http://www.avforums.com/forums/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:20:40 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.avforums.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.avforums.com/forums/ http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130230-bi-amp-help-please-nad-onkyo.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:01:25 GMT Hey guys i need someone with a bit more tech knowledge to answer this question;

I recently purchased a NAD 304 amp and am very excited to hook it up (specs below,

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] NAD 214 stereo power amplifier[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] The 304 stereo integrated amplifier has power output rated at 35 watts per channel into 8 ohms but with generous headroom permitting untroubled peaks of 120 watts per channel

NAD's unique Soft Clipping and Extended Dynamic Power circuits give the 304 the ability to deliver the maximum impact for dramatic performances without loss of smoothness or clarity

Two sets of heavy duty speaker wire binding posts can be used for main plus extra speakers or for bi-wiring, adding to the 304's versatility. It has six inputs for audio and video components making it an ideal amplifier for the most sophisticated audio and av systems[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] 1993 - 1996 model[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] Specifications :
Continuous power [ min RMS per channel 20Hz - 20kHz less than rated distortion into 8 ohms ]:
[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] -:®:- 35W RMS -:®:- Rated distortion [ THD, 20Hz - 20kHz ] 0.03%
-:®:- Clipping Power 42W -:®:- Dynamic headroom +5.5dB
-:®:- IHF Dynamic Power x 2 at 8 ohms: 120W 4 ohms 160W 2ohms 200W;
-:®:- RIAA response accuracy : ±0.5dB
-:®:- Damping Factor [8 ohms, 50Hz]: > 100
-:®:- Input impedance R = 18kohms, C = 560pF
-:®:- Input sensitivity at 35W rated power : 1.0V -:®:- Voltage Gain 32 x [ 30dB ]
-:®:- Signal to Noise Ratio [ 1W / 35W, A-weighted ]: 102 / 117dB[/FONT]

[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif]Dimensions :[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif] -:®:- Dimensions [ W x H x D ] : 420 x 1-8 x 320mm
-:®:- Weight : 6.4kg packed weight : 8kg
-:®:- NAD 304 stereo amplifier S/N: G5630419961[/FONT][/FONT]

I'm planning to integrate it with my Onkyo TXSR803 receiver...running the pre out from rec into NAD (so basically using the NAD as a power amp and Onkyo as a processor). The NAD has dual outputs so i could bi amp my B&W 683's.

Here is the Question:

Should I bi -amp my 683's using both amps, i.e onkyo Front L/R outputs powering the mid-high freqs...and NAD powering the low freqs.

OR

Bi amp the speakers using just the NAD?

The NAD will produce a better signal?..But should i be utilising the amplification from both amps for more power? Would timing be an issue using the two different amps?

Any help is appreciated in advance...

Thank you! ]]> kiwi5 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130230-bi-amp-help-please-nad-onkyo.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130132-these-two-cd-players-would-you-choose.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:16:28 GMT I've decided what I want but want to know which of the two you would choose and why:

DENON UK | Home Audio Components

Azur 650C CD player

Both are very similarly priced at circa £330 so what if anything are the differences? ]]> Zorba_8 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130132-these-two-cd-players-would-you-choose.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130080-l-art-du-son-record-cleaning-liquid-best-price.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:52:24 GMT I've done a search on google, a few 'compare price' search engines and not come up with much.

Anyone know who sells this product?

Thanks ]]> SOUNDSTYLE http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130080-l-art-du-son-record-cleaning-liquid-best-price.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130076-help-please-marantz-amp.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:47:39 GMT i have been offered a marantz pm35 mk2 special edition amp for what seems a very good price, but i know nothing about this amp and i'm struggling to find info on the web, apparently it has been upgraded to an MC phono stage from the MM phono stage that comes standard. i dont know if this makes much difference.

but any info you guys could give me would be great please.

Mr Fox ]]> IncredibleMrFox http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130076-help-please-marantz-amp.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130028-double-distilled-water-available-where.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:36:49 GMT I wish to make my own cleaning solution for use in a Knosti record cleaning machine, and need to get some distilled water.

I prefer to get some double distilled water if possible but can't seem to find any.

Yes, I've done the google search but I didn't come up with anything useful, as far as I could see.

Thanks ]]> SOUNDSTYLE http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1130028-double-distilled-water-available-where.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129932-my-first-separates-sound-system-any-thoughts.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:35:12 GMT Hi, I'm looking at investing in a proper sound system which I can add to and improve over the years and it will last a long time.

I listen to like 5 hours of music a day and will also use it for movies.

I mainly listen to electronic (House, Trance, Progressive, Drum n Bass etc...).

A local hi-fi shop has the Q Acoustic 1050i for around £160 so they have me interested.

I will be using my dads old amp (Kenwood TOA VM-1120B Mixer power amp) as I cant afford an amp yet and I will also be using a small sub from my old pc speakers set just to slightly boost the bass of the floor standing speakers. Although they do have decent bass anyway. Then next year ill upgrade the amp and sub but I dont need to think about that yet cos the money just isnt there.

As for the input, i'll be running it off my 13" unibody Macbook.

Anyone have any thoughts about any better alternatives or about this set up?

Thanks
Luke ]]> lersince1991 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129932-my-first-separates-sound-system-any-thoughts.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129798-system-play-ipod-through-kitchen.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:55:38 GMT I'm looking for something to go in my kitchen, that will primarily be used to play my mp3s from my iPod through.

(Most stuff is as hi-quality as I can get, especially the stuff I rip myself).

I suppose a DAB tuner would come in handy for the times I don't have the iPod with me, or when the wife wants to use it (- as would a CD player).

I started off my search looking for a iPod dock with built in speakers, then talked myself into a micro system (has to be smal-ish, as it'll be in the kitchen, possibly sitting on the Microwave!)

I have a budget of £2-300 for everything, inc. delivery and cables (I really don't want to spend more ;))

After spending a day browsing these forums, I had started to settle on the Denon DM37DAB, but as that has no direct iPod interface (other than through the iPod headphone out), this has put me off slightly. I also realise there is a Denon dock, but at £80 for the dock, £200 for the amp/DAB/Cd, this would leave me with £20 for speakers and cable (which I expect wouldn't get me very far!)

I note for £200 I could get a TEAC CR-H257i with dock, but haven't seen much mentioned about TEAC whilst reading the forums. (I will go search the forums for this model now!)

Can anyone recommend any systems/solutions, bearing in mind that the iPod will be the main source of sound for the unit (though I don't mind controlling play etc through the iPod itself - as I suspect it's own interface will be superior to anything offered by any of the AV manufacturers).

Any advice at all will be greatly appreciated. :)
]]> jonnyw http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129798-system-play-ipod-through-kitchen.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129574-where-can-you-buy.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:03:58 GMT Any ideas where I could source in the UK a AudioSource AMP-100 2-Channel Bridgeable Stereo Power Amplifier its ideal for my project to run some ceiling speakers as it has autostandby but cant find a seller in uk Any ideas where I could source in the UK a

AudioSource AMP-100 2-Channel Bridgeable Stereo Power Amplifier

its ideal for my project to run some ceiling speakers as it has autostandby but cant find a seller in uk ]]> magic77 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129574-where-can-you-buy.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129541-death-cd-player.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:08:23 GMT not suprised realy just a matter of when.

Linn Products announce "The Death of CD" | AVguide ]]> dazm41 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129541-death-cd-player.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129244-micro-system-connectable-blu-ray-tv.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:10:04 GMT I'm looking for a bedroom micro system that can connect to ipods, has DAB, and can connect to an LCD HD tv and a blu-ray player.

Does anybody know if any of the current suite of Denon (something like the DM37), Onkyo (cr525?) or yamaha (crx d430) can connect to all of these things, and produce a decent sound?

Thanks ]]> hiphopopotamus http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129244-micro-system-connectable-blu-ray-tv.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129193-hard-disk-player.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:04:40 GMT Hello,

Is there a good hard disk player out there, similar to the Naim HDX, but that doesn't cost the earth (£4500 for the Naim!) ??

Naim Audio

Cambridge used to make the 640H, but from what I can tell they've stopped manufacturing it (the reviews weren't too good, apparently the software was quite buggy).

I know there are some streaming solutions out there, but I am interested in a dedicated hard disk player.

Cheers
LostIn ]]> LostIn http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129193-hard-disk-player.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129172-want-play-mp3s-usb-home-stereo-why-so-complicated.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:47:30 GMT Greetings everyone.

Been reading the board for a couple hours, can't seem to solve this problem.

It's simple, really. A basic garage stereo. I have an older receiver and speakers, and just need to buy a CD player with USB input so that I can play some music in my garage. I purchased one for my Subaru, a nice Sony CD player with USB input. It was maybe $120, and it works great. I never even use the CD functionality.

However, I can't find a product like this for a home system. Why not? Nobody makes one?

I have mp3s on my PC, and can easily put them onto a USB, or even a CD-R. I do not own an I-pod, and do not want one.

I'm looking at DAC systems that offer the functionality, but I don't think I need to drop $800 on a cheap garage stereo. What gives? Am I missing something? ]]> nova6868 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129172-want-play-mp3s-usb-home-stereo-why-so-complicated.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129165-best-integrated-stereo-amplifier-go-kef-q4-floorstander-speakers-hundreds.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:41:17 GMT Hello I hope that you can help me. I have a pair of Kef Q4 speakers (floorstanders) which I want to keep for the long term. Their spec is: Design 3 way bass reflex Hello

I hope that you can help me.


I have a pair of Kef Q4 speakers (floorstanders) which I want to keep for the long term.

Their spec is:

Design 3 way bass reflex
Drive units 130 mm (5.25") UNI-Q® with
19 mm (3/4") aluminium dome
130 mm (5.25") woofer
Frequency response at 15° horizontally off axis ±3 dB 42 Hz - 27 kHz
Crossover frequency 250 Hz - 2.8kHz
Amplifier requirements 15 - 150 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 90 dB
Maximum output 111 dB
Impedance 8 Ohms
Magnetic shielding Yes


I am currently looking (finally) to buy an Amplifier to go with them as they are currently fed from a rubbishy Sony micro system (65W per channel Max).

My Question is: Which is the best Amp to get to go with my Kef Q4 speakers? -

I am really seeking an engaging musical sound experience (rather than either, just power or, just lifelessness/dull).

I do not really know how much I need to spend and what to buy to do them enough justice (but also not to make them the weak link as I really want to keep the Kef Q4s for the long-term.)


Note: I really don't need lots of inputs for different sources as I tend to stream my music in as the source (via Apple Mac using their Lossless format) and so am not looking to buy a CD source. I have noticed that many Amps have lots of inputs which I may not really use and this seems a waste (possibly of money too!).

I have read that it is advisable to get as powerful an amp as possible within the range specified (up to 150 Watts at 8 ohms); I have however noticed that powerful amps cost more!

So, I do not really know what the minimum Max Output Wattage of the Amp I should be looking for is?


My current shortlist in ascending price order (from £170 to £900 !), (and from 45 Watts per channel to 150 watts per channel max output at 8 ohms):


Cambridge Audio Azur 340 ASE (Max output: 45 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £170.

Harman Kardon HK980 (Max output: 80 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £270.

Marantz PM6003 (Max output: 45 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £275. Note I have heard that this one may be a bit "lifeless"?

Cambridge Audio Azur 650 A (Max output: 75 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £350.

Yamaha A-S700 (Max output: 90 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £350.

Naim Nait 5i (Max output: 50 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £700. Note I have had some advice that a Naim Nait 5i would be wasting my money as the Kef Q4s would not sound appreciable better than a Marantz PM6003, and that is a £425 difference!)

Roksan Kandy 2 (Max output: 125 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £850

Harman Kardon HK 990 (Max output: 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £900


If you think any are better or worse suited, or can steer me in another direction to best make a decision then your help or guidance would really be appreciated.

Thanks

Stuart ]]> Stu111121 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129165-best-integrated-stereo-amplifier-go-kef-q4-floorstander-speakers-hundreds.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129102-best-integrated-stereo-amplifier-go-kef-q4-floorstander-speakers-hundreds.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:24:33 GMT Hello I hope that you can help me. I have a pair of Kef Q4 speakers (floorstanders) which I want to keep for the long term. Their spec is: Design 3 way bass reflex Hello

I hope that you can help me.


I have a pair of Kef Q4 speakers (floorstanders) which I want to keep for the long term.

Their spec is:

Design 3 way bass reflex
Drive units 130 mm (5.25") UNI-Q® with
19 mm (3/4") aluminium dome
130 mm (5.25") woofer
Frequency response at 15° horizontally off axis ±3 dB 42 Hz - 27 kHz
Crossover frequency 250 Hz - 2.8kHz
Amplifier requirements 15 - 150 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 90 dB
Maximum output 111 dB
Impedance 8 Ohms
Magnetic shielding Yes


I am currently looking (finally) to buy an Amplifier to go with them as they are currently fed from a rubbishy Sony micro system (65W per channel Max).

My Question is: Which is the best Amp to get to go with my Kef Q4 speakers? -

I am really seeking an engaging musical sound experience (rather than either, just power or, just lifelessness/dull).

I do not really know how much I need to spend and what to buy to do them enough justice (but also not to make them the weak link as I really want to keep the Kef Q4s for the long-term.)


Note: I really don't need lots of inputs for different sources as I tend to stream my music in as the source (via Apple Mac using their Lossless format) and so am not looking to buy a CD source. I have noticed that many Amps have lots of inputs which I may not really use and this seems a waste (possibly of money too!).

I have read that it is advisable to get as powerful an amp as possible within the range specified (up to 150 Watts at 8 ohms); I have however noticed that powerful amps cost more!

So, I do not really know what the minimum Max Output Wattage of the Amp I should be looking for is?


My current shortlist in ascending price order (from £170 to £900 !), (and from 45 Watts per channel to 150 watts per channel max output at 8 ohms):


Cambridge Audio Azur 340 ASE (Max output: 45 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £170.

Harman Kardon HK980 (Max output: 80 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £270.

Marantz PM6003 (Max output: 45 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £275. Note I have heard that this one may be a bit "lifeless"?

Cambridge Audio Azur 650 A (Max output: 75 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £350.

Yamaha A-S700 (Max output: 90 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £350.

Naim Nait 5i (Max output: 50 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £700. Note I have had some advice that a Naim Nait 5i would be wasting my money as the Kef Q4s would not sound appreciable better than a Marantz PM6003, and that is a £425 difference!)

Roksan Kandy 2 (Max output: 125 Watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £850

Harman Kardon HK 990 (Max output: 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms) cost circa £900


If you think any are better or worse suited, or can steer me in another direction to best make a decision then your help or guidance would really be appreciated.

Thanks

Stuart ]]> Stu111121 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129102-best-integrated-stereo-amplifier-go-kef-q4-floorstander-speakers-hundreds.html http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129022-good-amplifier-monitor-audio-gs60-used-linn-majik-ds.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:47:53 GMT Hi guys, I am pretty much sold on going the digital streaming route, as I love controlling my music from my laptop. I have heard only good things about the Linn DS range (although I would also consider the Logitech Transporter) and I think that my choice of source is pretty much done.. Now,... Hi guys,

I am pretty much sold on going the digital streaming route, as I love controlling my music from my laptop. I have heard only good things about the Linn DS range (although I would also consider the Logitech Transporter) and I think that my choice of source is pretty much done..

Now, as for speakers, I like the Monitor Audio range, having heard the lower silver range, and the GS60 come highly recommended.

I need to go to some shops and demo as much as possible (I'm stuck on a rock - Jersey - at the moment) and make sure these are the speakers for me. Aesthetics are important to me, and the GS60s tick the right boxes in the looks department.

These speakers cost about £2k.

Does anyone have experience with the speakers, and more importantly are there any particular amps that would be worth a demo in unison? Recommended amp requirements is 60 - 200 Watts - I'm not sure if that means per speaker, or in total? I'm fairly certain it means in total, for both speakers.

My understanding of the Linn DS range/Transporter, is they will work pretty well with any good amp/speaker combination, and the synergy of amp and speakers are what is most important.

The GS60s appeal to me because apparently they are very adept at the kind of fast paced, punchy music I like, as well as modern rock, dance, electronic etc - I don't really listen to classical music..

So, I know I might sound crazy having practically made up my mind on source and speakers without any demos, and it may be that the GS60s aren't to my taste after all. After research though, I have a feeling they will pretty damn good for me...

So... what kind of amplification should I be looking at....?

I take it I'm gonna need to blow at least £1k on an amp to drive these puppies - I've got no problem spending £2k to be honest. Been saving up for ages and now it's time to get that stereo I've always dreamed of.

The problem with a Linn DS or similar streaming device, is you can't really take it into a shop, because there's no music stored inside the DS, and you can't plug in a CD either... I doubt most Hi Fi shops have a wifi connection...

So, what amps should I look to demo with the GS60s? Will I probs end up going pre/power or integrated?

Many thanks!

Keyser ;) ]]> keysersoze123 http://www.avforums.com/forums/hi-fi-systems-separates/1129022-good-amplifier-monitor-audio-gs60-used-linn-majik-ds.html