| Last Update: October 06, 2000 at 18:47:14 | IP Address: 63.225.127.153 |
| Amplifier: | none |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | McIntosh C15 |
| Speakers: | Paradigm Reference Active/20's |
| Sources: | |
| CD Player/DAC: | Sony CA80ES 5 Disc Carousel, Pioneer Elite DV-09 (DVD and CD) |
| Turntable/Phono Stage: | none |
| Other Source(s): | Sony MD Component Player/Recorder, Canon GL-1 3 CCD Camcorder, Loewe Planus 30" Digital Widescreen Tube TV, Pioneer DV-09, Mitsubishi S-VHS VCR |
| Other Accessories/Room/Misc.: | |
| Speaker Cables/Interconnects: | Tributaries Silver Audio SCA 150's |
| Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.): | Monster HTS-2500 Power Conditioner, Salamander TV-30 in walnut/black satin, with frosted glass door and walnut sides, Chateau D'Ax nubuck Italian leather easy chair |
| Tweaks: | none |
| Room Size (LxWxH): | 18' x 15' x 8' |
| Room Comments/Treatments: | none yet |
| Music Preferences and Comments: | |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | classic rock, modern rock, classical, R&B, jazz, soundtracks, etc. |
| System Goals/Comments: | I just purchased the McIntosh Preamp, and I am quite happy with it's revealing, transparent, and neutral sound. Before, I merely used the line out level control on the CD Changer, and I must say the McIntosh has actually improved the system's sound, and hasn't detracted from the polish. The Active/20's are extremely revealing, neutral, dynamic, natural, and reproduce all the frequency of the music well. It reproduces music on a soundstage with depth and breadth, yet focuses the individual components really well. There is so much fascinating yet smoothly transitioned interplay between the speakers on certain music that one really can tell how defined these speakers are. You hear only the music, and with such clarity that it seems the music is set on a theater stage painted super matte black, with instruments holding their respective localities. For $1,600 and built in biamplification and electronic crossovers, not a bad deal! The Preamp, at $1,500, is built with extreme quality as are the speakers. The preamp is simple, and has 6 inputs and 2 outputs in stereo. I really like the aesthetics of the component also, the black glass face with silkscreened markings and McIntosh name in gold flake makes for a classy, classic appearance that is backlit with a green glow (matching the Active/20's)! The Sony CD Changer is convenient, but given the technology behind the D/A conversion, I feel this could be improved, but I am satisfied by the sound. Same with the MD component. Haven't tried lining in my camcorder into the preamp yet, but I will- this should be good given that the Canon records in 12 or 16 bit digital stereo, allowing for dubbing of another track such as music along with the video's recording. More comments to come! Recently, I bought the Pioneer DV-09, which surpasses the CD-playback of my Sony, and offers awesome DVD playback, of course. The 20" Sony Wega does some justice to the Pioneer, but obviously there's better (Loewe!). Got the Loewe now, now I just need to start saving for a house and retirement! |
| System Strengths: | Definition, neutrality, low distortion, smoothness, fairly low cost (except DV-09). |
| System Weaknesses: | Although the Active/20's reproduce low frequencies very well, could use a subwoofer (Velodyne HGS-10?), then I could flick the switch on the Active/20's for mid pass, and send the lower frequencies to the sub, allowing the midbass drivers in the Active/20's to concentrate on what they do best. |
| Video/HT System: Integrated | |
| TV/Projector: | Loewe Planus 30" Digital Widescreen Tube TV |
| Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers: | none |
| Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub): | none |
| Sources (DVD/VCR): | Pioneer Elite DV-09, Mitsubishi S-VHS |
| Other HT Gear: | none |
| Comments on HT System: | none |
| Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation: | Videography with my Canon GL-1 3 Chip Camcorder! It's a great way to get out there and experience new things and document it. |