Nakamichi Soundspace 11 HELP

Freddie D · 11-06-2003, 12:58 PM

I currently have a Nakamichi Soundspace 11, which in my opinion is the classic "style over substance" set-up that I paid upwards of $5K for more than a year ago.

Don't get me wrong though, the system sounds great and suits my needs just fine, but I basically took it out of the box and turned it on, so I know it is not operating at it's full potential. I just purchased Avia's Guide to Home Theater, so hopefully, that will help when I receive it.

What I wanted was HONEST opinions and insight about my system whether it's good or bad, but please just don't say the system is horrible without offering an explanation.

Any insight or experience anyone has had regarding it's capabilities would be appreciated.

Also, I have a plasma TV, which has an input in the rear to connect another powered subwoofer and I have another input in the rear of the Nakamichi receiver. The SS11 came with two subwoofers, so I was wondering if you guys think two more subs would be overkill. If not, what's a great powered sub?

In adavance, thank you for your time and insight.

Freddie

Tim Streagle · 11-07-2003, 06:53 AM

I am unfamiliar with the Nakamichi. I'll look it up and get back to you on my reaction. What are your opinions on it's sound? Do you feel as though you are getting your money's worth? Tell us more about why you are looking for alternatives. As is stated endlessly on these forums, there are a handful of quality, economical subs you can invest in, ie. SVS, Hsu, Adire, etc. They actually reproduce sub-35hz signals accurately. Most "style over substance" components never delve that deeply. You may be missing this very important impact.

Freddie D · 11-07-2003, 10:27 PM

No, I really don't feel that I got my money's worth. I could have bought a system piece by piece and got real bang for my buck, but I do like the look of the system. It's very impressive.

The sound is spectacular, but as I said, I'm certain it's not operating at it's full potential, which is why I posted the question.

After reading the threads here, I think it's safe to assume that you guys aren't very fond of and/or familiar with systems that are straight out of a box, which probably explains the lack of response to my thread.

I wouldn't say that I'm looking for alternatives. I would say that I am attempting to expand on my current system.

Tim Streagle · 11-08-2003, 10:38 AM

There is no way for me to tell what your system sounds like. I am not familiar with any dealers in my area that have the 11 in stock. I would be interested in hearing it. My experience with Nakamichi is limited to their 1970's-80's cassette machines.

Take the time to get out and listen to some other speakers. Bring along recordings you are familiar with. Write down a list of characteristics that are important to you- things like transient response, imaging, transparency, human voice, listener fatigue, soundfield, etc. Do this in front of your home system and critique honestly. Then take this list on the road.

As an alternative, just buy a powered sub- you can always integrate it into another system later. You will be assured of getting the low freq. impact and response that you are in doubt of getting. Just make sure you buy a REAL subwoofer. I distrust the subs that look like the Bose boxes, and the ones that have amplifier sections of less than 100 watts per channel (rms) into 8 ohms. Stick to the recommendations given in these forums (the SVS, Hsu, Adire, mailorder crowd). Do the try-before-you-buy method. Several of these manufacturers have liberal return policies. Get one that gives you the most x-over setup options and adjustments so that you can more easily integrate it into your existing set-up.

Why don't others chime in on this? Perhaps they know more about this Nach. system than me and are dismissing it.

Wayne A. Pflughaupt · 11-08-2003, 12:09 PM

Freddie,

Quote:

What I wanted was HONEST opinions and insight about my system whether it's good or bad...

I think it’s safe to say that no pre-packaged system that cost $5000 would actually be “bad.”

However, I think we can take a couple of things for granted here: For the price I would expect the 11 to be a very nice system, but at the same time it would have been easy for someone to put together something just as good for less money, or something much better for the same money. That’s pretty much a given with any pre-packaged system.

From what I can see on Nakamichi’s website, the 11 is more flexible than most HTIB set-ups because it has extra inputs available. The amplifier power is really low at 30 watts per channel, but I expect the speakers were designed efficient enough to maximize the low power.

You’ve already indicated that the 11 sounds great to you, and that the appearance of the system was more important than getting maximum sonic performance for the dollar. I would certainly agree that a pick-and-choose, “better for the money” system would not look nearly as cool as the 11. If it’s foolish to expect outstanding sonic performance to come for free, then it’s equally true that you can’t expect outstanding styling to come for free. Thus if style and appearance are what you place a premium on, there’s no reason to feel like you didn’t get your money’s worth.

That said, I’ll agree with Tim that a good sub would be an excellent upgrade. The Nak subs only have 8” drivers – way too small for a serious home theater. If I read Nakamichi’s web site right, the 11’s processor has line outputs for a powered sub, so it would be easy to integrate a better sub. Best of all, since the best sub location is typically not near the main speakers, it wouldn’t detract from the appearance of the system.

As far as which sub to get, go with at least a 12” model. Beyond that it’s hard to say without knowing more about the size of your listening area.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

**HTF Ads**

Freddie D · 11-08-2003, 02:58 PM

Wow, thanks for the insight gentlemen.

In regard to my listening area, it is horrible. I live in a tri-level townhome, which means the dining room, kitchen and stairway to the upper floors are open to the living room, so it's impossible to confine the sound to just one area, which is definitely a problem. Any insight on a solution?

I think a sub would be a great upgrade too. As I said, I have two outputs for a sub; one on the receiver and another on the TV, so again, do you guys think it would be overkill to gte two more subs?

Again, thank for the insight!

Freddie D · 11-08-2003, 03:01 PM

Oh, and would someone mind listing the subs you spoke of with their prices? I know that's asking a lot, but it would be greatly appreciately.



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