital input. Those data are shown in the bench test results. Listening to music through the USB input on the front with my wife's iPod utilized the CP-800's DAC. I have since moved the CP-800 into a location where I am utilizing the bass management to low-pass at 60 Hz and 24 dB/octave slope with stereo subwoofers. I purchased a new iPod so that I could load test signals onto it as well as music. I am also setting up an experiment using the CP-800 to drive the front left/right channels in our home theater lab, switchable between the home theater setting and direct from the player to the preamp to the power amplifier as a pure two-channel audio system without the signal having to be sent via a pass-through. This is taking a lot of time, and I will be reporting on the results as an addendum to the review. At that point, I think you will find the CP-800 review as detailed as usual.
written by JJ , April 03, 2012
I did test the unit as a DAC using the digital input. Those data are shown in the bench test results. Listening to music through the USB input on the front with my wife's iPod utilized the CP-800's DAC. I have since moved the CP-800 into a location where I am utilizing the bass management to low-pass at 60 Hz and 24 dB/octave slope with stereo subwoofers. I purchased a new iPod so that I could load test signals onto it as well as music. I am also setting up an experiment using the CP-800 to drive the front left/right channels in our home theater lab, switchable between the home theater setting and direct from the player to the preamp to the power amplifier as a pure two-channel audio system without the signal having to be sent via a pass-through. This is taking a lot of time, and I will be reporting on the results as an addendum to the review. At that point, I think you will find the CP-800 review as detailed as usual.
User confirmation
written by LK , April 05, 2012
I have owned this unit since December 2011 and I must agree with this review 100%. There are so many useful features on this unit that allow me to make adjustments that I have dreamed of. The remote balance control is one I would never live without again. Just a click either way and the whole stage open’s up on poorly balanced recordings. The tilt control is also very useful to take the edge off bright recordings or had a little warmth to the bass region, again remotely, and accomplished in the digital domain. The USB connection makes my laptop sing, you can AB against the disc and the computer files are vastly better sounding, not even close. This is a game changer, and a peak into the future of computer audio. For those of you who are stuck in the analogue world it sounds great with this antiquated format as well. Why anyone would want to do this is beyond my train of thought but I know old habits are difficult to break. I seldom use my CD player, preferring my downloaded files and even my iPod. I know that this unfamiliar and sacrilegious but it works. New rules apply here. Listen to this unit and it will enlighten your music listening pleasure.
written by LK , April 05, 2012
I have owned this unit since December 2011 and I must agree with this review 100%. There are so many useful features on this unit that allow me to make adjustments that I have dreamed of. The remote balance control is one I would never live without again. Just a click either way and the whole stage open’s up on poorly balanced recordings. The tilt control is also very useful to take the edge off bright recordings or had a little warmth to the bass region, again remotely, and accomplished in the digital domain. The USB connection makes my laptop sing, you can AB against the disc and the computer files are vastly better sounding, not even close. This is a game changer, and a peak into the future of computer audio. For those of you who are stuck in the analogue world it sounds great with this antiquated format as well. Why anyone would want to do this is beyond my train of thought but I know old habits are difficult to break. I seldom use my CD player, preferring my downloaded files and even my iPod. I know that this unfamiliar and sacrilegious but it works. New rules apply here. Listen to this unit and it will enlighten your music listening pleasure.
My concern is...
written by Silvertone , April 06, 2012
I have heard this unit, and it's sublime. My concern is that its low price might not get a lot of respect from audiophiles. But, me being one, left the audition astonished at how good this unit is.
Reading some of the comments here, I see that the unit is also attracting some of the non-high end crowd, I can tell by their indication of tweaking tone controls, tilt controls, etc etc, which is a no no in the audiophile world and if you're a purist.
I'm concerned some folks might just use the unit with an ipod, playing mp3's or some other lossy compressed files.
Listen to this unit with some high resolution files being fed from an optimized mac or pc, and if your jaw doesn't drop you don't have a soul.
I also read some comments comparing this unit to an Oppo player, seriously, that's a misplaced comparison.
I heard this unit with some Revel Salon 2's and the Classe 600W monoblocks. The only thing that can beat it in the market would be a top of the line dCS or Ayre set up.
Yes, this unit is that good, it competes with $25k digital sources.
Pair it accordingly and you're as close to the state of the art as you can get without spending $100k on your system.
Regards.
written by Silvertone , April 06, 2012
I have heard this unit, and it's sublime. My concern is that its low price might not get a lot of respect from audiophiles. But, me being one, left the audition astonished at how good this unit is.
Reading some of the comments here, I see that the unit is also attracting some of the non-high end crowd, I can tell by their indication of tweaking tone controls, tilt controls, etc etc, which is a no no in the audiophile world and if you're a purist.
I'm concerned some folks might just use the unit with an ipod, playing mp3's or some other lossy compressed files.
Listen to this unit with some high resolution files being fed from an optimized mac or pc, and if your jaw doesn't drop you don't have a soul.
I also read some comments comparing this unit to an Oppo player, seriously, that's a misplaced comparison.
I heard this unit with some Revel Salon 2's and the Classe 600W monoblocks. The only thing that can beat it in the market would be a top of the line dCS or Ayre set up.
Yes, this unit is that good, it competes with $25k digital sources.
Pair it accordingly and you're as close to the state of the art as you can get without spending $100k on your system.
Regards.
Get real!
written by Hififofum , April 06, 2012
I really admire Silverstone's effort at helping our economy recover faster. He would not buy the unit until the price goes up because he thinks that the unit deserves better than its "low price."
I am also at awe about his self-claimed "audiophile." Why
doesn't he contact Classe and ask the engineers to take out
all the additional features such as tilt and tone controls
because there is no place for these features in the real
audiophile world?
Silverstone may not realize that there are people who actually work hard to earn a living and prefer to go home, at the end of a hard working day, plugging up the CD player's digital output into the Classe's digital input and enjoy good music. These people may not have the time to down load music files into their computer or have the time to fantasize themselves as real audiophiles, for that matter.
I wonder what Silverstone actually owns, an RCA boom box? Ampus actually owns the M-600's and LK owns the CP-800 unit. Auditioning a unit is not the same as owning one. Silverstone should know that the auditioning rooms are acoustically optimized since he seems to spend the majority of his time "auditioning." In the same token, Silverstone, watching Victoria Secret Swim Suit video (and doing what you do in the privacy of your own bed room while watching it) is not the same as having one of those models as your girlfriend!
It is time to get back to the real world!
written by Hififofum , April 06, 2012
I really admire Silverstone's effort at helping our economy recover faster. He would not buy the unit until the price goes up because he thinks that the unit deserves better than its "low price."
I am also at awe about his self-claimed "audiophile." Why
doesn't he contact Classe and ask the engineers to take out
all the additional features such as tilt and tone controls
because there is no place for these features in the real
audiophile world?
Silverstone may not realize that there are people who actually work hard to earn a living and prefer to go home, at the end of a hard working day, plugging up the CD player's digital output into the Classe's digital input and enjoy good music. These people may not have the time to down load music files into their computer or have the time to fantasize themselves as real audiophiles, for that matter.
I wonder what Silverstone actually owns, an RCA boom box? Ampus actually owns the M-600's and LK owns the CP-800 unit. Auditioning a unit is not the same as owning one. Silverstone should know that the auditioning rooms are acoustically optimized since he seems to spend the majority of his time "auditioning." In the same token, Silverstone, watching Victoria Secret Swim Suit video (and doing what you do in the privacy of your own bed room while watching it) is not the same as having one of those models as your girlfriend!
It is time to get back to the real world!
Re: My concern is....
written by Jean , April 07, 2012
"I have heard this unit, and it's sublime. My concern is that its low price might not get a lot of respect from audiophiles. But, me being one, left the audition astonished at how good this unit is. "
Low price, for a unit manufactured in China? Is this a freaking
joke?
"Yes, this unit is that good, it competes with $25k digital sources. "
That's non sense. Can you names a few 25K unit this unit can competes?
I have bought the unit 2 months in the hope of replacing my existing BAT (VP31SE ($4K US)) preamp, and after 2 months of comparing both units, My conclusion is that I prefer the BAT sound.
written by Jean , April 07, 2012
"I have heard this unit, and it's sublime. My concern is that its low price might not get a lot of respect from audiophiles. But, me being one, left the audition astonished at how good this unit is. "
Low price, for a unit manufactured in China? Is this a freaking
joke?
"Yes, this unit is that good, it competes with $25k digital sources. "
That's non sense. Can you names a few 25K unit this unit can competes?
I have bought the unit 2 months in the hope of replacing my existing BAT (VP31SE ($4K US)) preamp, and after 2 months of comparing both units, My conclusion is that I prefer the BAT sound.
...
written by silvertone , April 08, 2012
Jean,
The 'manufactured in china' comment is a bit dated. Not sure how well traveled or educated you are, but it seems to me you need get out more often.
China has some of the best manufacturing facilities in the world, even though cost is the main driver for most companies to relocate their manufacturing facilities. This is due to high competitiveness within China, as a result quality control is nowadays as good if not better than ANY other place in the world.
I'm glad you're happy with you BAT player, to each their own. But anyone that is up to speed and have heard the varous offerings in digital source components, would not be making an argument a BAT source.
To answer your last question, I have heard this unit and compared it to my dCS stack in my dedicated music room and it comes spookily close in perfornmance. My system consists of Ayre MXR monoblocks, KXR Preamplifier and Revel Salons 2's, with Siltech wiring accross.
written by silvertone , April 08, 2012
Jean,
The 'manufactured in china' comment is a bit dated. Not sure how well traveled or educated you are, but it seems to me you need get out more often.
China has some of the best manufacturing facilities in the world, even though cost is the main driver for most companies to relocate their manufacturing facilities. This is due to high competitiveness within China, as a result quality control is nowadays as good if not better than ANY other place in the world.
I'm glad you're happy with you BAT player, to each their own. But anyone that is up to speed and have heard the varous offerings in digital source components, would not be making an argument a BAT source.
To answer your last question, I have heard this unit and compared it to my dCS stack in my dedicated music room and it comes spookily close in perfornmance. My system consists of Ayre MXR monoblocks, KXR Preamplifier and Revel Salons 2's, with Siltech wiring accross.
Preamplifier comparison
written by Ampus , April 13, 2012
JJ,
If you have a choice among the Classe CP 800, McIntosh C2300, McIntosh C50, Pass labs XP20, and Pass Labs XP30, which one would you pick to go with your M600 monoblocks?
Thank you,
Ampus
written by Ampus , April 13, 2012
JJ,
If you have a choice among the Classe CP 800, McIntosh C2300, McIntosh C50, Pass labs XP20, and Pass Labs XP30, which one would you pick to go with your M600 monoblocks?
Thank you,
Ampus
...
written by JJ , April 13, 2012
About the BAT vs. the Classe, remember that the BAT is an all tube triode preamp, biased into pure Class A. The Classe is all solid state. Also remember that with the CP-800, you can bypass all the digital circuitry and use only the analog circuit, which would fulfill the needs of any purist audiophile.
I also have a BAT preamp (VK-5i) which is pure Class A triode, and it sounds warmer than the CP-800, which it is expected to do, as that is what tubeophiles like about tubes. The CP-800 is much more neutral.
written by JJ , April 13, 2012
About the BAT vs. the Classe, remember that the BAT is an all tube triode preamp, biased into pure Class A. The Classe is all solid state. Also remember that with the CP-800, you can bypass all the digital circuitry and use only the analog circuit, which would fulfill the needs of any purist audiophile.
I also have a BAT preamp (VK-5i) which is pure Class A triode, and it sounds warmer than the CP-800, which it is expected to do, as that is what tubeophiles like about tubes. The CP-800 is much more neutral.
...
written by JJ , April 13, 2012
Re: Preamplifier comparison:
I haven't heard all the McIntosh models you listed, but I prefer the Pass XP-20 and Classe CP-800 for listening to classical music, and I use my BAT VK-5i preamp when listening to jazz with my turntable.
written by JJ , April 13, 2012
Re: Preamplifier comparison:
I haven't heard all the McIntosh models you listed, but I prefer the Pass XP-20 and Classe CP-800 for listening to classical music, and I use my BAT VK-5i preamp when listening to jazz with my turntable.
Consider:
written by Marco , April 15, 2012
With the digital world growing and iTunes taking over, one can only give thanks to Classe for making the CP-800. I think the reason why the price is so low is because their trying to bring in the new digitial generation that wouldn't even consider paying $20,000 for a preamp that they can't even hook up their iPhone to. Their is a new audiophile rising up and are not into vinyls that their grandpa just to listen to. We are using iPhones and iPods and iPads for our source. Classe seems like the only ones making a high end preamp with a processor that is iPod and iPhone compatible. If Audio Research made such a product I wouldn't hasitste getting it. But till then we have to settle for what we have.
written by Marco , April 15, 2012
With the digital world growing and iTunes taking over, one can only give thanks to Classe for making the CP-800. I think the reason why the price is so low is because their trying to bring in the new digitial generation that wouldn't even consider paying $20,000 for a preamp that they can't even hook up their iPhone to. Their is a new audiophile rising up and are not into vinyls that their grandpa just to listen to. We are using iPhones and iPods and iPads for our source. Classe seems like the only ones making a high end preamp with a processor that is iPod and iPhone compatible. If Audio Research made such a product I wouldn't hasitste getting it. But till then we have to settle for what we have.
Preamplifier comparison
written by Hififofum , May 11, 2012
Hey Ampus,
My friend and I had a chance to compare the CP800 and McIntosh C2300. His amps were also Classe M600's and CD player was Emotiva ERC-2.
To our surprise, with analog connection, the McIntosh sounded MUCH BETTER than the CP-800. With the ERC-2's digital output connected to the CP800's digital coax input, compared to the McIntosh's analog connection (the McIntosh does not have digital input since it is a tube preamp), the CP800 and C2300 sounded about the same, although the McIntosh might have a slight edge over the CP800.
I am trying to convince my friend to buy a good external DAC and run it with the McIntosh. Talking about a killer sound system!
Hope this helps.
written by Hififofum , May 11, 2012
Hey Ampus,
My friend and I had a chance to compare the CP800 and McIntosh C2300. His amps were also Classe M600's and CD player was Emotiva ERC-2.
To our surprise, with analog connection, the McIntosh sounded MUCH BETTER than the CP-800. With the ERC-2's digital output connected to the CP800's digital coax input, compared to the McIntosh's analog connection (the McIntosh does not have digital input since it is a tube preamp), the CP800 and C2300 sounded about the same, although the McIntosh might have a slight edge over the CP800.
I am trying to convince my friend to buy a good external DAC and run it with the McIntosh. Talking about a killer sound system!
Hope this helps.
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Yamaha BD-A1010 Aventage Universal 3D Blu-ray Player
Kieran Coghlan and Chris Heinonen - Monday, 26 March 2012
Kieran Coghlan and Chris Heinonen - Monday, 26 March 2012
Last year, Yamaha released the Aventage product line, which included first several A/V receivers, then also a Blu-ray player. The Aventage product line is Yamaha's new premiere brand, similar to Sony's "ES", and Pioneer's "Elite." Last year I reviewed the Aventage RX-A2000 A/V receiver. This time, it's the Aventage BD-A1010.
Comments (11)
better BD player
written by microbiologycory , March 26, 2012
Hey Chris,
Glad to see they fixed the navigation problems and glitchy issues/lockups on previous players, even at $350 though its gonna have tough competition from Panasonics new "500" BD player.
written by microbiologycory , March 26, 2012
Hey Chris,
Glad to see they fixed the navigation problems and glitchy issues/lockups on previous players, even at $350 though its gonna have tough competition from Panasonics new "500" BD player.
Can't no one dethrone the Oppo Players for less money?
written by Mr. Manuel , March 26, 2012
With companies like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and Yamaha, it's seems crazy that these behemoths cannot produce an affordable bluray player that equals to the Oppo-93 in every catagory.
It's sad that we get players costing the same and even more then the Oppo-93 and they completely suck.
written by Mr. Manuel , March 26, 2012
With companies like Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and Yamaha, it's seems crazy that these behemoths cannot produce an affordable bluray player that equals to the Oppo-93 in every catagory.
It's sad that we get players costing the same and even more then the Oppo-93 and they completely suck.
Unprofessional Review!
written by Sergei , March 26, 2012
This is one of the most unprofessional reviews I have ever read. It is almost like you are a sales rep for Oppo. Not only are you recommending a online product that has no service, but then in the conclusion telling people that the new Yamaha can be had for 20% off, but don't buy it anyway unless you want to match your Receiver.
Reviews like this are what is killing off local AV stores. Soon there will be nowhere for AV enthusiasts to go to touch feel and see AV toys.
I have already lost all of my record stores, I do not want to lose AV stores as well.
Why can't you just focus on a proper review of the product at hand instead of reminding people that you bought an Oppo.
A "proper review" would at least have compared it to a good red-book CD player for music, Analogue output stage vs. Digital, Internal scaler vs external, loading/playing speeds, any convenient discrete control codes, quality of media streaming over Network (not Netflix)...
written by Sergei , March 26, 2012
This is one of the most unprofessional reviews I have ever read. It is almost like you are a sales rep for Oppo. Not only are you recommending a online product that has no service, but then in the conclusion telling people that the new Yamaha can be had for 20% off, but don't buy it anyway unless you want to match your Receiver.
Reviews like this are what is killing off local AV stores. Soon there will be nowhere for AV enthusiasts to go to touch feel and see AV toys.
I have already lost all of my record stores, I do not want to lose AV stores as well.
Why can't you just focus on a proper review of the product at hand instead of reminding people that you bought an Oppo.
A "proper review" would at least have compared it to a good red-book CD player for music, Analogue output stage vs. Digital, Internal scaler vs external, loading/playing speeds, any convenient discrete control codes, quality of media streaming over Network (not Netflix)...
Enough with Oppo already
written by Nuckman , March 26, 2012
I too am fed up with all of the biased Oppo promotion. I have 2 Oppo adds to the right of this screen as I am tying this.
written by Nuckman , March 26, 2012
I too am fed up with all of the biased Oppo promotion. I have 2 Oppo adds to the right of this screen as I am tying this.
OK
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 26, 2012
Why do you say that Oppo has no service? Have you bought a product from them and then been unable to get service? Have you bothered to read the reviews that people have bought the Oppo have written?
Oppo selling a very good product (I own two, along with Sony and Panasonic Blu-ray players) isn't putting your local store out of business. Most of my local high end stores actually stock the Oppo player right next to the players from McIntosh, Sony, and others. Stores (record, AV, clothing, etc...) that blame the Internet for taking away business from them instead of adapting to changing times are putting themselves out of business. I'm sure they all complained with the mail order catalog was invented as well, but they are still around.
Also, any universal Blu-ray player is going to be compared, for better or worse, to the Oppo players. I reviewed the Cambridge 751BD and despite the higher price, it proved to be as capable as the Oppo players. If the Yamaha (and other players) aren't up to the level of the Oppo, but similar in price, it's perfectly relevant to bring that up because if we don't, the first comment will be someone asking "How does it compare to the Oppo?" I'm sorry you don't like Oppo, but it seems you don't like them for reasons that you have no experience with.
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 26, 2012
Why do you say that Oppo has no service? Have you bought a product from them and then been unable to get service? Have you bothered to read the reviews that people have bought the Oppo have written?
Oppo selling a very good product (I own two, along with Sony and Panasonic Blu-ray players) isn't putting your local store out of business. Most of my local high end stores actually stock the Oppo player right next to the players from McIntosh, Sony, and others. Stores (record, AV, clothing, etc...) that blame the Internet for taking away business from them instead of adapting to changing times are putting themselves out of business. I'm sure they all complained with the mail order catalog was invented as well, but they are still around.
Also, any universal Blu-ray player is going to be compared, for better or worse, to the Oppo players. I reviewed the Cambridge 751BD and despite the higher price, it proved to be as capable as the Oppo players. If the Yamaha (and other players) aren't up to the level of the Oppo, but similar in price, it's perfectly relevant to bring that up because if we don't, the first comment will be someone asking "How does it compare to the Oppo?" I'm sorry you don't like Oppo, but it seems you don't like them for reasons that you have no experience with.
Oppo
written by Ron W , March 27, 2012
Since Oppo's inception , I have had three of their players right up until the present(Oppo BDP 95) and there are very good reasons for all those great reviews and they are no accident. Prior to that, they were an unknown quantity to me. Does someone honestly believe that all these many excellent reviews and the reviewers are being bribed by Oppo? The fact of the matter is this is a company that focused strictly on producing the best possible players for the best possible value and they hit the mark beautifully. Add to that, their unprecedented aftermarket service and regular updates which significantly increases the "shelf life' of their products and one will see why they are raved about. The BDP 83(their first BR player) is STILL getting firmware updates while Panasonic, among other mainstream manufacturers, has had two new generations of players since the 83 was introduced! When one is having trouble playing one of those newer Blu-Ray discs, just try getting a firmware update on that two year old player!
Of course, this is all old news but I guess some people still have to be constantly reminded.
written by Ron W , March 27, 2012
Since Oppo's inception , I have had three of their players right up until the present(Oppo BDP 95) and there are very good reasons for all those great reviews and they are no accident. Prior to that, they were an unknown quantity to me. Does someone honestly believe that all these many excellent reviews and the reviewers are being bribed by Oppo? The fact of the matter is this is a company that focused strictly on producing the best possible players for the best possible value and they hit the mark beautifully. Add to that, their unprecedented aftermarket service and regular updates which significantly increases the "shelf life' of their products and one will see why they are raved about. The BDP 83(their first BR player) is STILL getting firmware updates while Panasonic, among other mainstream manufacturers, has had two new generations of players since the 83 was introduced! When one is having trouble playing one of those newer Blu-Ray discs, just try getting a firmware update on that two year old player!
Of course, this is all old news but I guess some people still have to be constantly reminded.
Review
written by Sergei , March 27, 2012
Ok, I'm sure Oppo is GREAT! My point is I would like to see a better review of the product at hand.
By reading the comments I guess the review worked, you helped sell more Oppo's. Which means more add $$$...
I guess this site is yet another AV review option that has sold out. Sad
written by Sergei , March 27, 2012
Ok, I'm sure Oppo is GREAT! My point is I would like to see a better review of the product at hand.
By reading the comments I guess the review worked, you helped sell more Oppo's. Which means more add $$$...
I guess this site is yet another AV review option that has sold out. Sad
Review
written by Vlad , March 28, 2012
Agreed with Sergei. I'm looking to buy Universal player. And this review feels like biased to me too.
Where is red book, SACD performance evaluations? Sound characteristics?
Associated equipment used?
Very shallow review.
I expected more from this website.
written by Vlad , March 28, 2012
Agreed with Sergei. I'm looking to buy Universal player. And this review feels like biased to me too.
Where is red book, SACD performance evaluations? Sound characteristics?
Associated equipment used?
Very shallow review.
I expected more from this website.
Sorry
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 28, 2012
Since we apparently can't mention a product from someone that might also advertise with us, no matter how universally lauded that product might be, I'd advise you to only read reviews from publications that don't accept any advertising in the future. That's really the only advice I can give, as I'm certain no matter what I saw to assure you of the fact that as a reviewer I don't care about who the advertiser is, it won't matter to you.
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 28, 2012
Since we apparently can't mention a product from someone that might also advertise with us, no matter how universally lauded that product might be, I'd advise you to only read reviews from publications that don't accept any advertising in the future. That's really the only advice I can give, as I'm certain no matter what I saw to assure you of the fact that as a reviewer I don't care about who the advertiser is, it won't matter to you.
What do you want
written by Tbone85 , April 01, 2012
"Reviews like this are what is killing off local AV stores."
Are you kidding? Are they supposed to pretend this unit is as good as the Oppo when they cost about the same? I personally get tired of vanilla reviews where the conclusion is always the same: "Of all of the units in this category on the market, the reviewed unit is certainly one".
It is not the role of a reviewer to keep local stores in business or put them out. They need to give the objective data and their subjective opinion. No one need agree with the opinion and people are welcome to challenge the data.
This unit does not perform anywhere near the Oppo unit on SD DVD material. Perhaps Yamaha can update the firmware and fix this, but the performance issues of the Yamaha lie in the factory and engineering labs--not on the desk of the reviewer.
written by Tbone85 , April 01, 2012
"Reviews like this are what is killing off local AV stores."
Are you kidding? Are they supposed to pretend this unit is as good as the Oppo when they cost about the same? I personally get tired of vanilla reviews where the conclusion is always the same: "Of all of the units in this category on the market, the reviewed unit is certainly one".
It is not the role of a reviewer to keep local stores in business or put them out. They need to give the objective data and their subjective opinion. No one need agree with the opinion and people are welcome to challenge the data.
This unit does not perform anywhere near the Oppo unit on SD DVD material. Perhaps Yamaha can update the firmware and fix this, but the performance issues of the Yamaha lie in the factory and engineering labs--not on the desk of the reviewer.
Can't please everyone
written by Kieran , April 05, 2012
Sergei wrote: "A "proper review" would at least have compared it to a good red-book CD player for music, Analogue output stage vs. Digital, Internal scaler vs external, loading/playing speeds, any convenient discrete control codes, quality of media streaming over Network (not Netflix)..."
Geeze. Well enough has been said about the Oppo comments. I'll only add that I have no allegiance whatsoever. Oppo *IS* the reference standard in this market. To not compare to it would be foolish.
My reference CD player would be a Sony DVP-S7000 if that means anything to you. The scaler was benchmarked, no need to compare to some other external scaler. The audio stages were also benchmarked. Player speed was also benchmarked. Did you even read the review?
I don't bother with discrete codes for reviews... no time.
Netflix is the #1 streaming source. If we don't mention it, people will ask for it.
Sorry I didn't report on streaming from my local server. I don't recall details of it now, but it was not bad.
I didn't have any SACDs handy at the time I did the audio portion of the review.
written by Kieran , April 05, 2012
Sergei wrote: "A "proper review" would at least have compared it to a good red-book CD player for music, Analogue output stage vs. Digital, Internal scaler vs external, loading/playing speeds, any convenient discrete control codes, quality of media streaming over Network (not Netflix)..."
Geeze. Well enough has been said about the Oppo comments. I'll only add that I have no allegiance whatsoever. Oppo *IS* the reference standard in this market. To not compare to it would be foolish.
My reference CD player would be a Sony DVP-S7000 if that means anything to you. The scaler was benchmarked, no need to compare to some other external scaler. The audio stages were also benchmarked. Player speed was also benchmarked. Did you even read the review?
I don't bother with discrete codes for reviews... no time.
Netflix is the #1 streaming source. If we don't mention it, people will ask for it.
Sorry I didn't report on streaming from my local server. I don't recall details of it now, but it was not bad.
I didn't have any SACDs handy at the time I did the audio portion of the review.
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Emotiva X-Ref 12 Subwoofer
Ross Jones - Thursday, 22 March 2012
Ross Jones - Thursday, 22 March 2012
Emotiva is a U.S. based Internet-direct manufacturer, known primarily for their high-power solid-state amplifiers. However, Emotiva makes other products, including three different lines of speakers, and several subwoofers. In this case, we review the X-Ref subwoofer, which has a 12" driver and 600 watts of amplifier power, all at a very reasonable price.
Comments (0)
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JVC X30 1080p Three-Chip D-ILA 3D Projector
Chris Heinonen - Monday, 19 March 2012
Chris Heinonen - Monday, 19 March 2012
After moving last fall, I finally had space for a projection setup and ordered a screen for my basement. When I started to look for a projector for my new home theater, the first recommendation from people was almost always JVC. The JVC X30 is a three-chip D-ILA projector that has 4K resolution for the future, but for now, it is considered a full 1920x1080p projector. I has an incredible contrast ratio for gorgeous blacks, and is 3D capable. It's $1,000 less than it was last year, and they have added memory for lens settings (zoom) so you can have the image at the appropriate size if you are viewing 2.35:1 vs. 2:1, etc.
Comments (5)
Expected bulb life?
written by Paul , March 19, 2012
I'm anxiously awaiting an LED-lit projector in a price class I can afford but that seems a number of years away. My current projector is fine (it is 720p but it is a very good 720p) and I plan to run it until its current (2nd) lamp goes. Judging from my experience with the first lamp, that could be sometime this year (though it should be more like mid to late 2013 at current usage).
What kind of lamp life does JVC suggest for this projector?
written by Paul , March 19, 2012
I'm anxiously awaiting an LED-lit projector in a price class I can afford but that seems a number of years away. My current projector is fine (it is 720p but it is a very good 720p) and I plan to run it until its current (2nd) lamp goes. Judging from my experience with the first lamp, that could be sometime this year (though it should be more like mid to late 2013 at current usage).
What kind of lamp life does JVC suggest for this projector?
Lamp Life
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 19, 2012
JVC rates the lamp at 3,000 hours in Normal mode. I used it for just over 100 hours while I had it and didn't see any change, but that's to be expected.
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 19, 2012
JVC rates the lamp at 3,000 hours in Normal mode. I used it for just over 100 hours while I had it and didn't see any change, but that's to be expected.
i may have overlooked you mentioning
written by jack , March 20, 2012
What type of screen/gain did you use? I'm currently using a manual pull-down DaLite Hi Power. Might that work? What does the mfg recommend?
written by jack , March 20, 2012
What type of screen/gain did you use? I'm currently using a manual pull-down DaLite Hi Power. Might that work? What does the mfg recommend?
...
written by Paul , March 20, 2012
Thanks. That's a fair bit more than mine is rated ("up to 2000 hours"--first one went at 1200 and I'm at 900 on the second one). Still hoping to get another 12-18 months out of it, though.
written by Paul , March 20, 2012
Thanks. That's a fair bit more than mine is rated ("up to 2000 hours"--first one went at 1200 and I'm at 900 on the second one). Still hoping to get another 12-18 months out of it, though.
Screen Gain
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 21, 2012
Sorry, I mentioned the screen, but it has a listed gain of 1.3, and seems to measure around 1.35 or so. With a High Power screen, you'd get plenty of light output from it, no question. JVC didn't list a recommended screen or gain for it, though at CEDIA they demoed it using a Screen Innovations Black Diamond 1.4 to show off the lens memory, and how the dark screen will hide any windowboxing bars during playback.
written by ChrisHeinonen , March 21, 2012
Sorry, I mentioned the screen, but it has a listed gain of 1.3, and seems to measure around 1.35 or so. With a High Power screen, you'd get plenty of light output from it, no question. JVC didn't list a recommended screen or gain for it, though at CEDIA they demoed it using a Screen Innovations Black Diamond 1.4 to show off the lens memory, and how the dark screen will hide any windowboxing bars during playback.
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