Soundstage recently posted a review of the new RC-10. They absolutely loved the speaker, claiming it redefines their expectations for what is possible in this price range. Bob
Jack: Your comments on the history of KLH brought back fond memories. I bought a pair of used Model six speakers in the late 1960s to replace ElectroVoice EV-2s. Owned them for over 15 years until the drivers deteriorated and replacement parts were not readily available. Great speakers for...
Andy: I had similar concerns about damaging my speakers when I tried driving my low impedence (and expensive) Thiel speakers with a Pioneer stereo receiver (model SX-205) I bought from Circuit City for $100. Not only did this cheap receiver drive the speakers without problem (at moderately...
Moving to smaller house and need to sell: 1. A pair of PSB Stratus Bronze speakers. Bought them in July of 2001 and they are in close to new condition. Would prefer to sell locally - Anyone in the Knoxville, TN area who might be interested would be welcome to come by and give them an...
I thought this was an excellent film when I rented it last year and this discussion makes me want to see it again. However, its not a film that I would want to watch very often - its too depressing. In fact, I'd rate "Reqium", along with "In the Company of Men", is the most disturbing I've seen...
I agree that a musical score can "make" a movie. Among my favorites: Ulee's Gold On Golden Pond Last of the Mohicans A River Runs Through It The Thin Red Line Our Town The Shawshank Redemption Musical score for the documentary "The Way West" Bob
Guess I'm in the minority but I 'm not so sure you will get any audible improvement by buying a more expensive receiver or even separates for that matter. Your existing Sony is probably more than adequate to drive your new speakers. Might want to check out the current issue (no. 28) of The Audio...
Shane and Jeffery: I understand your points of view and , upon reflection, will say that I over reacted to Shane's post. I apologize. And I agree that the speakers included in the typical inexpensive "theater in a box" system would not compare to speakers such as Magnepans, Nears...
Shane: I agree Lauren's statements were over the top - especially his comments and "conclusions" regarding the characteristics of those who chose to spend relatively large sums of money on audio/video gear. On the other hand, I would take issue with your statement "to the enthusiast a...
Thanks for the review Ron. Watched this movie a couple of weeks ago and would rank it, along with Black Hawk Down, as among the best war movies I've seen. Bob
" There is an audiophile born every minute" Jack: After years of spending money in a mostly fruitless attempt to get to get "better" sound rather than focusing more on expanding my collection of LPs, CDs, DVDs, etc. , I personally would consider myself more of an "audiofool" than an...
Kier H: While I've never owned any ultra high priced gear, I have, with the "help" of magazines such as Stereophile and The Absolute Sound, purchased some fairly expensive equipment in an effort to achieve improved sound quality. After trying various components, "tweaks", and "upgrades" over a...
Guy: I've owned a rair of Stratus Bronze for a little over a year. In my opinion, they have a very smooth, even frequency response although they do seem to be a bit recessed in the upper mid-range compared to my Thiel cs .5 speakers. However, removing the PSB's grills reduces this effect. On...
Although I think Sound & Vision is a good magazine, The Audio Critic is, IMO, far and away the most reliable source of equipment reviews. Unlike most others I am familiar with, TAC often writes luke warm or downright negative reviews, sometimes including high priced equipment. Also, their use of...
I pretty much agree with your first 4 rankings. And I'd agree with David that source (LP, CD, tape, etc.) would rank pretty high. When it comes to items 5 through 10, I can't say any of the changes I've made in these components/accesories have materially changed the sound of my system(s). Bob
Robert: As Paul said, this is a good question that will elicit a variety of responses. Other than the source material, in my opinion the speakers and how they are placed within your room are the primary factors in determining the overall sound of a system. On the other hand, I've not been able...
Based on my experience, I'd say your HK would do the PSB's justice. I've used a very inexpensive ($100) Pioneer receiver to drive a pair of PSB Stratus Bronze's as well as Thiel cs.5's and believe both speakers sound just as good with the Pioneer as they do with my Luxman integrated amp that...
Red: In response to your post, you might want to consider the Infinity Intermezzo 4.1t which lists for $3500. Check out Issue 28 of The Audio critic for Don Keele's detailed review. Bob
If you decide to try the Axioms, I'd also suggest you make sure you can get a refund if you find they are not an improvement over your Polks. I've tried twice to "upgrade" from my old Fried Betas to Mission 701s and, later, to Norh 4s. (Both were purchased over the internet so I did not audition...
The Classe products would probably do fine with any of the speakers you are considering. In fact, I have used Classe separates to drive Thiel cs.5 speakers and was very satisfied with the sound. However, I should point out that I've also used a mid price integrated Luxman amp and a dirt cheap...
Having owned a number of preamps without tone controls, I fully agree that these controls can be very useful and would no longer want to be without them. While I still keep tone controls on the equipment I currently use switched off 90% of the time, they sure can come in handy when I want to...
I would definately go with a speaker upgrade. In fact, based on my experience, I'd agree with Julian Hirsch (Stero Review and Sound&Vision) among others, who have indicated that it is your speakers along with the source material that essentially determines the sound of a system. Personally, I've...
Steve: Looks like you have a couple of classics on your hands, especially the JBL. Makes me wish I still had my KLH model six speakers which were of similar vintage. While both of your speakers should provide generous bass (according to Audio's October, 1983 annual equipment directory, the...
Guess I'm among the minority on this forum but I have to admit that Best Buys "dream system" would, overall, represent a huge step up for me. Think I'd pass on the Bose speakers though and keep my 12 year old Frieds. Bob
David: For whatever its worth, I have an inexpensive stereo receiver and have found it's sonic performance equal to the much more expensive integrated and/or separate amps (Adcom, Music Fidelity, Classe, Luxman, etc.) I've owned. IMHO, you might be just as well off (and save some money) by...
Darren: My view may be different from others, but from my experience I'm not sure going with separate power amps would result in significant sonic improvement over the power amps in your receiver. As an example, I have substituted the cheap Pioneer receiver (cost: $100) I normally use in my...
Chu Gai: Regarding your comments about the Sansui receiver, I,ve had a similar experience. When I inserted my pioneer SX 205 receiver (which cost a fraction of the inter connects I used for my Classe separates) into my system, my Thiel speakers did their usual "disappearing act". Over the 3...
Paul: I agree with Chu Gai. In my experience, the speakers and how you position them in the room can have a major impact on the soundstage presentation. On the other hand I've owned several 2 channel amps (of widely ranging prices) and have been able to distinguish no difference in their...
I'd have to agree with those who feel that the primary cause of siblance is the recording itself or speakers/speaker placement. I owned a pair of Thiel cs .5 speakers for several years and, while I liked them very much overall, I did feel that they were a bit bright in the treble and had a...