Introduction With true convergence as the objective, Yamaha’s RP-U100 ($499) Personal Receiver is the first audio component to accept the audio signal directly from a computer (Mac or PC). It provides switching capability between the PC, a built-in AM/FM tuner and two other outboard components, such as a CD or MD player. I used the two-way acoustic suspension NS-U50 speakers ($129 per pair) that Yamaha designed specifically for the RP-U100. The YST-SW45 ($149) powered subwoofer rounded out the system. Regardless of what happens to Napster or MP3.com, it is abundantly clear that our computers will be a primary gateway for distributing, receiving, collecting and storing music files. So it stands to reason that the audio systems that reproduce these files must be of a higher quality than they have been in the past. While many computers are outfitted with speakers, performance levels vary radically. Moreover, even decent speakers are limited by the computer’s internal soundcard. The ...

Introduction Miller & Kreisel (M&K) frequently used in professional audio and DVD/film scoring studios has long been known as a pioneer in the field of separate satellites and subwoofers. This type of configuration allows the satellites to be smaller and to be positioned where they will produce the best imaging without worrying about bass response. Those of us with large tower speakers have spent many hours moving them around a few inches at a time, trying to find that perfect compromise position that allows the speakers to both image well and have a smooth, extended bass response. The separate satellite and subwoofer combination as used in the M&K systems allows the satellites to be positioned for optimal imaging and the subwoofer(s) placed for optimal bass response. Of course, if it were this easy to get incredible sound, everyone would be doing it. The satellite and subwoofer configuration presents its own problems, mainly the integration between ...

Athena Technologies S3/P3, P1/C1 Athena Technologies is a new line of speakers from API, the company that brings you the Mirage and Energy speakers. Athena’s pedigree is very solid and the Athena line fits in nicely between Energy and Mirage. The speaker combination I reviewed consisted of the top-of-the-line subwoofer/satellite combination for the four corners, with the smallest subwoofer paired up with their center channel. The retail price for the system I selected was a very reasonable $4,125 (C1 $250 each, P1 $275 each, S3 $600 per pair, P3 $600 each). Several finishes are available. The cherry wood review samples were well finished and aesthetically pleasing. The S3 is a three-way satellite with a 1" tweeter, 5 _" midrange and 8" woofer. The P3 subwoofer is a 150-watt amplifier driving a 10" driver in a ported enclosure. The Athena lineup consists of three subwoofer options, the P1, P2 and P3, three satellite options, S1, S2 ...

Introduction The D-SUB 10 is an entry level, very active subwoofer manufactured by Audio Specialiste. This member of the Dimension product family sits in the living room unnoticed until a signal is detected by the auto on/off circuitry, then it's time to bar the door. The unit is offered at a power-packed $499.00 The Audio Specialiste’s family tree, a Canadian based company, officially extended its limbs into the United States and international markets at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year. The company offers 30 models within four product groups; Virtuel, Dimension, Crescendo, and Propheti. The genetic pool of the D-SUB 10 is deep. The unit offers a very rigid 10" polycone speaker encased in a 14 inch (h) x 14 1/3 inch (w) x 18 1/2"(d) enclosure. The slotted band pass design braces the woofer facing the forward reflective panel of the enclosure. Sound waves are then released through a horizontal slot, or port, in ...

Introduction Since their introduction at CES1999, the industry has anxiously awaited the release of Paradigm's Reference line of speakers. The Reference line first started shipments in mid 1999 and has received much recognition since then. The Studio 80's are the second largest in the Reference line, a line that represents Paradigms effort to bridge the gap between high performance and high price. Paradigm, a company that is headquarted in Toronto Canada, has been in existence for the better part of 20 years and has long been regarded as a company that manufactures high value Audio/Video products. Paradigm is equipped with a state of the art facility that has one of the larger anechoic chambers in the industry as well as in house transducer design and manufacturing. Since my initial introduction to the Reference Line, I have looked very much forward to the opportunity to audition these speakers and test Paradigm's claims of value. The Studio 80’s are ...