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 ...

manufacturer: Middle Atlantic category: Feature Article review date: May 2000 reviewed by: Bryan Dailey Rack mounting of equipment has long been the standard in the professional recording industry. Audiophiles on the other hand have stereotypically been reluctant to embrace rackmounting of equipment and often opt for a minimalist approach. It is not unusual to see a $10,000 preamp sitting on a $20 Ikea table or even parked somewhere on floor. As the lines between home audio and theater systems begin to blur, more and more people are combining their systems and rackmounting them. There are many benefits to rackmounting your equipment and a well crafted rack can greatly improve a system in both functionality and aesthetics.

Introduction There's a new contender on the mini-home theater block, the Mirage AVS-Series MicroSystem. This young, up-and-coming lightweight delivers a great combination and has the wherewithal to go the distance for a mere $500 for the five-piece system. Throw in an extra $300 for the active subwoofer and you're in the 5.1 game for $800. And now for the introductions. The AVS-200 is the loudspeaker used to cover the front and rear of your listening arena. A total of four AVS-200s are included on this fight card. The tale of the tape is as follows: Two-way high-performance acoustic suspension enclosure including a 1 inch textile dome tweeter and a 3+1/2 inch woofer with polypropylene cone. The physical dimensions are 7 inch (h) x 4 1/8 inch (w) x 5 inch (d). The enclosure utilizes a revolutionary crosscutting and crimping technique allowing a single piece of wood to be molded seamlessly, greatly reducing resonance and defraction. ...

Introduction The Scenario is the latest offering from Martin-Logan, the electrostatic technology speaker company, as the company refers to itself. The design goal for the Scenario was to position it just below the Aerius, which is now available only in bi-wire guise, in price and sonics. With feedback from dealers, interior designers and the like, some felt the Aerius was just a little too tall for certain applications, so with a mating of the electrostatic panel from the wall-mount Script model and the woofer from the bi-wire Aerius model, the $1,995 per pair Scenario was born. Measuring in at 48 inches high with a very small 10 by 14-inch footprint, the Scenario is about ten inches shorter than the Aerius and gives up a little to bass response as the cabinet, which houses an 8 inch woofer, is smaller, as well. Martin-Logan has big plans for the Scenario as use with an all Martin-Logan ...

Introduction I am not your stereotypical high end audio reviewer. I am a self employed physician who's interest in high performance audio stems from a love of performing and listening to music. My current reference system consists (working backwards) the Wilson Watt Puppy system 5.1, the Mark Levinson No. 332 amplifier, the Mark Levinson No. 39 CD processor and Transparent Reference cabling. Since I am a physician and a musician (trained in classical and jazz piano) and not an electrical engineer, I will not pretend that I have a technical superiority over anyone. I will therefore concentrate my reviews on the emotional content and quality of the music playback associated with a particular system or component. The Mark Levinson No. 39 CD Processor... A new trend The integration of CD transport, digital to analog converter, and preamp has recently developed as a new trend. Wadia, Madrigal and others have recently released integrated CD/preamp products. When I first ...