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VOLCANIC MUSIC U.S., has announced that the Remember Mount St. Helens, system will deliver CD - the volcano in Washington quality surround sound State that blew its stack? based on the AC -3 digital Well, last fall Alan coding technology invented Hovhaness's "Mount St. by Dolby Labs. The AC -3 Helens" Symphony on Delos process, which provides six zoomed into the Top 10 on audio channels, is also the Billboard magazine's chart of basis for the Dolby Stereo best-selling classical Digital soundtracks being recordings, right up there used in a growing number of with G6recki's Symphony No. motion pictures. The latest 3, Cecilia Bartoli, and "The word is that HDTV Three Tenors." broadcasting could begin in If you want a little whiff of 1996. We're not holding our it before buying, there's a 5 - breath. minute excerpt from the symphony on the Delos MUSICAL NOTES sampler CD offered to STEREO The noted materialist REVIEW readers back in July. Madonna has plummeted RECORDABLE CD FLAP The 70 -minute sampler also from eighth place in Forbes The idea of recordable CD (CD -R) is not new-professional includes music by Dvorak, magazine's list of Copland, Wagner, Saint- entertainment millionaires to "write -once" machines costing thousands of dollars have been Saens, Tchaikovsky, and fifteenth as her income around for a few years. But word from Japan has it thatsome others. To get a copy, send a dropped from $24 million for big -name companies-including Pioneer, Marantz, TDK, and check for USS4 (made out to the 1992 list to a paltry $13 Delos International) along million last year. (Oprah Yamaha-are planning to market CD -R machines and blank with your name and address Winfrey leads the pack with discs to consumers in that country. Reportssay recorders priced to Delos International, Attn: $98 million over two years.)...at about $5,000 could go on sale soon, with prices eventually TA20, 1645 N. Vine St. Suite Born in 1983 with the advent falling to under 51.000. The new 340, Hollywood, CA 90028. of the CD, Rykodisc is consumer machines would also Also still available is celebrating the completion of be of the write -once variety, meaning thatyou can't erase or Legacy's special CD sampler its first ten years in business. record over recordings made on them. Blank 60 -minute discs "The Beauty of the Blues," 54 ... This month the Rock -and - are expected to sell for about 528 apiece. Whether this minutes of great blues by Roll Hall of Fame will induct such legendary figures as the Animals, the Band, Duane development w_11 spark renewed interest in recordable CD here Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Eddy, the Grateful Dead, remains to be seen. One thing's certain: In its current, and Big Bill Broonzy. For a Elton John, John Lennon, Bob copy send a check or money Marley, and Rod Stewart.... nonerasable form, recordable CD is not aconsumer -friendly order for US$4 (made payable The prestigious four -volume format. Erasable CD is another story. But when sucha format to Sony Music) to Music New Grove Dictionary of might become available is anyone's guess. Fulfillment Number 2037, Opera, which contains 10,000 Legacy Blues, P.O. Box 4000, articles and 1,300 Carrollton, GA 30117. illustrations, normally lists Highlights include the choice ... McIntosh is venturing into for $850, but it is available between a DIN -size CD- or car stereo with a full line of HDTV ALLIANCE GOES through January 31 for a DOLBY cassette -based controller/ custom -install -oriented special holiday price of $695. tuner, a twelve -disc CD components including The Digital HDTV Grand changer with a 100 -disc title amplifiers and speakers.... Alliance, a consortium of AUTOSOUND memory, a digital front/rear manufacturers and research Blaupunkt's new Velocity Pioneer is making a foray thirty -one -band equalizer, a power amplifiers feature concerns jointly developing a into ultra high -end car stereo digital preamp/processor, a new digital high -definition patented Rocktron circuitry, this month with the Optical 30 -watt -per -channel pure which is said to prevent TV broadcast system for the Digital Reference System. Class A integrated amplifier clipping at high volumes, with a digital crossover, and and an adjustable noise - a complete line of speakers. muting circuit. KAZOO FACTS Fiber-optic digital We are indebted to Modern Maturity magazine forpointing connections are used FOR LASERDISC FANS out recently that the kazoo capital of the world is Eden, throughout except from the A complimentary copy of The amplifier to the speakers. 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CIRC. FJO 38 ON Hi- ADER Si- RVICE CARD The Original Motion Picture S?undtrack THE TH REE ETERS MLUSKIETEEP >ct S.kaf %. Digital Radio shouldcost fisttimes as much as 1959- I enjoyed Peter Mitchell's "Digitalon the 1960 LP's did, or $20. But the sonic im- Air" in November, but when I called my provements of CD's over LP's are far great- local cable company they said they have no er than the "improvements" that EPA and plans to carry Digital Cable Radio or Digi- "safety" mandates have made in our cars. tal Music Express. Would you please print So maybe, just to keep things "fair" and our these companies' addresses? Perhaps If I apples vs. oranges comparisons "relative," write them they will actively solicit my loc- CD prices should be raised to about $25. cal cable operator. TIM FERN Also, the article claimed that digital ra- Henderson, KY dio is commercial -free, like HBO, but that is deceptive. HBO has far too many HBO That only one out of every ten CD releas- commercials: premium movie channels are es is profitable is a good reason to lower not truly interruption -free. Is that the case prices. Prices are so high that consumers with digital radio on cable? Scorr OLSON don't want to take a chance on anything Featuring score by Clearwater. FL new. And if expensive videos are what's driving up the cost of a CD, I suggest the You can write to Digital Cable Radio at record companies quit making them. I don't acclaimed composer 2200 Byberry Rd.. Hatboro. PA 19040. and want to pay more for CD's so that record- to Digital Music Express at International ing artists can exercise some fantasy of be- Cahlecasting Technologies. Inc.. 11400 W. ing a movie star. DAVID F. TooNE Olympic Blvd.. Suite 1100. Los Angeles, CA Tucson, AZ 90064-1507. Both services do. in fact. offer continuous music with no promotional or ere do you guys go to buy CD's? I KAMEN commercial interruptions. iiagreethat they're overpriced, but come on-$16.98 apiece? I never pay more (Robin I Im)d: Prince Of Thieves. CD Prices than $13 for a CD, and even that is rare at the "mom-and-pop" stores I buy from. gan Masters's "Do CD's Cost Too Much?" 1.ethal Weapon, Die I lard and Vona TIM ENGLE Min November presented arguments on Schererville, IN both sides with a minimum of prejudice. His conclusion was basically that of the Recently I bought three used CD's for Includes the hit song record companies: that CD prices are what much less than if they were new- they are because the market has determined CD's I never would have bought at full or they're fair. As record -company executives sale prices. Two were by new artists I'd "All For Love" are such lovers of the free market, they heard of but had never purchased before. should be overjoyed at the free-market re- They were excellent, and I'll probably buy Performed by sponse to their inflated prices: used -CD more of their music someday. So hats off to stores. BRICE A. WALZ Wherehouse. They are doing the public a Wellington. KS favor-and helping the music industry by BRYAN encouraging us to try music we might oth- no CD's cost too much? Yes! The last erwise ignore. RICHARD W. EVON DPCD I bought was U2's "Achtung Ba- Concord. CA ADAMS, by." After taxes that sucker cost $19. At those prices I cannot afford to buy new re- W1ile Ian G. Masters assessed "today's ROD cordings on a regular basis. so I mostly buy CD prices" at retail outlets, he ig- cutouts. where I find very good music at a nored savings available from the large mail- reasonable price. JEAN -PAUL TERTOCH A order record Clubs. BERNARD A. DUPONT STEWART Warrensburg. IL Putnam, CT & STING The reason for the inflated cost of CD's is out-and-out greed! The damn things Edison's Failure shouldn't cost more than $9.95. I continue Ken Pohlmann's October "Signals" col- to buy CD's, but not nearly as many as the umn on "Edison's Failure" really HoLlYwio LP's I used to purchase. BIG AL JOHNSON opened my eyes. Tomorrow I'm trading in record Austin, TX my B&W speakers, Adcom amplifier, and Available on Hollywood Records CD of Simon Rattle conducting Mahler's Compact Discs and Cassettes Awhile back I went through my father's Symphony No. 2 for a Super Nintendo En- (higlinal Score Composed and Conducted by Michael Kamen. Produced by Michael Kamen. Stephen McLaughlin, old LP collection. from the early tertainment System and a "Mortal Kombat" and Christopher lineolu. "All For Love" written h) Bry an Adams. stereo days of 1958-1959 through about cartridge. Of course, it must follow thatI Robert John "Muir Lange. wad Michael Kamen. 1970. Many still had original price stickers Produced by Chris Thomas. lir) an Adams and 13. id Nicholas.. should let my subscription to STEREO RE- Bryon Adana and Stint ,peer untausfld ,AM Roo".. life. of around $4. In 1959 you could buy a very VIEW run out and begin reading Video Game Rod Stewart appears court, d %mar Ittos Ramat. In.,. 111R-01911.214 0 land The Balt Diana :awn, 0 1443 The R.h Iliac, decent new car for $2,995: today it would Review. Now, if I can only find someone Comtsuo. 'All lac I..,. 0 1.3 Ad SI Kornai, Inc. This onnotilatan cost around $14.995. At that rate, CD's 0/101 WA Thu Nall I Nob, I imam,. I lolb alibi Records. SOO S. Wont who will accept my Wurlitzer baby grand Virtu St.. Burbank. 91521. [Nonfatal In Ethan Entaluinman. [aka., N urns kaatonications Inc.0 lima Varna. instant. 10 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 MISCONCEPTION r3. A surround is a sund.urro Hope. By firing sound forward and rear, the dipole 575x surround washes your walls with sound. Thereby transporting you to the middle of a canyon, a city street, or the forest planet Endor (please don't feed the Ewoks). In fact, we believe the 575x is the finest surround speaker ever built.

true space is achieved with

Boston 575x surrounds. These

dipolar speakers, unlike conven-

tional ones. use walls to reflect

sound several times before it

reaches your ears. So the sound

envelops you and you feel like

You've probably heard

MISCONCEPTION wt. THX is electronics. Actually, most of what THX is lies in how alot about THX. the speakers are configured. Take our 555x front speaker. We had one aim in building it: your ears. Sound disperses horizontally, but Is limited vertically. Since the sound you hear hasn't bounced Now wellsee110W well off of the floor or ceiling first, dialog is incredibly clear, effects are crisp. you werelistening. you're right in the middle of the

scene. And finally, what's a movie

What the heck is this THX thing? MISCONCEPTI 3N *2. Some folks think you need to buy the entire system all at once. But, in without an explosion or two? fact, the pieces of the Boston THX system are available separately. You can even power them with your existing Dolby Pry:A.91creceiver and uagrade to the THX electronics later. A running shoe? A dessert top- So we built the tight, powerful ping? Misconceptions abound. The system consists of six THX on and off screen, and panning s Boston 595x subwoofers to deliver

But here's the skinny. THX is a speakers, and a THX controller/ more natural (a horse galloping the visceral side of a movie's system designed by the folks at amplifier combo. Boston Acoustics across the screen sounds as such, sound effects and music. All of

Lucas Entertainment. Its aim: THX speakers offer a great deal with a smooth transiticr from side which can be heard at your local to make a film sound just as more than conventional speakers to side). All of this thanks to the Boston dealer. Stop by for a impressive from your easy chair as when it comes to home theater. 555x speaker's narrow vertical demo. Now that you know what it did from the director's chair in Soecifically, dialog is clearer, dispersion pattern. Sound travels you're listening to. his fancy high-tech dubbing suite. effects are more readily localized to your ears without ricocheting

off the floor or ceiling, which cal BostonAcoustics MISCONCEPTION *1. Most people think THX uses a Just what's important new and different encoding method. Not so. In fact, at its heart, the THX controller has a Dolby ProLogic blur crucial dialog and effects. decoder, so it accepts any Dolby.encoded TV program, Boston and Boston Acoustics are trademarks of video tape or laser disc (unfortunately, that includes Boston Acoustics. IncAll other trademarks are the Ishtar). We like to think of it as Dolby ProLogic, refined. Another advantage: a sense of property of their respective holders

To receive a tree copy of Number. the Boston Acoustics magazine of music. circle Reader Service No 9 piano as a trade-in for that fantastic virtual- peting loudspeakers is "the best," given ten does. And without tight level -matching, reality simulator featured in the movie how many uncontrolled and subjective fac- for example. there may he genuine audible Lawnmower Man .... ORSON WANG tors are involved. He went on to express differences (including apparent differences Ann Arbor, MI surprise at finding three loudspeakers that in tonal balance, detail, and stereo imag- sounded almost identical and to point out ing) attributable solely to a level difference Confidence Levels that there may still he reasons a person rather that; to anything inherent in the de- might prefer one over the others based on signs of the amplifiers being compared. I have decided not to renew my subscrip- characteristics other than their sound. tion because I have little confidence in Nothing in what he said should he taken as what you print. For instance. in November suggesting that differences between loud- Recording CD to MD "Technical Talk" Julian Hirsch trivialized speakers are not important. wen Pohlman'said in his August 1993 the differences between loudspeakers, and As for amplifier sound . . well. twenty Mreview of the Sony MDS-101 MiniDisc in "Amplifiers for Surround Sound" Mi- years ago I would have agreed with you. recorder that he tested it by recording digi- chael Riggs said all power amplifiers sound But I never said all power anzplifiers sound tally from a CD. How did he do it?I tried alike. the same. What I would say is that all pow- to get a Toslink optical connector for my Specifically. Riggs said. "Except in par- er amplifiers with low enough noise and MDS-10I and was told that it was "still un- ticular circumstances modern high-fidelity distortion, the same frequency response into der development." PHILL SCHWEIZER power amplifiers operating at levels below the load over the audio band (within a Pittsburgh, PA overload are sonically neutral devices." small fraction of a decibel). the same polar- Nothing could be further from the truth. I ity, and levels matched to within 0.1 dB will Technical Editor David Ranada replies: In recently listened to four different power sound the same so long as none of them is order to give the digital jacks on the MDC- amplifiers in my system after deciding to driven into overload. That has been proved 101 the ability to accept both coa.vial and replace my current one. Each of the four over and over again in controlled listening optical digital signals. Sony chose to make sounded different from the others and from tests with a wide variety of auditioners, and the jacks incompatible with the industry- the one I had been using. The amp I bought it is further supported by measurements in- standard Toslink/EIAJ optical cables. In- is more open and more detailed. and it im- dicating differences between input and out- stead, it offers an optional optical connec- ages better than the others. It has a wider put that are well below scientifically estab- tor-the POC-MZ1-that can hook up the and deeper soundstage and better bass, lished thresholds of MDC-I01 with a Toslink input or output on midrange. and treble. It is more musical. With the vast majority of modern transis- another component. Ken Pohlmann used How can STEREO REvtEw print such non- tor amplifiers driving the vast majority of one of those connectors in his tests. sense as that all high-fidelity power ampli- loudspeakers at reasonable volume, all fiers sound alike? MICHAEL T. SALIBA that's required to achieve the same result is New Orleans, LA level matching and a blind comparison We welcome your letters. Please address technique. Unfortunately, human beings are correspondence to Editor, Stereo Review, Michael Riggs replies: Julian Hirsch was both very suggestible and loathe to admit it, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. not trivializing the differences between even to themselves. In the absence of prop- You should include your address and speakers. His column was about how diffi- er controls or real differences, the imagina- telephone number for verification. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

FOR $699 YOU CAN BRING HOME THE BEST IN THEATER SOUND. AND LEAVE THE WORST OFIT BEHIND. Introducing the highly affordable Advent Home Theater System. Five proudly crafted speakers that will awaken your living room with the rumble of a passing chopper. Or the grumble ofa tyrannosaurus in the brush. With the only coughing, crying and gabbing coming from the set Just $699gets you the Video Shielded Prodigy' Towers in black oak for front speakers, Mini -Adventrear channel speakers for special effects and the Advent Audio Focus' shielded center channel for dialogue. But if you already own speakers, you can mix and match any of these pieces. Soyou only pay for the speakers you need. For free literature and the name of your nearest dealer, call ///A D V \ 1 1-800-477-3257 Sound as it was meant to be heard c 1993 Advent is a registered trademark and Prodigy and Audio Focus are trademarks of International Jensen Inc In Canada. call SCLProducts 604-273-1095 (B.G.) 416-890-0298 (ONTL Top Gun 0426908 Predator 0364901 Predator 2 0104307 LASERDISCS Basic Instinct a 1033208 Ghost a 0826008 2001: A Space Odyssey a 0844308 FOR THE PRICE OF E.T.: The Extra -Terrestrial 0681106 With nothing more to buy ever! Lethal Weapon 0630806 See Details Below. Lethal Weapon 2 a 0642702 Lethal Weapon 3 * 1051507

A Few Good Men 1106301 Fried Green Tomatoes 1005404 Home Alone 2: North By Northwest a 0844209 Lost In New York .1104900 Always a 0921502 Point Of No Return *1127109 The Man Who Would The Bodyguard * 1105907 Be King 0085803 Forever Young a 1104306 The Empire Of The Sun a 0633206 Howard's End a 1102805 Benny 8. Joon * 1108307 Indecent Proposal 1142009 Scent Of A Woman a 1121300 Unforgiven (1992) a 1084003 The Last Boy Scout a 0779108 Dances With Wolves a 0805200 Field Of Dreams 0920306 The Last Of New Jack City 0971507 The Mohicans (1992) a 1071406 Chinatown a 0202507 The Sound Of Music * 0003905 Henry V (1990) 0040303 The Abyss a 0881102 Madonna: The Immaculate Lawnmower Man 1014505. Collection 0983403 The Wizard Of Oz 0001404 Reservoir Dogs a 1106905 The Blues Brothers 0211706 The Prince Of Tides a 0847103 A League Of Their Own * 1078005 Death Becomes Her a 1071505 Back To The Future * 0211409 Raging Bull 0050005 Back To Ile Future II 0921304 Universal Soldier 1059104 Back To The Future III 0497008 Patton 0788703 Batman (1989) a 0642504 Madonna: Truth Or Dare a 0232900 Batman Returns 1029909 Pink Floyd: The Wall * 0258004 Far And Away a 104650` Eric Clanton: Unplugged 1038405 Hook a 0854307 The Hunger a 0255505 Goodfelias * 09698011 Hard To Kill 0953505 Dune 0211102 King Kong 60th Jaws 0100008 Anniversary Edition 1021005

Boomerang 1064005 Return Of The Jedi 0354704 My Cousin Vinny 1033109 The Addams Family a 1000900 Home Alone 0104208 The African Queen 0051102 Bugs Buany Classics 0297705 Beetleluice 0633008 National Lampoon's Star Trek - Animal House 0211508 The Motion Picture a 0203505 a 0220509 Conan The Barbarian Star Trek II- Under Siege a 1077909 The Wrath Of Khan a 0201301 Die Hard 0367607 Star Trek III- Die Hard 2 0041806 The Search For Spock a 0201608 The Hunt For Red October 0825000 Star Trek IV- Terminator 2: The Voyage Home 0430603 Judgment Day * 0233205 Star Trek V - Backdraft * 0559005 The Final Frontier 0448605 Robin Hood: Star Trek VI - Prince Of Thieves a 0976803 The Undiscovered Country a 1001007 The Silence Of The Lambs 0805309 Passenger 57 1087709 Patriot Games a 10513119 Scarface (1983) 0216804 Alien 0000238 Sneakers a 1071604 Aliens 0360909 The Godfather 0000802 Alien 3 a 1042506 The Godfather Part III 0842302 SEND NO MONEY NOW-JUST MAIL THIS COUPON! Build a collection of your favorite decide: if not, you may then return the Columbia House Laserdisc Club movies on laserdisc! Start by choos- selection at our expense. ing a laserdisc from this ad! You agree Dept. CDM P.O. Box 1112, 'erre Haute, Indiana 47811-1112 10 -Day Risk -Free Trial. Well send Yes, please enroll me under the terms outlined in this advertisement and send me the to buy a laserdisc at regular Clubdetails of the Club's operation with prices (currently as low as $29.95) I laserdisc indicated below. As a member' need only buy lust one loserdisc at the regular within a year, and you can then your introductory package. If not sat- Club price during the next year-ofter which I con choose one more loserdisc free! That's choose a third laserdisc free! A ship- isfied. return everything within 10 days three for the price of one, with nothing more to buy evert Shipping and handling charges ping and handling charge will be an4 no further obligation. are added to each shipment. added to each shipment. That's three Send me this laserdisc now laserdiscs for the price of one with INSTANT BONUS PLAN! A3K nothing more to buy ever. You may Save up to 50% instantly! As a Club cancel membership at any time after member, yoL'Il enjoy savings of up you make your regular Club purchase. Name to 50%! For every full -priced laser - Free Magazine sent every four weeks Apt (up to 13 times a year) reviewing our disc you buy at $19.95 or above, Address Director's Selection-plus scores of take another at up to 50 % off. alternate choices, including many Far fastest service call us tc II free City State lower -priced laserdiscs. And you may 24 hours a day: also receive Special Selection mail- Zip Phone No. ( ings up to four times a year. (That's up 1-800-538-2233 III Hove you bought anything by moil in the past? Yes No to 17 b..rying opportunities a year.) How hove you paid for your mail-order purchases? (Check all that apply, Buy only what you want! If you want Entertaining Cash " Ei Credit Card'" 71. Check " Money Order the Director's Selection, do nothing- America... itwill be sent automatically.If you'd I This offer applies to first -t me Laserdisc Club members only. prefer an alternate selection, or none One Person I Limit one per household. Note Colurnhoo House lase, oils< rese.ves roght to 'elect 0, cancel any membersh.o Ole. ,m,teo to at all, just mail the response card at a Time.' nlenental U S lexclud.ng Alaska Appl.coble saes la. added to all wders 1400 N Fruardge Avenue. always provided by the date specified. IN 47311-1112 c 1994. The Columbia House Company And you'll always have 14 days to LASERDISC CUM NEW P11ODUCIS

A ADS ADS's AW4 two-way speaker (top. $350 a pair). designed for indoor or outdoor use. is 734 inches tall and rated down to 85 Hz. Two companion powered, servo -controlled subwoofers A YAMAHA are offered: the 85 -watt, 30 -Hz - Yamaha's AX -470 integrated rated as 65 watts per channel with capable MS2 (S795, bottom amplifier features a wireless no more than 0.015 percent left) and the 65 -watt, 38 -Hz - remote control, six inputs. a distortion from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. capable MS1 (S570). All variable loudness control. tone Price: 5399. Yamaha. Dept. SR. come in black or white. ADS. controls. and a selectable direct 6660 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Dept. SR. One Progress Way. signal path that bypasses the Park. CA 90620. Wilmington, MA 01887. preamp controls. Power output is Circle 120 on reader service card Circle 121 on reader service card

MARK LEVINSON The No. 38 is Mark Levinson's that effectively removes the first remote -control able preamp from the component loop. preamplifier. Computer driven, it The unit's control software is features fully balanced electrical contained in a plug-in chip for operation. six line-lavel inputs easy updating. Price: S3.995. (two balanced). balanced and Madrigal Audio Labs. unbalanced main outputs. two Dept. SR. P.O. Box 781. unbalanced recorder outputs. and Middletown, CT 06457-0781.

a surround -sound processor mode Circle 123 on reader service card

A BANG & OLUFSEN B&0's BeoSound 2000 system that doubles as a carrying combines a CD player, tuner. handle. Frequency response cassette deck. and pair of is specified as 70 Hz to 20 kHz +4, powered two-way speakers in a -8 dB. Several grille colors are sleek 30 x 15 x 4 -inch cabinet available. Price: $1.995. with a glass door that opens Bang & Olufsen. Dept. SR. automatically at the approach of a 1150 Feehanville Dr., Mount hand. The system features a Prospect, IL 60056. remote control and an FM antenna Circle 122 on reader service card

14 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 Introducing The Next Best -Selling Loudspeaker Of All Time. IT'S Or°rdi x uec. 23 emr°1aSbsdelivery,

More than 30 years ago, Henry Kloss designed the now -legendary KLH Model Six, the first speaker to fully exploit the potential of two-way design. By using the then -new principle of the acoustic suspension woofer, as well as creating a new type of long -throw integral -dome tweeter, he was able to make a speaker that provided outstanding performance at a moderate cost. A decade later, he took these principles still further with the Advent loudspeaker, one of the best selling speaker models of all time. Both speakers were considered industry benchmarks for price/performance. We are now pleased to announce Cambridge SoundW3rks' Model Six, a two- way system named in honor of Henry Kloss' first ground -breaking two-way system. Not An "Extension Speaker." Model Six is not an "extension speaker." Model Six ontinues a long tradition of best-selling, hip performance, high value, two-way It's a serious main speaker with sufficient speakers by Henry Kloss. Wry natural, accurate, wile -range sound -only $119 each! frequency range and power -handling to satisfy serious listeners. Model Six speakers, when fine-tuning the octave -to -octave balance. This is combined with a good receiver and CD player, What does Model Six give up compared to the most important factor in determining the comprise a music system for $500 -$600 that our Ensemble systems? With big amplifiers in overall sound of a speaker. seriously outperforms typical pre-packaged large rooms, Ensemble and Ensemble II can "shelf" or "rack" systems. play louder, and they have greater low -bass extension. They also give you tremendous Elegant Cabinet Design. 1Wo-Way Design Advantages. room -placement flocibility, which allows you Int devoted considerable time and effort We believe that when lowest cost is not to optimize performance, with little impact to making Model Six visually appealing. Con- the ultimate consideration, the best speaker on the decor of your room. vincing simulated wood finishes were chosen - design is a subwoofer-satellite system like our in oak. teak and black ash. A subtly rounded Costly Components. Ensembles and Ensemble II systems. But "bullnose" molding frames a medium charcoal a properly designed subwoofer-satellite system Thoughtful Design. grey grill that was custom -woven for Model Six. requires three-way design, which entails the cost At the heart of Model Six are its drivers, of two more drivers and a third cabinet. While a 1% " cone tweeter with center %" dome (the Factory -Direct Price: $119 each! neither Ensemble system is "high end" in -price, same tweeter we use in Ensemble), and a newly - Because we sell factory -direct, Model Six a complete stereo system starts at about $800, designed 8" acoustic suspension woofer. While sells forfarless than it would cost in stores. At still too much for music lovers on a budget. classic in their simplicity, these drivers differ $119 each, in your choice of three finishes, it is greatly from other moderate -cost speakers. the value in today's loudspeaker market. If you Model Six's crossover frequency is 2,000 aren't satisfied, you can return Model Six within Model Sixis Hz, much lower than many other two-way 30 days fora full refund. "...the designs. This makes it possible to ensure trulahigh -quality smooth, uncolored upper midrange with wide For A Free Catalog, Call speyaker...lt has an dispersion. Such a low crossover frequency 'all there'sound would not work with conventional tweeters. 1-800-FOR-HIFI that beliesits But Model Six's tweeter uses a suspension We Know How quality low price that allows the "long throws" necessary to 76 Make Loudspeakers. amazinglycredit toits reproduce music in this range. and does The 8" woofer cone is larger than those only usually found in speakers of Model Six's size heritage...At Model CAMBRIDGE $119each, the and price, allowing it to move substantial exceptional amounts of air at low frequendes. And Model SOUNDWORKS Six is an Six puts emphasis on very low frequencies value." instead of the mid -bass "rise" common in 154 California St., Suite 1021A, Newton, MA 02158 Review 1-800-367-4434Fax: 617-332-9229 -Stereo many speakers. The result is bass that is more Canada 1-800-525-4434 accurate and extended than similar systems. Outside U.S. or Canada: 617-332-5936 © Cambrk14. SaundWrk, Clh,emhk a rovered trademarkCantndge 01111.111,11.160*- -.311Pwr*" But most important is how Henry Kloss Sound'Abrks. Irc CLinanke.Saundlaorks L, a Pak nark ofCanto# Sou:1..11%06s. Irk KL:-I Ls a trademark 41,111. Athent Ls a tradenad,thleftlIbOtlal kmen triL went on to "voice" the system -painstakingly CarribrOge SoundWarks 6 not Axed with Kll I or Adwnt CIRCLE NO 6 ON READER SERVICE CARD NE:. NOM

AIWA Aiwa's HV-FX1000 VHS -format digital tracking. bilingual on- VCR features VHS Hi-Fi and MTS screen display. and front -panel circuitry for decoding stereo camcorder inputs. Price: S450. movie soundtracks and broadcast Aiwa. Dept. SR. 800 Corporate or cable stereo TV. The deck Dr., Mahwah. NJ 07430.

otters automatic head cleaning. Circle 124 on reader service card MASS ENGINEERING Mass Engineering's ESL ESL -4.5 (4 x 5 -inch). and ESL Series speakers are the first 5.5 (5 x 5 -inch). All are rated commercially available out to 32 kHz ±3 dB. with electrostatic transducers for respective low -frequency limits automobile installation. Three of 1.000. 80. and 400 Hz.

MGM. AUTO TIVOCING systems are available. each Custom installation required. MI comprising four electrostatic Price: S910 per system. Mass

PL RY 2 k panels, a 1.200 -volt power Engineering. Dept. SR. 1E47 supply. and a wiring harness: Acme St.. Orlando. FL 32805. ESL -3.5 (3 x 5 -inch panels). Circle 125 on reader service card

MISSION LIFT DISCPLAY Mission's 17 -inch -wide Model Lifts Discit Tower modular CD 730C center -channel speaker has storage system uses snap - two 4'4 -inch drivers and a a cinch together plastic modules holding tweeter. Frequency response eighteen CD's each. A kit with is given as 70 Hz to 20 kHz ±-2 dB. three modules and a steel base Black satin finish. Price: S249. (three bases shown) is available Mission. Dept. SR. 400 Matheson factory direct for S50 (including Blvd. E.. Unit 31. Mississauga. shipping). Lift Discplay, Dept. Ontario L4Z 1R5. SR. 115 River Rd.. Suite 105. Circle 126 on reader service card Edgewater, NJ 07020.

Circle 128 on reader service card SOUNDOLIER Soundolier's ThundraPro CXA signal -sensing automatic -turn -on 100 -watt mono amplifier features circuit. Price: 5831. Atlas/ a built-in active two-way Soundolier. Dept. SR. 1859 crossover, a bass -level control. Intertech Dr.. Fenton. MO 63026. an infrasonic filter, and a Circle 127 on reader service card

16 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 Bob Dylan -The 30th Anniver- Billy Jafifi-River Of Dreams. Soul Asylum -Grave Sting -Ten Summoner's Marfah Carey -Music Box. sary Concert. Various artists Title cut: No Man's Land. The Dancers Union. Runaway Tales. If I Ever Lose My Faith Title Cut: Dreamlover. Anytime pay tribute to a rock legend Great Wall Of China, plus many Train, Somebody To Shove. In You, Fields Of Gold. Shape You Need A Friend. Do You Think (Columbia) 4659187/3959186 others (Columbia) 463-095 etc. (Columbia) 445.510 Of My Heart: etc. (A8M) 454.561 Of Me.- etc. (Columbia) 465.435

Tony Toni Tone -Sons Dr. Dre-The Chronic 'Poetic Justice - Tears For Fears - The Steve Miller Band Natalie Cole -Take A Gin Blossoms -New 460.741 Miserable Experience Of Soul (Mercury) Death Fiow/Interscope) Original Soundtrack E lemental (Mercury) -Wide River (Polydor) LElektral (A&M) 463.737 463-079 461.70(Epic Soundtrax/NDM) 460.808 460.758 MW Uptown Un- 461.665 Rage Against The Fourplay (James, George Howard - r4 The Cranberries - Michael McDonald - plugged-Vanous Artists Machine (Epic, Ritenour. East 8 When Summer Comes Kool Moe Dee -The Everybody Else Is Doing Blink Of An Eye (Uptown/MCA) 460.931 Associated) 0 451.138 Mason) -Between The :GRP) 465.534 Greatest Hits (Jive) So Why Cant We? (Reprise) 463.570"Jurassic Park" - Sheets (Warner Bros.) 464.610 (Island) 465.559Miles Davis 8 Quincy Original Soundtrack 464.578 Pat Metheny Group -- ones -Live At (MCA) 460.915 The Road To You Re- Montreux (Warner Bros.)Johnny Gill -Provoc- corded Live In Europe 463.554ative (Motown) 460.824 (Geffen) 465.526 B.B. King -Blues Columbia House. The O'Jays-Heart- Summit (MCA) 463.505 breaker (EMI) 464.495 'he Rippingtons -Live 'Coneheads"-Oug In L A (GRP) 463.471 Sndtrk (Warner Bros ) Mark Chesnutt-Almost 464.412 Goodbye (MCA)4639273 kAkti- George Thorogocd The Black Crowes- The Face of Rock. And The Destroyers AC/DC-Back In Black MadonnaErotica Barry Manilow-Grt The Southern Harmony Haircut (EMI) 464.396 And Musical Companion (Atlantic) 305.045 (Maverick/Sire,Warner) Hits (Arista) 288.670 Toni Braxton Del American) 462.192 Genesis-Live. The Yanni-In My Time 453.555 (LaFace) 464.362 The Black Crowes - Way We Walk. Vol. 1 (Private Music) 458-018The Best Of The r The Shorts. (Atlantic) Georgia Satellites -Le; Babyface-For The Shake Your 467.373 Coverdale/Page It Rock (Elektra) 453.539 Cool In You (Epic) Moneymaker (Del (Geffen) 457086 464.222 American) 462.184 Genesis -Live, The House Of Pain (Tommy Way We Walk, Vol. 2 Luther Vandross- Boy) (edited) 453.373 Robin S -Show Me Ziggy Marley 6 The Never Let Me Go (Epic/ Love (Big Beat/Atlantic) Melody Makers -Joy The Longs (Atlantic) LV Records) 457.176 Shat -If I Ever Fall In 463.992 And Blues (Virgin) 467.381 4 Non Blondes_ Love (Gasoline Alley/ 461.855 Paul McCartney -All Michael Franks - MCA) 453.324 Boss -Born Gangstaz Bigger. Better. Faster. Dragonfly Summer The Best (Capitol) (Del Jam/Chaos/ Clannad-Banba 459.776 Morel (Interscope) 457.028 AC/DC-Live (ATCO) Lonny KrevIti_Are Columbia) I71 463.711 (Atlantic) 461.749 4589042 453.217 Chris Isaak-San You Gonna Go My Way "So I Married An Axe "Free Willy" -Ong. Kiss -Alive III Marc Cohn -The Rainy Francisco Days Club MTV Party To Go (Virgin) 455.782 Murderer"-Orig Sndtrk (Epic Soundtrax/ (Mercury) 459.636 Season (Reprise) 456.996Vol. 1 (Tommy Boy) Gloria Estefan Sndtrk (Chaos, MJJ) 461/31Bette Midler- (Atlantic) 459.065 453.175 Joe Sample -Invitation Greatest Hits (Epic) Columbia) 463.604 Guru-Jazzmatazz Experience The Divine Laura Branigan- Over (Warner Bros 1456.905 Duran Duran 448-506 (Chrysalis) 461.319 Grt Hits (Atlantic) My Heart (Atlantic) (Capitol) 455..550 460.386 459-057 Depeche Mode -Songs Of Faith And Devotion Robert Plant -Fate Of (Sire/Reprise) 456.780 Nations (Es Paranza) 459.024 PM Dawn -The Bliss Album? (Gee Street/ Tanya Tucker - Island) 456.772 Greatest Hits 19901992 Y 8 CDs FOR 10 (Liberty) 458-935 Tracy Lawrence -Alibis (Atlantic) 456.558 Gloria Estefan-M1 PLUS A CHANCE TO GET ONE MORE C D -FREE! Tierra (Epic) 458.497 Sammy Kershaw - See details on other side. Haunted Heart Anthrax -Sound Of (Mercury) 456.541 Sade-Love Deluxe The Pretenders -The The Police-Syrchro- Mary Chapin CarpenterTLC- O000000hhh White Noise (Elektra) L.L. Cool J-14 Shots (Epic) 449.439Binales (Sire) 362.541 nicitv (A&M) 320.499 -Come On. Come On (LaFace) 434-021 4589489 (Columbia) 440.560 To The Dome (Del "Aladdin" -Ong. Ey:irk-Debut Mary J. Blige-What's Michael Jackson - Dave Grusin -Homage Jam/Columbia) 456.525 Sndtrk (Walt Disney (Elektra) 461.152 The 411? (Uptown/ Neil Diamond-Grt. Dangerous (Epic) To Duke (GRP) 458.471 Levert -For Real Tho Records) 453.167 MCA) 445.197Hits 1966-92 (Columbia) 433-020 4399778/3999774 (Atlantic) 455.840 Jade -Jade To The Mz.x Megadeth-Countdown Poison -Native Tongue (Giant/Reprise) 453.068 To Extinction (Capitol) "Singles" -Ong (Capitol) 454/26 444/89Sndtrk (Epic Soundtrax) Bon JoviKeep The aketl Stereo MC's- Faith (Jambco/Mercury) Barbra Streisand- 44 Connected (Gee Street/ 451.310 Highlights From 'Just George Benson -Love Island) 454.843 For The Record" Remembers (Warner Reba McEntire -It's (Columbia) 444.372 Bros 1 439.266 Ricky Van Shelton -A Your Call (MCA14509361 Elton John -The One Confederate Railroad Bridge IDidn't Burn Elton John -Greatest (Columbia). 454.11 Blind Melon (MCA) 442.772 (Atlantic) 439.158 "Sleepless In Seattle" Hits 1976-86 (MCA) 450/53 (Capitol) 447.995Brian McKnight Jon Secada ISBK) Billy Ray Cyrus -It -Ong. Sndtrk (Epic Van Helen -Live Right Won t Be The Last Here, Right Now (Mercury) 442.236 438.184 Soundtrax) 4589430 Nell Young -Harvest Wreckx-N-Effect-Hard (Mercury/Nashville) (Warner Bros ) Moon (Reprise) 459.304 Or Smooth Guns N' Roses -Use Arrested Development 463.240 New Order -Republic 4549470/3949475 (MCA)ni 4489118 Your IllusionI (Geffen) -3 Years. 5 Months & 2 (Owest) 458.455 Phil Collins -Serious 4429087 Days (Chrysalis) Enya-Shepherd Dolly Parton -Slow Live (Atlantic) 0 Dire Straits --On The Hits Foreigner -The Very 436.204 Moons (Reprise) Dancing With The Moon 4443-044 And Beyond Night (Warner Bros ) Best 431.718 (Columbia) 454.264 (Atlantic) 447.524 4589448 Garth Brooks -The U2 -Achtung Baby Brooks 8 Dunn -Hard Chase (Liberty) 4489746 Talking Heads - /Brat leoetetalrited Jimmy Buffett -Before Workin Man (Arista) (Island) 431.213 Vince Gill -I Still Popular Favorites 1976- The Beach (MCA) 454.025 1992 (Sire/Wamer Alan Jacksor- 3 Tenors -Christmas Frank Sinatra- 458.414 Believe In You (MCA Willie Nelson -Across Bros.) 445.841/395.848 Honky Tonk Christmas Favorites sung by Reprise/The Very Good 44817' (Arista) 467.142 Pavarotti. Domingo Years fReonsel 439.363 Toby Keith -(Mercury/ The Borderline Michael Bolton - Nashville) 456.315 (Columbia) 453.837 10,000 Maniacs -Our and Carreras (Sony New Edition-Grt. Hits. Timeless (The Classics) Gloria Estefan- Masterworks) 4669342 Time In Eden (Elektra) Christmas Through Vol1 (MCA) 430.066 Jeff Lorber-Worth John Michael 448.630(Columbia) 445.494 Waiting For (Verve) Montgomery-Lifes A Your Eyes (Epic) Naughty By Nature 45829. R.E.M.-Automatic For Bobby Brown -Bobby 466.334 Dance (Atlantic) 453.745 (MCAT 4459402 (Tommy Boy) 0 The People (Warner 429.993 Kenny Rogers' Grt. Aaron Neville -Grand Bros) 448.622Ugly Kid Joe - Hits (Liberty) 313.700 Tour (A&M) 4579200 White Zombie -La Primus -Pork Soda Porno For Pyros "Menace II Society" America's Least Wanted Donald Fagen-Kama- (Mercury) 0 445.379 Sexorcisto (Geffen) (Interscope) 457.192 (Warner Bros I El -Original Soundtrack 4429079 456.970 kInad (Reprise) 4589463 (Jive) 459.583

131Contains explicit lyrics which may be oblectionaple to some members. Selections with 2 numbers contain 2 CDs and count as 2 -so wnte in both numbers Columbia House. The Face of Rock. Any 8 CDs for 1c4, Cypress Hill -Black Sunday. Stone Temple Pilots -Core. AerosmIts -Get A Grip. PLUS A CHANCE TO GET ONE MORE CD -FREE! Insane In The Brain; I Ain't Goin' Plush; Creep: Sin. Crackerman; Eat The Rich; Livin' On The Out Like That; many more. (Ruff - Dead & Bloated: Sex Type Edge: Shut Up And Dance; See details. house/Columbia) 463.596 many more. (Atlantic) 453.043 Intro; etc. (Geffen) 458.075 Dwight Yoakam-This SNOW -12 Inches Of Silk -Lose Control Bell Biv DeVoe-HootieTaylor Dayne-Soul Madonna -The Time (Reprise) 456413Snow (eastwest) (Keia/Elektra) George Strait -Pure 453.415Mack (MCA) 450.312Dancmg(A.ista) 449496 Immaculate Collection Country (MCA) 448.753 Kenny G -Breathless 455.311 Eric Clapton- Alice In Chains -Dirt Spin Doctors -Pocket (Sire/Wamer Bros.) (Arista) 448.142 Alan Jackson -A Lot Unplugged (Reprise/ 414457ZZ Top-Grt. Hits (Columbia) 445.833Full Of Kryptonite 'Warner Bros.) 438.010 Brooks & Dunn -Brand About Livin' (And A Little Duck) 446.187 (Epic/Assoc.) 'Bout Love) (Arista) INXS-"X" 428482 U2 -The Joshua Tree New Man (Arista) (Island) Nirvana-Nevermind 447.458 Boys II Men-Cooley- (Atlantic) 412.106 Guns N' Roses - 354.449 429469 highharmony (Motown) (DGC) 442.046 Garth Brooks -No Appetite For Destruction The Police -Every Motley Criie-Decade 424.754 (Geffen) 13 Guns N' Roses -Use Of Decadence 81-91 Fences(Capitol) 411.587 359484Breath You Take -The Scorpions -Best Of Singles (ABM) 348.318Your Illusion II (Geffen) (Elektra) 429.316 Janet Jackson - 442.038 Rockers 'N' Ballads Peter Gabriel -So Stevie Ray Vaughan & (Mercury) 423.590 Rhythm Nation 1814 Marlah Carey -MTV Double Trouble -The (A&M) 388.918 (Geffen) 345.777 Bonnie Raltt-Luck Of Unplugged (Columbia) Sky Is Crying (Epic) Don Henley -The End Bob Marley 8 The 441.790 429.258 The Draw (Capitol) Wailers -Legend (Tuff 423.186Of The Innocence Billy Ray Cyrus -Some Red Hot Chill Peppers (Geffen) 383.802 Gong/Island) 337.857 Alan Jackson -Don't Gave All (Mercury) -Blood Sugar Sex Tom Petty -Full Moon Billy Joel --Grt.Hits. 441.451 Magik (Warner Bros.) Rock The Jukebox Vols.1 & 2 (Columbia) Neu (Arista) Fever (MCA) 382.184 U.1419Unplugged 428.367 420.935 336.396/396490 En Vogue -Funky (Reprise) 460472 C 8 C Music Factory - Proclaimers-Sunshine Divas (eastwest) Ozzy Osboume-No On Leith (Chrysalis) Kris 'Cross -Da Bomb Bruce Springsteen- 435.750 Bryan Adams -Waking More Tears (Epic/ Gonna Make You Sweat Born In The U.S.A. Up The Neighbours (Columbia) 416.933 382.036 (Ruff house/Columbia) Tom Cochrane -Mad Associated) 428.128 463.703(Columbia) 326.429 (A&M) 429.779 Pearl Jam -Ten (Epic/ Patsy Cline-Grt. Hits Mad World (Capitol) Barry White-Grt. Hits (MCA) 365.924Whitesnake (Geffen) Air Supply -Greatest 435.885 (Casablanca) 428.102Associated) 428.433 Hits (Arista) 355.362 321.307 k.d. long -Ingenue (Sire/Wamer Bros) CLASSIC ROCK 435.404 Yes-Yesstory (ATCO) Cream -Strange Brew Black Sabbath -We Van Morrison- 446411/396.218 James Taylor's Grt. Eagles-Grt. Hits, (Polydor) 423475 Sold Our Soul For Rock Moondance (Warner Hits (Warner Bros.) 'N' Roll (Wamer Bros.) 1971-75 (Asylum) The Allman Brothers Eric Clapton-Time Bros) 349.803 291..302 287.003 Band -A Decade Of Pieces (Polydor) 404.632 The Beach Boys -Made Best Of The Doobies Eagles -Hotel Califor- Hits 1969-79 (Polydor) 423.467 In The U.S.A. (Capitol) (Warner Bros.) 291.278 430439 Grateful Dead -Skele- nia (Asylum) 286.948 David Bowie -Changes - tons From The Closet 346.445Supertramp-Breakfast The Byrds-20 Essential bowie (Rykodisc) (Warner Bros.) 378.406 In America Jackson Browne - 412.247 A Decade Of Steely Running On Empty Tracks 1965-1990 Dan (MCA) 341.073(A&M) 291421 (Columbia/Legacy) Roy Orbison-The All - (Asylum) 286.864 John Lennon Collec- Time Hits, Vols. 1 & 2 Fleetwood Mac-Grt. James Taylor -Live 428.940 tion (Capitol) 405.308 The Cars Greatest Hits Meat Loaf -Bat Out Of (CSP) 377.945(Elektra) 339.903 Hits (Warner Bros.) (Columbia) James Brown -CD Of Lynyrd Skynyrd- 375.782 Hell (Epic) 279-133 463487/393486 The Who -Who's Joe Cocker's Grt. Hits JB (Polydor) 425.025 Skynyrd's Innyrds/Their Boston (Epic)269.209 Better, Who's Best (A&M) 320.911 Steppenwolf -16 Grt. MC Lyte-Ain't No Grt Hits (MCA) 381.129 Hits (MCA) Rod Stewart -Sing It (MCA) 376.657 372.425Chicago Greatest Other (First Priority Again Rod Motown's 25 #1 Hits Hits (Columbia) 260.638 Music) 460.402 (Mercury) 423.822 The Steve Miller From 25 Years (Mo- town)319996/3990398 Little Texas -Big Time Band-Grt. Hits 1974- Jim Croce -Photo- (Warner Bros.) 460204 Rush -Chronicles 78 (Capitol) 290.171 graphs & Memories: (Mercury) Creedence Clearwater Grt. Hits (Sala) 246.868"The Bodyguard"- 423.780/393.785 Marvin Gaye's Grt. Revival -Chronicle -20 Grt. Hits (Fantasy) Onginal Soundtrack Hits (Motown)367.565 Santana's Grt. Hits (Arista) 448.159 The Very Best Of The 308.049 (Columbia) 244.459 Righteous Brothers - Gordon Lightfoot - Best Of The Doors (El- REO Speedwagon-Hi Unchained Melody ektra)357.616/397.612 Janis Joplin's Grt. Hits Cord's Gold (Grt. Hits) (Verve) 423.772 Infidelity (Epic) 306.449 (Columbia) 231.670(Reprise) Jiml HendrixThe The Moody Blues -GO. Aretha Franklin -30 Alice Cooper's Grt. Journey -Journey's Simon & Garfunkel's 291.724/391.722 Ultimate Experience Greatest Hits (Atlantic) Hits (Warner Bros.) Greatest Hits (Columbia) Hits (Polydor) 423.756 (MCA) 458.034 Greatest Hits Little River Band-Grt. 350.793/390.799 291.476 375.279 (Columbia) 219.477Hits (Capitol) 317.800

COLUMBIA HOUSE,1400 N. Fruitridge Ave., HERE'S HOW TO GET 8 CDs FOR 10... P.O. Box 1129, Terre Haute, IN 47811.1129 Just mail the coupon and we'll send the 8 CDs you want, together Rushme these with a bill for only 1c, plus shipping and handling.

Enroll me in she Club 1. You agree to buy just six more selections in the next three years, at under the terms outlined s. regular Club prices currently $12.98 to $16.98- and you may cancel CDShere. Send me the 8'CDs 2. IIIindicated and bill me forle, plus shipping and 6. membership at any time after doing so. (A shipping and handling charge will be added to each shipment.) handling. I agree to buy 6 CDs, at regular Club prices, 3. 7. in the next three years -and may cancel membership Free Music Magazine sent every four weeks (up to 13 times a year), anyhrne oher doing so. 4. 8 describing the Regular Selection for your listening interest, plus hundreds of alternates. And Special Selection mailings up to six timesa

1/13 1nus .and this CD new: ...and I'm entitled year (total of up to 19 buying opportunities). 9. 10. Bill me an additional $6.95 to this CD FRED Buy only what you want!It you want the Regular or Special Selecticn, do nothing -it will be sent automatically. If you'd preferan El 'C COO ONE 1:3 Hard Reek JI Rep I Soft Rock J Alternative 0Eery Waning Von Haien, alternate selection, or none at all, just mail the response card always The music IICool.). hlvronl Bettor h,ne Inch Nods Fronk Sinatra, provided by the date specified. Astosmith Naughty By Norton Manch Corey Depeche Mode Roy Conniff I like You s 'ways have 10 days to decide;ifnot, you may return the most is 1=1 Heavy Metal ] Itall/Soul J Dome Pop 0light Sounds0Country Selecticn at our expense. Magodeth, lather Vondross, C&C Moor Facrory, Ned Diamond, Jan Ozzy Osbourn Boyz ii Men 0 New ' Buy More - Pay Less" Bonus Plan. En Rogue Barbra Streisand 0delS114:01 If you continue your O membership after fulfilling your obligation, you'll be eligible for ourmoney- saving bonus planIt lets you get a single CD for as little as $3.99 (or a Mrs single cassette free) for each CD you buy at regular Club price. Mss Ftint First Nome Age Initool WS,Nome 10 -Day Risk -Free Trial. We'll send details of the Club's operation with Address your introductory package. If riot satisfied, return everything within 10 Apt days and there's no further obligation. Extra Bonus Offer you may take one additional CD right now at the City Stale Zip super -low price of only $6.95 -and you are then entitled to take an extra CD as a bonus, FREE! And you'll receive your discounted CD andyour Do you have a VCR? (04) j Yes JNo Do you have a telephone? (01) J Yes J No bonus CD with your 8 introductory selections -10 CDs in all! El Hove you ever bought anything by mail in the past? (27) a Yes a No RFK-F6-59 Olen AapNcation is missing, How have you paid for your mail order purchase? Chock below all that apply: write to Columbia House COLUMBIA( Ierliabng J Cosh (28) a Check (30) ] Credit Card (29) a Money Order [31 ) 1400 Nolh Fruitridge Avenue e SE Oat Pmoa Note ,ve ,e serve the rtght to .elect any applmatton or cancel any membership These offers not avertablein APO, FPO, Aloska, Hewett, Terre Haute, Indiana 47811-1129. at ainie. Pietro Rico. was for derods of &Monate. offer Canadian residents serviced from Toronto App/cable solestor added to ell orders 719A1g94 © 1994, The Columbia House Company NEW PENNS

FOX ELECTRONICS Dubbed the "No-Brainer timer and is said to work with all Entertainer," the Fox 4 Record is infrared -controllable VCR's. a universal remote control for Price: S50. Fox Electronics, Dept. video components that can be SR. 265 Eisenhower Lane S.. programmed to start and stop Lombard, IL 60148. VCR recording. It has a four -event Circle 129 on reader service card

DESIGN ACOUSTICS The CLW subwoofer from Design Acoustics is magnetically shielded and features a downward -firing 10 -inch driver with dual voice coils and a black - vinyl -clad cabinet that consumes less than 1' 7 cubic feet of space. NAD Bandwidth is given as 40 to 150 The Model 910 surround center fill.It has inputs for one Hz, sensitivity as 88 dB. and processor from NAD packs a audio and three A V sources aid maximum output as 105 dB. Dolby Pro Logic decoder, three five outputs. Includes remote Recommended amplifier power is synthesized -ambience modes, control. Price: 5599. NAD. Dept. 15 to 150 watts. Price: 5250. and a Super Stereo mode to SR. 633 Granite Ct., Pickering, Design Acoustics. Dept. SR, 1225 enhance normal stereo listening Ontario, Canada L1W 3K1. Commerce Dr.. Stow, OH 44224. by adding "carefully calculated" Circle 130 on reader service card Circle 131 on reader service card

V MINDICO Ever fo-get which CD's are loaded that multiple units can be stacked in your changer? Mindico' or interlocked side by side. A Cartridge Cube (two are stown) is two -cube nylon carrying pouch is a modLlar storage case that holds available for S12. Price: S6 each. six CD's and a standard sir -disc Mindico, Dept. SR, P.O. Box cartrid ]e. The top and sides of 38372, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. the plastic ct.be are notched so Circle 133 on reader service card

MB QUART MB Quart's Quart 500 speaker white ash. hand -rubbed oak or combines an 8 -inch woofer and a walnut veneer. and raw oak 1 -inch titanium -dome tweeter in a veneer. Price: 5799 a pair. MB 17% -inch -tall cabinet. Its low - Quart, Dept. SR. 25 Walpole Park frequency limit is given as 38 Hz. S.. Walpole. MA 02081. Finish options include black or Circle 132 on reader service card

SI ERE° R1.)1 1,1AJANI AR) 1994 17 NE:. PRODUCTS

NAKI 4 SNELL The Eliminator CD cleaning kit manually rotated. and a Snell's Type D speaker combines from Naki International includes a spray bottle of disc -cleaning an 8 -inch woofer, a 5 -inch special CD with tiny brushes that solution. Price: S15. Naki midrange. and a 1 -inch titanium - remove dust and particles from International. Dept. SR. 10100 dome tweeter in a 43 -inch -tall the optical lens of any CD Santa Monica Blvd., Suite wood -veneer cabinet with player or CD-ROM drive, a disc - 1400. Los Angeles. CA 90067. adjustable spiked feet. Frequency washing mechanism that is Circle 134 on reader service card response is given as 36 Hz to 20 kHz ±1.75 dB and the power - handling range as 20 to 200 watts. Price: S1.699 a pair. Snell Acoustics, Dept. SR. 143 Essex St., Haverhill, MA 01832. Circle 135 on reader service card

PIONEER Pioneer's VSX-D2S AN Power output in surround receiver boasts a Dolby Pro Logic mode is 70 watts each for the decoder. an advanced digital three front channels and 45 watts signal processor with a host of each for the two surrounds. adjustable ambience and EO Price: $2.250. Pioneer. Dept. parameters. and a graphics - SR. P.O. Box 1720. Long based on -screen user interface. Beach. CA 90801-1720.

A HDA ENTERTAINMENT

HDA's AP -7111 processor uses A DIN connector with color -coded patent -pending analog technology RCA plugs at one end is included. 1M0. that is said to enhance the spatial OM Price: $100. HDA Entertainment, MI quality of recorded music. The 8 x Dept. SR. 1966 Greenspring 2 x 5 -inch device has a bypass Dr.. Suite 500 at Timonium One, switch and a slide- control for Timonium, MD 21093. ILTIM adjusting the leeel of processing. Circle 136 on reader service card

SONY Part of Sony's ES Series. the Power output is rated as 80 TA-F606ES integrated amplifier watts per channel with no more features a Class A MOSFET than 0.008 percent distortion voltage stage. six inputs from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Price: 5700. (including phono), and source - Sony. Dept. SR. 1 Sony Dr.. direct and mute switches. Park Ridge. NJ 07656-8003.

18 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 Entertainment. The expe- takes a very fine design to properly Cinema*System 3 starts .000°\,. rience of watching movies reproduce Dolby Pro -Logic with THX version of our at home has changed. surround sound. The AV81HT preamplifier, R711Movie buffs are enjoying AV81HT as the heart of our audiophile Class A AMC..,larger screens. clearer pic- the system boasts double stereo amplifier, an addi- HOME tures and of course better sided glass -epoxy circuit tional amplifier for center CINEMAsound. Over 90% of all boards, audiophile compo- and rear channels and of course our II II S. IIII 11 II I II SISISSI I OSSIIIIIISgegenI I I Entertain Your Family 1111111111511111611SISSIIIISSOSSOSSISSISOOSSOOSSISISSISS 6

movies since 1977 contain additional nent parts and refined circuit topolo- B1 -20 sub woofer. Dolby encoded audio signals for dia- gy. Basic features such as four stereo Preview. For a preview or in - logue, surround and bass. When inputs plus four audio/video inputs home demonstration, see your near- decoded with the proper system, yourallow you to create a true Home est authorized AMC Dealer or call living room, takes on the Cinema. 1-800-321-6396. For areas with no realism and dimen- In addtion, AMC's special PBX sound dealer, direct purchase is available. sions of a great the- field circuitry enhances traditional ater. Just you , your stereo. AMC offers for the first time a family and home cine- calibration procedure utilizing a ma. Imagine watching microphone. This micro- Terminator 2, Eric phone allows you to profes- Clapton's Unplugged sionally adjust each Music Video or listening speaker to optimum to Dolby Surround CD acoustical balance. version of Isao Tomita Home Cinema Hoist Planet's - all FREE with Systems. Our Cinema* your purchase of AMC's AV81HT. System 2 offers our Pro - Affordable Solutions. AMC's Logic AN pr3amplifier. :5 commitment is apparent in the mate-channels of power rated over rials and construction behind the 400 watts. plus our high end face plate. You receive quality ncr- B1-20 powered sub woofer mally available only at higher pric- all for under $2000.00. ing and in professional editions. It

CinemaSystem 2 & 3 AMC AV'Fil.HT, 2445, CVT 2030, B1. -

AMC HOME CINEMA Products are a part of the AMC H.O.M.E. Automation Series AMC (Weltronics Corp. / PD. Box 80584 / San Marino, California 91108 / TEL 818-7)9-6395 / FAX 818-799-6541

"Dolby- and thert Symbol are trademarks at Dolby Laboratories Licensinc Corporad011 THX is a registt red trademark of LucasArts Entertainment Company

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response of 50 to 14,000 cps compact disc by asking, "Will litli/StereoReliewl at 71/2 ips. In test reports, any CD's be released with Julian Hirsch examined the reduced playing times, DO'S AND DON'TS OF BUILDING A H141 KIT Fisher 500-C receiver ("one of PECK LISTING OF THE BEST RECORDS OF 1983 something like 45 -rpm DEBUNKING OF SOME PERENNIAL AUDIO MYTHS the finest units of its type on singles?" The editors' answer: the market") and the Dual "We know of no such plans, 1009 automatic turntable. and it would hardly seem cost- Koetsu's effective." Especially if it's Soeur \ Mark II Sourire? The French baritone tonearm, New products this month Gerard Souzay told 1984 included the B&W DM17 interviewer Harold Lawrence time -aligned speaker system, that "In some ways, listening New products this month which had a computer - to others sing is far more included the Lafayette LT -D10 optimized fourth -order difficult than having to sing AM/FM stereo tuner with crossover, the Koetsu SA - oneself." Dolby decoding circuitry, the 1100D Mark II tonearm, with Ferrograph Super Seven stereo a tri-pivot lateral balance tape deck with a frequency system, and the response of 30 to 20,000 cps Soundcraftsmen A2801 power 30 Years Ago tereo Review (Hz] at 15 ips ($1,125 with amplifier, which was rated at HOW 10 MIX AND MATCH YOUR HE ri COMPONENTS GRACE SWAIM ENRICO CARUSO LAW HINES Dolby), and the Infinity 2000 140 watts per channel. In test Swing Out Sister: In the AXT speaker system, which reports, Julian Hirsch January 1964 issue, HiFi was 6 dB more sensitive than evaluated the new AR Stereo Review's editors named Infinity's previous model. turntable ("the best -isolated Soeur Sourire's "The Singing Meanwhile, in test reports record player we have ever Nun," on Philips, one of their Julian Hirsch took a look at the tested"), the Klipsch kg2 favorite albums of 1963. Other Wollensak Model 4765 stereo faves were Glenn Gould AI cassette deck and the B&O playing Bach partitas, Bruno 3000 semi -automatic Walter conducting Mahler's Ste-reo Rev integrated turntable. How to D.ai with Symphony No. 1, and "The Your Audio Do a I* r Sound of Horowitz." Um, on [quail:or Bad news for the Sex Pistols: Pot lorttor Sound DLIta Rocoedinqs: Discussing the then -current 25 Top Camp*. Omc Among the new products vinyl shortage and its potential noted this month were Fisher's impact on the record business. Gymrer=4:=1.= MAO. 14 CI KS -2 Stratakit, a three-way editor William Anderson **ow 0/ 01u...on. speaker in kit form with . predicted that the biggest musical frequency response from "35 20 Years Ago trend of the Seventies would at ....W..= cps [Hz] to beyond audibility," In Best of the Month, be middle-of-the-road pop. David Hall was blown away by Leonard Bemstein's quadraphonic Columbia recording of Hoist's The Planets. Igor Kipnis was 10 Years Ago equally enthusiastic about Through a glass, darkly: In speaker system ("We listened Raymond Leppard's new Letters, reader L. Chorny, of to it for extended periods album of Monteverdi the Bronx, New York, without feeling any urge to madrigals on Philips, and responded to a November switch"), and the Mitsubishi Peter Reilly got his dreadlocks article on the future of the DP -l03 CD player ("the in an uproar over "Unlimited" performance of this second - by reggae star Jimmy Cliff Reggae star Jimmy Cliff, 1974 generation player is even ("I was alternately stirred, better than its predecessors"). delighted, moved, and Ferrograph's Super Seven enchanted"). Elsewhere in 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't tape deck, 1974 the review sections, a Be Wrong: A "Bulletin" item charitable Joel Vance, alerted readers to the release of RCA's MX -7 40 -watt receiver reviewing "Bear's Choice, "Elvis the Legend," a limited- with a remote balance control a live album by the edition CD retrospective about ($349.50), and the Sony notoriously shambling which an RCA press release Superscope Model 500 Grateful Dead, noted that claimed "Even Elvis fans stereocorder with two external the band was "certainly without CD players will want speakers and a frequency well -rehearsed. - to own this set."-Stere Simels

22 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 NOT ALM° DISC CHANGERS COME IN

The new JVC XL-MC100 Disc Changer's two-piece irstant access to any disc or track and multiple disc design offers limitless placement flexibility, unlike the rack classification by file. And JVC's smart, alphanumeric busting dimensions of extra large one-piece units. And remote control always remembers the exact location of future expansion is easy, because with the XL-MC100 each disc-even when all you have to add are the transport/storage units. you forget. The system is packed with JVC's latest cutting -edge The JVC XL-MC100 is also technology and features, such as 1 -Bit D/A conversion the only 100 Disc Changer and a wide range of programming functions including that comes with a bound CD Booklet with sleeves for cataloging liner notes. giving you a handy visual reference for finding your favorite music. The XL-MC100: At JVC, "XL" doesn't stand for "extra -large." The XL-MC100 CD Controller is a ...the XL-MC100 Transport Storage unit, standard -sized component that fits into which can be placed anywhere that's any existing rack or stack of home convenient and unobtrusive -in entertainment equipment, connecting via a cabinet or closet, on the floor, even in a digital cable to... JVC different room. JVC COMPANY OF AMERICA, 41 SLATER DRIVE, ELMWOOD PARK, N.J.07407 B Y BRYAN NEWS NOM JAPAN H ARRELL

Tofoto-Tumult is the word that best describes the format battle in the digital audio arena. You've heard of future shock? Well, format shock may already be setting in here in Japan, where consumers are faced with a truly bewildering array of choices. And as the much -cooled economy has yet to bottom out, the buying public can Panasonic's be counted on to postpone buying de- RS-DCM1 cisions until the dust settles, which DCC deck may take far longer than the Japanese consumer electronics industry is willing to admit. ing driven by the fast -expanding cat> Walkman MD player (V55,000, or The general consumer mood is so gory of home theater, housing stan- about $510 at an exchange rate of 108 bad these days that many retailers dards in Japan are such that, although yen to the dollar) is smaller than have resorted to heavy discounting, many Japanese could afford home Sony's smallest analog Walkman and some have gone out of business. theater equipment, a home or apart- thanks to a smaller circuit board and a In September Hirose Musen, a dec- ment with a room big enough to ac- thinner optical pickup assembly, and ades -old retail bulwark of Tokyo's commodate it is beyond the reach of it has a new lithium -ion rechargeable Akihabara electronic sales district, almost everyone. Here, real home the- battery that is said to provide up to called it quits. ater is still a luxury for the very well- 21/2 hours of continuous playback. Sony president Norio Ohga, how- off. Hence, all eyes remain fixed on Joining the MZ-E2 is the MZ-R2 ever, remains optimistic despite the new audio formats. Walkman MD recorder (Y75,000, or Japan's dismal economic climate. At a $700), 40 percent smaller and 45 per- fall press conference called to an- Any way you look at it, though, cent lighter than its predecessor. nounce the new MiniDisc lineup, he it's not a good time to launch a On the car side, Sony introduced responded to a journalist's question new format-let alone two the MDX-400 (4120,000) MD chang- about the economy by accusing the competing ones like the Digital er, a dash -mountable DIN -size unit media of complicity in the consumer Compact Cassette and the that boasts a four -disc cartridge, spending slump. "It's all the pes- MiniDisc. Still, despite the AM/FM tuner, digital preamp, and simistic articles [about the economy] running joke among many Japanese controls for an outboard CD changer. in the media that are keeping people that MD stands for "mada dekitanai" It features a buffer memory that re- from buying. We know that [MD] ("not ready yet"), MiniDisc is draw- duces the silence gap between disc software alone can't get this format ing more attention than DCC-espe- changes to about 5 seconds. The com- off the ground, so that's why we're cially now that Sony has announced pany also announced the single -play doing our best to make such appealing an impressive lineup of second -gener- MDX-100 receiver (V79,800), featur- hardware." ation hardware, including two new ing a 25 -watt x 4 power amp, AM/FM While the U.S. audio market is be - portables. The pocket-size MZ-E2 tuner, and CD -changer controls. On the new -car front, Nissan recently began offering a Sony MD player as an Sony's MDX-400 option in some of its luxury vehicles. For home use, Sony announced the car MD changer MDS-102 MD recorder (486,000), featuring optical inputs and outputs, and a dual -format miniature rack system, the DHC-MD1 (V140,000), featuring an optical link between the CD oar player and MD deck for direct digital MD recording. Many of the new MD com- 4 1.11,_1 2 CD ponents are slated for release in the U.S. sometime in 1994. 3 4 5 II a 9 Other new super -compact MD players announced here include Ai-

24 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 Blind Me'on aoKra.,._: Are You',Leen Ou 34m034y "'gin) Songstrbl O1 Devotion 01 David -6,re) Thousand(Atlantic) 01510Roads PerimaEncor Classics)n.0138t Patty Greatest Hits Robert(EMI.pia_t: Fate (MCA)01514 pi-Harm:4,410ns 54317 (Es 7e) Kiss:Alive 3 y: Apse., MeTc. 01515 Brucer Jot Apache yJin.t S-t Anthrury}ax,Soundd Benson Harbol-iornob Boy) 014 Of Noise Geo. (RCA01262 Love Remembers a) 015,7 Digable) es: rec. (WarnerBros) 33823y StrictlyFor reed CI Plan C encechrome)0..20 chin' (IniersY Revival: Duran(Car, Duran Macs. Like 498,p : 01263 (Capitol) eridui,,tu Arres",Ce)tad lopr0erit Greekr Prayers, 01029 BuddyGo..: (Fantasy)st01520' Rain Unplugged The Bonnie Henley:(Sire) Feels (Chry 01417 OfTheInnocence (S,ivettlikaYBe.0012641 Jim) - 47 UftinwHendrix:Thertes (Warner Bros 100 c.") BlackIs) r Expede (Getter01064 1527 Bonarag JohnMIchael a,. Fire OfFreedom (MCA) Primus:')Pork.67a B. Br Posse01565 Mord(Sire)Isey'569 (58K) 10 Stone ) 00578 (Inu,r5c0Pe) 01 DanceMontgomery: 0:1265 (MCA) 1 ) Iron Maideneiden Oars Wreck.41-Epsot: ChristopherpherWilliams:l Snow:(Atlantic) (Arle47)Pordt 0Smooth AR I Live e Dire Straits: r Se, Changes. 12 in 01419 7hterane_ LittleRiver Hard 27 127 (Capitole On Night Greatest (MCA) 006 (LIpto...nmCA) 0101189 (East West) Bros.) 01566 rYestl) Heads: (Warner (Capitol)'Innen&00274e (Geffen, BrandNubian: "ay) G,..Nub,an Roman?'n In LiLight Texas; R.E.m (Capitol)9°Ilrah We (WarnerLittle rtc Chieains.. el) 01100 (Sire) 01420Talki rosr"...7 Harp B:;kriEponymous (Eie)7. 3236: The (ER JadeJade ToThe Max ') CH Heade. The Drift (RCA)Celtic00323 (ktteersh Of DireStraits: (Giant:) 01101 l SspeaVing InTo Hits Men(East West) -gigues '4°1'1°3879 Collins: Monay ForNothInds; ( ire)01421 ac ) 007g13 Tire SeriousPhil ollIns: (Warner nin:doe Ten vet ros t Lee The CPI"' F Sting Sin_T2rner.The e(nGour, Letter Capitol -le Great Summoners (Atlantic) MTV -PartyTo 01195 B ound men. /et (1304894est ir) 00324 Cluba (CaPPZI Collector'svries &M) 01334 pop? Erasure: ornrn 00754 A/Z:1d Family:0l3827 (Capital)01423 Hire) Y Boy) Ugly Kid dal) HeartRock The ZiaAutomatic The Shat: I EverFall In Least GThiArreei;atPtaierttrttidRigt:e) BryanFwiry: House: 71..i. stic (Reprise)003205 ili Wa 01331 -1 -Ise. For People e) Irte (Reprise) 0560; (Warner Bros.)s 00121 Sugar: ins Alley/MCA)00757 (Mercury) The Of cocker, (Cad ) 0034, -ley/p,AG,,asol 01204 Michael Tils0n. Battle: The ieManiacs: (Rykod,sccopper FleetwoodA)Mac:Hite (Cepa*:013r Bernstein. Albumle: 73670 0,000 Phlah (DG) Our ..., Eden Control Greatest (Eolur:aRitt01236 M Blues: On, 'e Townn hop _ (Warner Bros)00796 -Whin Pet s (Demi:Te:I) 001 Ineasiesekita)0035 (Warn Dr. Drs:Dm: The 8ic A At RedRocks DG) ) 73754 ) 01241 With, ThColorado MichaelDregFranks cermap72, Garth The iGreatest w (IN °oi, Tche Singles TimePeace Symphonyho-oen CyOrchestra ChassBrodke:t(LIheny) 00141 Hits: The Beat Ofof yPd 00 ,Buffaloeroa the 01330hestrs (Reprise)0147Tmer (Am_ 357 It'.87`"Dunn. r) e) (EMI)I) 05605 Red HotChill (Chrysar's) 01245 P orno Pyroa Hitsr?Peppers: Patti LaBelleBelieLive) Brooks Music:"arier Aval James OhioPlayers:Gold 00144 )MCA) Man Roxy 01204n TimeBrown:(Pce-,&_Brriedattev (WarnerF I); ) 014298 (WhatEtAI, ) 00367 Hard Worsin Bros 6 (Mercury; 05507 Rachelle Fe (Anat.) Ths Ot LacyJ. (Mercu Egon)John:Greatest1876. Best 1506 Cecilia Bartoli. G),Beet Dewy 2e D (Liberty)01435 SOu Hits (Capitol)-dol)003877ell Hits Cever alton (AgalOterrion. If You Love Me - ee1 Bro 01748 Bedndgerde (Warner 058370er (MCA) 0 Steel Arie Antiche ) Live Logic (MCA)..,!?!..A. T(Graceffend701.11341PeLawton (Reprise/Sue)eiStre) 0144 AC/DC:0150 (London) 00862 James (Atlantic) 9 Sweet BabyJames (Marasic) 00201 Steely"CA) i!!:.1,3/87au4 Bon Joyi: ) 01249 Alibis Canadian Last Keep The Faith (Warner The TheBliss0nAl1:3421e: (Philipsir35043 Brass

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(Asylum)yuhuDi Lyle Lovett: Th Capitol/ c 1 at 1/2 the regular Club 5, MonthsAnd 2Days ' 35031 Judges Ruth Buy only In ThThe Life pt. Joshua roes Note Years Price within Carrerstts; Domingo, (Mr, I a year (Chrysalis) 25357 a (MCA/Curb) 10508 P 3507snors 44200ct : 3 T° (Atlantic) John Mauceri: more CDs of your lotis e OfPain ( Leoen drobn AI Stewart: Then pet (Tommy Boy) 25416 American Classics (1471?T! Last Words -3choice, FREE Kathie,'Kathleen Battle Pat Minstar' (Philips) 83824 10 8 Melissa Etheridge: AtCarnegieHail Best Shots . Enough (DG) 35091 (Chrysalis) 44319 Bogguss: EnjoylOCDs for the price ot1/2 Island) 25435 Andy Childs he Compact Ti'yVilaB-rne5r2B'eros 10512 :meethluem°°PngUpM) Keveratia & Ma I (RCA) 35162 "Ring"(DG) 4435 Ronnie Miles) A shipping and handling charge is added to each selection. r eft Glenn(Liberty) 11037 Waking k.d. tang: Ingenue True Believer Miller: .,Laheque-. 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Provocative The Collection Original15600 Best King Eagles: (A&M) James Galway: I SWelcomeT The Ea (Motown), 35214 Greatest Hits,Vol. 2 WhereverYou Arec Master Tapes 23935 Hotel 30030e Diana Ross. The Vs OfThe (RCA) 10746 (Atlantic) 11070 The)Beach°1BBoyFis:The (Asylum) Live -The . e Lady Si A Rti lghteBestBros.: Hololy Cole Trio: Peter Gabriel: T Be Mhu CA f)The h eBeach--.Kl Precious Jazz8 Blues ngs- Unchained(verve) Melody A Capitoll 23948 aa/MPAcCATre30: 2P66rec (Motown)35228 a Franklin ) Smoke In Bed Shaking The Tr Chantli(SiI 3'11:29a)a3 Ahr telat t tn c2°t4)09) 78 (Manthattan) 10776 Golden Greatsee- Fleetwood Mac: Mary J.13064: NSoheestnriangEasston: (Geffen) 1108 What's Erich Kunzel: Paul Simon: Themc4A1)137084 (Capitol) 44812- RBoagytrsnerBrOS ) 24025 (Uprpmi (MCA) 35233 OffParisienne'imbach G Gait! 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From day one. every time you buy one CD at the (BNA) 54592 Joy And Blues (Capitol) 73266 L12: The Joshua Tree (Virgin) 64112 regular Club price, you're entitled to buy another one of equal or lesser value (Island) 53501 Pieces Of A Dream: Joshua Redman: Wish at half price. And the savings don't stop there! In Flight (Manhattan/ Heart: (Warner Bros.) 73289 Bob Marley: Legend Capitol) 54626 Dreamboat Annie The longer you stay, the mare you save. Sales and discounts on your favorite (Island) 53521 Paula Abdul: Jimmie Dale Gilmore: (Capitol) 64175 Spellbound music keep getting Defter the longer you remain a member. But it's up to you. Marvin Gaye: Spinning Around The Paul Westerberg: (Virgin) 73320 Atter you pay for your half-price selection. you may cancel your membership 15 Greatest Hits Sun (Elektra) 60234 14 Songs Anita Baker: Rapture simply by writing to us. 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The BMG Logo is a trademark of BMG MSERVICEM New Broadway Cast Reba McEntire: Rick Aatley: (RCA Victor) 61964 Glenn Frey: Live For My Broken Heart Music. Other trademarks used in the advertisement are Body & Soul (MCA) 64314 (MCA) 73624 tne property of various trademark owners BMG Music (RCA) 53601 Deborah Harry: Debravation George Howard: The John Lennon Service 6550 E. 30th St., Indianapolis IN 46219-1194 The Pharcyde: Bizarre (Reprise/Sire) 62142 When Summer Comes Collection 1993 BMG Direct Ride II The Pharcyde (GRP) 64374 (Capitol) 73627 (Delicious Vinyl) 53603 1 The Bobby Darin Story (Atco) 62521 Tool: Undertow r RuPaul: Supermodel (Zoo) 53661 $ w=w- 0 Please accept my membership in the BMG Music Service and send my 6 FREE selections as Of The World we* Damn Yankees: (Tommy Boy) 63236 M2M indicated. U-ider the terms of this otter,I agree to buy IUSt one selection at 112 the regular Club price Don't Tread within a year. I will then receive 3 more choices FREE! That's 10 for the price of 1/2. yyjiLaglimg (Warner Bros 153663 Selections From SA WNW Ill "Cats"/Cast Recording NVI NINON Ilo Mote to buy Ilia I understand that a shipping and handling charge will be billed for each selection. The Cars: Greatest Hits (Geffen) 63269 SERVICE= (Elektra) 53702 (E) RUSH ME MESE II WM NOW (indicate by number): The Eagles: The Best Of Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 1 Howard Jones (Asylum) 63318 INSTANT (Elektra) 53758 (i)I am always free to choose from any category. but I am most interested in the music category Megadeth: Countdown checked here (check Ogg Only): Yes: Fragile 50°/0 -OFF To Extinction 2 7 COUNTRY 3 7 HARD ROCK 4 0 POP/SOFT ROCK (Atlantic) 53807 (Capitol) 63340 LIGHT SOUNDS BONUS Natalie Cole Aaron Tippin Aerosmith Rod Stewart Jazz Futures: Live In Chicago: Greatest Frank Sinatra Reba McEnlro Van Haien Sting Concert (Novusi 54022 THE BMG MUSIC Hits 1982-1989 JAZZ 7 r- HEAVY METAL SERVICE DIFFERENCE 5' CLASSICAL''' 6 Billy idol: Vital Idol (Reprise) 63363 Luciano Pavarotti Pat Metheny Iron Maiden (Chrysalis) 5403a Prince & The N.P.G.: ltzhak Perlman Rippingtons Anthrax The Best Of Chic: Diamonds And Pearls From day one, rMr. (WB/Paisley Park) Dance,Dance,Dance you're entitled to 0 L Mrs (Atlantic) 54045 63372 First Name mural Last Name (PLEASE PRINT) Bread: Anthology Of buy a CD at h3lf Clme. John Anderson: Solid Address Apt Ground (BNA) 54084 Bread (Elektra) 63386 price every time Wayne's World - Parliament: Greatest you buy one at the City State Zip Hits (The Bomb) Music From The (Casablanca) 54237 Motion Picture regular Club price. (Reprise) 63551 Phone ( Sex Pistols: Never With other Area code Mind The Bollocks Alabama: Cheap Seats Here's The Sex Pistols (RCA) 63590 clubs, usually you Signature (Warner Bros.) 54263 $ Tel Mahal: must first buy MC Lyte: Dancing The Blues el Have you bought anything else by mail in the list 6 months year newer DADA5 Ain't No Other (Private Music) 63633 6 or more at full 1i Members who moose CLASStCAL as Mel, listening slereSt will be serviced by tht BMG Classical Music Service (First Priority) 54325 $ Aerosmith: Pump price to qualify for Photocopies of Ms reply card are acceptable MAIL te. BM.; Music Service. P 0 Box 91300. Indianapolis. th 40291-0300 JmA White Zombie: (Geffen) 63678 We reserve the nom to request additional intoimation. repot any application or cancel any membership Limced to new La Sexorcisto: Faith No More: extra savings. members local taxesit any. will be added Oder available in continental USA and under special arrangement in Alaska and Hawaii Offer not available in Puerto Rico. APC or WO Devil Music Vol. 1 The Real Thing co (Geffen) 54333 (Reprise) 63719 I 2 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: into The Great Wide Open (MCA) 35409 Alan Jackson: Don't RockktaTh) 41 Jukebox8a

4 Non Bionaes, John Mellencamp: Bigger, Better. Scarecrowro Faster, More! 44512 (Interscope) 53593 The Best Of The Whitney Houston: Spencer Davis Group The Bodyguard (EMI) 44659 '16 Soundtrack 54213 The Go-Gos: tot'00,0 Greatest Hits Tisha Campbell: 'lithe (I.R.S./A&M) 50315 (Capitol) 00870 Northern Exposure. Paula Abdul: Music From The Forever Your Girl Television Series

MVairsgtienr)sWErReality: INMXCA)5°55°S: LiveBaby Live Sunrise On The (Atlantic) 52528 Sufferbus The Brand New rYealis) 01197 Heavies: Heavy Rhym. un440::: J(CoehHenderson: Experience: Vol.1 emean tes: 14'1) r&nPBcGa:orar So Near, So Far (Delicious Vinyl) 52857 16 1/4 :rt 4°1)4TCS( (Musings For Miles) CeCe Peniston: Finally (Verve) 01200 '°41'6"tigIf6VAIIMmal°13doacnuniaa:teTil Creedence Clearwater Nell Diamond: B(Arti&cekl)53858Hornsby & The Collection Revival: Green River 12 Greatest Hits (Fantasy) 01523 Range: The Way It Is Toni Braxton (MCA) 84050 (Sire) (RCA) 63918 Radiohead: (La Face) 00420 Billy idol: C Chuck Berry: The Very Best Of The Chris Isask: Gin Blossoms: New Ybarpunk The Great 28 EverlyBrothers Pablo Honey Miserable Experience (Chrysalis) 84170 Heart Shaped World ZZ Top: (Chess) 64137 (WarnerBros.)Broth (Capitol) 15318 (A&M) 24884 Greatest Hits Billy Ray Cyrus: (Reprise) 73735 (Warner Bros.) 83411 it Won't Be The Last Kenny G: Live EMF: Schubert Dip Marc Cohn The Police: Every John Mellencamp: (Arista) 64505 (EMI) 05604 Breath You Take- Whenever We Wanted Larry Carlton: ury) 8:1h79seeree (Atlantic) 82983 Black Sheep: A Wolf In The Singles (Mercury) 74582 Renegade Gentleman Curtis Stigers Matthew Sweet: (A&M ) 73924 (GRP) 83446 Groove (Elektra) 84251 (Arista; 02038 Sheep's Clothing Girlfriend (Zoo) 83384 Tears For Fears: (Mercury) 05629 r The Commitments/ Tears Roll Down Natalie Cole: Mark Chesnutt: Almost Scorpions: Simply Red: Stars Sdtrk. (MCA) 74016 (The Hits 1982-1992) Unforgettable Face The Heat Jane's Addiction: Goodbye (MCA) 84518 Ritual de lo Habitual (EastWest America) (Fontana) 80162 (Elektra) 83452 (Mercury) 03504 90658 Alan Jackson: Jodeci: (Warner Bros.) 10020 . A Lot About Uvin' The Mamas & Papas: Banba Forever My Lady Natalie Cole: Dire Straits: Take A Look Paul Simon: The (And A Little 16 Of Their Greatest (Atlantic) 83647 (MCA) 90177 Making MBroovsle)s 'Bout Love) Hits (MCA) 80183 (Elektra) 03638 Rhythm Of The Saints (Warner13341 (Arista) 74074 Art Porter: Starship: Greatest Hits (Warner Bros.) 10455 George Harrison: Best Straight To The Point (RCA) 90270 Tears For Fears: Big Star: Columbia: Of Dark Horse, '76-'89 (Verve) 83688 Elemental Tom Cochrane: Born Live At Missouri (Dark Horse) 80307 Beastle Boys: (Mercury) 04380 Mad Mad World Tanya Tucker: University 4/25/93 Check Your Head Extreme: Ili Sides (Capitol) 11024 (Zoo) 74127 JsiumspemynYciiienbgb: Greatest Hits 1990- (Capitol) 92473 . Greatat Jazz Disbelief 1992 (Uberty) 83769 To Every Story Jackson Browne: Vocalists SingThe (Elektra) 80402 White Lion: (A&M) 00119 Running On Empty Michael Crawford Bill Haley & The Gershwin Songbook Performs Andrew Greatest Hits (Elektra) 11056 Bela Fleck & The Comets: From The (Atlantic) 93654 Samanrha Fox: (Blue Note) 00316 Lloyd Webber Greatest Hits Steppenwolf: Flecktones: Three Original Master Tapes Dionnej(,vo(Arista) (Atlantic) 74128 Yannl: Dare To Dream 16 Greatest Hits Warwick: Flew Over The (MCA) 83879 (Jive) 00159 Greatest Hits ExPbek (Ansta) 74158 Cuckoo's Nest (Private) 93703 Van Morrison: (Warner Bros.) 82220 Best Of The Grateful Steely Den: Gold Dead: Skeletons From Joshua Redman Tupelo Honey 52's:13453 Cosmic (Warner Bros.) 93876 Thing (Reprise)(Reprise) 14742 (MCA) 74339 Walter & Scotty The Closet (Warner (Warner Bros.) 00217 (Motow)Wen) 7738 My My Brother's Kemper Bros ) 83892 Roger Whittaker: David Bowie: John Lennon & Yoko WM Howard: Femme MTV Party (Capitol) 82403 Celebration Fatale (Giant) 21142 To Go, Young Americans Carlene Carter: Ono: Double Fantasy 2 (RCA)eeee9:22 (Capitol) 00333 (Rykodisc) 74377 George Strait: Pure Little Love Letters The Very Best Of (TommyslBoy)Greatest Country/Soundtrack (Giant) 83894 Chuckil Booker: Connie Francis Todd Rundgron: (MCA 1 83064 .T O. I n7 r7at e55Kst No World Order The Baddest 01 (Warner Bros.) 94212 Pace N' Wild (Polydor) 23434 Hits:Songs From An (Forward) 74489 Earth, Wind, & Fire: George Thorogood The Who: Who's (Atlantic) 00349 America: History Aging Sex Bomb Millennium And The Destroyers Better, Who's Best Bell Blv DeVoe: (Greatest Hits) (RCA) 01461 Intro (Atlantic) 74530 (Reprise) 83232 (EMI) 84002 (MCA) 00790 Poison (MCA) 00547 (Warner Bros) 23757 Indecent The Police: Outtandos Proposal/Sdtrk. D'Amour (A&M) 24159 (MCA) 01480 Traffic: The Low Spark Judy Garland: The Of High Heeled Boys Best Of The Decca NO POSTAGE (Island) 25169 Years, Vol. 1 Al NI! NIX NECESSARY Sting: The Soul Cages (A&) 25218 John)104Denver's 97 MSERVICE IF MAILED Derek & The Dominos: Greatest Hits IN THE Layla And Other (RCA) 13777 Assorted Love Songs After 7: Takin' My Time UNITED STATES (Polydor) 25249 (Virgin) 14776 Das EFX: Dead Serious Mr. Big: Lean Into it (AtcotEastWest) 25328 (Atlantic) 24821 Kenny Kiss: Double Platinum 2' G %Ts: (Casablanca) 25149 BUSINESS REPLY MAIL (Reprise) 25449 FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 5071 Styx: The Grand INDIANAPOLIS IN Color Me Badd: C.M.B. Illusion (A&M) 25245 (Giant) 25479 Grand Puba: POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Hammer: Reel To Reel Too Legit To Quit (Elektra) 30262 (Capitol) 25514 Procol Harum: Classics Eric Ciapton: (11 Greatest Hits) Timepieces, Vol. 2 - (A&M) 34445 Greatest Hits Janet Jackson: BMG MUSIC SERVICE (Polydor) 33448 Control The Big Chill/Sdtk. ( ) 34526 P.O. Box 91300 (Motown ) 33970 Stewart: Every k.d. lang: Shadowland Picture Tells A Story INDIANAPOLIS IN46209-9254 (Sire) 34567 (Mercury) 34694

TURN PAGE... ICHOOSE FROM OVER 540 HITS' wa's AMD-50 056,000), the Hitachi ese/Western dichotomy may emerge- It should be, since the technology MDP-10 0162,000), and Sharp's MD- as in color film and speakers. necessary for erasable recordable CD DIO (V62,000). Meanwhile, as DCC and MD duke (CD -E) is already here in the form of As for DCC, the format that some it out in the marketing arena, reluctant Sony's MiniDisc and could theoreti- skeptics have dubbed the "Dubious consumers were given yet another cally be adapted to the 43/4 -inch CD Cassette Concept," Matsushita, Phil- reason to wait when a group of four format. Sony, however, is unlikely to ips, JVC, and Marantz have an- audio manufacturers (Kenwood, Ma- support such a move itself now that it nounced new hardware. Matsushita rantz, Pioneer, and Yamaha) and four is both an audio -hardware and a mu- showed a Panasonic -brand "proto- recording -media companies (Mit- sic -software giant. type" portable DCC recorder at the subishi Kasei, Mitsui Toatsu, Taiyo The Recording Industry Associa- Japan Audio Fair that's no larger than Yuden, and TDK) announced in Au- tion of Japan (RIAJ) responded angri- an average -size portable CD player. In gust the impending commercialization ly to the CD -R announcement, calling September Matsushita introduced the of home -use recordable -CD (CD -R) for additional negotiations for a CD- Technics RS-DC8 home DCC re- machines and discs. R -specific royalty -claiming system corder 099,800), featuring MASH 1 - In a press release, the companies (Japan's digital audio recording law bit analog -to -digital (A/D) covers only DAT, MD, and converters, the Panasonic DCC). At this point,it RS-DCM1 DCC recorder doesn't look like the RIAJ 069,800), and the Panason- Although DCC has a strong presence will let CD -R slip through ic SC-CH505D miniature the law's loophole without a rack system 0149,800), fea- in Japan, MD might eventually be more fight. And if what happened turing a DCC recorder and a with DAT is any indication, CD player. Philips has bro- popular because of its 1990's feel. royalty issues could delay ken the DCC price barrier product releases for quite by offering its new DCC600 some time. DCC deck for V69,800. (By Nonetheless, an optical - the way, retail prices in yen disc recording format, MD, ending with 800 are the is already here. And, all equivalent of prices like things considered, it's one $399 in the U.S.) nifty format. Another nifty JVC, with strong business Sony format, which seems links to Matsushita, recently to have fallen between the decided to play both sides cracks, is the NT (nontrack- of the format fence and is ing) digital tape system. It's running a local ad campaign the basis for a pocket-size with the tag line, "Whaddya Sony's new recorder, called the Scoop - want, MD or DCC? We got MD portables: man, that uses a postage - both." New are the ZD-1 the MZ-E2 stamp -size cassette. The portable DCC recorder player (left) brochure for the NT -1 re- 059,800) and the XM-D1 and the corder talks about its excel- "palm -top" MD recorder lent music fidelity and how 099,800 with remote), MZ-R2 it could be used for music which appears to be de- recorder on the go (despite a fre- signed for placement atop a quency response that tops component stack; it has a out at 14.5 kHz), but Sony large control screen that tilts up to suit announced that although consumer - hasn't made any moves to push NT as a wide range of viewing angles. Both oriented CD -R machines would be a music format, positioning it instead products are slated for U.S. release. able to make direct digital recordings as a device for "voice" recording. from DAT, MD, DCC, and CD, they While Sony might be chagrined if a So, which digital recording format would contain the Serial Copy Man- simple voice format were used for will win in Japan, MD or DCC? agement System (SCMS) copy -pro- music, a parallel could be drawn with Although DCC has a strong tection chip, which permits only one our old friend the compact cassette, presence here, MD might even- first -generation digital copy at a time which was originally launched as a tually prove to be more popular and no digital copies of copies. There dictation format and went on to be- because of its distinctly 1990's is a hitch, however: Although CD -R come the world's most popular audio feel and greater appeal among the un- discs would be able to play back in format ever. At any rate, NT -1 sales der -thirty crowd (who provide a large ordinary CD players, the recording are a mere trickle. part of the demand for such products). system on which they are based is But if the NT format were to catch But, in general, Japanese consumers "write -once," which means you can't on as a music format (which is proba- are more likely to make buying deci- erase a previous recording to make a bly unlikely), Sony would have an- sions based on what seems better, new one. While that aspect should other headache on its hands: coming rather than on what sounds better. Be- keep the recording -media manufactur- up with theft -proof packaging for the sides, some see the difference between ers happy, hardware makers are al- tiny prerecorded cassettes. Perhaps in- MD and DCC sound quality as a mat- ready hinting that an erasable disc is store vending machines that take to- ter of taste. Who knows, a Japan - in the cards. kens sold at the counter?

STEREO REVIEW ISSUE 1993 25 BY ROBERT RIPPS, MARYANN SALTSER, MUSIC MA KM AND STEVE SIMELS

THE WOODMAN COMETH BUT WE WON'T The Oink Project THE ACCIDENTAL WEAR THOSE SILLY Everything seems to be looking 1P0,1 01I,TPS TRUMPETER PLATFORM SHOES up for Woody Allen. His legal When Sergei Nakariakov AGAI N! problems have finally been re- was nine years old, an solved. his latest film (Manhattan Partridge Family mania Murder Mystery) has done well automobile accident ...Meat Loaf back on the at the box office, and he has not ended his "career" as a charts ... yes, the Seven- one but two new CD's before the pianist. At ten, his father tiesrevivalcontinues public. The first. Sony's "Woody began giving him trumpet apace, and as further proof Allen Classics," features some lessons. Now, at fifteen, we give you "Grave New of the famous concert music that the young Russian is a has graced his soundtracks over Masters), which finds him joined Teldec recording artist, World," the new album by the years (Prokofiev in Love and by fellow Dixieland jazz enthusi- semi -legendary New York Death. Gershwin in Manhattan. asts (including Eddy Davis on and two CD's featuring rocker Adam Bomb. Re- etc.). The second. representing banjo) for an impromptu jamhis virtuoso trumpet Allen's recorded musical debut. session on tunes like Burgundy playing have now been is "The Bunk Project" (Music - Street Blues and Algiers Strut. released. One of the CD's is a program of trumpet concertos by Haydn, I'VE GOT A OF_:!:SH HAMMERLOCK ON YOU Hummel, Tomasi, and IJolivet, the other a And speaking of Woody Allen, we're suddenly collection of short reminded of his great line from Hanna', and Her pieces-including an Sisters-"Imagine the mind that invented amazing performance of professional wrestling!" The reason? RCA's release Rimsky-Korsakov's The of "Wrestlemania-The Album." Produced by the. same team that earlier inflicted Rick Asley on a unsuspecting world, "Wrestlemania" features voc

turns by World Wrestling Federation sJperstari a Randy "Macho Man" Savage, Hacksaw Jim Duggan leased on Rockworld, a Tatanka, and (our personal favorite) Mr. Perfect. Sony custom label run by David Krebs (discoverer of the quintessential Seventies group Aerosmith), Bomb's new platter sounds less like the heavy metal he pur- veyed previously (on a mid -Eighties Geffen release) and more like Seven- Flight of the Bumble Bee ties glam-rockers Marc that suggests why the Bolan and T. Rex. And teenager has been hailed while we're on the subject as "the Paganini of the of Seventies glam, the first trumpet." single from "Grave New Nakariakov first came World"-Johnny in the to Teldec's attention Sky-is an ode to the re- when he joined his cently deceased guitarist compatriot, pianist Johnny Thunders of the Evgeny Kissin, in a New York Dolls, who concert performance of more or less invented the Shostakovich's Concerto whole business. for Piano, Trumpet, and Orchestra.

26 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 HEAR IT. FEEL IT. SEE IT. Because home theater has to be experienced to be believed, we've created a unique home theater audio/video demonstration that challenges all of your senses. The dynamic sound reproduction of a Klipsch Audio and Home Theater system includes the all important center channel speaker, the most vital element in the reproduction of a state-of-the-art movie soundtrack. The center channel speaker places the dialogue of a movie soundtrack on the screen, the way they do in theaters, and bridges the movement of sound between the left and right front channels. Optimum home theater performance is directly linked to center channel performance, because the center channel reproduces the majority of front channel information. Cther elements of a complete home theater audio system are the powered subwoofer, which reproduces rumbling low bass frequencies, and the left and right rear channels, which are used to steer sourd from the front to the back, and from the back to the front, of the listening area. What's more, the six speakers that make up a Klipsch Audio and Home Theater system are sonically matched, surrounding you in the excitement of a real motion picture experience. For the name of the nearest authorized Klipsch dealer who can show you the sights and sounds of true home theater with the new Klipsch audio/video demonstration, call 1-800-KLIPSCH. The Legend Continue,

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CIRCLE NO 45 ON READER SERVICE CARD MUSIC MAKERS-

U LE GRAND CROSSOVER To celebrate the twenty- Michel Legrand's creden- fifth anniversary of tials as a jazz pianist and guitarist Christopher film composer(The Um- Parkening's exclusive brellas of Cherbourg, The association with EMI Classics the company Thomas Crown Affair,and Yentl, to name a few)are well established with a total of three Oscars and five Grammys. Less well known is his interest in classical music. True to his Gallic roots, Legrand has chosen FATHERS AND SONS French classical music as TheInternationalViolinCompe7itionof Indianapolis presented its 1990 gold medalist,the Russian Pavel Berman, in his debut recitalat Carnegie Hall last October, accompan ed by his illustrious father, the pianist Lazar Berman-the first father -son duo recital in the history of thehall. The twenty -three -year -old violinist, now studyingat Juilliard with the renowned Dorothy Celay,has often performed with his father in Europe and the has released two Far East, but this was their first jointappearance in New York. Koch International has released commemorative albums. a CD "The Artistry of featuring the younger Berman, with pianist Anne Christopher Parkening" Epperson, in works by Shostakovich and Bloch. offers previously unavailable performances from his SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT early LP recording Apparently those obituaries for sessions, and "The Great the Decade of Greed were some- Recordings," on two CD's what premature. Consider the following from Graham Nash. and featuring a twenty- who back in 1971. the heyday of eight -page booklet the counterculture. sang the im- containing over two mortal words "We can change dozen photos, collects his crossover vehicle. A the world, rearrange the world. CD titled "Michel Legrand Asked recently (by Billboard the guitarist's favorite short pieces, excerpts, Plays Satie" was released magazine) why he had rerecord- ed his Crosby. Still. Nash and and encores. Parkening's last fall on the French label Young hit Teach Your Children masterly "touch" is also Erato, and Legrand is pur- for a TV underwear ad, Nash apparent in the sport of suing his classical career by sounded more like Wall Street's fly-fishing, where he's conducting new recordings Gordon Gekko than the idealis- tic hippie of yore. "Fruit of the won a number of awards, of the Faure and Durufle Loom approached me and want- including a first place in 0 Requiems, with soloists ed to pay me an outrageous the International Gold Thomas Hampson and amount of money.- he explained. "A million and a half Cup Tarpon Tournament Barbara Bonney, for a dollars, to use thirty seconds of ("the Wimbledon of fly- Teldec CD due in March. a song I wrote a quarter of a cen- fishing") held in tury ago. I said. 'Absolutely."' Islamorada, Florida. 28 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 For over 83 years Denon has

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CIRCLE NO 74 ON READER SERVICE CARD The CriticsLove Ensemble TOO 1-4 r 1)1De.c Orde deNe'7 forXmas And Ensemble11. What's The Diffewnce,Anyway?

Cambridge SoundWorks changed The Same the audio world when we began Satellite Speakers. direct -marketing Ensembles by Henry Kloss. Ensemble is a revolutionary When you listen to either Ensem- dual-subwoofer/satellite speaker ble system, almost 90% of the music system offering all-out performance, you hear is being reproduced by the without cluttering up your room with satellite speakers. Both Ensemble huge speaker cabinets. Available only and Ensemble II use satellite speak- factory -direct from Cambridge ers that are virtually identical Unlike many competing systems, SoundWorks, with no expensive The real difference is in the subwoofer middle -men, Ensemble is priced at hun- Ensemble's satellites are true two- dreds less than it would have sold for in ers. We believe Ensemble 11 is a better way speaker systems, each containing a stores. Audio magazine says Ensemble system than its best-known competitor. high performance tweeter and a 4 -inch "may be the best value in the world." And because we sell it factory -direct, it's woofer. Stereo Review said, "The Ensemble half the price. Stereo Review said "Ensem-satellites delivered a smoother output than And Then There Were Two. ble II performs so far beyond its price and Rue acoustic Now Cambridge SoundWorks has size that it can be compared only with suspension, introduced Ensemble II, a more affordablemuch larger speakers at substantially sealed subwoofer cavity version of Ensemble using only one cabi- higher prices:' We agree with the writer net to hold both subwoofer drivers. who said, "It's hard to imagine going Cavity acts as Ensemble II has joined Ensemble in the wrong with Ensemble:' The question is, acoustic band-pass ranks of the country's best-selling speak- which Ensemble system is right foryou? filter

"Ensemble may be the best value in the world." Audio many r and more expensive speakers." built into every cabinet for maximum Small (8Y8" x51/4 " x4") and unobtru- wiring flexibility. Robust construction is fund. We even reimburse original UPS sive, they'll fit into the decor of any room. used throughout, featuring solid MDF ground shipping charges in the continental They're available in scratch -resistant cabinets and solid metal grilles. United States. gunmetal grey Nextel, or primed so you The Same can paint them any color you wish. Factory -Direct Savings. SoundWorks products are

available onfactory -direct. By eliminat- ingCambridithe mid e -men, we're able to sell The only dfference in satellites is that the onginal Ensemble and Ensemble II for hundreds Ensembles use gold-plated connectors that allow use less than if they were sold in stores. of even the heaviestgatgge wire. The Same 30 -Day ibtal The Real Difference: The Satisfaction Guarantee. Ensemble satellite speakers are available primed for Ultimate Placement Flexibility painting, so they can match your decor exactly. Choosing a loudspeaker after a brief Of Dual Subwoofers. listen at a dealer's showroom is like decid- Placement of bass and high -frequency The Same Overall Sound. ing on a car after one quick trip around speakers in a room-and how those In many rooms, Ensemble II sounds the block. So we make it possible to audi- speakers interact with the acoustics of the virtually the same as Ensemble, especially tion our speakers the right way- room-has more influence on the overall when Ensemble's two subwoofers are sound quality of a stereo system than just placed right next to each other. The real about anything. As an alternative to difference between the two systems is spending hundreds (or thousands) of that Ensemble, with its two ultra -compact dollars on this or that "latest" amplifier subwoofers (12" x 21" x41/2"), gives you or CD player design, you should invest ultimate placement flexibiliol. some of your time experimenting with various speaker positioning schemes. The Same Attention lb Detail. Ensemble's two ultra -slim (4'/2") sub - Ensemble and Ensemble II are con- Stereo .rystemsftaturing Ensemble and Ensemble II speakers with Pioneer or Philips electronics start at woofers give you more placement flexibil- structed with the very best materials and only $799, includirg CD player. Dolby Surround ity than any speaker system we know of no -compromise workmanship. Their Sound systems start at only $999. (including Ensemble II), and is most likely subwoofers use heavy-duty woofers in to provide the performance you want true acoustic suspension enclosures. The in your own home. You get to listen for in the real world...in-your room. satellites are genuine two-way systems hours without a salesman hovering near- with very high quality speaker compo- by. If within 30 days you're not happy, How lb Order. nents. Individual crossover networks are return your speaker system for a full re - The dual-subwoofer Ensemble system is available in two versions. With handsome black -laminate subwoofers for $599. Or with black vinyl -clad subwoofers for $499. Ensemble II is priced at $399. For CAMBIUM*. SotinuMBium more information or to order call our audio experts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We'll send you our 64 page color "Ensemble II performs so fat catalog with stereo and surround sound beyond its price and size tha-. it components and systems from Cambridge can be compared only with SoundWorks, Pioneer, Philips, Denon and mud larger speakers at others. Because we sell factory -direct, substantially higher prices." eliminating expensive middle -men, you Stereo Review can save hundreds of dollars. For A Free Catalog, Call 1-800-FOR-HIFI We Know How 76 Make Loudspeakers. CAMBRIDGE SOUNDWORKS

© 1993 Cambridge SoundNbrks. Ensemble is a registered trademark of Cambridge Soundftrks. Ambiance and The Surround are trademarks of Cambridge SoundWnrks. AR & Advent are trademarks of Jensen Laboratories. Bose is a rgistered trademark of Bose Corporation. Pnces do not include shipping. 'Only the connecting terminals are different. CIRCLE NO 6 ON READER SERVICE CARD BYSIGNALS KEN C. POHLMANN

tolerated) as a professional tool; the You read on. They are not sure price of $20,000 for hardware and when they will launch, or at what Your Second-orst $75 apiece for blank discs guaranteed price, or whether they will export that it would never threaten the con- from Japan. But another source says sumer market. Then the prices started that the first consumer CD recorders Nightmare falling. Now the street price of profes- could go on sale almost immediately, sional CD -R recorders is under initially priced around $5,000, later magine for a moment that you are $4,000, and blank discs are going for falling to less than $1,000. A cold the chairman of an international au- $19, with no sign that the price plum- sweat breaks out on your forehead. dio corporation. Your hardware di- met is about to end. The recorders will include the Serial vision is renowned for its innovative That could be a major problem. Copy Management System (SCMS), equipment, always six months Whereas new incompatible formats which limits direct -digital dubbing to ahead of the competition with prod- provide profits from both hardware first -generation copies, but (your ucts that span the market's breadth. and prerecorded software, the CD -R heart sinks) that also means they will Your software division owns a mas- format can yield only hardware prof- allow direct digital copying from con- sive archive of recorded music and its. Even worse, availability of a CD ventional CD players. Moreover, once continues to produce new recordings recorder might damage conventional recorded, the CD -R discs can be at a ferocious rate. Your music releas- CD sales as people buy blank discs played in any CD player. es bring in tens of millions in profits and make their own CD's. Sure, There's more. The Recording In- and fuel sales of your hardware. The there's tons of money to be made by dustry Association of Japan has at- whole thing fits together like a fist in a selling blank discs, but your company tacked the announcement-saying it kid -leather glove. You lean back in is not a major player in that market. violates the Athens agreement-yes! your chair, hands clasped behind your You get some comfort from your fore- Without prior agreement between head. sight in helping to push legislation hardware and software companies, Of course, the power that feeds you, placing a consumer tariff on all sales there will be hell to pay! Unlike the technological evolution, must be care- of digital recording hardware and U.S. digital -recording law, which coy- fully controlled. It would be too easy to leapfrog your own inventions, making formats obsolete before they've had time to mature. That would only Youare the chairman of a renowned corporation make consumers angry, and there's no profit in it, either. But, as you survey that sells both audio equipment and music the current state of affairs, it is clear that a change is needed. Sales of ana- recordings-what's your take on recordable CD? log cassettes are declining rapidly. What can replace them? One possibility is a digital tape for- blank media, but it's comfort the ers all digital audio devices, the Ja- mat, a logical replacement; to ease the shareholders won't much like. Well, panese recording law covers only the transition, it could be designed to play you smile to yourself, the 1989 DCC, MD, and DAT formats. That's existing analog cassettes as well as Athens agreement will keep every- good-CD-R can't go forward until new digital cassettes. The other possi- body in line; all the hardware and the question of royalties is settled. bility is a recordable optical -disc for- software companies (in your case, it's Throwing the paper down on the mat that is small and portable. Either the same company, heh heh) agreed desk, you start pacing. The Athens way, you'll profit from a new stream not to spoil the status quo. No one agreement had this thing under con- of hardware sales and, most important, wants to get burned on CD -R. trol, but now they've let the cat out of recorded -music sales. You put your Then you pick up the paper and gasp the bag. Unless you take immediate feet up on your desk. Life is good. in horror. Your second -worst night- action, CD -R could spoil everything! Still, one thing troubles you: It's mare has come true. At a press confer- Well, at least you still have the trump that pesky write -once recordable -CD ence in Tokyo, a group of Japanese card-unlike CD -R, your new digital (CD -R) technology, which lets people hardware and blank -media companies formats offer the benefits of erasable make nonerasable recordings they can announced plans to launch consumer recording. Then your eye falls on a play back on any conventional CD CD -R recorders and discs. Their posi- secret prototype disc, glittering blue player. Those green -and -gold CD -R tion is that CD -R will "expand the au- and silver on the edge of your desk. discs are appearing more and more dio market" so that "consumers can You shudder involuntarily-your very frequently. The CD -R format was have a wider choice of digital record- worstnightmare. Oh, my God! What originally designed (and marginally ing media." The bastards! if... ?(to he continued next month )o

32 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 During the 60'sa team of dedicated men and women shared a dream so ambitious thatit soon

consume( an entire nation.A dream so ppwerul, it propelled Apollo 11

and mankindallthe. pay to the moon.

SINCE irs INCEPTION,

'IONEER ELECTRONICS HAS

BEEN INSPIRED BY THE DREAM

OF REPRODUCING MUSIC WITH ALL THE PASSION

AND INTEGRITY OF THE ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE.

TO REAJZE THIS DREAM FOR 1HE CAR ENVIRONMENT, PIONEER

ENGINEERS WOULD HAVE TO LAUNCH AN AMBITIOUS VOYAGE OF THEIR OWN

Cv0PIONEER In the 70's, a group of young visionaries caught a glimpse of the f iture. The personal computers they built by hand revolutionized an entire industry. And their foresight forever changed the way

people and information interacted.

TIE yORLD IS MOVING SO FAST THESEDAYS TSAITHE MANNHO SAYS IT CAN'T BE DONE I- GINE/ALIT INTERNOPTED IT SONFOMF IINL IT.

FOR PIONEER, ENGINEERING THE ULTIMATE CAR

AUDIO EXPERIENCE DIDN'T START WITH THE EARS. IT

BEGAN WITH G. VISION. A VISION TO CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE AND

SONIC INFORMATON INTERACTED INSIDE THE CAR AUDIO ENVIRONMENT. 755 home runs. 4,256 hits. 2,130 consecutive games.

For every record that can "never" be broken, there

is someone with the desire, ability and per-

severence to take up the quest.

ANY ELECTRONICS

COMPANY CAN DREAM OF MAKING THE

ULTIMATE CAR AUDIO SYSTEM.ONE COMPANY TURNED

THE DREAM INTO A QUEST. FOR FOUR YEARS, PIONEER DILIGENTLY

PURSUED A GOAL NO OTHER MANUFACTURER HAD EVER ACCOV-

LISHED: PURE AND NATURAL SOUND QUALITY IN THE CAR ENVIRONMENT. ; The

A 1_7:0 V A N '1' A

)hether it's a certain instrument, the sound quality Pioneer engineers in the composer, artist or song, music has the factory comes through loud and clear in ability to fire the emotions like few other your car. things.And there are always those who take their music and their car audio remier Installation Specialists are car audio authorities because car audio is components a little more seriously.This their passion.What's more, they do as specific group of demanding car audio good ajob listening to their customers as enthusiasts is the reasonPioneer they do to their customers' systems. researches, engineers and manufactures And they're as helpful after a sale as they advanced products under the Premier are leading up to one.That's what the nameplate. Premier Installation Specialist advantage

Ooncurrently, Pioneer knows that any car isall about. audio system is only as good as the person installingit.Which is why Pioneer Q) PIONEER' hand-picked a select group of car audio The Art of Entertainment experts across the country to ensure that

01993 Pioneer Elecgonlcs (USA) IncLong Beach CA EARN MONEY AT HOME!

The tom Annual Rodrigues CONON Caution Contest this year our favorite artist and funnyman Charles Rodrigues has provided the editors ofSTEREO REVIEWwith an unusually provocative drawing for our annual Ro- drigues Cartoon Caption Contest, and with it he has provided you with another crack at fame (large) and fortune (small). The editors now invite the readers to submit cap- tions for the new drawing at right. The person who sends in the caption that is judged to be the funniest will win valuable prizes: the original drawing shown here, US$100, and the signal honor of seeing his or her name published with the winning caption when the contest results are announced. If you win, just wait till those high-school bul- lies who kicked sand in your face see your name in print in the magazine along with those of, say, Blind Melon, Cecilia Bartoli, Def or Raymond Leppard, Nirvana, Carlo Maria Giulini, and possibly even Beavis and Butt -head. That'll show 'em! Anyone may enter, and there is no limit to the number of times you may enter, but each caption submitted must be on a separate sheet of paper that also contains the clearly legible name and address of the person who sends it in. Entries that have more than one caption per sheet will be disqualified. All entries must be received The winning caption and a selection of runners-up will bySTEREO REVIEWno later than March I, 1994. be published in the June or July issue. Every January we re- In addition to Charles Rodrigues himself, the panel of solve to finish the judging by June, but we haven't made judges will include members ofSTEREO REVIEW'Seditorial that deadline yet. This, however, may be the year, and you staff and the winners of the nine previous contests: Thomas may be the winner. Enter today. The usual restrictions are

Briggle (Akron, Ohio), Michael Binyon (Weaverville, Cali- printed below. fornia), Bruce Barstow (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Matt No purchase is necessary. Mirapaul (Evanston, Illinois), Marc Welenteychik (Rich- Send entries to: Anyone may enter except the mond, Virginia), Douglas Daughhetee (Birmingham, Al- Rodrigues Contest staff of Stereo Review and its abama), Kelly Mills (Raleigh, North Carolina), Diane Sulli- parent company (Hachette STEREO REVIEW Filipacchi Magazines, Inc.) van (Grand Falls, New Brunswick), and Brian Hoffman 1633 Broadway and their immediate families. (New York City). Entries will be judged on the basis of All entries become the prop- New York, NY 10019 erty of Stereo Review, and originality, appropriateness, and humor, and the decision of none will he returned. If you the judges will be final. wish to be notified of the results of the contest by mail, send a stamped self-addressed envelope to the above Now, consider the drawing. What can Rodrigues have address. In the likely event of duplicate entries, the one first received will he con- been thinking of? More important, what does it make you sidered the winning entry. The names of the winner and a few runners-up will be think of? What warning is the midnight -riding audiophile published in Stereo Review and may appear in promotional literature for the magazine. Submitting an entry will he deemed consent for such use. shouting to the housetops? Put words in his mouth! Let's Stereo Review will arrange the delivery of the prize; any tax on it will be the re- start 1994 with a few good laughs! sponsibility of the winner.

STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 39 PLAY YOUR PORTABLE CD PLAYER ANIO astA BY IAN G. MASTERS

CAR FM RADIO Collapsing Surround er's controls. Any peaks or dips can then be vt hen I nut( hV 1/5 movies recorded in corrected by nudging the controls up or down. The Sound Feeder Model SF100 Mobile surround sound, the multichannel audio Be aware, however, that most adjustments thdio Connector is the most practical 0collapses to the center speaker just for a will be valid only for one listening position, moment, perhaps ten or fifteen times during a and convenient way to connect your and that if you have to make anything but movie. All other sources work perfectly. Is my portable Compact Disc Player or subtle alterations to the system's response, a problem inherent in the VHS Hi-Fi system? more fundamental fix is probably necessary. Cassette Player to your car's existing CHERYL ANDERSON And response measured by this means should FM radio speaker system. By simply Dickinson, TX usually roll off somewhat at high frequencies plugging the Sound Feeder into your rather than be perfectly flat. cigarette lighter, connecting the audio AIt's not inherent in the VHS format, but it input wire to your portable player, does sound as though you have a problem and setting it to the desired station, with your VCR. Hi-fi videocassettes al- Coble Duty you can begin to enjoy the amplified ways have the sound duplicated on a conven- Although my new speakers sound fine, I STEREO sound of your portable music tional linear track so that they can be played was told that if I were to redo the internal source without the bother of danger- on older machines. and this second track is wiring using heavy-duty specialty speaker usually mono. Most hi-fi machines automate- ous (and often illegal) headphones. cable I would achieve much better sound. Is cally switch to the linear track if the hi-fi sound that true? Do you recommend it? JOHN SMERZ is interrupted (or if it's missing altogther), and Kadena, Japan that's what appears to be going on in your case. Your VCR is losing its "lock" on the hi- AHeavy cables are definitely advisable for fi sound every so often and reverting to the long runs of wire, but you probably linear soundtrack, which, being mono, is re- wouldn't use more than a couple of feet produced only by the center channel. The inside a speaker. For that sort of length, the problem may be dirt on the heads or slight benefit would be negligible. Taking your mistracking; in either case you can correct speaker enclosure apart to make the modifica- things easily. Or it might indicate a wiring fault tion, on the other hand, might do it irreparable in your VCR. which will need professional damage, and you would certainly hear that. attention. Or, if the problem occurs mainly on tapes you have rented, it may be caused by dropouts in the tape surface. Multiple Drivers I have difficulty understanding how a Equalizer Pay -Off speaker with only two drivers can play as SOUNDFEEDER 11loud and as well as another with four orfive bought a graphic equalizer with a built-in drivers. Doesn't the simple matter of the in- MOBILE AUDIO CONNECTOR spectrum analyzer. and I have no idea how creased radiating area of the multiple -transduc- No Installation Built in Battery Saver to use it.The instructions say that the er speaker make for a more dynamic output? Completely Portable supplied condenser microphone and "pink ANDRZEJ BANIUKIEW1CZ noise" can be used to compensate for some- Tallahassee. FL thing. but I'm not sure what. How can I use this As an added feature, the Sound equipment to make my system perform better? AYes, allelse being equal, but no one Feeder contains a specially designed GERARDO URIAS speaker configuration has a lock on any Miami. FL DC -to -DC convertor that provides particular aspect of audio performance. Multiway systems do usually have better pow- 4.5v, 6v, or 9v DC power from the car AIn the words of Earl Butz, if it ain't broke. er handling, which means that they can either cigarette lighter to most brands of don't fixit.Unless you know there is play louder or play at moderate volumes with portable players. definitely something amiss with either lower distortion. But if the drivers in, say, a The Sound Feeder's combination of your room or your equipment, trying to "im- two-way system use extra -heavy magnets and stereo sound, easy installation, porta- prove" matters by equalization will probably are built for long voice -coil and cone excur- bility and power supply feature, plus only make things worse. There are conditions sion, they can often equal the performance of its ability to reduce the risk of theft that equalization can help tame, however: speakers with more drivers. And the fewer the and save the expense of a costly in - resonances or standing waves resulting from drivers, the fewer the transitions from one to dash system, make it the ideal acces- the shape or dimensions of the listening room, the next and the simpler the crossover net- for instance, or anomalies in the response sory for every vehicle owner. work. That makes it much easier to get smooth curve of your speakers. response and a reasonably uniform radiation In such cases, and provided you use it with a pattern. light touch, equipment like yours can be ideal: The pink -noise generator produces a signal with equal energy in each octave of the audio Road Noise NEW FOR spectrum, the microphone (placed at the main My new car stereo speaker system consists AUDIO listening position) detects the signal as modi- ofa pair of two -ways in the doors. two 6x9 - fied by your equipment and room, and the inch speakers in the rear, and two 10 -inch ARKON RESOURCES, INC. ARCADIA, CA U.S A. spectrum analyzer displays it in narrow fre- suhwoofers. The speakers are all amplified quency bands that correspond to the equaliz- 1 - 800- 84 1 - 088 4 separately. Would it he wise to add a noise- FAX 8 1 8- 303- 6 1 5 7 40 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994

CIRCLE NO 3 ON READER SERVICE CARD Ifyouthink home theatermeans a roomfull of speakers thesizeofmovie posters... Think again.

The Bose Acoustimass-7 home theater speaker system

Like magic, BoseAcoustimasg) impractical. But Acoustimass speaker home theater speaker systems turn arrays stand no taller than a video an evening at home into a night at tape, so you can place them just the movies. about anywhere. And Acoustimass home theater Home theater speaker systems are only made by made more lifelike Bose, the most respected name in audio. pi,,stfoosNis°' At your favorite movie theater you hear everything, all around you, Check your local newspaper "In fact, the more I use no matter where you sit. Bose Direct/ Reflecting® speaker technology pro- for special offers Acoustimass speakers, the vides movie theater realism in your Then go look. And listen. You'll more amazed I am." home by reflecting part of the sound find there's an Acoustimass home off your walls. Everyone watching theater speaker system to fit your - Julian Hirsch, Stereo Review gets the same lifelike movie experience. needs and your budget. Or call us Your movie theater also provides toll free for more information and consistent, matched sound - because names of authorized dealers. all the speakers are the same. This With Acoustimass speakers, you'll advantage is usually ignored with no longer just watch a train cross home theate4 but not with Acousti- your TV screen. You'll feel it rumble mass speakers. Like the movies, they right through your living room. have identical left, center and right channels. Call for a FREE Guide And for complete surround, add to home theater. other Acoustimass speakers for 1-800-444-BOSE Ext. 319 matched rear channel sound. (1-800-444-2673) Mon -Fri 9AM to 9PM. Saturday 9AM to 5PM

"I he deep, powerlid lou,s that help make Home theater made smaller I w .1,01.1.1 el NM.. mird Anki. paxio, IN .411/1 movies sound so real are produced by the Bose patented Acoustimass bass module. Conventional speaker technology, Hide it completely out of view anyulyere in where better sound means bigger the room. speakers, makes home theater Better sound ffrough Ipswich® TECHBY JULIAN TALK HIRSCH

impedance over a wide range of cables actually have an excessive pacitance and inductance, and such amount of inductance or capacitance, Audio Cables: 1 deviations as may arise from the cable and some poorly designed amplifiers interface are almost never audible. can become unstable when driving [act and Fiction Note that Lucasfilm does not mention such a reactive load. sound quality (other than an absence So what about the claimed sonic of audible hum, noise, and distortion) improvements so often attributed to The active components of an au- as a benefit of adherence to the Home special speaker cables? When the dio system (such as the tuner, THX cable standards. claim is made by the cable manufac- amplifier, CD player, or tape There are a number of manufactur- turer, the reason is obvious and re- deck) are directly and logically ers of premium audio cable, and some quires no explanation. In other cases, linked to its ultimate sound qual- of their products (probably most of it is probably a manifestation of the ity. But there has also been con- them, in fact) are truly excellent with power of positive thinking: people de- siderable promotion of such passive respect to their mechanical properties. luding themselves into thinking that "components" as interconnect and I use them myself-not in a music they are hearing something because speaker cables, including claims that system, but for testing loudspeakers, they have been told by an "expert" they, too, have a substantial effect on where their physical ruggedness, flex- that it is there (the "Emperor's new sound quality. Actually, "substantial" ibility, and low resistance make them clothes" syndrome). Since hearing is is a rather mild adjective in the vocab- the logical choice. ultimately a mental function, they are ulary of cable advertising. My test needs are rather special, probably happy in the thought that a I don't propose to get too involved though. What about the advantages of sizable investment in system cables in that morass. A recent announce- such high -price cables in a normal, can reap a harvest of improved sound. ment by Lucasfilm that it has estab- fixed installation? If I knew of any, I It has been said that "hearing is be- lished a set of specifications for certi- would certainly speak up, but by and lieving." The reverse is often equally fied Home THX interconnects and large they do nothing that an ordinary true, that believing is hearing. speaker cables seems to invest the twin -conductor wire could not do at a Actually, there is one way that a ca- subject with more authority, however, small fraction of their cost. ble can affect the sound without mag- and when you examine Lucasfilm's But don't they improve the sound? ic or hypnosis. All amplifiers have an rationale for standardizing Home THX That is the essence of the benefit internal resistance (their "source im- interconnects-to insure trouble -free claimed for most exotic cables-a pedance") that is effectively in series connections between the components vaguely expressed or indefinable im- with the loudspeaker load. Though of a Home THX system-the logic is provement in sound quality that is normally negligible, the source im- indisputable. For example, the recommended standards for a multipin, six- channel interconnection system, designed for use with controllers, It has been said that "hearing is believing." The amplifiers, and equalizers, cover color coding, general electrical perfor- reverse is often equally true, that believing is hearing. mance, and mechanical characteristics such as cable flexibility, insertion and removal force, connector diameter, said to justify an additional invest- pedance can combine with the load jacket friction, and termination quali- ment of hundreds (or thousands) of impedance to modify the system's fre- ty. I cannot argue with the importance dollars. quency response by impressing the of such standardization when dealing A speaker cable has only three sig- shape of the speaker's impedance with a complex multicomponent and nificant electrical properties: resis- curve on its frequency response. Ex- multichannel system such as a full- tance, capacitance, and inductance. cept with tube amplifiers, which have blown Home THX installation. For low-level interconnects, there is output transformers that raise their There is already a degree of stan- also shielding to be considered. That source impedances relatively high, dardization in the interconnection of is it-absolutely nothing else can af- this effect is almost always small, but home audio components, in the form fect a cable's operation in a properly critical listening can reveal it. Just re- of the phono jack and plug. There is functioning audio system, although member: This effect is normally only little, if any, standardization of the ca- some cable companies do try to sug- a minute change in frequency re- ble itself, however, nor is there much gest that real -world audio cables can sponse-hardly a matter to be con- need for it in a basic stereo system. have problems with impedance mis- cerned about unless you are the type Most components are designed to be matching or "skin effect." Pure non- who agonizes about how many angels relatively independent of their load sense! As it happens, some exotic ca- can dance on the head of a pin. 44 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 There's Magic In Every Movie You Rent. A Bigger, Better World Of Entertainment. There's a revolution going on.

A revolution in entertammert Art has combined with amazing advances in

iechnolcn to turn imcginatim into reality. Virt rally anythinc an artist can

conceive c in be made wondrously real. And So ,y is .eading the way.

Multi -m Ilion doller soundtracks and spectacular state of the

art specia effects have broc ght a whole new kind of magic to the movies.

Yoc sec hear and feel it evuy time you go to he movie thejters. Images

you've ceder dreamed of dazzle your eyes. Sounds leap from the screen

and swirl around you. You I come immersed in an entertamment experi

ence bigger and better thar anything you've felt before.

Incredibly all othis magic is right there in tl e videotapes

you rent every day. The multi million (lc liar soundtracks and the

astonish ng special effect; are encoded on c 'mem every Yideotape Yet

if you re watching only will an ordinary \ICt and TV, you're not tapping

into this amazing new technology. And you're missing o it on so much.

Fcrtu is ely, there is a very simple way for you to unlock all this magic

in you cwn home. And Sol), gives you the key. If e key to Entertainment

to a Higf er Power'

This is Entertainment to a Higher Power. -tomemusic entertainment and even sports. that Loleashes And pus it allall thein your wonder, living all room. the joy,Art andall tf technology, e magic of sightstoday's and movies, sounds more:ombined fun, tothan give your you TV a hone set alone entertainment has ever exFeriencebeen. And itbigger doesn't and hove better, to bemore corrplicated. iivolving and Or Source. Start with a Sony HiFi Stereo VCR. itexpensive. to be. As simpleSony makes a; source, it as soundsimple andas you sight. want -hat'sStereo all it VCR takes to to your immed current ately TV get and much stereo greater system. impact. You'll Sinply be ama:edconnect howa Sony sounds HiFi fill your room. What you re watching ...... - 0.IMM suddenly feels so much b gier than 4.'' an -Vr- - ' . L. la, -.1 : lv-: (.. -, ir your TV screen. ....1. 41..111;"::;;;111%.:::-- 1 IL 0 -W' --O loSound. take full advantage Add aof theSony Surround A/V Sound® Receiver. encoded on most videotapes aid on many ....lref---.., . 1V broadcasts, add a Sony 4/V Receiver with Dolby Pro Logic, and a fey, speakers. Hollywood'sE ullets whiz magic past omesyou. Footsieps aliie all around sneak you. up be lind you. Explosions rumble beneath you. Sight. Getdd a Bigger Sony Big Screen Impact TV and with plunge a into Sony wice open Big Screen TV. unparalleledimages. Advanced Trinitron ProOrti pictJre tube give you images so TM technology and the action,Inge and you're so clear,part of you'reit. io longer just watching the Sony gives you -otInnovative 3nly the basic building Solutions.blocks for home enterta nment, Eulentertainment easy -to -use experience innovations above that and take beyond, your as well. And, no mater what wou chooserripst -sophi.ticcted from the simplest system set-up - Sony's to the innovative solutions make the ultimate entertainmentuncomp icaed experience for any member of your family.Instant Surround Sound. easy and It works with your TVsitriphst and HiFi way VCR to a totaland entertainmentit's the experience. The Sony SA-VA3 Theatery)u full Sound Surround System Sound with front, center gives and rear channel speakers,Dolby Prosubwoofers Logic amplification and - all in lust What kind of VCR dc you own? ten minutes set-up time. What size is your main TV? Take aEntertainment numeot to answer these Profile.Home go.itoriINHIFI MONOto by question STEREO upgrocarka to a HiFi Stem VCR, go to Upgrade25"20" question OR to LARGERSMALLER 3.o larger Iv, yourques-iois Home and Entutainmn- let us help y:u'teeth. mialyze You're in great nicipe, go to quesion 2. go to ConsiderA question PROJECTIONYou're upgrading in 3. great shape, to TV o larger go to TV,question 3. r f 1 I

SONY

VCR, VCR 2 FM/AM allImplmIMIN011 1"4)2L9L'aL-12TAPE , ,

Total Control.

The SRC -100 A/V Controller unites Sony compatible audio and viceo components ii ro one simple system

with one simple remote. It remembers how everything is come, ted. And turns or only what needs to

be turned on. You want tc watch that movie on your VCR? Fress "VCR'!Press "Dlay'! That's all. The

A/V Controller automatically powers up all the right equipment is all the right modes.It even controls most

cable boxes, making it easy for any member of the family to get the most out of a Sony A/V System. Ultimate Sophistication. Ultimate Ease. Ultimate Fun.

With the wave of a hand, Sony has created a true breakthrough it system control.

It's the Sony VisionTouchTM remote control.Like nothing

you've ever seen before,the one -button x)Lo' VisionTouch controls every function of a Sony

home entertainment system thrugh easy -to -

understand displays on you TV scrern. You'll find

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to hear their fairly flat on -axis frequency response (also controlled-but not particularly tightly-by Home THX specs). Otherwise, the sound will tend to be somewhat dull. So you should not attempt to judge the Altec Home THX system's sound quality if the satellites are not at ear level. Departures from this rule, particularly in the case of the center speaker, are not catastrophic- just less than ideal sonically. Weighing in at 13 pounds apiece, the AHT-2100 surrounds ($900 a pair) also require some care in installation if you choose to mount them on walls. They actually look best mounted in -wall, for which brackets are provided. The reason they weigh so much is that each AHT-2100 contains eight drivers in its 153/8 x 11 x 6'/4 -inch plastic enclosure: twofront -panel4 -inchlong -throw woofers, four 31/2 -inch woofers split into pairs on the angled side panels, and one 3/4 -inch dome tweeter on each of the side panels. Rated sensitivity and impedance are the same as for the front satellites. When the surrounds are mounted to Alin Lansing the sides of the listening position, the side -panel drivers fire toward the front and back of the room. The front tweet- Homo THX Loudspeaker System ers operate out of phase with the rear BY DAVID RANADA tweeters in a quasi -dipole configuration that reduces the amount of sound radiated directly toward the listener. iike other products bearing the ance is stated as 4 ohms and sensitivity What you hear from the surrounds Lucasfilm Home THX licens- as 89 dB sound -pressure level (SPL) at therefore consists primarily of reflec-

ing logo, Altec Lansing's $3,000 1 meter from a1 -watt input. Altec tions, yielding a more diffuse sound Home THX speaker system is de- specifies the lower limit of their re- than you would get from conventional signed as part of a comprehensive sponse as 70 Hz, which means that speakers. The intention here is to en- solution to the problems of repro- these satellites should be used with a velop the listener in the sound, much ducingsurround -soundmoviesat subwoofer for proper low -frequency as happens in a movie theater with its home. Its various components are balance. Made of high -impact black or multiple surround speakers. availableseparately,but theywill white plastic, the enclosures measure The AHT-2300 subwoofer ($1,200) work best together or at least in con- 77/8 inches wide, 153/4 inches high, and tips the scale at a hefty 85 pounds and junction with other Home THX speak- 7 inches deep and weigh 10 pounds. As is obviously intended for floor place- ers. And though it is not essential that the manual understates it, they "prob- ment. But it has no wheels, and mov- the components ahead of the speakers ably cannot be supported by screws in ing it over a carpeted floor while look- be THX certified, it can be beneficial, plaster board." Expansion anchors ing for a sonically good location to especially in the case of the surround - are recommended. install it wasn't easy. It is also a rather sound decoder. The full Altec system As required by Home THX design large piece of furniture, measuring consists of six components: three sat- specs, the front satellites have fairly 141/2 x 19 x 27 inches, so it will be ellites used as left, center, and right restrictedverticaldispersion.Al- difficult to hide behind a sofa. It is very front speakers, two surround speak- though this characteristic makes for sturdy, however, and I imagine that ers, and a powered subwoofer. very precise imaging and unusual clar- you could safely put a large plant on it Each of the AHT-2200 satellites ity of dialogue reproduction (the main or use ii as an end table. ($300 apiece) has two 5'/4 -inch long - reasons for the dispersion restriction), In addition to its robust wooden throw woofers with carbon -filled poly- italsovirtuallyrequiresthatthe construction, the subwoofer's weight propylene cones. They cross over at speakers be at ear level, or, if they are comes from its two woofers, both with 2.5 kHz to two 1/2 -inch dome tweeters, not at ear level, that they be tilted to 10 -inch cones made of woven carbon - all in a vertical array. Average imped- aim at the ears, in order for the listener fiber, and from its 100 -watt Class B

STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 53 USER'S REPORT

power amplifier. The amplifier ac- ambience as intended. Listening off - pinpoint left -right imaging for all kinds cepts both line -level and speaker -level center, I found the imaging less pre- of music. inputs via phono-jack and push con- cise, but the frequency balance re- But flat -response, restricted -disper- nectors, respectively. The connectors mained very good. sion speakers, like the Altec satellites, are located, inconveniently, on the Given their superb performance re- tend to be brutally revealing of prob- bottom of the enclosure, from which producing soundtracks in a full Home lems in recordings. If the music is also emerges a too -short power cord. THX system, for which these speak- poorly equalized, if the vocals were There are two indicator lights on the ers were optimized, I was particularly recorded with non -flat mikes (more subwoofer control panel. One is for interested in seeing how they would the rule than the exception), if the power (the amplifier turns on automat- fare under less than ideal but very recorded ambience lacks depth,if ically when fed an audio signal). The common conditions: standard Dolby there is no "air" around the strings, if other is for the dynamic level -control Pro Logic decoding and plain music the producer left a "hole" in the center circuit, which prevents the subwoofer listening. So I connected the speakers of his stereo mix, the Altec Home THX from being driven into excessive dis- to a 75 -watt A/V receiver containing system won't do anything to conceal tortion at very high levels; when the an appropriately garden-variety Dolby them. You'll hear all these defects in circuit becomes active, the light goes Pro Logic decoder. In such a setup, their naked splendor, uncloaked by out. When turned on but fed no signal, you give up theharshness -taming room reflections or a pleasantly col- the subwoofer emits a very quiet rum- Home THX re -equalization and the ored response. A good multiple -echo ble/rushing noise, but it is inaudible ambience -spreading surround -output ambience -enhancement system can once you start playing anything. The "decorrelation." But, given those lim- help immensely here with music, and subwoofer controls include a volume itations, the Altec speakers still per- it's unfortunate that at this stage only knob and an equalizer dial that raises formed admirably, proving fully the one Home THX controller (the Lexi- and lowers the output around 100 Hz. equal of other, non-THX home theater con CP-3) is equipped with one. There is a crossover -frequency switch speakers, with the added benefit of I consider such "analytical" repro- with 50-, 80-, and 100 -Hz settings plus theirsound -spreadingquasi -dipole duction desirable in a loudspeaker, but a special THX position. One of the two surrounds. you may not. To find out, I urge you to pushbuttons on the panel selects be- Altec's Home THX system also did audition the Altec Home THX speak- tween crossover slopes of 18 and 24 very well with music. Having a sub - ers, especially if they are to end up as dB per octave. The other enables you woofer capable of substantial output your primary speaker system. There toreversethesubwoofer'sphase below 30 Hz proved its worth with can be little doubt, however, that a when that is necessary to achieve a pipe -organ recordings. The ability of properly installed Altec Home THX good blend with the main speakers. All the subwoofer and satellites to play speaker system will deliver immense of these controls have specific Home loud particularly benefited the drums quantities of the often promised but THX settings. I used those settings for in well -recorded jazz CD's. And the not always delivered excitement of my listening tests, which were con- restricted vertical radiation of the sat- home theater. These are probably the ducted, at least at the start, with the ellites, along with their fairly flat fre- best speakers Altec Lansing has ever speakers fed from the amplified out- quency response, virtually guaranteed produced. 0 puts of a Home THX "controller" (a component providing both surround - sound -decoder and preamp functions). The tests demonstrated that the Al- tec Home THX speaker system was very successful at what it was primarily designed for: soundtrack reproduc- STORE 5t tion. With adventure -movie or space - opera soundtracks, the feeling was of immense reserves of effortless power, a sensation produced only by systems incorporating a true subwoofer. Even when playing at levels that to my ears wereexcessivelyloud,thesub - woofer's dynamic level -control light never extinguished. (The "re -equalization"introduced bythe Home THX controller also helped reduce harshnessonhigh -volumesound- tracks.) When Ilistened from the prime location (on the center line between the speakers), imaging was ex- "Why don't you go on home and get some sleep, tremely precise, and the dipole sur- Mr. Thalman? We'll call you just as soon as the 'burning rounds produced anall -enveloping in' of your new speakers is finished."

54 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 PRESET PRO LOGit_ :5 THX CINEMA

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center speaker, the surround process- Kenwood KC -X1 A/II Tuner/Preamplifier ing can be switched to a phantom- center mode. JULIAN HIRSCH HIRSCH-HOUCK LABORATORIES Inputs are provided for CD and moving -magnet phono sources, and there are recording and playback con- n this heyday of A/V receivers it is Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby 3 Stereo (for nectors for two audio tape decks and becoming increasingly difficult to systems with three front speakers but three video recorders, plus inputs for a find a "standard," non-A/V model. no surrounds), and DSP Logic (a hall - play -only video source such as a laser- With the growing popularity of ambience simulation intended for use disc player. For two of the VCR home theater installations, other tra- with normal, unencoded stereo pro- sources, there are S -video connectors ditionallyaudio -only components gram material). There isa bypass as well as the standard phono jacks for are showing signs of following the mode for conventional two -channel composite -video signals. The video receiver's lead. One example is Ken- stereo listening, and a mono mode outputs to the monitor are also provid- wood's KC -X I, the first tuner/pream- feeds all signals into the center speak- ed in both composite and S -video for- plifier we have reviewed that has full er, if one is present, or equally through mats. The composite -video and S -vid- audio/videocontrolandsurround - front left and right speakers. In sys- eo signals are handled separately, with sound decoding capabilities. It has in- tems with surround speakers but no no facilityfor conversion between puts and switching for as many as five them. audio and four video components, A loop antenna is provided for the with line -level outputs for external DIMENSIONS AM tuner, and a 75 -ohm coaxial jack is power amplifiers to drive three front 17V4 INCHES wIDI WAI INCHES HIGH. used for the FM antenna. The KC- speakers (left, center, and right), a pair IS INCHES DEEP X l's rear apron has jacks for use in of surround speakers, and a sub - PRICE remote -control systems with compati- woofer. Its AM/FM tuner provides for ble Kenwood components. Its three 0 as many as thirty preset station fre- MANUFACTURER switched, two -prong AC outlets have quencies. Kusw000 USA C Div!. SR, P.O. Box 22745, a combined power rating of 940 watts.8 The KC -XI has signal -processing LONG BEACH. CA 90801-5745 The KC -X Iis supplied with a sys- circuits for Home THX, standard tem remote control that is internally6

58 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 DESIGNS BY HENRY KLOSS

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Cambridge SoundWorks sells two four 3" long -throw woofers and a tweeter speakers designed by Henry Kloss specif- that perfectly matches the acoustics of our ically for use as center channel speakers in Ensemble' and Ensemble II systems. The Dolby Surround Pro Logic systems -the frequency range of the outer pair of 3" woof- Center Channel and Center Channel Plus. accurately, with the proper volume level and ers is intentionally limited to maintain proper Our experience with Dolby Surround Pro dispersion pattern. dispersion characteristics. Logic systems has shown that the center Because of its wide, low profile (25" channel is very important. A significant Center Channel by Henry Kloss. wide, 4" high, 6'/2" deep), Center Channel portion of movie soundtracks is directed Center Channel is a compact, two-way Plus is ideal for placement directly on top of to the center channel. It's crucial to use acoustic suspension speaker with a 4" or, uniquely for a product of its type,beneath a speaker that reproduces that material woofer and a ring radiator tweeter. Because a 1V -with optional support unit, it can act of its compact size (8'h" x5Y, "x4"), it's as a base for your TV. V* don't know of any simple to place Center Channel directly on speaker, at any price, that outperforms top of or below your TV screen, so that Center Channel Plus. The factory -direct price dialog and sound effects will seem to ema- of Center Channel Plus is $219. nate from their on -screen source. For A Free Catalog, Call Center Channel is well shielded magnetically so that it can be placed very close to 1-800-FOR-HIFI your TV without causing video interference. 14? Know How Place our low- prohle Center Channel Plus above you: 71 Acoustically identical to our Ensemble satel- or. with optvnal support. use it as a base for yourTE lb Make Loudspeakers. lite speakers, it's ideal for center channel use in a Pro Logic system. The factory -direct price of Center Channel is $149. CAMBRIDGE Center Channel Plus by Henry Kloss. SOUNDWORKS

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The one operational idiosyncrasy two or more levels. Even without fur- we encountered had to do with a small ther knowledge of the internal circuit- switch on the back panel, which the ry, the reason for the KC -XI's size instructions said should be set to "on" and weight (and price) became obvi- when a subwoofer is used, presumably ous. And given its obvious emphasis to provide a suitable low -frequency on audio/video system performance, it program output to it. They did not was easier to understand why it was mention, however, that itis equally fitted with an adequate, but not partic- important that the switch be set to ularly advanced, AM/FM section. "off" when a subwoofer is not used. Although we did not test it, the KC - Also, the switch position should be XI has a companion six -channel pow- changed only while the KC -X1is er amplifier, the KM-Xl, rated for 100 turned off (which is mentioned in the is a very useful feature, since remov- watts per channel, and the two provide manual, but in fine print at the bottom ing low frequencies from the main formidable audio/video reproduction of page 9). speakers when a subwoofer is used (as capabilityat an exceptionally low When we left the subwoofer switch would normally be the case in a Home price for Home THX-certified compo- on, the unit appeared to work normal- THX setup) can only improve the sys- nents. But, as our experience showed, ly, but frequencies below about 70 Hz tem's performance. the KC -X1 can deliver impressive per- were sharply attenuated. That effect Intrigued by the KC -XI's impres- formance in conjunction with almost may not be particularly audible, de- sive bulk and weight (after all, it is a any combination of power amplifiers. pending on the program material and tuner/preamp, not a full-blown receiv- The tuner/preamplifier appears to be a loudspeakers used, butitcertainly er), we removed its top cover, reveal- product format whose time has come, gave us some bad moments during the ing a well -filled interior with perhaps and we will surely see others like the measurement process. Actually, this five or six good -size circuit boards on KC -X1 in the near future.

SECOND OPINION

My measurements and listening standard Dolby Pro Logic decoder. markedly less harsh when played at tests of the Kenwood KC -XI's Dolby The KC -X l's adherence to the THX high levels. Although I happened to Pro Logic surround -sound equalization specifications was on the listen to the KC -X I though a six -piece performance gave very good results. whole very good, and we would not Home THX-certified speaker system, Measured noise levels and distortion expect the minor deviations we did the same effect should be apparent were very low, and the channel find to be audible with normal with any reasonably good assemblage separations and overload margins recordings. of speakers (ideally a set with were more than adequate. Both main - I was particularly interested in sonically matched main and center front and center Pro Logic frequency listening to the KC -X1 in action since units). responses could be flatter at the it contains the first Home THX Home THX processing applies extreme high frequencies (they were surround -sound decoder that I have another layer of equalization to the -1 dB at 16.25 kHz), but the been able to use under controlled surround channels to make their deviation should be inaudible to most conditions. Because Home THX timbre more closely match that of the ears and with most program material. processing is based on Dolby Pro front speakers. A sound panned from Worst -case THX equalization errors Logic, I could use the KC -XI to make the front to the surrounds is not were negligible through the front and near -instantaneous comparisons supposed to change in timbre. But the center speakers, but response was between these two related approaches benefit of the Home THX surround down slightly at 4 kHz through the to surround -sound decoding. (The equalizer seems to be less consistent surround channels. comparisons were not quite than that of the Home THX Especially noteworthy was the instantaneous because switching re -equalizer. Listening in Home THX unusually accurate level calibration of between the two involves a short mode to a specially constructed test the surround -sound decoder when interval of muting.) signal (pink noise digitally band- measured through the playback -only The special THX "re -equalization" limited to 7 kHz that flipped every video input (Video 4). When this input applied to the front, center, and second from one of the front speakers is connected to a videodisc player with surround speakers adjusts the high - to the surrounds), I never heard an a nominal 2 -volt maximum output, the frequency response so that exact timbre match, even through KC -X1 should provide a less muffled soundtracks originally equalized under Home THX speakers. But the tonal surround -channel frequency response studio dubbing -stage conditions end difference between front and surround than most decoders do, though the up sounding the same under the very was indeed less than that produced difference would be difficult to hear different acoustical conditions of a with straight Dolby Pro Logic with most soundtracks. home listening room. All the movie decoding, so there is some advantage Home THX processing consists soundtracks I played through the KC - to the Home THX surround - mainly of special equalizations applied XI in Home THX mode benefited equalization. to the five principal outputs of a from this re -equalization, becoming I also noticed that the sonic match

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TIE SWEET SOUND OF VINYL IS BA -g""'' The Tradition Continues at Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab. mobile fidelity Nottrid-lab 105 Morris Street Sebastopol, CA 95472 800-423-5759 MM. c CIRC,_E NC 39 ON READER SERVICE CARD Definitive Technolo Authorized Dealers AA Hole's Fairbanks- Pyramid Anchorage Al. In Concert Huntsville. Like Audio Bermingham AB Leisure Electronics: Little Rock AZ- Jerry's Audio Video: Phoenix, Tucson. Aecho Concepts Lon Beach, San Gabriel. Coast Satel- lite TV Atascaderor Creative Stereo- Santa Barbara, Ventura. TEST REPORTS David lutledge Audio Palm Springs. Henry Radio. L A Pe - cif ic Coast AN. Corona IV Mar. Paradyme Sacramento. Performance Audio: SanFrancisco. Sound Co Escondido. San Diego -Sound Goods Campbell. Mtn View. Systems De- SURROUND in the Home THX processing with sign Redondo Beach- Wilson AN. Woodland Hills PERFORMANCE those speakers. QQ- Listen Op- Denver, Boulder. Colorado Springs Al Franklin's Hanlon.. Carston's Danbury* But Home THX processing also Robert's Music New London. Sound Playground Newing- All measurements are referred to 1 -kHz lev- involves a surround -channel ton, Orange, Manchester, Norwich. els at the Video 4 input of 200 millivolts (mV) re,$Aki di- Audio Associates. "decorrelation" circuit whose effects 121. - Stun Studio. Dover, Newark. Wilmington. for the front channels, 141.4 millivolts for the were readily apparent regardless of the EL- Absolute Sound. Winter Park. Audio Ctr. Ft. Lauderdale. type or location of the surround Audio 'Video. TallahaseeAudio Video Interior. Mebourne. center and surround channels, with the vol- Invisible Audio Pensacola. Hoyt Stereo Jacksorwile Sensu- ume control at its 0 -dB setting. All measure- speakers. The decorrelation serves to ous Sd. Talipa Sound Components Coral Gables. Sound scramble the relative phases of the two Ideas ilainesville. SoundlInsight Ft. Pierce. Stereotypes ments were made with the Normal center - surround speakers, which would Daytona. Stereo World F- Myers, Naples. Stuart AN. Stuart channel setting except frequency response QA. Stereo Shop Martinez. Stereo Video Systems Manetta otherwise receive an identical signal. t1,1 Maui Audio Center Kahului. Classic Audio Honolulu. and channel separation, which were made All of that is to promote the IA- Audio Logic. Des Moises. Camera Corner Davenport. with the Wideband setting. Except where disappearance of the surround Custom AN Cedar Raock. Hawkey, Iowa City, Cedar Falls. tQ Good EarBoise. noted, all measurements refer to Dolby Pro speakers as discrete sound sources. IL- United Audio Ceiling Chicago & Suburbs. Cars & Stere- Logic operation only. With decorrelation switched in, the os Rodktord. Jon's Home Center Quincy. Stereo Studio Palatine Select Sound Naperville. Sterling Elect. Sterling Frequency response sides and rear of the listening room IN- Ovation Audio Claim -rite. Indianapolis should seem to vanish, replaced by the t5,,5 Accent Sound Overland Park. Advance Audio Wichita. left/right 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, - 2.7 dB sonic environment created by a Audio . unction Junction City. center 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, - 2.9 dB Ay. Ovation Audio Lexington, Louisville. movie's sound designers. The 1.A. Alterman Audio New'Odeans, Metairie surround 20 Hz to 7.7 kHz, +0, -3 dB decorrelation was far more effective MA- Goodwns Audio Boston, Shrewsbury. Nantucket A -weighted noise Sound. Hyarnis with soundtracks than the standard _gp- Audio Assoc Aneapclis, Laurel, Rockville. Cumberland lett/right -78.6 dB "dual -mono" treatment of surrounds (lee Oumbedand. Gramophone Ball , Ellicott City. Sound- center - 74.3 dB (so much so that I wish the processing scape Balt Sound StudioSalisbury Cookin'Portland. surround - 78.6 dB were available in the regular Dolby reel Penn's: Detroit. Troy. Classical Jazz: Holland. Front Row Distortion (THD + N) Pro Logic mode as well). At least as AN Floe. Future Sound psitantr Court St. Listening executed in the KC -XI, however, it Room- didlamd, Saginaw. left/right 0.06% MN- Audio Designs Winona. Audio Perfection Minneapolis seemed to introduce a slight sense of center 0.06% hico- !nonviolence AN- Independence. Sd. Central St Louis "swimminess" to the surround signal Q. Audio Video Systems Charlotte. Stereo Sound surround 0.06% Durham Greensboro, Ralegh. Winston Salem. Tri City Elect. that is hard to describe but easy to Conove . Surround decoder Input -overload levels hear with pink noise. HQ- Precision Audio Grand Forks. left/right +21 dB On more mundane matters: The KC - HE- Custom Electronics Omaha, Lincoln center NH- Cookin*. Nashua, Manchester, Newington. Salem, S +23.5 dB X l's programmable remote is not well Nashua surround +20 dB laid out, with tuner buttons split into Nj Sound Waves Northlokt. Sassafras. Cherry Hill. Wood- Surround -channel -delay Indication error two sections, both separated from the bridge Stereo W Caldwell, W. longbranch, Wcrodbndge rest of the controls. I also found that NM- West Coast Sound Atniquerque, Santa Fe I tiy- Upper Ear Las Vegas. most of the buttons were too small, AucioHY Breakthroughs Manhasset. Audio Den Lake Surround -channel Dolby calibration error and, except for the volume buttons, Grove. Audio Expressions: Newburgh. Chemung Elect. I kHz 0 dB Corning, Elmira. Clark Music Albany. Syracuse. Stereo Ex- they were not differentiated by size, change- Manhattan, Nar uel. Hart Elect. Vestal. Innovative 3 kHz +2 dB shape, or feel. The button labeling Audio Brooktyn. Listening Room Sc: rsdak. Rowe Camera Channel separation (100 Hz to 7 kHz) Rochesttr Sound Mill. Mt. Kisco. Yorktown Hts Speaker could stand some revision as well Shop Amherst. Buffalo. left from right >54 dB ("mode" to change speakers when K Labs esemium Audio Tulsa. left from center >33 dB adjusting surround -sound balances, for QH- Aucio Case. Akron. Cleveland, Mayfield Hts Westlake. Audio EtcDzyton. HartAudio limaSpeaker Shop N Lima center from surround >40 dB example). The rear -panel input jack Q. Bradford's HiFi Eugene. Chelsea AN Portland, Beaver- surround from left >46 dB layout is of the desirable horizontal ton. Kelly's Home CtrSalem. Smart Homer Bend variety, however. Considering the FM PA GNT Stereo. Lancaster. Hart Electronics Blakely, left from surround >46 dB Kingston- Listening Post. Rinsburgh & suburbs - tuner's measured performance, I wish surround from center >46 dB Sassafras Bryn Mawr, Mortgomeryville, Whitehall. Stere- Kenwood had incorporated a high - oland Nation Heights. Studio One Erie center from left >30 dB tit- Eastern Audio Providence. quality cable -ready TV -sound tuner S_G- Dasnboard Charlestor. Upstairs Audio Columbia Home THX re -equalisation error instead, something that is hard to find TN Hi F Buys Nashville. Lindsey Ward Knoxville. Modern I maximum) -0.5 dB except in some high -end VCR's. Music Memphis. New Wave Elect.- Jackson Tom- Audio Tech Temple. Waco. Audio Video College Horne THX surround -equalisation error If you are planning a component -by - Station. Brock AN Bear monk. Bunkley's Sd. Systems Abi- (maximum) -1.7 dB component transformation of your lene. Bjcrn's San Antonio. Don's Hi Fi: Amarillo. High Fideli- present system into a home theater ty Lubbock. r4ome Entedainment Dallas, Houston. Marvin Electronics Ft. Worth. Music by Design Austin* Sound setup, the Kenwood KC -X1 is a good Towne Texarkana. place to start. You'll get an All. Aud oWoi kisSalt Lake Crty. Stokes Bros Logan. improved if the surrounds were VA- Audio Associates Arlington, Fairtax. Audiotronics- outstanding Dolby Pro Logic decoder Roanoke. Digital Sd. Va. Bch Stereotypes. Charlottesville located where they should be, to the plus Home THX processing, which VT- Audio Video Authority S Burlington. sides and several feet above ear level, can provide sonic benefits even WA- Aucio Waves Everett -Definitive Audio Bellevue. Seat- tle. DESCO Electronics Olyrnpia. Evergreen Audio Sil- rather than close to ear level or at the without Home THX speakers. But verdale. Pacerc Sight & "Sound. Wenatchee. Sound Mart rear. The front/surround similarity once embarked on the Home THX Spokane. Tin Ear. Kennewidic deteriorated slightly when non-THX path, you should consider getting W.VA.- Sound Post Pnroefon WI- Absolute Sound & VisionSheboygan. Audio Empori- dipole surrounds were used, and Home THX speakers if you can. The um Milwaukee. further when conventional speakers experience of a complete Home THX Puerto Rico- F recision Audio Rio Piedras were used for the surrounds, to the canaga- Advance Electronics Winnipeg. Audio CtrMontre- system going full tilt on a well - al. Ottawa, Quebec City. Bay Bloat Toronto. Digital Dynam- degree that there was no appreciable produced movie soundtrack can be ics Cleartiroch B C Great West Audio: London. Peak Audio timbre -match advantage to switching stunning. Halifax. Sound Advice Calcary. Sound Hounds Vctona -David Ranada B C Sm. nd Room Vansouve.. Sound Station Courtenay BC. nics- Contact Grupo Volumen Mexico City 64 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 Definitive Technology® "Bipolar Systemsare asCloseasWe've Come to Finding the Holy Grail of Home Theater." -Video Magazine Experience the Miracle of Bipolar Technology with Definitives Revolutionary BP8, 10 & 20!

"Truly Outstanding" The Ultimate Home Theater - StereoReview Combine the BP8s,10s, or 20s with our C/L/R 1000 or Cl cen- Experts agree that Definitive's ter channel and BP2 bipolar revolutionary bipolar BP8, BP10 surround speakers for the ulti- and BP20 are three of the world's mate in home theater sound. finest speakers and are sonically Visit your nearest Definitive superior to any conventional dealer and experience the speaker regardless of cost. absolute sonic superiority of These American -made, these truly extraordinary ViVA advanced technology bipolar Gold Product -of -the -Year, Audio (front and rear radiating) sys- Video Grand Prix and CES tems combine lush spacious Design & Engineering Award soundstaging, lifelike depth -of - winning loudspeakers. field, razor-sharp resolution and pinpoint 3-D imaging with power- Definitive's remarkable new ful subwoofer-like bass (to below PowerFieldTM 1500 250 -watt 20 Hz), high efficiency, wide powered 15" subwoofer is dynamic range and easy -to -posi- now available ($995). tion convenience. The dramatic result is superb music and movie Definitive Technolo BI9 U - $551, ca. B19{ - $3 P) ca. reproduction so real that it has 11105 Valley Heights Drive Baltimore. MD 21117 111'20 - $799 ea. been called, "a sonic miracle!" Seedealer list on lacing page (410) 363-7148 CIRCLE NO 15 ON READER SERVICE CARD TEST REPORTS

opens at the touch of a button. Be- cause of the vertical disc orientation, Fisher Studio 24 CD Changer the Studio 24 is considerably taller JULIAN HIRSCH HIRSCH-HOUCK LABORATORIES than ordinary CD players or changers. Its appearance is not unlike that of a rather large AN receiver, although it Compact disc changers have be- ers also offer enlarged disc -storage is comparatively lightweight. come extremely popular since capacity but at more affordable prices. The left third of the panel contains their introduction. The first Among them is the twenty -four -disc the display window and a number of changers used removable maga- Fisher Studio 24 CD Management buttons, principally for disc selection. zines holding six to ten discs, System (known more formally as the The window shows the usual informa- and, with the almost simultane- DAC-2403). tion, including the current disc, track ous development of home and car The Studio 24's mechanism incor- number, index number (displayed but models, they enabled convenient porates a nonremovable rotating mag- not cueable), and playing time (which swapping of magazines between azine with slots for twenty-four stan- can be switched between elapsed and home and automobile. dard -size CD's (3 -inch CD's, even remaining time on the track or disc). The next step was the home with adaptors, cannot be used). The The Studio 24 also offers a means of carousel changer, holding up to six discs are loaded, one at a time. classifying the discs and displaying discs on a rotating platform that turns through a vertical slot in the front this information in the window. It has to place a disc on the playing spindle. panel that is normally closed but seven built-in music categories, desig- The simplicity of the carousel mecha- nated as Rock, C/W (country-and- nism has made these products compet- western), R/B (rhythm-and-blues), itive with medium -price single -play DIMENSIONS Jazz, Easy (easy -listening), Show models. Considering that they do not 161/2 INCHES WIDE, 71/4 INCHES HIGH, (show tunes), and Clas (classical). sacrifice any significant aspect of au- 153/4 INCHES DEEP The appropriate designation can be dio performance, the great popularity PRICE assigned to each loaded magazine slot of carousel changers is not surprising. S300 and will then appear in the window In June 1992 we reported on a hun- when the disc in that slot is selectedO dred -disc changer, a pricy unit de- MANUFACTURER FISHER, DEPT. SR. 21330 LASSEN ST., for playing. You can also create and rived from professional CD "jukebox" CHATswoirr0, CA 91311-2329 store your own category names of up designs. Now, several new CD chang- to eight characters. In addition, an

66 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 At Under $300, Definitive DR7s areAbsolutely Incredible! "...it is the best sounding speaker that I have heard in my home selling at anywhere near its price." -Julian Hirsch, Stereo Review Two of the world's most How does Definitive do it? extraordinary speakers! Advanced technology and superb Julian Hirsch of Stereo Review components, like cast basket driv- raved that the DR7 Bookshelf is ers, transmission line bass tuning, simply "remarkable" and low diffraction monocoque cabin- "...usually outperformed ets and Linkwitz-Riley crossovers, speakers priced as much as two all help. But most importantly, we or three times higher." Peter hear very well and we care. Moncrieff of IAR concurred that the DR7 Tower is absolutely Perfect for home theater. "incredible." Our HT7 System combines DR7s with Priced under $249 ea. (DR7 our precisely timbre -matched Cl jr Bookshelf Monitor) and $299 ea. center channel ($199) and BPI (DR7 Studio Tower), these bipolar surround speakers ($175 extraordinary handcrafted ea.) for a sonically stunning home loudspeakers have breathtaking theater which sounds clearly three-dimensional imaging, superior to competitors' systems dynamic lifelike clarity, natural selling for substantially more. musicality, astounding bass, and elegantly sleek designer styling Definitive Technology® which make them simply the I)l 'lour DR7 liookshelr 11105 Valley Heights Drive Baltimore, MD 21117 .s1-19ca. best value in the history of hi fi. See dealer list on page 64 (410) 363-7148 CIRCLE NO 15 ON READER SERVICE CARD MI REPORTS eight -character subcategory name can seconds early, we consider it excessive be assigned to each slot and stored; (even an inexpensive record player- like the main category, it is displayed remember turntables?-has better when that slot is selected. speed accuracy than this presumably The Studio 24 changer provides crystal -controlled CD player). many of the popular playback modes Fortunately, all of the changer's me- of conventional CD players, including chanical and operating features intro -scan (playing the first 10 sec- worked properly, so we were able to onds of each track), random play (of exercise and appreciate the versatility both disc and track or just among the of this unusual product. Loading and tracks on a single disc), a combination unloading discs is easy and foolproof, of intro -scan and random play, and for example, and actual operation of multiple repeat modes (one track, all the Studio 24's playing functions is tracks on a disc, all discs, or all discs straightforward. Moreover, all the op- in a selected category or subcategory). erating features are thoroughly and You can also program the Studio 24 to clearly explained in the instruction play, in any order, up to forty-eight MEASUREMENT S manual. There is a lot to learn, howev- tracks from as many as twenty-four er, and if you are serious about using discs. Maximum output level 1.28 volts the player's considerable program- The right third of the front panel re- Frequency response ming flexibility, be prepared to spend sembles the left side, including a sym- 2(1 II, to 20 kHz +0.1, -1.9 dB some time studying and even practic- metrically placed window that has Channel separation ing the procedures. Fisher has wisely only a cosmetic function. The internal 100 Hz 72 dB adopted a policy used by many com- light lets you see the disc tray spin 1 kHz 79 dB puter hardware and software manufac- around, but only from up close be- 20 kHz 78 dB turers, providing a toll -free phone cause the window is darkly tinted. Maximum interchannel phase shift number that you can call if you have This portion of the panel also contains at 2(11.1i/ 0.95 degree any difficulty operating the player. the conventional transport buttons Signal-to-noise ratio Despite the slight deficiencies we (fast forward or reverse, track skip- (A -weighted) 120 dB found in its measured performance, ping, and so forth). The rear of the Dynamic range 114 dB the Fisher Studio 24 CD changer pro- player has only the stereo analog au- Distortion (THD+N) duced good, listenable sound. As it dio output jacks and the line cord. I kHz (-45 to 0 dB) 0.018% happens, most compact disc specifica- The Studio 24 comes with a small 20 Hz to 5 kHz (0 dB) 0.025% tions (like frequency response and and uncluttered remote control that 20 kHz (0 dB) 0.447% channel separation) are many times duplicates all the regular operating Linearity error better than they have to be for first- functions, including disc selection. (-60 to -90 dB) <0.5 dB class sound reproduction, so a failure Programming, however, can be done Defect tracking to meet the highest level of measured only with the front -panel controls. ( Pierre Vei.iii \ #2 test disc) 1,250 pm performance really should not auto- The technical specifications for the Impact resistance matically disqualify a player from Fisher Studio 24 changer indicate top consideration. only that it uses dual 1 -bit digital -to - sides The Studio 24 combines the sonic analog (D/A) converters with eight- Slewing time 2.3 seconds performance of an average -quality times-oversampling digital filters and Disc -change time 13.5 to 17.5 seconds single -disc CD player with the excep- that it has less than 0.03 percent total tional versatility provided by the harmonic distortion (THD) at1 kHz twenty -four -disc changer mechanism. and a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of kHz. The linearity of the D/A convert- One should also bear in mind its low 100 dB. In our measurements, it met ers at low levels was excellent, as in price, which would have been un- or surpassed these specifications, almost other 1 -bit designs. Dynamic imaginable not long ago. I see a nice though it produced lower than aver- range and interchannel phase shift market niche for the Studio 24 in the age performance in some other char- were both fine. Other measurements small-business environment, such as a acteristics, sometimes because of its showed average performance when dentist's office, where all -day back- higher than normal ultrasonic noise the inaudible contributions from ultra- ground music is required and where and distortion levels. sonics were filtered out. its random -programming capabilities The Studio 24's measured frequen- Finally, the player's speed (pitch) would provide a "turn on and listen" cy response was flat within +0, -0.1 error of +0.33 percent was the largest source of background music at a mini- dB from 10 Hz to 9 kHz, with a rolloff we have measured from a CD player. mal cost. As a home component, it to -1.9 dB at 20 kHz. De -emphasis er- Since this amount of error will cause looks to me like a rather specialized ror was a maximum of -1.1 dB at 16 an hour-long CD to finish nearly 12 product, albeit an excellent value.

68 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 BAZOOKA

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simple crossover is practical because the tweeter and woofer were specifically designed to work together. The high- and low -frequency sections of the crossover network are electrically separated, enabling biwired or biam- plified operation. The MA700 Gold MkIl's cabinet, with a volume of about 11liters, is made of 1/4 -inch MDF (medium -density -fiberboard) panels and internally damped with padding and acoustic foam. The drivers are bolted onto the panel and recessed to minimize edge diffractions. The woofer port is on the rear panel. A removable black cloth grille covers the entire front of the speaker. Since the speaker panel is finished to match the rest of the cabinet, removing the grille exposes a handsome front, with a gold tweeter grille and dome and a well -finished woofer. Monitor Audio prides itself on superior cabinet finishes, which in the case of the MA700 Gold Mkll takes the form of matched black -ash (standard) or rosewood (premium) veneers finished by hand. Other finishes are also available. The frequency response of the Mon- Monitor Audio MA700 Gold MkII itor Audio MA700 Gold MkII is specified as 45 Hz to 30 kHz ±3 dB. Its nominal impedance is 8 ohms, and the Loudspeaker System sensitivity is rated at 89 dB sound - pressure level (SPL) at 1 meter with a JULIAN HIRSCH HIRSCH-HOUCK LABORATORIES 2.83 -volt input. Monitor recommends placing these speakers on stands, such as its own Monitor Audio is a well-known aluminum former. The tweeter's voice MS24's, which feature rugged steel manufacturer of high -quality coil, like the woofer's, has a nitrile construction and hollow central col- loudspeakers based in Cam- rubber surround and is cooled and umns that can be filled with sand. Our bridge, England. Among its damped by magnetic fluid in its gap. test speakers were supplied with the several lines of loudspeaker The crossover, at 3.1 kHz, is a mini- MS24 stands, which we used,al- systems is the Gold series, fea- malist design with 6 -dB -per -octave though we chose not to fill them with turingMonitor'sproprietaryGold slopes. Monitor points out that such a sand since each stand already weighs Dome tweeter. It's called that because 15 pounds by itself. the tweeter dome is formed of an alu- The averaged room response of the minum/magnesium alloy that is gold - two speakers was impressively flat anodized, a process said to increase its DIMENSIONS Slit INCHES WIDE. 131/4 INCHES HIGH, over most of the audio range. It varied rigidity and extend its linear frequency 10 INCHES DEEP only ±2 dB from 400 Hz to 20 kHz. range beyond audibility. FINISH The close-miked woofer and port re- The MA700 Gold MkII is a small, BLACK -ASH OR ROSEWOOD VENEER sponse sloped down smoothly by two-way system, using a 1 -inch Gold (OTHERS AVAII.ABLEI about 9 dB from 100 Hz to about 2 kHz Dome tweeter paired with a 61/2 -inch PRICE (readings above that frequency were woofer operating in a vented enclo- BLACK ASH. $999 A PAIR: not valid). The output below 100 Hz sure. The woofer cone is formed from ROSEWOOD. $1.199 A PAIR dropped at 12 dB per octave. Combin- P). a polypropylene material, and the MANUFACTURER ing this measurement with the room 8 molded rubber surround and concave MONITOR Auoio USA, DEPT. SR, curve produced a composite response dust cover contribute to the rigidity of P.O. Box 1355. BUFFALO, NY 14205 varying ±4 dB from 45 Hz to 20 kHz. the voice coil, which is wound on an The quasi-anechoic MLS measure -

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II 11111 II II II II III III I I II 1111 I III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII FREE ments showed a response at1 meter Mk11 was well balanced musically, that varied only ± 2 dB from 300 Hz to never calling attention to itself through 20 kHz, and the tweeter dispersion an audible lack or excess of any part of Stereo was excellent, with the output at 45 the audio spectrum. As our measure- degrees off -axis falling off by 5 dB at 10 ments show, this speaker has an ex- kHz and by only 8 dB at 20 kHz. ceptionallyflat and wide -range re- Group delay (phase linearity) was a sponse, combined with above -average Catalog relatively constant 500 microseconds dispersion at high frequencies. Its ste- from 3 to 20 kHz (the tweeter range), reo imaging was excellent (not surpris- rising to 1. I milliseconds at 50 Hz. ing given those characteristics). The system's minimum impedance We encountered only one sour note was 7.5 ohms at 60 and 200 Hz, with (figuratively speaking) in our testing peaks of 23.5 ohms at 28 Hz, 20 ohms and use of these speakers. Their input at 95 Hz, and 29 ohms at 2.2 kHz. At 88 connectors, recessed into the back of dB, its sensitivity was close to the the cabinet, are sturdy gold-plated rated value. The woofer distortion at a binding posts. But their wide spacing 3.5 -volt drive level (equivalent to a 90 - prevents the use of dual banana plugs dB SPL) was between 0.3 and 0.7 (single plugs are okay), and the hole in percent from 2 kHz to 100 Hz, rising to each post that would accept a stripped 1.5 percent at 60 Hz, 3 percent at 39 wire end is already partially filled with Hz, and 4.5 percent at 30 Hz. the heavy jumper wire that connects it The speaker was able to absorb the to a corresponding post leading to the maximum output of our driving ampli- other driver (there are separate inputs fier (roughly 400 to 700 watts) during for woofer and tweeter). We found single -cycle tone bursts at 1 and 10 it nearly impossible to make a tight, kHz. At 100 Hz, the woofer cone secure connection to stripped wires reached the limits of its suspension because of the presence of these travel with an input of 190 watts. jumpers. Single banana plugs would As our measurements clearly indi- certainly he our preferred solution, Remember when shopping for a cate, the Monitor MA700 Gold MkII is even though this is discouraged in the stereo was fun? So do we. Get a very high -quality speaker indeed. manufacturer's instructions. our catalog and get excited again! While it cannot defy the laws of phys- To be sure, the good qualities of this ics and match the low -bass output of little giant have their price-it costs Hundreds of components many larger speakers, this mighty considerably more than some other midget can deliver a useful amount of speakers that also deliver excellent Dozens of top brands clean 35- to 40 -Hz fundamental, with- performance and that might go a bit out the accompaniment of much obvi- lower in the bass. Nevertheless, there Packed with buying tips ous distortion.In that respect,its are many listening situations where a Low discount prices sound belies its size. small but high -quality speaker is called There is more to good sound than for, and here the MA700 Gold MkII Computers and video, too low bass, however. The MA700 Gold has few peers in its price class. 0 It's free! Call now. You'll be glad you did. CALL THE POI-WA/M/6 900 NUMBER FoR THE DEALER NEMEST you WHo cAtiRIES XoNIX HIGH -END AUDIO E4u1114EnIT- THERE Is A Call Now! 0 75CfAR6E Foft THIS CALL. 1-800-955-9009 or mail this coupon

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SI,EC CRUTCHFIELD 1 Crutchfield Park. Dept. 'h. Cruiricttek die. VA .L2906 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 71 TEST ERNS

- INPUT SELECTION VOLUME - compact disc tuns, video

The Charisma is designed to be powered continuously, and neither the MAS Charisma Preamplifier power supply nor the preamplifier it- JULIAN HIRSCH HIRSCH-HOUCK LABORATORIES self has a power switch. In fact, Me- taxas suggests that the Charisma be powered for at least 24 hours before Though new to this country, MAS Solitaire, and Opulence. We tested the any critical listening. Since the pream- ( Metaxas Audio Systems),of Charisma preamplifier, the company's plifier becomes quite warm, it requires Melbourne, Australia, has earned least expensive component. adequate ventilation. a solid reputation among Europe- The MAS Charisma is a basic pre- A bare -bones control center, the an enthusiasts for its audio com- amplifier, almost minimalist in some Charisma provides no tone controls or ponents, which are unique in respects. Like MAS's other electronic filters.Itsthreehigh-levelinputs, many of their design features and em- components, it has a separate power marked tuner, compact disc, and vid- body the personal philosophy of their supply, with a toroidal transformer eo, are selected by a knob. A small designer, Kostas Metaxas. and two -stage filtering to minimize toggle switch selects the phono input, MAS products are characterized by power -line hum, that is joined to its and another controls the tape record- uncompromising circuit design and chassis by a detachable cable approxi- ing and monitoring functions. Since physical construction, Metaxas says, mately 3 feet long. the Charisma cannot be turned off in the primary goal being to provide the the usual sense, it has a third toggle most nearly ideal performance possi- switch, marked muting, that silences ble, especially with regard to sound DIMON111101111 the preamplifier by the simple expedi- quality. Aesthetic considerations have PR E A MP LI Fl ER :133/4 INCHES WIDE, ent of disconnecting its outputs and not been neglected, however. All of 21/2 INCHES HIGH (INCLUDING FEET), shorting them to ground. A red LED the components' controls have a silky - 91/2 INCHES DEEP on the panel, marked AC, glows when smooth, positive feel, and the knobs POWER SUPPLY: 4 INCHES WIDE, 2 INCHES HIGH, the preamplifier is powered. Another 91/2 INCHES DEEP are machined from solid aluminum bar LED, marked DC, glows only when stockbefore being polishedtoa PIIIICI there is a DC component in the output LINE STAGE ONLY, SI,700. smooth satin finish. WITH PHONO STAGE. $1.850 signal, a sign that there is a problem The MAS line includes preamplifi- (the Charisma circuit is direct -coupled ers, power amplifiers, integrated am- MANN PACTUIUI METAXAS AUDIO SYSTEMS. DEPT. SR. from input to output). Should such a plifiers, a CD player, and loudspeak- no RAE ST., NTH FITZROY 3068, MELBOURNE. problem occur, a relay grounds the ers, all carrying such unusual and VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA outputs to protect the power amplifier distinctive names as Marquis, Iraklis, and speakers.

72 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 Nor terns braLtd" re I x Home TheaterSpeaker as clellvery23 for There's ayAnd AongWay

We'd like to clear up some misconceptions Channel a magnetically shielded version of on the subject of speaker systems for use our Ensemble satellites. The surround in Dolby Pro Logic home theater systems. speakers are The Surround II, the most affordable dipole radiating speaker we know Misconception #1: You can use any of (see previous ad). You could spend speakers for the surround and center thousands more without improving on this channels. package. The center channel is very important because a large portion of soundtracks is $1,117 Home Theater Package directed to the center in systems with Pro Features Our Best Speakers. Logic. That speaker should have smooth This system is built around our dual- frequency response, good power handling - subwoofer Ensemble speaker system (Audio and it must match the tonal balance of the magazine said it "may be the best value in main speakers. Also, a center channel Model Six Speakers, the world"). The center channel speaker is speaker should be magnetically shielded to $463Model Ten -A Speakers (3) our Center Channel Plus, a unique five - prevent video interference. driver speaker that can be placed above or Surround speakers should also match $463 Home Theater Package below your TV monitor. The surround the tonal balance of the front speakers. Features Model Six And Model Ten -A. speakers are The Surround our best dipole Indeed, all five speakers should have radiating surround matching tonal balances for proper sound. Our most affordable speaker package for systems with Pro speaker. This But unlike front speakers, surround Logic is centered around the new system, especially speakers should create a diffuse sound Model Six two-way acoustic sus- when matched with field. So the best systems with Pro Logic pension speaker by Henry Kloss. use "dipole radiating" surround speakers Model Six offers smooth, natural (e.g. The Surround II and The Surround speakers in our $797 and $1,117 sound over a wide frequency range. The center channel and packages). surround speakers are our new All the systems on this page consist of speakers designed to match each other Model Ten -A magnetically shielded two-way acoustic suspen- tonally. (Identical timbre). sion speakers. Tonally balanced to Nei="1 Misconception #2: Use five identical match Model Six, they are ideal for speakers in a system this affordable system. Ensemble System, Center Channel with Pro Logic. $1,117Plus speaker, The Surround speakers A number of companies have our Powered Subwoofer, delivers awesome released speaker sound -far better than most theaters. packages consisting of Cambridge SoundWorks products are five matching mini - not available in stores. Because we sell speakers (some with a factory -direct, eliminating expensive subwoofer). This ignores middle -men, you can save thousands of the fact that the dollars. And our 30 -day return policy surround channels serve means you take no risk. different purposes than the front channels. For A FREE Catalog, Call Ensemble II System, Center Channel Misconception #3: $ 797 speaker. TheSurround IIspeakers R-1-1 A good home theater 1-800-F01F' We Know How speaker system costs To Make Loudspeakers thousands and thousands of dollars. $797 Home Theater Package A number of retailers regularly sell Includes Ensemble II, Center Channel $10,000 Pro Logic speaker systems. This 42 The Surround II. is just not necessary. Our best value Home Theater speaker CAMBRIDGE We believe that the two more expen- package features our critically acclaimed SOUNDWORKS Ensemble II subwoofer-satellite system. sive systems on this page compete head- 154 California St.. Suite 102I1A, Newton. Massachusetts 02158 on with combinations selling for thousands With its natural, balanced sound and I-800-367-4434 Fax: o I 7-332-9229 Canada: 1-800-525-4434 Outside U.S. or Canada: 617-332-5936 more. Add our Powered Subwoofer ($599), powerful subwoofer, it provides the heart ,,.3 Cambridge SoundWorks En,emble is a registerni trademark of a terrific home theater system. The oiCamixidgr SmndWorks In: Cambridge Sounih, mks IS a and we'll compare them to anything on the trademark .4 Cambridge S,unilWorks. In: IVIM and Pro Logii. are market. center channel speaker is our Center trademark, arm, Laboratories Lkensing Coq CIRCLE NO 6 ON READER SERVICE CARD No Other Loudspeaker Company Can Run rrhis Ad. Cambridge SoundWorks is a new kind of audiocompany, TEST HMS with factoty-direct savings, and much, muchmore... MEASUREMENTS

Output at clipping 11.5 volts

.g. Sensitivity t,n , (1c -volt output)

Z' cc CD 33 mV phono mV \ 1 § Noise0.13 \' (A -weighted, referred to a 0.5 -volt output) CD -93 dB Audio Hall of Pame member Henry Kloss. Vt eliminated the etcpensive middle -men. phono -68.5 dB Cambridge SoundMbrks products are designed by our By selling factoty-direct to the public, we eliminate huge Phono-Input overload co-founder, Henry Kloss, who created the dominant distribution expenses. Don't be fooled by our reasonable speakers of the '50s (AR), '60s (1(1.1-) and '70s (Advent). prices. Our products are ivy well designed and made. (1 -kHz equivalent levels) 20 Hz 37 mV T. -- 1 and 20 kHz 35 mV RIAA phono-equalization error 211 II to 20 kHi 0.2, -1.4 dB ii, I Frequency response It- CI) 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.02, -0.01 dB Distortion (THD+ N at 1 kHz) 2 volts output 0.0022%

30 -Day lbtal Satisfaction Guarantee. Audio experts on call 365 days a year. Ity our speakers in your own home, with your music, for Our knowledgeable audio experts (not derks) are on duty 30 days. If you're not satisfied, return them for a refund. for advice, hook-up information, or orders, SAM -midnight The volume -control knob, at the V* even refund original ground shipping charges. every day, including Sundays and holidays. right end of the panel, has forty lightly detentedsettings,withtenindex markings on the panel. The adjacent balance control, which also has ten panel markings, has a smooth, continuous rotation. It is unlike any other balance control we have used. Instead of differentially varying the gains of the two channels, it merely lowers the Five year limited parts and labor speaker warranty. The best values in Dolby Surramd Sound. level in one channel at a time, depend- All of our speakers are backed by a five year parts and labor V* believe The Sturound and The Surround 11 are the ing on which way it is turned from the wananty. In some cases, we'll even send you a replacement country's best values in surround speakers. Complete Dolby center position,leaving theother speaker before we've received your defective unit. Surround Sound systems start at under $1.000. fixed. It has a limited adjustment range of 4 dB in either direction. The Charisma's back panel is well populated with phono-type connectors for the signal inputs and outputs, plus a binding post for grounding a III turntable or another component to the - ...... , preamplifier for hum reduction. Con- sistent with the elegance and superb Ambiance ultra -compact speaker system. NEW: Model Eleven A transportable component system. construction evident throughout this Vb think Ambiance is the best "mini" speaker available. The same high performance of the original, in a smaller component, the signal connectors are regardless of price. Bass and high -frequency dispersion are package. Carrying case doubles as system subwoofer \Marks unmatched in its category. $175-$200 each. on 110,220 & 12 volts. Introductory price $699. machined from brass and gold-plated. MAS says the Charisma's preamp Call 1-800-FOR-1-11FI for a free 64 -page catalog with components and systems and power -supply chassis are both from Cambridge SoundWorks, Pioneer, Philips, Sony, Denon and others. made of nonmagnetic material. To the eye, it appears chrome -plated, its mir- V* Know How lb Make Loudspeakers. ror-like surface presenting an attrac- iT'S NoT tive contrast to the preamp's black TOOLATE1 panel and polished aluminum knobs. Order byDec. 23 CAMBRIDGE The Charisma's phono stage has for Xmasdelivery. DIP (dual in -line package) switches on SOUNDWORKS its circuit board that enable the car- 154 California St., Suite 1021A, Newton, MA 02158 tridge terminating resistance to be ad- 1-800-367-4434 Fax: 617-332-9229 Canada: 1-800-525-4434 Outside U.S, or Canada: 617-332-5936 justed between 60 and 47,000 ohms. Except for several common settings, Y/ Q411110

CIRCLE NO 6 ON READER SERVICE CARD IT'S NOT TOO LATE! Order by Dec. 23 for Xmas delivery.

this can involve a certain amount of to be no reason for any concern about calculation to determine the overall induced hum. value of as many as eight resistances in An unexpected discovery was the parallel. Similar internal switches can low input resistance of the high-level be used to set the phono-preamplifier inputs (tuner, CD, video), which mea- gain to suit a wide range of cartridge sured only 8,900 ohms. That will not output levels. All our measurements cause any problems with most signal were made using the factory -set phono sources, but some might suffer a loss values. of deep -bass response when driving The MAS Charisma met or sur- such a low toad resistance. passed its specifications in practically The Charisma does indeed get hot, every test we performed. Although we justifying the manufacturer's admoni- did not use it with a turntable, its tion to avoid obstructing its ventilation RIAA equalization was very accurate slots or placing it on top of a hot (with a reasonable rolloff below 20 component such as a receiver or am- FREE Hz). As received, the preamp was set plifier. Most large receivers and ampli- up for a moving -coil cartridge and had fiers we have tested (up to power a terminating resistance of about 2,600 ratings of 200 watts or so) do not get as Audio Catalog ohms. Its noise level through a high- hot in normal operation as this com- Our 64 -page catalog is loaded with components level input was very low (about the pact preamplifier does. and music systems from Cambridge SoundWorks, same as that of a CD player), and As for the Charisma's sound-if you Pioneer, Philips, Denon, Sony and others. though the noise was considerably are one of those who finds significant Because you buy factory -direct, with no expen- higher through the phono input, it still sonic differences between preamplifi- sive middle -men, you can save hundreds of met the manufacturer's rating. ers, you should listen for yourself. dollars. For example, a Dolby Surround system The Charisma can deliver a rather This one was as flat -sounding and with F.nsernble Q speakers, rear speakers, Philips noise -free as any you will find, and I high output voltage before clipping. DollSurround receivet CD player and system The phono-preamplifier overload lev- heard nothing that could be said to el was satisfactory for moving -coil originate in it.It is a very smooth - remote is less than $1,000. Call today and find out cartridges, but its gain would have to handling unit, as quiet and precise as whyAudio magazine said we "may have the best be reset with the internal switches for they come, easy to use, and signifi- value in the world." most moving -magnet cartridges. cantly more compact than any I have Call toll -free for factory -direct savings. Although Metaxas says that the seen in some time. I would have no Save hundreds on components and systems Charisma's metalwork is nonmagnet- hesitation in recommending it to any- from Cambridge Sounftbrks, Pioneer, ic, we found that magnets clung to it one willing to spend $1,850 for a basic Philips, Denon, Sony and more. about as strongly as they did to a steel preamplifier-especially anyone who Audio experts will answer your questions plate. But since there are no high - uses a moving -coil phono cartridge, bell reandafter you buy. 8AM-midnight, current AC components present in the for which the Charisma would seem to 365 days a year -even holidays. preamplifier itself, there would seem be ideal. 0 30 Day lbtal satisfaction Guarantee on all Cambridge SoundlAbrks products.

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STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 75

CIRCLE NO 6 ON READER SERVICE CARD COMPARISON TESTS

JVC, Mitsubishi,

and RCA decks

face off: Is one

of them for you?

Exotic and expensive when they were ance controls (albeit tiny ones), which first introduced, VCR's have gone on makes its (equally tiny) ten -segment to become almost as common as TV level display of some value. sets in American homes. Prices have The video features are more fully dropped, and performance and capa- fleshed out.All three decks have bility have increased. One of the most front -panel jog/shuttle dials, which are important early developments was hi- replicated on the JVC and ProScan fi audio, which enabled recording of remote controls. Mitsubishi's remote high -quality stereo sound along with doesn't carry a jog/shuttle dial but the video. It's hard to imagine home does have jog/index-search buttons theater with the crummy mono sound that advance the tape frame -by -frame characteristic of non -hi-fi VCR's. from pause or initiate an index -marker The three hi-fi VCR's reviewed here search from other modes. are relatively high -end models, not too Programming for timer -controlled far short of the line dividing standard recording is simpler than ever thanks VHS recorders from premium Super to the VCR Plus system built into each VHS machines. They are the JVC HR- of these decks. VCR Plus enables you VP700U ($600), the Mitsubishi HS - to program the VCR to record broad- U59 ($599), and the RCA ProScan casts simply by entering the VCR Plus PSVR81 ($649). Even in these models, code that's found after each program however, there's evidence of cost-cut- listing in TVGuideas well as many ting on the audio side to make way for local newspapers and cable guides. additional video features. There was a The code tells the VCR the program's time when VHS Hi-Fi implied audio station, day, and starting and ending recording -level and balance controls times, so all you have to do is pop in a (with detents to suggest optimum set- blank tape, enter the codes for the tings for off -the -air recording) and at programs and recording speed you least halfway -decent level indicators. want, and the rest takes care of itself. Two of these three decks-the JVC Sort of. You must still learn to set and the ProScan-have no audio level the clock (and be sure it's functioning) controls whatsoever, and though the and go through a one-time setup pro- ProScan has level indicators (the JVC cedure to teach the VCR how to trans- does not), they serve little purpose late from the VCR Plus codes to the under the circumstances. Only the cable or TV channels used in your Mitsubishi HS -U59 has level and bal- area. And you can still run afoul of BY EDWARD J. FOSTER Srtrie, nrfli AYCOMFULINIIIHR-VP7OOL VIIS JVC HR-VP70011 ($600)

buttons) are not. This can be off-putting, especially in Random Assemble Editing, which requires that the on -panel controls be used in conjunction with the search and cancel buttons found only on the remote. As is increasingly the custom. some functions are accessible only from the remote. Many of the buttons on the HR- VP700U's remote serve multiple purposes. depending on the current operating mode. Although that's not atypical.I found the remote confusing, partly because its labeling is nonintuitive and partly because the manual is neither clearly written nor well organized. There's a lot you can do with this deck-if you can figure out how! The JVC HR-VP700U is small (the smallest enables the system to function with some The back panel is straightforward: of the three we compared), stylish, and non-JVC VCR's. A V recording inputs are F -connector antenna -in and RF-out jacks, a (considering the price) loaded with extras. provided on both front and rear, but Channel 3 4 output -select switch, one set of Like the other recorders in this review, it choosing which set is active requires going audio video inputs, one set of audio video incorporates the VCR Plus system for through two layers of on -screen menus. outputs, the Random Assemble Editing programmed recording, but it is also All front -panel controls are exposed, jack. and an A V Compu-Link jack. The last outfitted with a cable -box controller that's giving you no flip -down doors to contend provides a means of interconnection with wired to the VCR with a removable cable. with. Power, Menu, and Select buttons are similarly equipped JVC audio video The idea is to tape the controller to the at the upper left (Menu enables, disables, amplifiers and TV sets so that they turn on cable box and orient it to transmit its and switches among the on -screen menus. and the TV switches to its video input as infrared beam directly to the cable box's while Select steps you through the soon as you load a cassette and press play. remote sensor. You do need a compatible choices). The switch for the Hyper Bass One novel feature is the Family Message cable box: JVC's manual lists forty-three low -frequency boost and the channel up function. which enables you to leave one of brands that should work. When properly set down buttons are sandwiched between the nine preset messages for your loved ones. up, the controller automatically switches top three buttons and the Random The messages range from "Remember. I channels on the box so that you can timer - Assemble Editing buttons just below. At the Love You" and "Happy Birthday" to record two or more cable stations. far right are the transport controls, just "Please Don't Forget:"-and you can The HR-VP700U has extensive insert and above the jog -dial shuttle -ring combo. The compose your own message of up to twenty Random Assemble Editing features that transport button labeled REC ITR initiates characters (including spaces). The enable you to preprogram eight scenes for immediate recording, which automatically message appears on the TV screen when automatic assembly in any sequence. The stops after 30 minutes: successive taps on the Family Message button (on the VCR) is second deck must have a JVC-compatible the button increase recording time in 30 - pressed. You can remove and erase it by remote -pause or Random Assemble Editing minute increments up to 9 hours. pressing Cancel (on the remote), or you can jack, which you wire to the corresponding Some of these controls are duplicated on just remove the message from the screen jack on the HR-VP700U. An optional the remote, whereas others (Hyper Bass, but retain it in memory by pressing Family controller (RM-V403U) is available that REC ITR, and the Random Assemble Editing Message again (on the VCR). cable systems that scramble every- size of these books dismay you. Both when you have to hunt up the remote thing, requiring the use of an external are clearly written, easy to follow, and to perform some task you'd just as decoder for descrambling and channel quitedetailed.Incontrast, JVC's soon do at the deck. Setup, program- selection. (That, by the way, may end manual is, shall we say, traditional. ming, and function changes such as soon thanks to a recently proposed The front panels of these VCR's are switching between reception of the FCC ruling to insure cable-box/VCR relatively bare, and on the Mitsubishi main audio channels and SAP (second compatibility.) and ProScan most of the controls that audio program), selecting the audio While on the subject of program- can be operated at the machine are playback mode(hi-fi,normal,or ming and user -friendliness, we tip our hidden behind flip -down panels. The mixed), and so forth are handled main- hat to Mitsubishi and ProScan for the result is a clean appearance at the ly from the remotes with the aid of on- quality of their manuals. Don't let the expenseofoccasionalfrustration screen menus.

78 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 MITSUBISHI HS -U59 ($599)

through 30 seconds of tape before resuming playback. You can press the Quick Search button as many as four times in succession to skip through 2 minutes. The HS -U59 also has an unusual auto -speed programming function (available only for the first program in the timer) that records as much as possible at standard speed before switching to EP it there's not enough tape to complete the recording in SP. The 'emote is preset to operate Mitsub shi television sets as well as the deck, end it can be set up to work many (but not all) functions of a number of other brands. It is relatively straightforward to use will the on -screen menus. You can do Anyone reasonably familiar with VCR's of the front panel are recording -level and almost anything from the remote that you should find the Mitsubishi HS -U59 easy to balance controls, editing buttons (v deo can from the VCR's front panel, plus a few use and the controls intuitive. Neophytes and audio dub), a switch that chooses other flings. Although the remote lacks a will appreciate its clearly written, well - alternative control codes to permit you to jog shuttle dial. it has a pair of jog index - indexed, and detailed manual. The front operate two Mitsubishi VCR's with the search buttons that enable you to advance panel is clean, with power and transport same remote. and a pencil-operatel timer - or reverse frame by frame and to initiate an buttons plus a jog dial and shuttle ring to reset switch that clears the programmer index search in either direction. facilitate forward and reverse program and clock. A door to the lett of the display The HS -U59 can control a cable decoder search and frame -by -frame operation. hides a set of A V inputs (there's another on in one of two ways. There's a small window Some of the controls have multiple the back panel). on top of the VCR to relay infrared control applications. When you press REC OTR, the The HS-U59's front -panel display is signals to a cable box that's suitably deck begins recording immediately and. unusually complete in this day of on -screen equipf ed and placed to receive them. unless you press the button again. displays, but you get those too. Pressing Otherwise. you can use an infrared flasher continues to the end of the tape. If you do the Display button puts up the current time. wired to the cable -box control jack on the press REC OTR a second time, the deck the elapsed and remaining time on the back cf the HS -U59. The back panel also stops after 30 minutes. Each additional tape, the channel number, the recording carries the antenna -in and RF-out F jacks, press adds 30 minutes to the recording source, and the deck's current operating an edi terminal to synchronize two time, up to a maximum of 4 hours. The One mode. On -screen displays are uses to set Mitsubishi VCR's for editing, jacks to Key Program button enables you to program up the deck (set the clock, memorize the connect with other Mitsubishi products the deck for timed recording without using available channels, add, delete, and name supporting the company's Active A V the remote. But in the play mode. pressing channels, set the VCR Plus translation Netwcrk (to turn auxiliary equipment on and and holding the same button converts the tables, and so forth), to program the timer, off au:omatically), audio and video inputs, jog dial to a manual tracking control (not and to select other features. a video output, and two sets of audio normally necessary, since the HS -U59 has There's a feature Mitsubishi calls Quick outputs. A small switch selects RF output automatic tracking). Search (operable from the remote) that on Channel 3 or 4 or defeats the RF Behind a Hip -down door at the right end skips over commercials by fast -forwarding modulator entirely.

For the most part, the menus are vide direct access to every conceiv- quency response (a measure of picture reasonably clear and intuitive-the able function (if you can read the leg- resolution), we tested only at the stan- Mitsubishi'sareoutstanding,the ends and manipulate the tiny buttons) dard SP speed, since there should be JVC's the least impressive-but they or layers of on -screen menus. relatively little difference in the other are sometimes nested so deeply that measured characteristics at the slower gaining access to the function you Lab Tests EP (SLP) speed. want seems to require an endless For our record/playback measure- One of the principal performance search. Hit the wrong button, and ments we used TDK HiFi T-120 video- limitations of any standard VHS VCR you're back to square one. I guess you cassettes, a premium formulation a is in video response. Whereas an S - pay your money and take your choice: couple of steps above the company's VHS deck might achieve near -broad- ten -thousand -button remotes that pro- standard grade. Except for video fre- cast or even near-laserdisc luminance

STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 79 RCA PROSCAN PSVR81 ($649)

audio/video input set, a corresponding output set, F connectors for antenna input and output, and a slide switch to select Channel 3 or 4 for the RF output. The remote is well designed and very easy to use. The jog shuttle dial is replicated fully, as are all other transport controls. It also provides a separate frame - advance button and pads for variable -speed slow-motion playback. another pair of pads to adjust tracking manually if necessary (it's normally set automatically), and two more pairs for volume adjustment and channel selection. You can also select channels directly via an eleven -key pad (the eleventh key is + 100, for three -digit Talk about user-friendly! When you turn on switch, a blank -search button to advance to channel numbers). You can return to the the ProScan PSVR81, the front panel the end of the recorded portion of a tape, a last channel selected by pressing PC displays a cheery "Hello"; turn it off, and it Record XPR button to start recording (previous channel)-a handy way to jump signals "Bye." Small point, but one that immediately and (via successive taps on back and forth between two channels. reflects the design philosophy behind this the button) to set a stop time in 30 -minute An Edit button facilitates copying, while recorder. Its user's manual is perhaps the increments up to a maximum of 4 hours, Clear resets the tape counter. The Display best I've ever seen, and the deck as a pause, and channel up down buttons. button serves several purposes. Pressed whole is a snap to use. Audio recording Except for blank -search, all of these once, it activates the normal on -screen levels are preset-a mixed blessing, but it controls are duplicated on the remote. menu; a second press toggles to a mode does simplify matters for many users. Also behind the door is a set of audio that shows only the time counter: a third The PSVR81 is unusual among current video inputs for temporarily connecting a tap activates the memory -stop function (to VCR's in offering the ability to record at the camcorder or second VCR. There's another stop the tape at a specific point). On -screen intermediate LP speed as well as at SP and set of A V inputs on the back panel for help is always available by tapping the (as RCA calls EP) SLP speeds. Special permanent connections, but the front jacks Help key. Thanks to the excellent menus, effects are best in SP and SLP, so you may take precedence over the rear, so attaching you may not even have to read the manual! not want to use LP often, but I'm not one to cables to the front disconnects whatever Finally, there are VCR1 and VCR2 buttons, turn down freebies. Recording speed is equipment you've hooked up to the back - which enable the remote to operate two selected with a pushbutton behind the front - panel inputs. VCR's, and a Program VCR + button that panel door or on the remote and shown in The only controls on the main panel are calls up the first of a nested set of menus the display window. Playback speed is, as a jog -dial shuttle -ring combination, power that, among other things, enable you to set usual, set automatically. and eject buttons, and transport buttons for the clock, program the timer (directly or via Other controls behind the panel include stop, play, rewind, and fast -forward. The VCR Plus codes), and set up the VCR in the input selector, the TV. VCR changeover back is equally plain: the aforementioned general. bandwidth and resolution, any stan- Luminance output was close to advancing your monitor's color con- dard VHS deck will fall well short of standard level on every deck; even the trol. The ProScan also exhibited the that. Although the three models re- worst of the group in this category, the greatest tint shift (chroma phase er- viewed here were no exceptions, all Mitsubishi, was off only insignificant- ror), but, again, this error should be delivered strong response up to 2 MHz ly. The Mitsubishi displayed perfect correctable with a slight adjustment of at both speeds (although the Mitsubi- gray -scalelinearity(uniformityof your monitor's tint control. shi's response did tail off at that point shading over the full black -to -white All three decks did well in chroma at the slower speed), and the ProScan range), spot-on chroma level (related differential gain (variation in color sat- PSVR8 I gave useful output at 3 MHz to color saturation), and absolutely no uration with changes in scene bright- at the higher speed. (The broadcast chroma phase error (tint inaccuracy). ness) and chroma differential phase limit, by contrast, is 4.2 MHz.) So one The ProScan PSVR81 was furthest off (tint variation with changes in scene could expect resolutions of 200 lines or the mark in chroma level, but the brightness). They were also notably so from these decks, with the ProScan implied loss in color saturation is mod- free of luminance and chrominance taking the lead. est and can be rectified by slightly noise ("snow" and color blotching.

80 STEREOREVIEW JANUARY 1994 Just when youthink you've heard eveling.. Adam takesyou

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GFA-2535 Multi -Channel Power Amplifier 11 Elkins Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 U.S.A. (908) 390-1130. 3 or 4 channels offer you the power of choice. Distributed in Canada by PRO ACOUSTICS INC. Montreal, Quebec (514) 344-1226 Dolby" and "Pro Logic" are registered trade .,narks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation

CIRCLE NO1 ON READER SERVICE CARD respectively), although the tape we used for the tests certainly deserves LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS part of the credit for that. Audio frequency response was first- rate on all the decks under test, with VHS HI-FI AUDIO the ProScan delivering theflattest overall response and the Mitsubishi Svc MITSUBISHI PRO SCAN and JVC (in that order) close behind. Frequency response The HR-VP700U sports a feature that (20 Hz to 20 kHz) +0.7. -1.3 dB +0. -1.3 dB +0. -1.1 dB JVC calls Hyper Bass, which is essen- Channel separation (at I kHz) 67 dB 64 dB 43 dB tially a switchable tone control that Signal-to-noise ratio (A -weighted) 75 dB 79dB 70 dB introducesafixedlow -endboost Distortion (THD + N at 500 -mV reaching 9.5 dB at 50 Hz. In the distor- input. 50 Hz to 10 kHz) 50.98% a 1.62% 51.85% tion measurements, the pecking order Line input for indicated 0 dB NA 225/410 my* 330 mV reversed, with the JVC generating the Line output from 500 -mV Input 0.61 volt 0.39 volt 0.52 volt least and the ProScan the most. Dis- *With recording -level control at maximum/center tortion levels were similar to what one might expect from an audio cassette VIDIO deck, which is typical of VHS Hi-Fi. JVC MITSUBISHI PRO SCAN Channel separation was great on the Frequency response (SP/EP) JVC and Mitsubishi (well over 60 dB at at 500 kHz +0.7/ +1.7 dB -0.3/+I.6dB +1.I/+1.0dB 1 kHz), and though somewhat less on at 1.5 MHz +2.3/ + 2.1 dB - 0.4/ - 2.5 dB + 2.8/+ 1.5 dB the ProScan, still easily more than at 2.0 MHz -0.4/-1.1 dB -1.4/ - 5.5 dB +0.7/-0.9 dB at 3.0 MHz adequate. As we'd expect with hi-fi -17.0/ -23.0dB recording, flutter was essentially non- Luminance level (SP) 0.6 dB low 1.0 dB low 0.3 dB high existent, and output levels seemed Chroma level (SP) 0.6 dB low standard 1.1 dB low reasonably well chosen across the Gray -scale nonlinearity (SP) 50.6 dB none 50.3 dB board. Median chroma phase error (SP) 0° 0° + 5° Chroma differential gain (SP) With the reference and recording - 0.3 dB 0.9 dB none Chroma differential phase (SP) 2.5° 2° level settings we chose, the Mitsubishi *Too low to measure HS-U59's A -weighted signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) was 78.6 dB, with 9.8 dB of TV TUNER headroom (at 1 kHz) to the 3 -percent - distortion point. Thus, its theoretical JVC MITSUBISHI P ROSCAN dynamic range is 88.4 dB, most of Audio frequency response ( -3 dB) 34 Hz to 11.9kHz 21 Hz to 13.6 kHz 32 Hz to 11.6 kHz which you'll get in practice as long as Channel separation (atI kHz) 34 dB 29 dB 29 dB you don't panic when the indicator Maximum audio output level 0.55 volt 0.82 volt 0.45 volt goes into the red. (The top two seg- Video frequency response at 500 kHz flat +0.2 dB +0.5 dB ments are marked +4 and +7, and at 1.5 MHz +1.1 dB +0.8 dB +2.2 dB occasional flashes up there won't hurt, at 2.0 MHz +1.2 dB +0.9 dB +1.8 dB especially if the program isn't loaded at 3.0 MHz +0.4 dB -0.4 dB +1.8 dB with high frequencies.) at 3.58 MHz flat - 3.0 dB +1.5 dB The JVC HR-VP700U had a mea- at 4.2 MHz - 9.3 dB -15.9 -9.0 dB sured S/N of 75.3 dB and hit 3 percent luminance level 0.4 dB high 0.4 dB high 0.4 dB high distortion about 14.7 dB above my Chroma !cod 0.3 dB high 1.3 dB low 1.8 dB high reference. Although that makes the Median chroma phase error + + 2° JVC's theoretical dynamic range, at 90 dB, a tad better than the Mitsubishi's, you'll get all of it only with exception- JVC's tuner. It had the most uniform duce a 2 -volt maximum output from a ally high-level inputs (2.7 volts), since video response, the most accurate digital soundtrack) without problem there's no means to adjust recording chroma level, and no chroma phase and obtain close -to -maximum dynam- level manually. The same holds for the error whatsoever. In fairness, how- ic range. (That's about 5 dB better for ProScan PSVR81, except that it start- ever, the deviations in the other tuners the JVC than for the ProScan, how- ed with a lower S/N (69.8 dB) and hit 3 were so small that it's really splitting ever.) Only when recording /ow -level percent distortion at +14 dB (equiva- hairs to call a winner. The Mitsubishi's sources will you miss the Mitsubishi's lent to a 2.5 -volt input). Its theoretical tuner had the most extended audio controls. For the record, neither the dynamic range, then, is 83.8 dB, the response, but the other two were cer- JVC nor the ProScan uses a compres- least impressive of the group. tainly not atypical. Stereo channel sor or limiter to control audio level All the decks had very good TV separation was adequate on all three, (that I definitely would object to); their tuners, with strong video response to with the JVC taking the lead. designers have simply chosen to fix 3.58 MHz and usable output at the top I wish that all three decks had the the level where they think it should be. NTSC frequency (4.2 MHz). Although recording -level controls that only the Picking a clear winner among these any of these tuners should come close Mitsubishi provides, but I must admit three VCR's would be an impossible toreproducing thefullresolution that the preset levels used in the Pro - task. Each has its strengths, and none available from today's broadcast and Scan and JVC are well chosen. You has any devastating weakness. In their cable channels, I was particularly im- should be able to record from laserdisc price range, I don't think you'd go pressed with the performance of the or CD players (which typically pro- wrong with any of them.

84 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 DL Acousrics ROOM DESIGNED LOUDSPEAKERS

from 111cLosAngelesReader

RDL Acoustics' New Line of Speakers Can Bring an OrchestraInto Your Living Room By Laurence Vittes

This headline is reproduced from Laurence Vittes' review of the RDL FS -1, published in the Los Angeles Reader (a weekly magazine). Mr. Vittes went on to say: "Now, RDL Acoustics, an innovative new venture from Edgar Villchur and Roy Allison, the folks who, beginning in 1954, revolutionized the music industry . ..(Villchur designed the first acoustic suspension loudspeaker system and the AR Thrntable, Allison designed the AR -3a . ..) has come forward to make a decisive statement about music and sound .. . "[The FS-ls have] amazing ability to reproduce demanding full orchestral sound with wide dynamic range and magnificent size, without a trace of digital harshness ..." DAVID MORAN, writing in the Speaker Builder; said: "For 25 years the only loudspeakers I have spent my own money on - except for a romance in the mid -70s with the large Advent x 4 system - have been designed by Roy Allison."

The RDL FS -1 speaker, one of five models priced from $198 to $549a pair.

FACTORY DIRECT SALES RDL speakers are sold directly from our factory on a 30 -day trial basis. There is no retail markup. We also sell Philips, Sherwood, and other brands of electronic products and accessories, as well as complete systems.

FOR YOUR FREE CATALOG Call 1-800-227-0390 or Fax 1-800-227-9047 or RDL ON-LINE (BBS) 1-800-227-0391 L Acousncs Exclusive Designs by Roy Allison RDLAcoustics. 26 Pearl Street No. 15, Bellingham, MA 02019 CIRCLE NO 53 ON READER SERVICE CARD Uncompromising audio for video. Painlessly.

In days past, you had two choices for home theater sound. amplification. Choose the quality and amount of power you

1. To experience the full excitement and realism of a need-may we suggest some Carvers?-to get the best motion picture, you assembled an ungainly mass of performance from your system. equipment-preamp, surround sound decoder, video Let your ears be the judge. Listen to your favorite switcher, and power amplifiers. Then you fought through a soundtracks on a Carver CT -29V system. You'll find that the jungle of cables and connectors to make it all work. Ouch. most intricate musical passages and dynamic sound effects

2. You accepted the lower power and compromised come across with a stunning realism never before performance of an AN receiver. experienced at home. No surprise. After all, no one is more

If neither choice appeals to you, Carver offers a qualified to bring you separates for video than Carver, the refreshingly different approach: the CT -29v established leader in high-performance separates for audio.

Preamplifier/Tuner. This innovative control console Visit your authorized Carver dealer today, and find out combines uncompromising sound with elegantly simple how video sound can be all gain with no pain. operation to fully satisfy both the demanding audiophile and avid videophile. Incorporating Carver's most advanced high performance circuitry, the CT -29v brings to your home a breathtaking sonic realism equal to (if not better than) what you'll hear at the best movie theaters. Performance and This is how audio should be done for video.

Advanced Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoder with auto -input balance provides features go beyond a full stack of separates and add-ons, yet theater -like sound. Five additional surround modes with DSP and adjustable delay from 0-90mS Ultra low distortion, wide bandwidth circuitry delivers clear, smooth Carver sound. the CT -29v is as easy to use as the most basic AN receiver. Linear, high speed isolation buffers on all sources for zero audible crosstalk DSP auto recall memorizes the most recent surround settings for each video source Fully programmable remote control Every home theater set-up has different power On -screen display visually confirms current system settings Three S -Video inputs and outputs Multi -room output expands audio to a second zone requirements, and with the CT -29v you can customize your Vocal zoom dialog equalization for compensation of room acoustics and program material

CARVER Powerful Musical Accurate P.O.Box 1237. Lynnwood, WA 98096 (206) 775.1202 FAX (206) 788.9453 0 1993 CARVER CORPORATION DntrIbuted in Canada by Boluilon Audio, 916-897.8888

CIRCLE NO 22 ON READER SERVICE CARD Some speakers are

mea nt to be heard,

but not seen.

LOUDSPEAKER

What's that? You want a really fast car that's quiet, comfortable, and has room for four? No such animal. You're looking for a truly professional -grade camera that's fully automatic and simple enough for a five -year -old to use? Out of luck again. Shopping for an A/V receiver that doesn't require an owner's manual to operate? Keep looking. But if you want great sound from speakers that are all but invisible, you're in the money. In sharp contrast to the days when bulky boxes were par for the loudspeaker course, today's transducers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, an increasing number of which are surprisingly unobtrusive. Applying some clever nuts -and -bolts engineering has engendered a wonderful variety of hi-fi speakers that blend into the visual background while leaving excellent sonic performance

This nearly 4 - inch -square satellite speaker is part of Bose's three-piece Acoustimass 3 system, which includes a compact bass module with ($599) or without (5469) built-in power amplifiers.

B Y D A N I E L K UM I N very muchintheforefront.You needn't look far for the impetus behind KEF's 103/4 -inch -tall 010 bass - this trend: As the core hi-fi generation reflex speaker (5300 a pair) reluctantly enters its middle years, the demand for audiophile performance employs a single Uni-0 driver- has plowed headlong into the desire a 61/2 -inch woofer with an for speakers that don't take over a integral 1/4 -inch tweeter. family's living space. The result is a flowering of models at virtually all price levels that are easy to appreciate while they're playing, but tough to find when they're not. Inconspicuous speakers come in three basic varieties: in -wall models that are designed to be built into the room, minispeakers or satellites so small that they effectively fade into the background, and speakers that don't look like speakers at all but rather furniture or objects of art (see "In Camouflage" on page 92). Hide 'n' Seek The modern in -wall speaker, pio- BIC America's Muro M8 in -wall neered by Sonance, ADS, and Boston speaker (5279 a pair) features Acoustics, among others, is an obvi- an 8 -inch woofer, a 1 -inch ous choice for anyone who wants tweeter, and a paintable grille. speakers that are truly concealed. Bandwidth is given as 40 Hz to When intelligently located and painted to match the walls, they can be almost 22 kHz and sensitivity as 90 dB. impossible to spot. And, when properly installed, they can deliver the hi-fi goods-provided, of course, the music source is clean and the amplifier is good. Mostmajorspeaker companies have embraced the in -wall format in recent years, so there is quite a variety of products to choose from. Prices start as low as $100 a pair and scale up Polk Audio's Monitor 6 system into four -figure territory. All in -wall (S400) comprises two 8' 2 -inch - speakers share certain advantages- tall two-way satellites and a 71/4 as well as a few liabilities. Obvious x 131/4 x 20 -inch bass module. benefits include a "zero footprint"-a Bandwidth is given as 55 Hz boon to the space -conscious home- owner and apartment dweller-and to 20 kHz -3 dB. the ability to blend seamlessly into the decor; most in -walls are designed to be flush mounted and have grille covers Boston Acoustics' PowerVent that can be painted or even wallpa- 300 subwoofer (S400). said to pered to match an interior scheme. play down to 45 Hz, mounts But there are sonic pluses as well. between floor or ceiling joists When carefully deployed,in -wall and vents through a grate. speakers have an imaging advantage over many freestanding speaker systems because there are no cabinet edgestocausediffraction.Being mounted on the same plane as the wall Sonance's S3500 in -wall also helps to mitigate the inevitable speaker (5499 a pair) mates a effects of room acoustics on midbass pivoting 1 -inch tweeter (with a smoothness and accuracy. three -position level switch) and On the other hand, in -walls do have a few serious encumbrances. For one, a 61/2 -inch woofer in a 81/8 x you have to cut holes in your walls and 121/4 -inch frame that's about 3 snake wires between the speakers and inches deep. Its low -frequency your power amplifier or receiver-not limit is given as 45 Hz.

88 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 The Optimus XTS 8 "swiveling cube" speaker from Radio Shack (S80 a pair) uses 31/4 -inch and 21/4 -inch drivers and ]lays down Jamo's Graphic speaker (5299) to only 220 Hz. making an add- could easily be mistaken for on subwoof3r imperative. wall art. Its 15 x 17 x 3 -inch smoked -glass enclosure houses a 51/4 -inch woofer and a 1 -inch tweeter, and its fabric grille comes in a choice of three colors Bandwidth is given as 40 Hz to 20 kHz. RDL Acoustics' two- way AV -1 speaker (S99) can be Lsed in a stereo pair o with the 111/4 - inch -square W-1 subwoofer (5199) :o create a three-piece auiio system or a horre theater setup (shown). The AV -1 is 115/4 inches tall.

Celestion's CS -2 satellite speaker (5229 a pair) combines a 4 -inch woofer and a 1 -inch Energy's two-way ESAT-2 titanium -dome tweeter in a 12 x satellites (S175). shown with the 6 x 7 -inch vented cabinet. Its API -HT -1 stand (S90 a pair), and low -frequency limit is given as ESUB-2 subwoofer (S175) can be 63 Hz and sensitivity as 86 dB. used in a music -only or home theater system. Respective lower limits are 140 and 37 Hz.

Atlantic Technology's System 150 speakers: Model 154 SR surround (outside pair), Model 151 LR two-way satellite (inside pair, Loth S149 a pair in black, S169 in white). and Model 153 center -channel (5139).

Awe

STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 89 the easiest of tasks for the average smearing diffraction effects. Legions few shortcomings to many three-piece weekend warrior. And because it's of buyers discovered that only rarely speaker systems. First, the quest for nearly impossible to forecast sonic did they miss the bottom two octaves miniaturization has led to ever -shrink- performance reliably,it's extremely of bass that was all but absent in these ing satellite speakers. And as the satel- difficult to evaluate in -wall speakers speakers' output; far more important lites get smaller, their ability to ade- and select optimum mounting loca- was that miniature speakers could be quately reproduce midbass frequencies tions. The sad fact is that you won't placed inconspicuously on a bookshelf suffers. Consequently, the companion really know how they're going to or mantelpiece. bass modules may have to operate up sound until you stick them in the For all these reasons-and more- into the lower midrange, which tends to wall-at which point it's too late to try mini-monitors remain popular today. muddle imaging and midrange -to -bass another spot or another model. Nor They can do an excellent job as prima- smoothness. And the higher the cross- arein -wallsparticularlyportable, ry speakers in studio apartments or over frequency between the bass mod- which is why you won't find many small rooms, and they make great sec- ule and satellites, the more likely it is short-term renters who are willing to ondary speakers in the kitchen, bed- that you'll be able to localize the bass go the in -wall route. room, or just about anywhere. Many output. While you'd be hard pressed On the aural side of things, the lack are available in white or off-white for to pick out the location of a bass of a conventional enclosure makes the more natural blending into the room's module that plays up to, say, 80 or 100 deep -bass response of in -walls some- decor, and some are even weather- Hz-withyoureyesclosed,of what elusive and hard to predict. In - proofed for use outdoors. Minis are course!-you'd probably be able to wall speakers also tend to transmit also widely used as primary (front) and sense the location of one that operates sound (especially lows) to adjacent surround -channel speakers in home beyond 200 Hz or so. rooms quite readily-something to theater setups. Second, through no fault of its own, keep in mind when choosing mounting An even more popular speaker dis- the sub/sat system's very convenience locations. One popular way to en- appearing act these days is the three- can be its undoing: Micro satellites are hance bass performance without over- piecesubwoofer/satellite combo, a so easy to camouflage that many own- ly "polluting" the adjacent room is to system made up of a stand-alone sub - ers place them in locations less than assemble a three-piece system that woofer and two minispeakers. The conducive to good imaging-like be- teams a pair of in -wall speakers with a concept, popularized by Bose in the hind the ficus tree or a few inches from conventional freestanding subwoofer. middle 1980's and quickly adopted by the ceiling, rather than at ear level and And for bass lovers who want to keep dozens of other makers, is simple: A out in the room. With any two -channel things simple, a few full -range in -walls woofer module-sometimes powered stereo system, an unobstructed trian- are equipped with an integral enclo- by its own built-in amplifier-repro- gular layout (with the listener at the sure-usually a tall, shallow cabinet duces low frequencies, while a pair of apex)usuallyproducesthebest that is concealed inside the wall be- miniature"satellite" speakers han- sound. tween the studs. The potential benefits dles the rest of the musical spectrum. Third, there's the question of ulti- to such a design are improved bass Since deep bass isdifficult,if not mateleveland deep -bassoutput: performance and reduced through - impossible, to localize by ear, the bass More than a few compact speaker trios the -wall sound transmission. Finally, module can typically be placed wher- simply cannot play loud enough to a few manufacturers offer subwoofers ever it's convenient, freeing the stereo reproduce symphonic or rock music that are engineered to be secured be- speakers-which in many cases have realistically. And despite very high- tween wall studs or mounted under the been shrunk to subminiature size-to tech, computer -aided enclosure de- floor and vented through a heating- be positioned for minimum visual in- signs,compact bassmodules are type grate. trusion. sometimes too small to deliver the Another interesting twist on the in- bottom octave or so of bass with au- conspicuous themeisthe on -wall thority. speaker: A conventional speaker with Finally, wiring can be another three- a very shallow enclosure (usually only piece conundrum: Cables running be- 6 to 8 inches deep) that can be hung severalsub/satsystems from tween the bass module and the satel- directly on the wall, providing at least Bose and others employ satellites that lites can be tricky to conceal. None of some of the space -saving appeal of in - aren't much bigger than a pint milk these caveats will cause casual listen- wall speakers. Many on -walls are at- carton. Such micro combos can delivers to take pause, however, and even tractively unconventional in visual ap- er remarkably full -range sound and serious listeners should be able to find peal but most fall a bit short in the precise imaging. Millions of unwary a sub/sat system they can live with. deep -bass department. listeners have been astonished during a first encounter by full-bodied stereo Practical Advice Milli Duos mod Tries that seems to emanate from a pair of If you determine that a sub/sat com- Back in the late Seventies a handful minute speakers. (Typically, unsus- bo answers your needs, there are few of speaker makers discovered a fertile pecting listeners don't even spot the things to keep in mind. If serious lis- market for mini -monitors, acoustic - woofer module until the beaming dem- tening is part of your plan, look into suspension speakers small enough to onstrator reveals its whereabouts- systems whose satellites are able to be held easily in one's hand. Brand - pulling back a drape or pointing behind play below about 200 Hz-often not name minis quickly became known for a couch.) Sub/sat systems have thus the case with the tiniest of speakers. the astonishingly natural, dynamic become immensely popular wherever Generally speaking, the lower the sub - sound they delivered. Stereo imaging, space is tight or the decor is incompati- woofer -to -satellitecrossoverpoint, in particular, was excellent thanks to ble with conventional tower -style or the more natural the sound-and the their very small and narrow front baf- even bookshelf speakers. less sensitive the bass module is to fles, which helped to reduce image - Though not universal, there are a placement. As for bass performance,

90 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 As virtually every speaker manufacturer acter when their sound moves from left ble timbre -match w th your existing rushes to deliver "home theater" speak- to right or front to back in your room. speakers-even if Ihey are not M&Ks ers to the marketplace. M&K amasses Even if you are just aiding an M&K M&K Center Channel Speakers nearly twenty years of experience in the subwoofer, front/center, or surround Beware of irexpensive "center chan- field-dating back to Hollywood screen- nel" speakers. In P -o -Logic, the center ing -room installations in the 1970s. channel speaker is driven the M&K engineers have hardest, and often spent well M&K reproduces over a COMPONENT as much decade SPEAKERS sound as the studyirg left and right the vaned speakers aspects of HOMES combined. surround THEATER Each one of M&K's sound-including encod- six individually -available Satellites ing and decoding. soundtrack recording, has exceptional dynamic range and high and the cifferences between reproducing speaker to your presert system. M&K's output to mee and exceec the tremen- sound in theaters and in homes. unique timbre controls allow you to dous demands of the center channel. M&K speakers excel in the reproduc- "fine-tune" the sound Cr your new M&K M&K Powered Subwoofers tion of al. source material. Accuracy low speakers to achieve the closest possi- coloration, pinpoint imaging, wide Legendary for their massive output, dynamic range, and deep -bass repro- exceptional detail, and articulation, duction are all critical for music as well M&K's thirteen internally -powered Sub - as film soundtracks. M&K Satellites and woofers set the industry's standards for Subwoofers have been acclaimed for high-performance Jeep bass. these attributes since the '70s. M&K's innovative Push -Pull Dual And this is why M&K knows that any Driver subwoofers deliver a major speaker that claims to be optimized for improvement by virtually eliminating either music or film sound, one at the even -order harmonic distortion, and expense of the other, will never repro- doubling elicieicy (same as doubling duce either one properly. amplifier cowel with four times the M&K Home Theater Systems output of single driver subwoofers. Whether you choose our state-of- Conventional speakers make the the-art Home THX Audio speaker music and effects on film sound- system. an add-on _et of surround tracks compressed and dull. But speakers. or anything in between, M&K's exciting dynamics and no other speakers MI give you the "quick" t-ansients give you precise exciting performance sound quality. 3-D imaging and a lifelike presence. flexibility and compatbility of M&K's M&K Satellites are timbre - home theater component speakers. matched, using virtually identical speaker drivers, crossovers, and fre- WICMILLER 8 KF.EISEL quency 'esponse, for a seamless 360 SOUND CCRPOKATON surround -sound performance. With 10391 Jefferson Blvd.. Culver City, CA 90232 an all-M&K home theater system, (310) 204-2854 Fax: (310) 202-8782 voices and effects do not change char- 111X is a registered trackmmrk ot l ocasArts Entertainment Co CIRCLE NO 46 ON READER SERVICE CARD larger subwoofers will almost always deliver more genuine deep bass than smaller ones. IN CAMOUFLAGE Audition three-piece systems as critically as you would listen to any Beyond in -walls, minis, and sub sat indoor applications-as in a solarium or a high-performance speaker pair. Com- systems are speakers that rely on disguise, corner filled with house plants. mon flaws include a "chesty" mid- rather than concealment, to stand out from range (male voices sound too "fat"), Several speakers, including some high- an overly warm midbass (which comes the hi-fi crowd. Several firms now end designs, have followed a different across as a prominent boom in well - specialize in speakers that masquerade as evolutionary path: They impersonate art. recorded pop music), and an audible something else or present such an Carver's sculpted -wood Amazing series and gap in response or imaging (often due attractive facade as to overshadow their several faux -marble obelisk -like ribbon to a high crossover point between the acoustic nature. subwoofer and satellites). speakers from Apogee Acoustics come to One of the most prolific sources for mind. Bang & Olufsen's Penta speaker is a disguised speakers is the Danish maker strikingly clean chrome -and -gray column Jamo, which otters a wide array of just a few inches in diameter that might speakers that look like lighting fixtures or easily be mistaken for a contemporary f you're considering a three-piece combo as part of a home -theater setup architectural elements. Jamo's clever sculpture or an architectural element. in which the satellites will be placed Atmosphere model combines an attractively Finally, several firms specialize in hi-fi close to the TV, make sure they are scalloped wall -sconce lighting fixture with speakers designed to function as fine magnetically shielded (most are). All a two-way bass -reflex speaker said to furniture-fine enough that the speaker speakers radiate a magnetic field that deliver full -range response down to 40 Hz. can distort the TV picture. Likewise, aspect is not immediately obvious. One if you plan to put the bass module near A flexible mounting system permits the example is the Hepplewhite from Eggleston the TV, be sure that it, too, is shield- Atmosphere's halogen lamp to function as Works of Memphis, Tennessee: a ed-many are not. either a spotlight or an indirect light. meticulously hand-crafted antique- On the in -wall side of things, plan- mahogany end table that gives fancy cover ning is the key to success. Unless to a titanium -dome tweeter, two midrange you're experienced in the design and installation of custom AN systems, drivers, and an 8 -inch woofer. Such seekprofessionalhelp.Reputable craftsmanship does not come cheap, dealers will have an in -wall expert on however: Eggleston's products cost several hand to help you select models that are thousand dollars per pair. Other makers of optimum for your situation-taking into consideration things like your speaker furniture include Sound Decor of available wall space and listening pref- Cortland, Ohio, and Contemporary Audio erences. Design (Patterson Mechanical Services) of Rockustics' Rocky Jr. ($940 a pair) A few guidelines: Don't assume that Easthampton, Massachussetts. -D.K. any wall in your house is suitable for in -wall speaker installation-exterior Rockustics offers perhaps the most walls are often avoided because snak- thoroughly disguised of all speakers- ing wires through insulated spaces is transducers that are crafted from concrete very difficult. Keep in mind that loca- and stone to resemble natural stones. tion plays a critical role in overall While not necessarily the last word in hi-fi sound quality-especiallyimaging. reproduction, these "rock" speakers can When auditioning in -wall speakers, make sure that the candidates are in- deliver surprisingly good sound- stalled in a partition of some sort, and especially for casual background listening. that the models you're comparing are Created for outdoor use, Rockustics Contemporary Auulu uewyn S C.A.D.1 in similar locations. After you buy in- speakers might also be suitable for some subwoolet end table ($1,300) walls, don't mount them too high up, and space them much as you would a conventional pair of speakers. Putting in -walls too high, too close together, tionally, using in -wall speakers up driver arrays and dispersion patterns or too far apart will degrade sound front means that they'll probably be on can do a superb job. quality. Stop to consider the room on a sonic plane that's a few feet behind Otherwise,approachunconven- the other side of the host wall: Some the TV screen-not ideal, particularly tional speakers the same way you sound transmission is inevitable. Ceil- for the very important center -channel would conventional speakers. Audi- ing locations should be reserved for speaker. (Of course, if the TV screen tion them with a sharp ear for vocal casual listening areas. is built into the same wall as the speak- naturalness, spatial realism, bass ex- In -wall speakers can be a tempting ers, the effect can be excellent sonical- tension and definition, and the hun- choice for home theater systems. But ly and stunning visually.) Don't over- dred -and -one other elements of su- remember that they're essentially im- look the handful of in -wall models perb sound, and you'll recognize those possible to relocate if you decide to designed specificallyfor surround - that deliver the real sonic goods in a rearrange your room or home. Addi-

channel reproduction-their special snap.

92 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 It's the little things that keep you home.

ALLISON ACOUSTICS Home Theater Audio. For Yours.

470 Business Hwy. 150 Danville, KY 40422 Dealers please visit our CES Exhibit-Sahara Rooms 7122,7124,7126 Tel: (606) 236-8298 Dealers inquiries welcome Fax: (606) 236-7476 CIRC_E NO 52 ON READER SERVICE CARD SYSTEMS

Cleveland Chic There's nothing subtle about the music Technics RS-B11W dubbing cassette deck room in Diane Henry's suburban -Cleve- and SL -J2 turntable, a Philips CDI-910 CD - land townhouse. Four towering Carver Interactive (CD -I) player, and two novel CD speakers, nineteen meticulously orga- components-Sony's CDP-K1 karaoke play- nized components-including six that er, which can perform vocal masking with play CD's-a computerized control sys- almost any CD, and a Midtown Electronics tem that talksandlistens, and a very chic GMR- 1990, which is a Magnavox CD player decor. "It's not a home theater system," the disguised as a 1915 Gramophone record play- forty -eight -year -old attorney says emphatical- er. An ADC SS-300SL ten -band stereo equally. "It's an audio system with a television. As izer, used mainly for recording analog cas- a music lover and season subscriber to the settes, completes the audio lineup. Cleveland Orchestra concerts, I want musical As for digital recording, Henry has adopted purity." And that she has-but things didn't a wait -and -see attitude regarding MD and come together overnight. DCC but is seriously considering a CD record- "I've always had some kind of stereo sys- er-especially now that she can get a Philips tem, but nothing like this," Henry admits. Her model by mail-order for $3,000. "If they can pursuit of sonic excellence started as a hobby bring the price of recordable CD down to a several years ago, not long after her husband reasonable level, it'll really go. I have LP's died. "I was listening to the radio one day, and that I want to put on CD." they playedOne of Those Songsby Jimmy Henry's video arsenal comprises a modest Durance-my favorite song. I persuaded the 27 -inch Zenith TV and two VHS Hi-Fi VCR's: radio station to send me a tape of the record- a Zenith VRD 530 HF and a Panasonic PV - ing, but I didn't have a cassette deck. So I 4160. Video soundtracks go through the audio went out to buy one and [along the way] system, while the video signals-including became really astonished by all the advances I those from the laserdisc and CD -I players- wasn't aware of. Three and a half years and are switched by a JVC JX-S 300 switcher. All many visits to [Cleveland's] Severance Hall of the equipment is housed in a stunning brass- later, the sound is like being there." and -glass cabinet made by Sharut of Canada. Henry-who designed and set up the sys- The automation side of the system-in- tem on her own-started out with a pair of spired by Henry's early fascination with the Carver hybrid -ribbon Amazing Loudspeakers science fiction of Ray Bradbury and Isaac in a bare room, eventually acquiring the newer Asimov-is the handiwork of computer whiz Amazing Platinum Edition speakers and mov- Ron Groening. He assembled a control inter- ing the original pair to the back of the room. face (not shown) using an SIIG MiniSys "The Amazings have a particular dispersion 386SX computer, a program from Home pattern that is more lifelike than anything else Automation Laboratories called Dynasty, and I've heard," Henry says. a variety of peripherals, including a voice - Carver amplifiers supply the power. A pair recognition card and a speech synthesizer. of Silver Seven -t 375 -watt monoblocks drive "The computer understands my voice com- the front speakers, while each rear speaker is mands and can turn any of the components on powered by one channel of an MI.Ot amplifier, or off and control their operations," Henry rated to deliver 400 watts per channel. A third explains. And to the amusement of house MI.Ot powers a pair of Carver Silver Edition guests, the system also speaks when spoken speakers in the bedroom. to: If Henry says, "Good morning," it re- The heart of the system is a Philips AV 1001 sponds, rather wryly, "Well, what do you digital processor, featuring a Dolby Pro Logic expect, a fanfare?" Of course, it does a few decoder and numerous ambience modes for more practical things, too, such as prompting music and movies, including five that are her during a programmed routine to perform adjustable. Three source components feed tasks that it can't. digital signals directly to the AV 1001: a All told, Henry's foray into audio's upper Philips CDC -875 six -disc changer, a Yamaha echelons cost upwards of $40,000-including CDX-805 five -disc carousel changer, and a $16,000 just for the room. "If you were able to Pioneer CLD-3080 laserdisc/CD combi-player. rent the Cleveland Orchestra for about two Five additional source components run di- hours-that's about what it would cost," she rectly to a Carver CT -17 tuner/preamp: a says with a chuckle. -Bob Ankosko

94 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 95 WHAT DO YOU CALL A MACHINE THAT LETS YOU PLAY MUSIC, GAMES, KARAOKE, INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE AND OVER 7,500 MOVIES WITH THE HIGHEST -QUALITY PICTURE AVAILABLE?

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IYou' II f someIht in the I

Looking for the best in sight and the best thing going. LaserActive:" best current technology, but also gives sound? Technically, there's only one It not only lets you play over you the ability to upgrade the unit way to go. LaserDisc. It combines the 7,500 LaserDisc movies and concertswhen new technology is developed. sharpest, most realistic picture avail-with the sharpest images you've ever And when you buy a LaserActive able (60% sharper than videotape) seen on your TV, but also lets you play player and any one of the game with crisp, digital sound. Add every music CD ever made. control packs now, you'll get $400 CD-ROM interactivity, and you've got Just insert one of three ingenious control packs into the main unit's special port, and you're playing Sega." THE SEGA CONT3OL games, DuoSoft- games, revolutionary PACK LETS YOU PLAY INTERACTIVE LASERDISCS, interactive LaserDiscs or even AS WELL AS SEGA CD" LaserKaraoke: This unique design not GAMES AND GENESIS - nly lets you take advantage of the ROM CARTRIDGES.

.41 INTRODUCING PIONEER LASERACTIVE. 'Offer good only in the U.S., while supplies last. See dealer for details. C1993 Pioneer Electronics iUSAi IncLong Beach, CA. All trademarks, rejostered trademarks and images are the property of their respective cvmers LIMITED AVALABILRY WALT D

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worth of software free! So you'll tive movies to educational discs your can even step into the ring with us. already have a head start when it whole family is sure to enjoy. Each For more information, or your nearest comes to starting your own library. offers the superior picture and sound dealer, call 1 -800 -PIONEER, ext. 310. There's a wide variety of titles you've come to expect from LaserDisc, already out, with more coming. From combined with the powerful punch of (1,0PIONEER The Art of Entertainment mind -bending video games and interac- interactivity. LaserActive, no one else

THE DUO CONTROL PACK THE LASERKARAOKE ETS YOU PLAY INTER- CONTROL PACK LETS ACTIVE LASERDISCS, YCU PLAY 1,500 CD-ROM2 AND SUPER SING -ALONG SONGS CD-ROM2 DISCS AND WITH ON -SCREEN LYRICS, $40 0 ALL OTHER TURBOGRAFX- BACKUP INSTRUMENTALS WORTH OF SOFTWARE GAMF CARTRIDGES AND A MUSIC VIDEO. FREE WITH A LASERACTIVE AND GAME CONTROL PACK PURCHASE. ONE WAHINE. INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. LISTENING TESTS

SPEOHER SUPPORTS

DO THEY MAKE 8 DIFFERENCE?

ccessories are a soirce of amusement and an- motion that might blur and muddy the sound. On the guish for audio enthusiasts. Like a good other hand, occasionally you will hear it said that I. dressing, they often seem to provide just speakers work best when they are isolated from the enough pizzazz to turn an ordinary bowl of room as much as possible. Go figure. greens into something special. But there is of- Actually, each approach has some intellectual ap- ten enough myth and hyperbole surrounding peal. There are many speaker manufacturers who go them to make your head spit. to extremes to make rigid, inert cabinets for their So it is with speaker stands. Almost anyone who products, so why would the rules for speaker stands has ever owned bookshelf speakers has considered deviate? And many professional recording studios go buying stands for them. Speaker manufacturers, even to great lengths to isolate control -room speakers to

those who make speakers designed to be placed prevent them from retransmitting vibration and sound.

against a wall, usually recommend that the tweeters Why not try that at home?

be placed approximately at zar level or that the speak- In an effort to get the real skinny on speaker stands

ers be separated from side walls by some distance. in the living room, we conducted a series of blind lis-

Speaker placement has an _mporant effect on sound tening tests to determine what stands contribute to the reproduction, and often the easiest way to meet a sound of a system. Do mass -loaded, super -rigid, manufacturer's recommendations is with stands. spike -coupled stands make the sound better? What Like many other accessories. stands have built up a sonic role does isolation play besides keeping the lore all their own. The conventional audiophile wis- teacups from rattling? In other words, what benefits

dom on speaker stands is now that, in addition to be- do stands offer besides locating speakers properly and

ing the right height and size for your speakers, they looking pretty? must be (1) rigid, massive, and free of resonance, so that they do not impart their own ,ound; (2) stable, so Lot Olt! Gnomes 'login that they don't topple over; and (3) firmly coupled to We conducted our experiments in three heats, using the room and the speaker itielf, to avoid any relative Snell K/II loudspeakers throughout. The Kill is a

PURE PERFECTION

The unique Celestion 300 Transmission Line balanced high fidelity sound, makes this floor standing loudspeaker with its slim and beautifully finished cabinet, loudspeaker a unique listening experience. transcends expectations. The new Celestion 300 joins the award winning The newly designed Celestion Transmission Line Celestion 100 to create pure perfection in two exceptional system-C.T.L.*- produces a deep extended and dynamic loudspeakers. bass response, which, combined with its perfectly Unmistakably Celestion.

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After weeks of running back and forth between the local image? These can't he the speakers I fell in love with at audio shops in search of the "perfect" speakers, you finally Harry's! You run to the basement in a panic to check the settle on a beautifully appointed tower system that sounds shipping cartons-only to confirm that they are, indeed, the every bit as good as it looks. Tight bass, rich and mellow same speakers. mid -frequencies, sweet highs, and superb imaging. You You've just had a crash course in room acoustics. make room in your living room for the behemoths, wire The physical attributes of a listening room and its con- them into your system. kick back in your favorite recliner, tents are every bit as important as the speakers themselves and hit the play button on your remote control. And when it comes to sound quality-and far more important then ... Wait a minute!Where's the tight bass? The lifelike than things like fancy speaker wire, gold-plated connec-

STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 107

Mobile Specialist near you... ing a recording session, the engineer placesmicrophones in strategic locations in and around the performancearea in an attempt to capture both the music and the acoustical "signature," or ambience, of the recordingspace. (Analog and

room, oritpasses through to the other reflections. The down- side (a phenomenon side is that eliminating called "transmission"). one problem can create The degree to which another. If the woofer sound is absorbed by is a few feet off the the surfaces it encoun- floor, for exmaple, the ters has a profound ef- indirect sound path fect on sound quality, (woofer to floor to lis- so profound an effect tener) will be out of that acousticians as- phase with the direct sign "absorption coef- sound path (woofer to ficients" to different listener). The slight materials: A coefficient time delay can cause of 1 equals complete responsedipsand absorption, while (I peaks at certain fre- means that all of the quencies. sound energy is reflect- Roy Allison, the ed back into the room well-known speaker (no absorption). A co- designer who now efficient of 0.5 indi- heads RDL Acoustics, cates that half of the documented that effect sound energy is ab- years ago, and he de- sorbed and half is re- signed a line of speaker systems to address flected back into the SDG offers a range of acoustic enhancement devices, including the problem in various room. several wood and plastic versions of a modular diffusion ()Friel Rooms with relative- called ways. One model had ly nonabsorbent sur- the Art Diffusor. The Art Diffusor Model P (in plastic) is shown a triangular cabinet faces (and low absorp- painted and installed in the ceiling of a stately musicroom. with the woofers at the tion coefficients) are very bottom of the baf- described as acoustically "live" and fle, so close to the are usually dominated floor that the cancellation notchwas shifted out of the oper- by hard, smooth surfaces, such as painted plasteror tile ating range of the woofer. walls, undraped glass windows, and hard woodor tile Using a subwoofer/satellite configuration witha stand- floors. Such spaces tend to be noisy and loud, becausethe alone bass module that hugs the floor is another sound bounces around until it finally dies way to al- out. Rooms with leviate the cancellation problem, although it willprobably relatively absorbent surfaces (and high absorptioncoeffi- not eliminate it. cients) are characterized as acoustically "dead" andusually Getting rid of ceiling reflections is have plush carpeting, overstuffed furniture, and more involved but drape -cov- well worth the effort for the samereasons that eliminating ered windows. These spaces tend to be quiet,because floor reflections is worthwhile. A moderate sound is quickly absorbed. -cost option is There are a number of steps you can take to install the mineral - to improve the fiber "acoustical" ceil- clarity and definition of your favorite musicrecordings- without tearing your living room apart. ing tiles sold at your Absorption local building -supply store. The problem is Floor and Ceiling Reflections that they don't do a While acousticians disagree about whether horizontal very good job of ab- (wall) reflections enhance the spatiality of music,there is no question that floor and ceiling reflections can degrade sorbing sound at fre- sound quality and should be minimized where quencies much below possible. the midrange, leaving Such "bounce" reflections can blur the music's clarityand imaging, making it harder to localize instruments the low frequencies and hear uncontrolled. Besides, the subtleties in a recording. In general, hardreflections Reflection come across as new acoustic sources-as if additional their industrial look doesn't quite cut it in a speakers were in the room. In optical terms, the effectis living room. like walking into a room full of mirrors-you'reconfronted by an array of confusing images. Ceiling tiles made of fiberglass, wood stock, The most practical way to minimize floor reflectionsis to absorb them by putting down an area or foam do a better rug or installing wall- overall job of reducing to-wall carpeting. Either way, use the thickestunder - ceiling reflections, and padding available to increase absorbency. Asacoustical treatments go, this is a relatively inexpensive option. they typically have some absorption down Floor reflections can be minimized further by theposi- tioning or, in some cases, the design of the speakers. to the midbass. Various Sim- decor -friendly fiber- ply elevating a speaker on a stand and angling itsbaffle glass and wood -fiber slightly upward is one way to avoid image -muddlingfloor panels are available 110 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 i'lle018400271;tv-

unbelievable al unusual unsurpassed `incompromising -unmistakable - unbeatable unparalleled unequaled unforgettable unique

Power Logic 44111104111106- Microprocessor Controlled Mobile Audio Amplifiers Coming soon to a Mobile Specialist near you... tie

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room acoustics wouldn't

mess up sound too badly.

But in the real world Strong floor reflection

Hard floor problemsare inevitable. Frequency response

nearby furniture or a nearby side wall can interfere withits sound. The audible consequences are impaired imaging and unbalanced tonal qualities (the result ofa ragged frequency response). That's why it's always a good ideato position speakers in front of furniture and other objects thatoccupy nearby locations. If the speaker must be closeto a side wall, try toeing it in to the listening area (nota bad idea anyway), or hang drapes with a heavy backingon the side wall to absorb the reflections. Another option is to install fabric -covered absorptive panels, such as Fabri-Glass from Tectum (about $4a square foot, depending on size) or Sonora (about $7to $9, depending on thickness) from Systems Development Carpet and padding Group (SDG). These are available in a variety ofwoven and non- woven fabrics and many colors. If you don't mind making from Tectum (see "Sources" at end of article). Fabric -face a high-tech design statement, Sonex and SDG also make fiberglass tiles like Tectum Classic (about $1.15a square wedge-shaped foam panels that can be glued to the walls. foot) can be hung from a drop ceiling, but they workbest when glued to 1 x 1 -inch wood strips nailed directlyto the Slap -Back Echo ceiling. The space between the tiles and the ceilingim- If the wall opposite the speakers hasa hard, reflective proves low -frequency absorption. Fiberglass density should surface, sound bouncing off that wall be about 3 pounds for the best results. can create discrete echoes known as "slap -back,"or "flutter -echo." Unlike re- Illbruck offers a variety of Sonex panels made fromab- verberation, which comprises many discrete echoes sorptive foam. Sonex 1 panels, made of white foam with and adds richness to music, flutter -echo degrades clarityand very tiny pores, are aesthetically pleasing and have excel- overall sound quality because individual echoesare distin- lent absorptive properties. They can be guishable-and often quite distracting. glued directly to the ceiling, but you'll Designed to control wall reflections. There are a few ways to fix an echo- get better low -frequency absorption by Tectum's absorptive Fahri-Glass panels come plagued listening room. First, if you gluing them toI -inch wood strips ina variety of fabrics, colors, and sizes. have a big overstuffed couch in the nailed to the ceiling. Cost is about $5a room, try moving it into the area in square foot. Sonex Ceiling tiles, which front of the speakers. Experiment with are designed to be hung from a 2 x 2- placement to see if you can minimize foot drop -ceiling grid, start at $7a square foot. the echoes or, even better, make them disappear. Failing that, consider hang- ing drapes with heavy fiberglass back- Wall Reflections ing on the wall opposite the speakers Troublesome reflections can also oc- (this approach can be very effective). cur laterally, depending on speaker Another solution is to install an placement and the absorbency of the "acoustical diffuser" on the offending walls. If the dispersion or radiation angle of your speaker system is fairly wall. These unusual -looking devices, wide, for example, reflections from some of which resemble modern art, spread sound over a wide angle inan 112 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 The ge :s dear. Ever} mern-ner of your howitzer team must work together to fire a 95pot_na/giell. nine miles --_hrou.ti the air, and -De right on target. Your team has trained You work as a team. and developed the right skills just for You succeed as a team. this moment.

elevation. -:-1.)w t-:. put distractionE arid pressure.side ar_41 But mo't of all, you've mast2red what te404implyi; ,14sed

and you cz.n't find it anywhre else. t' See you Army Rzcruiter. Or call 1-SOO-USA-Alt\ IY.ARMY. BE ALL YOU CAN BE.

-. r

' and dips in bass response caused by the interaction of sound waves as they travel back and forth between parallel surfaces. But standing waves become audibly offensive only if the frequencies at which they appear are close together, such as in a room with dimensions that are multiples of each other (for example, a room with an 8 -foot ceiling, an 8 -foot short wall, and a 16 -foot long wall). Short of rebuilding or remodeling, you're stuck with the dimensions of your listening room, but there are things you can do to counter standing waves. One device that's popular among audiophiles and recording engineers is the Tube Trap from Acoustic Sciences Corp.-a fabric -covered column stuffed with fiberglass and "tuned" to a specific frequency range. The idea is to absorb offensive low -frequency energy by placing traps around the perimeter of the listening room, especially in the corners where standing waves originate. While the Tube Trap is designed primarily to absorb low frequencies, it also has a mid/high-frequency diffuser that you can put into action by simply rotating the tube. It can help get rid of those nasty middle- and high -frequency reflections that impair imaging and clarity. The Tube Trap is available in full-, half-, and quarter -round versions with various diameters, heights, and fabric exteriors. Prices range from $229 for a 9 -inch -diameter, 3 -foot -high full -round unit to $1,219 for a pair of 16 - inch x 4 -foot full -round units. RPG sells the Korner Killer ($745 in birch), a triangular column designed for corner placement that provides both diffusion and bass trapping (absorbing). The Last Word Finally, and most important, experiment. Move your couch or bookcase, slap down a rug, hang or close some draperies, add cushions to the chairs, and try relocating or A variety of Sonex-brand acoustic tiles made of foam and reorienting your speakers. You may not even need to con- other materials is available from Illbruck. Shown in a chic restaurant sider any of the special devices we've mentioned to make setting are Sonex Panorama sculpted -foam ceiling tiles: the 2 x 2 -foot your speakers sound just as good as they did down at Har-

tiles are also available in several other patterns. ry's showroom.

Michael Klasco, an acoustical engineer at Menlo unfocused, random way, producing many quiet reflections Scientific in Berkeley, California, has had years of experience instead of a few loud, discrete echoes. with custom installations and acoustic treatments. Diffusers are available from RPG Diffusor Systems and from SDG. RPG manufactures a full line of diffusers, including a model designed specifically to break up flutter- echo without absorption (Flutterfree, starting at about $14 a IP1=1111111. square foot) and one that combines both absorption and dif- The following conpanies offer a wide variety of fusion characteristics (Abffusor, $390 for a 4 -inch -thick, 4 acoustic treatment materials and devices. x 2 -foot fabric -covered unit). SDG sells the Art Diffusor, an unusual checkerboard matrix of uneven squares made Acoustic Sciences Corp. (ASC), P.O. Box 1189, Eugene, out of wood or plastic (starts at $55 for a 9 -inch -thick, 15 x OR 97440; telephone, 503-343-9727. 15 -inch plastic unit). RPG's Diviewsor, for windows and skylights, has a clear or translucent back panel ($540 for a Illbruck, Inc., Sonex Division, 3800 Washington Ave. N., 91/2 -inch -thick, 4 x 2 -foot birch unit), but a less expen- Minneapolis, MN 55412; telephone, 800-662-0032 sive-and less effective-way to minimize window reflec- (toll -free) or 612-520-3620. tions is to install wooden -slat Venetian blinds. Of course, if you find diffusers too expensive or just too RPG Diffusor Systems, Inc., 65I -C Commerce Dr., dramatic a design statement for your listening room, you Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; telephone, 301-249-0044. can always create your own simply by filling a large bookcase with different sizes of books. Chairs, tables, and other Systems Development Group (SDG), 5744 Industry Lane, Suite J, Frederick, MD 21701; telephone, 800-221-8975 furniture can also make effective diffusing devices. (toll -free) or 301-846-7990.

Standing Waves Tectum, Inc., P.O. Box 920, Newark, OH 43055; All rooms that have parallel walls, ceilings, and floors telephone, 614-345-9691. will develop standing waves-unnatural-sounding peaks

114 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 The surround speaker that's impossible to find

Whenyou look you see arounda Dolby mounted Stereo the on the Theater, surround left,right and what you won't speakers. backwalls be able Multiplearrays are randomizationof the coming to pinpoint are usedso two features surround from, wherethe produce information. action. leavingyou totally sound is sFeaker an effect These array ina real just likethe immersedin the a sandstorm theater. surround To So you'll blowing really feel recreate this explosion aroundyou, an singlepair of experiencein the engul'ingyou, a undersea speakersis homewitha bombardingyot. meteor audiblydetect extremely shower the difficult.If Toyour ers, they're locationofyour you can ears, the not really surround Atlantic surround speak- Surround loudspeaker sound Speakerswill beTechnology154 SR They manufacturers speakers. that'swhat assume that don': Most surround impossibleto f nd, their understandthis. sound is and straight-ahead conventional Atlantic all Technology abcut. placement, driver/tweeter speakers,with are good dedicatedhome manufacturesan entire be used enoughto e3 theater family of for subwoofers, components: surround. offer center power direct That'snot the thehighest channels,front - case, and p -iced. performanceand satellites.All Atlantic That'swhy Vide) are Technology range, Atlantic reasonably The 154SR knowsit. Magazinesaid "In Surround Technology its price havebeen Speakers iripossible-to is curamey designed Dept. A beat" Cal very hard-ifnot two 312' utilizing formore 617-762-631)0 driversoffset and referto angles for at 105° nearestAtlantic informationand the maximum Technology na ne of of sound. dispersion dealer. your Thedrivers phaseirverted are then foroptimal

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For 17 yews,o Ale Fidelity Sod ) has 1.,dedicated to making music sound its absolute best. Remaininga 1 nuin edge of audio technology,we have taken our proprietary masteri to I "q one step further with the revolutionary new GAIN Systenirm. We always work fromoriginal master tapes with an unwavering attentionto detail-because we love the musicas much as- tu tip lisaL the.difTereace o e ULTRAIDISC Thp offtivaimitc,d4r4litiont. -hat auaio bile con ..low

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BIG STAR Columbia: Live at Missouri University, 4/25/93 In the Street: Don't Lie to Me; When My Baby's Beside Me; I Am the Cosmos; The Ballad of El Goodo: Back of a Car: Way Out West; Daisy Glaze; Baby Strange; For You: Feel; September Gurls; Thank You Friends; Slut ZOO 72445-11060 (49 min)

Touchstone Sibelius

ill wonders never cease? Big perfectly, want to put them across with Star-the Seventies cult band passionate precision, while the iconoclas- and Tchaikovsky that almost singlehandedly laid tic Chilton, author of most of the material the blueprint for alternative pop and de facto bandleader, is trying to de- ror my money the classic 1935 Bid- in the Eighties and beyond- construct it into a more spontaneous, in- dulph recording of the Sibelius Vio- was convinced to reunite for a teractive experience. It's a figurative tug- lin Concerto by Jascha Heifetz with one-off concert at a midwestern universi- of-war that gives the album a live, Thomas Beecham has at last met its ty's springfest. Zoo Records snatched the organic feel-as pure, uncut, razor-edged match. The new version by Gil Sha- opportunity to record this little slice of musical event, "Columbia" is the real ham, a twenty -two -year -old Israeli - power -pop history-now enshrined as thing. American violinist, and Giuseppe Sinop- "Columbia"-which saw founding mem- The set opens with In the Street, a tan- oli, on a Deutsche Grammophon CD bers Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens gle of bum notes, uncertain timing, and with the Tchaikovsky concerto, is won- joined by spiritual heirs Jon Auer and the frantic thrust of a train about to derail derfully satisfying. Ken Stringfellow of the Posies. The on a curve, all gloriously appropriate to The opening pages of the Sibelius quartet made a spirited stab at a batch of the mood of adolescent abandon de- might best be described as sinuous and Big Star classics from "#1 Record" and scribed in the lyrics. Don't Lie to Me has intense, and as the music develops the "Radio City," plus / Am the Cosmos by never rocked harder, nor has / Am the performance seems to become larger the group's late co-founder Chris Bell, a Cosmos projected such pathos. But it's than life (somewhat like David Ois- well-chosen track (Thank You Friends) with The Ballad of El Goodo, a Chilton trakh's 1967 Moscow reading). The solo from "Third" (in reality, a Chilton solo song from 1971 whose lyrics were eerily episodes of the first movement are more album), and covers of songs by T. Rex prescient of the course his life would wildly rhapsodic than in most other versions I've heard, yet without bursting the 8(Baby Strange) and Todd Rundgren take, that the band really makes an emo- (Slut), both part of Big Star's live reper- tional connection with the music. "Co- formal bonds of the elaborate musical ar- toire in the early days. lumbia" just builds momentum from chitecture. I think much of the credit for So much for facts. What puts "Colum- there. that control belongs to Sinopoli, whose bia" across is the raw, romping freedom Chilton's and Auer's guitars thrust and contribution fully matches Beecham's in with which they attack their legacy. Two parry in the left and right channel, re- the Heifetz recording. 0points of view are operating here: The spectively, while Stringfellow's melodic, While Shaham uses an intense vibrato two Posies, having learned their parts swooping bass holds down the low end in the early pages of the slow movement,

STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 119 BEST DU

about it-is this singer -songwriter's greatest gift. A/anna Nash

JIMMIE DALE GILMORE Spinning Around the Sun It here You Going. Santa I c thief; I Was the One: So I'll Run; I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry; Mobile Line (France Blues); Nothing of the Kind; Just a Wave; Reunion; I'm Gonna Love You; Another Colorado: Thinking About You ELEKTRA 61502 (45 min) POPULAR CLASSICAL THE CLASH: Super Black Market -CURRAN: Songs and Views of the Beethoven Clash. EPIC/LEGACY 53191. The Magnetic Gorden. CATALYST 61823. A Clash's 1980 ten -inch EP in its entirety, now fascinating 1975 recording by the American fleshed out with bonus tracks including composer/performer Alvin Curran, who uses Mustapha's Dance, a remix of their recorded sounds, unconventional instruments, Comes Alive hit Rork the Casbah. voice, and synthesizers.

Kurt Masur's conducting seems to FACES: A Nod Is as Good as a Wink DEBUSSY: La Mer; Nocturnes; other have become livelier and more ... to a Blind Horse. WARNER works. Ormandy. SONY 53256. "All told, communicative in the last few years, ARC Ill \ I 2574. Rod Stewart and company's it,. ic,ord is an excellent one, and Columbia an impression especially apparent in third album (1971). featuring the single has lavished a particularly sumptuous sound his remakes of the Mendelssohn, Stay With Me. upon it" (October 1965). Schumann, and Beethoven symphonies. While hisfirst Beethoven THE KINGSMEN: In Person. LISZT: Sonata in B Minor. SCHUBERT: cycle was mostly solid and reliable, his SUN DAZED 6(5)4. Debut album (1964) by the Sonata in D Major, Op. 53. Gilels. recently completed new one, again with kings of Frat Rock, featuring their investigated- RCA 61614. "Gilds seems marvelously at the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra on by -the -FBI anthem Louie. Louie. Philips, is a good deal more. That was home at the keyboard-nothing seems to faze him" (September 1965) signaled in the release of Symphonies THE KNACK: ...But the Little Girls Nos.I and 5 three years ago, and it's Understand. RAZOR & TIE 2020. splendidly confirmed in the just -issued MAHLER: Symphony No. 5. Barbirolli. Second (1980) album by the legend -in -their- EMI 64749. "... calm, collected, dutiful, No. 3 ("Eroica") and No. 8. own -minds "Next Beatles," and so bad accurate, and respectful ... but about as savage Philips's claim that this is "the first it all but ended their brief career. as an English garden party" (June 1970). recording to be based on the new Critical Edition ..." is a bit of an exaggeration- Otmar Suitner's Beethoven cycle on De- but that is not what is going to matter to passage, and the finale, without a hint of non used the same scores a decade ago- most listeners. What does matter is the inflation, rounds off the performance degree to which these performances revi- with truly Promethean impact and con- talize the music without distorting or re- viction. vamping its familiar characteristics. In the Eighth Symphony the same sort The new "Eroica" gains over Masur's of subtle reserve in applyingpower earlier one not in being radically differ- serves just as effectively to allow the ent, but in being more concentrated in fo- Olympian humor to bloom and brighten cus and more sinewy in execution. It's without a nudge, while maintaining the more forceful, if you will, more clearly elegant setting that gives it all point. etched both in the shaping of phrases and There is a little unplanned confrontation in the bringing out of orchestral detail- between strings and winds in respect to and most of all in the grand sense of mo- tuning at the opening of the second mentum, a sort of drive that is never movement-a momentary bobble in the earthbound yet never hectic. There is still remarkably compelling flow that might nothing hinting at indulgence; there is have been at risk in a retake. still a touch of austerity, a degree of pa- Both performances are reasonable can- trician reserve that keeps the power from didates for anybody's first choice, and being an empty display and allows the they certainly whet the appetite for the Funeral March to evoke a sense of exal- rest of this cycle. Richard Freed tation rather than mere pathos. The orchestra, recorded with exemplary spa- BEETHOVEN: Symphonies No. 3 ciousness andvividness,sounds ("Broke") end No. 8 absolutely delighted to be carried to such Conductor Kurt Masur Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Masur a level. There is not a single mundane PHILIPS 434 913 (75 min) 122 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 C 0 0

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THE BUFFALO SKINNERS tortured adolescent route, all doormat love follow their muse instead of the rules of com- and self-pity. Adamson would probably be the position, their songs take crazy turns that most last to recognize that arrogance comes in musicians would edit out. But the Breeders different forms-"The one I love is still in just let it fly as it comes to them from note one you," he sings, "but I don't have the time I of New Year, which commences with a used to." A. N. splashy slog through guitar murk then abrupt- ly picks up tempo, becoming a mosh-pit special. A sample of tribal chanting provides the lead-in hook to Cannonball, in which a mighty, punkish quaking rumbles around beneath the Deal sisters' (Kim and Kelley) imperturbable vocals. There's bitchy humor to be found in numbers like No Aloha (with its reference to the bass line in Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love) and / Just Wanna Get Along ("If you're SIG COUNTRY so special, why aren't you dead?"). The album The Buffalo Skinners becomes sunnier as it progresses, bile giving I (IX RCA 66294 (60 moil way to lilt, grungy blurs yielding to a poppier Performance: The Scots are a steely people resolution. Divine Hammer is the most un- Recording: Very good abashed pop tune here-short, sweet, and Apihn their first U.S. release since 1988's emblematic of the alternative ethos.But Mh. "Peace in Our Time," Scotland's Big there's also Hag, with its pretty, impressionis- Country jumps in feet -first with a pounding, tic chords; Saints, a great summer's -here song propulsive twin -guitar chime and enough cli- THE BREEDERS that's an instant pick-me-up; and Drivin' On, a chés in subjects and lyrics to float a barge of Last Splash cruising tune that bops blithely to a country - bilge from Glasgow to Boston. Lead singer/ 4AD/ELEKTRA 61508 (40 min) flavored fiddle. If variety is the spice of life, songwriter Stuart Adamson knows how to get Performance: inventive "Last Splash" is a cornucopia of intriguing your attention-he's a passionate shouter, and Recording: Good tastes and flavors. PP. he can fashion a clever melodic hook and keep MLastSplash" is as much fun as a day at the things moving at breakneck speed. But when beach when the waves are doing all sorts of MARIAN CAREY he's not hard-hitting at soft targets, he goes the unpredictable things. Because the Breeders Music Box COLUMBIA 53205 (51 min) Performance: Good Recording: Very good LOST IN SPACE "Music Box" opens with one of those dog - whistle swoops that became Mariah Carey's trademark on her first three albums. Ajanitor and his robot friends are But bless her gamine soul, Carey is beginning trapped in orbit while mad scientists to learn the value of restraint. At times here, she punches the notes lightly, so that every make them watch (and heckle) the worst lingering phrase, by contrast, creates a nice movies of all time. That's the premise of tension. She also takes a softer approach to the TV's coolest show, Comedy Central's standard -issue ballads that dominate "Music Mystery Science Theater 3000. We Box." Unfortunately, as Carey improves as a contacted the Satellite of Love- singer, it becomes even clearer how limited actually, the MST3K studio in the wilds she is as a songwriter. As pleasant as these tunes sound individually, as a group they really of Minnesota-to find out what the cast lack distinctiveness. Carey brings nothing is listening to between flicks. fresh or surprising to the subject of romance- and she just keeps bringing it. Listening to annum PAYS CRITICAL ASSESSMENT TOP MAKROUT ALBUM "Music Box" straight through is déjà vu all over again and again and again. B.G. Michael J. Nelson ELVIS COSTELLO "Some of the best songwriting "Anything (Mike) King of America I've ever heard, beautifully by Sade." Rix° 0281 recorded." COWBOY JUNKIES 0 Pale Sun, Crescent Moon Kevin Murphy LOS LOBOS "I listen to it endlessly; "Brian Eno's RCA 07863-66344 (45 min) fa (Tom Servo) Kiko every song is wonderful. great for bizarre, Performance: Riveting z SLASH 26786 Love the voices." hallucinatory sex." Recording: Very good The songs of the Cowboy Junkies are filled Trace Beaulieu FRANK ZAPPA "I'm also very excited "Lou Reed's with labyrinths in which one can burrow (Crow T. Robot) Playground Psychotic about the Kathy Lee 'Metal Machine endlessly. Hearing them is like entering an BARKING PUMPKIN 74244 Gifford Christmas album." Music.' " emotional wilderness whose underlying inten- sity is masked by deceptive calm at the sur-

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passion, your promise, your end?" If you want to pursue this further, skip ahead to Talking to My Angel, wherein she sings. "I've been talking to my angel / And he said that it's alright" (emphasis added). Like the Indigo Girls (particularly the hus- ky -throated Amy Ray), Etheridge projects emotion with too indelicate a hand on occasion but gets genuinely caught up in the rapture and agony of her life's passion. A solid songwriter, she's prevented from straying too far afield by the sturdy channels through which her songs flow. "Yes I Am" is at times reminiscent of a good midperiod Stones album, its tunes building a steady head of steam as bluesy guitar figures curl with increasing fervor around Ethe- ridge's mounting vocal attack. I'm the Only One kicks off the album with a sultry, snake- hipped rhythm, Etheridge clipping her vocals around whiperack guitar lines as the tune gaits like a restless pony. Congas, guitars, and drums interlock in a devilishly hot groove on If Cowboy Junkies: the Morse Code of raw feeling I Wanted To; one of the guitars, played in Keith Richards's patented open -G tuning, o face. But plumb its depths, and you'll discover MELISSA ETHERIDGE gives off distinctively Stonesy echoes. Come a gallery of souls set whirling by desertion, Yes I Am to My Window takes wing on the strength of a loneliness, and uncertainty. The songs are ISLAND 422-848 660 (44 min) soaring chorus, while I Will Never Be the Same literary in the most compelling way, present- Performance: Intense is a power ballad sung with enchanting re- ing impressionistic visions on which listeners Recording: Good straint and borne along by some stirring slide can project their own readings. Thus, a song Eor gossip hounds who spend time speculat- guitar. like Hard to Explain opens up to become a ing about Melissa Etheridge's sexuality- Etheridge does go off the deep end a time or universal plaint about what it feels like to be to wit, is she gay?-the title of her new album two, notably on the would-be anthem All left for another: "It's so hard to explain / My might seem to provide an answer. However, if American Girl, which tries too hard to fashion loss is someone else's gain." the lyrics of the title track are examined, "Yes, an archetype of a woman who drinks decaf, "Pale Sun, Crescent Moon" marks the con- I am" is her answer to the question "Am I your smokes Marlboro Reds, drives a foreign car to tinued ripening of Margo Timmins as a vocal- her office job, and perseveres despite the fact ist and brother Michael Timmins as a song- "she lives and dies in this man's world." Such writer.Margo singswitha subtlebut lapses are forgivable, for in the main "Yes I unwavering fire, while the band spices its THE SONG REMAINS Am" is a hard -charging, heart -on -sleeve quest accompaniment with some extroverted lead THE SAME (REMAKE OF THE MONTH) for the state of determined self -affirmation guitar from Ken Myhr. His fuzz -toned lines embodied in its title. crackle like embers behind Timmins's tremu- P.P. lous delivery in Seven Years, a song that finds TIM FINN her repeating the line "This memory is just a Before & After dead man making trouble." Such touches give CAPI Ic iL 949041cl) min) the Junkies' songs a kind of urgent, upfront Performance: Sublime edge, particularly on numbers like The Post Recording: Excellent and Hunted. This is an album fairly bleak in Iis hard to believe that Tim Finn was once a complexion-malevolent figures skulk in the member of Split Enz, the New Zealand band dark in Floorboard Blues and Hunted, while whose eccentric appearance and quirky music haunting images lurk at the edges of memory rendered them as willfully unconventional as elsewhere. The songs here transmit their mes- anything now coming out of Grungeville, sages in the Morse Code of raw feeling. You U.S.A. These days, Finn is a no -gimmicks can't get them out of your head, nor will you purveyor of mature, ingenious, and undeni- want to. P.P. ably adult pop; the better you are at that, the more you're likely to find yourself stranded THE CURE without a seat at this decade's go -round of Show musical chairs. However, all the ostrich -head- ELEKTRA IR II( iti 01551 (73 min) ed inattention in the world can't diminish this Performance: Rich album's excellence. Recording: A little murky Finn has crafted a disc that flows from ome live albums function as de facto great - ecstatic peaks to melancholy chasms. The sine 11a, est-hits collections. That isn't true here, qua non of this school of brainy, emotionally because "Show" concentrates mostly on gr,uestion: What are roots -rock icons candid pop is hooks, and "Before & After" is songs from the Cure's laststudio album, gle Los Lobos doing on the soundtrack bristling with them: the irresistibly tuneful "Wish." Some live albums introduce a whole to Gunmen (MCA 10708) in the company of chorus of In Love with It All, where Finn gives0 other dimension of a band's abilities, as seen urban -contemporary types like Kid Frost. a rainbow of harmonic shadings to the word and heard in concert. That isn't true here "love"; the oxymoronic collision of the title either, because the group's admittedly very Hakim. and Big Daddy Kane? Answer: A blistering, absolutely faithful cover ver- words in Always Never Now, on which he enjoyable performance doesn't go much be- a sion of Creedence Clearwater Revival's sounds like a hipper Phil Collins; the twelve- yond what we've heard on record before. So string bop 'n' bounce of Funny Way, and on0 1970 hit Run Through the Jungle, that's z why does this album exist? Probably because and on. Finn keeps the rope pulled taut be- the Cure has produced a concert film of the what. Food for thought: Can a Creedence tween the listener -friendly accessibility of pop same name. Unless you're a really big Cure tribute album be far behind? and the challenge of more outré touches (odd fan, you probably don't want this. R.G. intervals, exotic instruments, ethnic spice), 126 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 POPULAR MUSIC

without providing too much give in either KIRSTY MecCOLL direction. The result is a suite of songs that Titanic Days

falls easily on the ears but has the staying I R 2-214(48 min) power to bear up under repeated listenings. Performance: Natural From the philosophical quandary posed by Recording: Okay Protected and the hard -gained wisdom of rela- When Isay that Kirsty MacColl lets her tionship songs like Persuasion to the relaxed voice do the talking,I mean that she epiphany of/Erni/Wit, "Before & After" takes doesn't rely on showy vocal effects when she the listener on a rewarding journey through the sings. She hits the notes and pronounces the emotions. P.P. words and allows the natural feeling of each song to hit you in the heart or the mind or the HEART gut. When the song is good-and much of the Desire Walks On material on "Titanic Days" is very good- CAPITOl 9962- min) MacColl is an exhilarating performer. In the Performance: Hearty sweetly romantic You Know It'sYou, she Recording: Very good exudes brisk charm without wasting a single y wife isn't a music reviewer, so she isn't inflection. With Bad, she creates a coy and Mused to the risks I take every day as a seductive character fit for the music -hall. Only professional listener. Nevertheless, she will in the middle of the album, when a song or two sometimes strap herself into a living -room seems a little too formulaic, does MacColl Nirvana maturing? chair while I'm on one of my critical rocket - falter a bit. But then she comes on strong sled rides. Recently she did just that, as I was again, which is to say, of course, that she Utero," the trio's third studio album, lacks going hellbent for Heart. In the middle of hardly comes on at all. R.G. much of the buoyancy of its predecessor. In Anything Is Possible from "Desire Walks On," fact, for all the adolescent rage fueling Nirva- she said. "I haven't heard lyrics this bad in NIRVANA na's music, the hard -to -make -out lyrics of years." She was referring to one particularly In Utero "Nevermind" were wrapped around some uplifting couplet-"You are my friend / Hold D(iC 24607 (41 min) downright catchy tunes. "In Utero." however, on and transcend"-but the judgment could Performance: Sounds great, less filling is more somber, restrained, sour. This might apply to this album generally. For all the slick, Recording: Very good be called maturity, of a sort, if singer -guitarist - semi -hard -rock tunefulness here, you really Would teen spirit by any other name smell songwriter Kurt Cobain had anything coher- can't pay too much attention to what's going as sweet? Not really, to judge by Nirva- ent on his mind. But the songs on this album on-it's just too dangerous. My wife survived, na's follow-up to "Nevermind," the 1991 al- jump from sarcastic asides to politically incor- but you may not be so lucky. 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sight, like the opening line on the album from a band that plays best when it plays and to route a portion of the royalties to Don ("Teenage angst has paid off well") collect like least-and they underplay to perfection here. Henley's Walden Woods Project. But while dead bugs on a windshield. Actually, Cobain's The songs are seasoned with spring -like cele- the majority of these artists owe much to the songwriting limitations are even clearer now, bration ( These Are Days) and autumnal musing Eagles' spirit, they're unable to duplicate their because Steve Albini (credited with recording (About the Weather). The not -so -maniacal Ma- heart, tension, or angst-they can only pay rather than producing this album) has given niacs play, by turns, with a sprightly lilt (Candy tribute in straight -ahead, note -for -note ar- the performances clarity within their neces- Everybody Wants) and sobersided emotional- rangements. Little Texas may turn in a re- sary distortions. For a change, you can dis- ity (Trouble Me). Complete with a disarmingly spectable version of Peaceful Easy Feeling, but tinctly pick out Kurt Cobain's voice in the mix full-bodied cover of Patti Smith's Because the why listen toit when you can pop in the and, since the lyrics are reprinted here, you Night, "Unplugged" is a fitting memento of a Eagles' own superior rendition? Only Vince can follow his logic to nowhere. At the same special band who quit while they were most Gill's perfect choice of I Can't Tell You Why time, Albini gives the trio a deep -end wallop certainly still ahead. P.P. and Trisha Yearwood's New Kid in Town come they've never had before; the band has never close to making the songs resonate with new sounded this good on record. In other words, vibrancy. In the end, the Eagles remain uncon- Nirvana really kicks on "In Utero," even if the quered. and these Nashville cats just look like songs don't. R.G. Collection one expensive cover band. A. N.

RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND Volume 2 RYKO 20264 (65 mini JAll Performance: Geriatric TN( i&9S Recording: Very good 1X1 [WAS This is Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club JAZZ FUTURES Band in the flesh, a crew of guys who Live In Concert briefly bonded to tour as a graying supergroup NOVUS 3158 (57 min) sideshow. They're led by the one -and -only <-\ Performance: Yes Billy Shears-that's Ringo Starr for those Recording: Fin* remote unborn in 1967-whose homely charm sets the Alne does not have to be an astute observer tone for this caravan of stars (?) as they take Irof the jazz scene today to see thatit their turns behind the mike. Some of it's teems with young bop players. Several of entertaining enough (Dave Edmunds's frothy COMMON THREAD: THE SONGS OF these newcomers have already earned wide- romp through Girls Talk, Nils Lofgren's steely THE EAGLES spread reputations as leaders, so the idea of Walking Nerve), while other performances GIANT 24531 (57 min) assembling a twenty -something all-star neo- are, well, painful (Joe Walsh's sodden. mush - Performance: Not exactly soaring bop band is as good asitis logical. Jazz mouthed stabs at Desperado and In the City). Recording: Good Futures is such an assemblage. brought to- The album plays like a not particularly Ilrhe idea behind gathering the hottest of the gether by festival producer George Wein for a inspired hour of programming on a dinosaur country crop to record the songs of the 1991 concert tour, parts of which are now FM rock station: I Can't Tell You Why by Eagles was twofold: to show just how much documented on this exceptional disc. If the TimothyB.Schmit, another Eaglewith contemporary country owes to their sound, performances-recorded a month apart at the clipped wings; Todd Rundgren's lightweight JVC Newport Jazz Festival and Spain's Festi- Bang on the Drum; Burton Cummings's val de Jazz de Vitoria-don't indicate a new wretched American Woman (couldn't he have TRACK direction for jazz, they at least prove that bop come up with a better Guess Who tune?); and is in good hands. material of minor consequence from Ringo, RECORDS Of the two trumpet players, Roy Hargrove such as the pop -psychology manifesto Don't is probably the best known, but Marlon Jor- Go Where the Road Don't Go. But before we Ringo Starr dan-who has three Columbia albums under mock our elder statesmen's Guy Lombardo When rock his belt-is getting there. He can caress a trip too smugly, don't think that it won't hap- drummers go solo, ballad effectively but is best here when going pen to the punks, New Wavers, and grunge- they usually make one on one with Hargrove on the fiery opening meisters at some point down the road. I can lousy albums. Ex - and closing numbers. Tenor saxophonist An- just picture it: MC Johnny Rotten introducing tonio Hart and altoist Tim Warfield have Beetle Starr is no Sting, Thomas Dolby, Human League, et al., served time with Hargrove and Jordan. re- as each warbles a hit from their heyday, return- exception (In fact, spectively, but these are no mere sidemen. ing en masse for a rousing finale of God Save he's made several), Warfield's Blue Moon and Hart's Bewitched, the Queen. Long live rock! P.P. but hey-he's still Bothered and Bewildered are fine, and both Ringo. And as it turns out, the men generate excitement as they engage each 10,000 MANIACS following CD's are actually pretty good. other on the album's faster numbers. Guitarist Unplugged Mark Whitfield shows the influence of Wes Ell-ATHA 61569 (61 min) Ringo (1973) Montgomery when he gets downright funky on Performance: Cozy Medgar Evers Blues, a performance that re- Recording: Clean CAPITOL 95637 Big hits: Photograph, You're Sixteen. flects the fondness this young generation of Truth to tell, there's not much difference players has for traditional jazz. Pianist Benny between 10,000 Maniacs plugged or un- Goodnight Vienna (1974) Green gives tradition a nod on Picadilly plugged, and the always violable strictures of CAPITOL 80378 Square. a bit of funk written by the group's the "Unplugged" format-the bass and organ Special guests: John Lennon. Elton John. only over -thirty ringer, drummer Carl Allen. sure sound plugged in-brought few cosmetic Blast from Your Past (1976) Green is a superb pianist who has blossomed changes to their onstage array. Mainly, guitar- since escaping from his former employer, Betty ist Robert Buck strums and picks tastefully on CAPITOL 46663 Best of his post -Fab Four solo work. Carter. Picadilly also features a well-rounded0 an acoustic instead of an electric. solo by Christian McBride, one of the finest z This latest disc from the MTV series does Time Takes Time (1992) young bass players around. Like the group serve as a warm farewell from the band, as PRIVATE MUSIC 82097 Tough Young Tenors. the Jazz Futures skim singer Natalie Merchant has since announced Surprising comeback, interesting the cream off that new generation of musicians 3 her departure. Save for the occasional cloying, collaborators (the Posies, Tom Petty). we callneo-bopsters.Their flame burns8 clichdd sound of a cello, this is a gorgeous set brightly. C.A.

128 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 POPULAR MUSIC

pianist's second solo album showcases his , trademark mix of deceptively casual blues - L rock and boogie-woogie. Also as you'd expect, Johnson sounds great and the Ken- L tucky HeadHunters are nowhere near as idiomatic as the Keith Richards/Eric Clap- ton/NRBQ ensemble the star fronted last time out. S.S.

NORMAN NARDINI together for an extremely entertaining ben- Breakdown in Paradise efit album for the National Abortion Rights CIRCUMSTANTIAL/RELATIVITY Action League and other like-minded orga- 28121-1004(48 min) nizations. Good music (check out Matthew In concert, this legendary Pittsburgh roots - Sweet's live take on the Beatles' She Said, rocker comes across as an improbable RICHARD SORRY She Said), good recording. S.S. cross between Stevie Ray Vaughan and Get Out of the Car Dennis Leary-he truly burns on guitar and FLAIR/VIRGIN 2438 39104 (55 min) N EIL DIAMOND his raps are outrageous and funny. This Richard Berry, author of Louie Louie and Up on the Roof-Songs from the new album doesn't quite capture Nardini's thus one of rock's true immortals, was a B riII Building manic energy, but the best songs here (the Fifties R&B journeyman when he recorded COLUMBIA 57529 (48 min) insouciant neo-rockabilly I Never Cared, this little-known but entertaining album This tribute to New York City songwriters for example) come close enough. Lots of (now fleshed out with period bonus tracks). of the Sixties is so overblown and charm- fun. S.S. To be sure, most of it is derivative of Little less that it's hard to believe it's by a guy Richard, Fats Domino, the Coasters, et al., who used to write hits for the Monkees. WU MAN but hey-why not (steal from) the best? Barely redeeming moment: Ten Lonely Chinese Music for the Pipe Pick hit: the hilariously sexist put -out -or - Guys, an obscure but hilarious weeper res- NIMBUS 5368 (71 min) go -home title track, which some Holly- cued from a period B-side. Must to avoid: a The pipa (a long -necked, four -stringed lute) wood metal band with a sense of humor ghastly You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' can sound like a twangy banjo, but the should cover real quick. S.S. with Dolly Parton. S.S. exceptionally gifted Wu Man draws an impressive variety of tonal and emotional BORN TO CHOOSE JOHNNIE JOHNSON AND TIM colors from the instrument in this recital of RYKO 10256 (48 mini KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS traditional and contemporary pipa compo- Alternative types (Helmet, Sugar, Sound - That'll Work sitions. An excellent addition to even a garden) and perennialoutsiders (Tom ELEKTRA/NONESUCH 61476 (49 min) small collection of world -music CD's. Waits, the Mekons, Lucinda Williams) get As you'd expect, the former Chuck Berry William Livingstone

CHARLES MINOUS Wise. a piece from Mingus's 1962 studio meet- Village loft set, having become interested in Thirteen Pictures ing with Ellington (a musical encounter that jazz before leaving California. One of Mur- RHINO 71402 (two CD's. 129 mint he must have seen as a personal triumph, for ray's strongest jazz influences was the late Performance: Must -have Duke had personally fired him from his orches- saxophonist Albert Ayler, remnants of whose Recording: Very good tra nine years earlier). There is more, and it is somewhat forbidding style can still be heard on harles Mingus had a wonderful under- all spectacular, including a fifty -page illustrat- "Fast Life," Murray's latest CD, which fea- standing of jazz. A great modernist who ed booklet. Mingus was a true genius, and this tures his quartet augmented on two tracks by could trace his on-the-job training to bands led collection offers ample proof of that. I cannot fellow tenor Branford Marsalis. by Louis Armstrong and Kid Ory, he also had recommend it too highly. C.A. Marsalis appears on the opening track. Cru- great dramatic flair and political conscious- cificado, a Dave Burrell composition that ness, and he put it all together in music that is sounds at first like something Stan Getz might as much its own category as the music of have dished up during his Bossa Nova period. Duke Ellington. Toward the end, however,itturns into a "Thirteen Pictures: The Charles Mingus chaotic free-for-all that has more in common Anthology" is a beautifully packaged release with the old loft sounds. That's not a put- that combines material from the Atlantic. Im- down. because the transition works very well. pulse. EmArcy, United Artists, and Columbia I am less thrilled with Calle Estrella, which labels with recordings issued by Mingus on his also has a south -of -the -border beat and is on own labels. It starts with Cumbia and Jazz the dull side. Marsalis returns on the title Fusion, an extended work written for a 1977 track, an eventful12 -minute exercise that film. A suite of sorts, it encompasses so many has the two tenors conversing at a fast clip. elements that it is virtually a slice of Mingus's With the rhythm section foaming under them. many -faceted approach to jazz. Completely DAVID MURRAY QUARTET + 1 they generate considerable excitement, and different, but just as extraordinary, is Myself pianist John Hicks follows with an appropri- When I Am Real. a selection from the bassist's ately frenetic solo. Unfortunately, the build-up 1963 piano album on Impulse, created sponta- DAVID MURRAY is anticlimactic, for excitement takes an inter- neously in the studio. Fast Life mission when bassist Ray Drummond and "Pictures" also includes such classic Min- DIW/COLUMBIA 57526 161 mint drummer Idris Muhammad solo. That is not to gus works as Pithecanthropus Erectus, Good- Performance: Mixed say that these are not good players, just that bye Pork Pie Hat. Better Gil It in Your Soul, and Recording: Very good their solos here were ill -placed. The remaining the two-part Meditations on Integration. But When David Murray arrived in New York three tracks are a mixture of good, so-so, and perhaps the most ambitious work here is Half - WW from the West Coast in 1975 he was only boring, but Murray's own Off Season is a fine Mast Inhibition, a tightly scored piece that twenty, but he had been playing saxophone for quartet track that demonstrates why he has Mingus claimed to have written in the late eightyears-firstinchurch,thenwith lasted so long when so many of his former loft Thirties but did not record until 1960. And for rhythm-and-blues bands. In New York, he associates have squeaked themselves into something completely different, there is Wig quickly became identified with the Greenwich oblivion. C.A.

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REVIEWED BY

ROBERT ACKART,

RICHARD FREED, DAVID

HALL, GEORGE JELLINEK, ERIC SALZMAN, AND EL ASS ICA!. MUSIC DAVID PATRICK STEARNS

orchestral accompaniment, finally appending DVORAK: Cello Concerto; Silent Woods; I BEEI'll()N 1\11.11i, \ a version by the singer -songwriter Tom Waits, Rondo; Slavonic Dance LA-§CALA whose gravelly voice, a fitting extension of the Schiff; Vienna Philharmonic, Previn PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA old man's singing, fades away against angelic PHILIPS 434 914 (54 min) high strings Performance: Outstanding ill.:LINI There is nothing in the least mushy or Recording: Very good sentimental about all of this. Bryars is abso- Wou can add this Heinrich Schiff-Andre lutely faithful to the old man's song, phrase by Previn collaboration in the Dvorak Cello phrase by phrase by phrase, sweetening it a Concerto to the top half -dozen of the more little but resisting the obvious temptation to than thirty previous versions. Given the senti- build to any kind of climax or peroration. Only ment inherent in the work, it is a sore tempta- at the very finish does Waits take over, and tion for most cellists to squeeze out yet more. even so he remains close to the original. For my taste, Schiff has the balance of emotion The result is either the most boring and and virtuosity exactly right. The hushed love- repetitive piece of music you have ever heard, liness of his initial approach to the first move- BEETHOVEN: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 8 ment's lyrical theme lingers in memory, and he La Scala Philharmonic, Giulini takes the showier passages in stride, with no SONY 48238 (66 min) attempt at flamboyance for its own sake. The Performance: Splendid Second slow movement is breathtakingly beautiful, Recording: Transparent graced not only by the delicacy and nuance of Carlo Maria Giulini's reading of the Second the solo playing but also by ravishing sound Symphony is big and bluff, expansive rath- from the Vienna Philharmonic woodwinds- er than crisp, but it flows at a steady pulse that and by the horns in their celebrated central leaves the slow movement in no danger of episode. The finale can be heavy going at grinding down. The scherzo and finale shine times. but Schiff eases up in just the right way with an amiable sort of vitality that will appeal and keeps the music moving until the poignant especially to listeners who find other readings valedictory passage, to which he brings the overdriven. The orchestra is splendid in every utmost poetic expression. section, with strings that really are silken. The The conductor functions on a par with the recording itself is silken rather than buttery, soloist in this concerto, and Previn not only outstanding in both richness and transparen- does himself proud in that department, but he cy; this is how an orchestra ought to sound. or the most profound and subtle meditation on plays top-drawer piano accompaniments for But this is not how the Eighth Symphony age, human misery, and simple faith that you the encore pieces, usually heard with orches- ought to sound. Giulini has not merely steered can imagine. In fact, it is both. If that sounds tra, that fill out the CD. The recorded balance clear of any temptation toward giddiness but like a paradox, it is one. Out of such paradox- between cello and orchestra is flawless in the has shorn the work-which Beethoven himself es, Gavin Bryars makes his music. E.S. concerto, and there is just the right amount of described as "unbuttoned"-of the efferves- acoustic elbow room to produce a warm, full cence and humor that underlie its distinctive COPLAND: Clarinet Concerto sound. Highly recommended! D.H. character. The approach is so monumentally BERNSTEIN: Clarinet Sonata sober that one might imagine the conductor OIRSHWIN, JENKINS: GRIMM: Plano Concerto (original version); had been prepared for the quite different Clarinet Arrangements Small Piano Pieces (1859) Eighth of Bruckner. While there is not much Stoltzman; London Symphony, Derwinger: NorrkOping Symphony, Hirokami point in listening to more than a single inter- Thomas and Stern BIS 619(62 min) pretation if all are going to be the same, this RCA VICTOR 61790 (64 min) Performance: Personal and passionate one just doesn't work for me. R.F. Performance: Delightful Recording: A tad resonant Recording: Fine anniversary can hardly pass BRYARS: Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet *he pastoral and reflective little Clarinet k-poser'sthese days without the exhumation of Waits; orchestra Concerto written by Copland for Benny some earlier version of a warhorse. Grieg POINT 438 823 (75 min) Goodman isthe only original item here. apparently tinkered with his Piano Concerto Performance: Mesmerizing Everything else was expressly arranged for for roughly forty years, mostly with the or- Recording: Good clarinet and orchestra by various capable chestration. Though the differences aren't If you put this CD on your player and hear hands, including Bernstein's Clarinet Sonata earthshaking, the original version here seems nothing at first, or perhaps just a faint and and variants from West Side Story, several a bit bolder than the familiar one, with a distant singing, have no fear-the problem is songs and piano preludes by George Gersh- greater reliance on brass and winds. What not a defect or system malfunction but a long, win, and Gordon Jenkins's tribute to Good- really makes this recording worth hearing is slow fade-in. What fades in is the sound of a man, Goodbye (In Memory of Benny). The the young pianist Love Derwinger. He has tramp singing a fragment of an old hymn tune results are delightful Americana, eminently rethought the concerto much in the spirit of on a piece of soundtrack tape recorded in suited to Richard Stoltzman's many and var- Percy Grainger and, like Grainger, plays it London in 1971. From it the composer Gavin ied talents. Michael Tilson Thomas conducts with the freedom of someone who knows a Bryars made a tape loop, and to that simple the concerto and the Jenkins; the capable Eric piece of music so intimately he "owns" it. and moving little rendition he gradually, over Stern (best known for his musical theater But for all of Derwinger's romantic impetu- some 75 minutes, adds and takes away an work) takes the rest. E.S. ousness in the concerto-thankfully devoid of

STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 133 CLASSICAL MUSIC

The First Freudian Musical

Erwartung is really about her mental states, pressed at the expense of the music. This is. and the highly emotional music is composed literally, a beautiful as well as a powerful in a method that can only be described as performance. free association. It is not only atonal but a- The orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera. thematic, a -melodic, a -rhythmic, and totally led by James Levine. is rarely as challenged neurotic. In short, the first Freudian musical. as it is here: the musicians do a first-class Yet this truly powerful work is also firmly job with a score that pushes orchestral virtu- rooted in the nineteenth-century Wagnerian osity to the limit. The only hitch is that the music drama, here carried to its ultimate vocal line is placed so far forward in the conclusion. Music and language are totally Philips recording that some of the orches- intertwined ina deep and rich way: the tral details are lost in the background. music is, in effect. the psychological subtext The CD is filled out with Schoenberg's of the drama. The words, by a young poet Brettl-Lieder. or Cabaret Songs, which date and medical student named Marie Pappen- from only a few years earlier than Erwartung heim, were set at a fever pitch. The work was but are. superficially at least, a world apart. completed in seventeen days. and the inten- Written for a Berlin art cabaret. supposedly sity of its creation is reflected in the music. It in a popular style. they are really almost Soprano Jessye Norman is. especially in a performance like the one classically pureart songs withalight here. an onrushing, inspired work that can- touch-something Schoenberg was not al- Schoenberg's Erwartung-the title means not be explained or analyzed in any conven- ways noted for. They are artfully wrought waiting, expectation-is one of the land- tional way. and very artfully performed by Norman with mark pieces of twentieth-century European Because of the extreme nature of the Levine at the piano; these artists are as music, and Jessye Norman's recording of it piece, it is easy for a performer. even a good much at home with the romantic charm of is a landmark performance. one, to be overwhelmed by it: instead of these neolieder as with the feverish and This "monodrama." as the composer creating the drama, the singer ends up, like psychotic atonality of the monodrama. calledit,is a one -act. one -person music - the character, as a victim. No danger of that Eric Salzman theater piece in which everything happens here. Jessye Norman is so much the confi- in the performer's head-the kind of piece dent master of the painful twists and turns of SCHOENBERG: that's often better served in a live perfor- the astonishing vocal line that she is able to Erwartung; Cabaret Songs mance. The Woman, otherwise unidentified, take the rough and scarred music to an Norman; Metropolitan Opera is looking for her absent lover and either almost lyric place. The drama and psycho- Orchestra, Levine does or does not finally find his dead body. logical torment are there. but never ex - PHILIPS 426 261 (62 min)

simpering or swooning-even he can't get too warm tone, pure intonation, and accurate col- PROKOFIEV: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 3, 5 excited over the juvenilia filling out the disc. oratura to Konstanze's music. In the taxing Bronfman; Israel Philharmonic, Mehta The twenty-three small piano pieces written "Martern Aller Arlen" aria she infuses her SONY 52483166 min) when the composer was sixteen are promising singing with a sense of defiance without sacri- Performance: Steely, brilliant snippets of ideas waiting to be developed, and ficing roundness of tone. The young American Recording: X-ray clarity they seem all the more remote for the overly tenor Stanford Olsen shines with his stylish Nearlytilt}now, Vladimir Krainev has resonant acoustic. D.P.S. and tonally winning Belmonte. made very few recordings (few, at least, The tenor Uwe Peper is an expert and known in the West), and his name has yet to MOZART: Die Entfuhrung ous dem Serail sympathetic Pedrillo, partnered by the charm- become as familiar as those of some other (The Abduction from the Seraglio) ing and agile Blonde of the soprano Cyndia Russian pianists. But he is a formidable repre- Orgonasos a. 01 se n. Sieden, Peper. Hauptmann, Sieden. Sieden dispatches "Welche Wonne" sentative of the highest standards of the Rus- others; Monteverdi Choir; with the instrumental ease of a flutist-vocal sian school and, it would appear, especially English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner characterization becomes a moot point at this well attuned to the Prokofiev idiom. His big, DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON ARCH1V tempo. Cornelius Hauptmann is really a bass - assured approach in the Teldec set encom- 435 857 (two CD's. 111 min) baritone, without the true profundo sonority, passes wit, lyricism, and stunning gradations Performance: Excellent but he puts across both the comedy and men- of color, as well as the sort of unst rained power Recording: Excellent ace of Osmin's character with great skill and that suggests vast resources held in reserve- "phisis an intimately scaled performance contagious gusto. in other words, the very qualities this music featuring young, as yet uncelebrated sing- The excellent annotations assure us that the demands. He also never seems to be using any ers, but it comes off extremely well. John Eliot recording is based on the new (1982) !Wen- of the concertos as mere "vehicles." Gardiner leads with his customary fleetness reiter edition.I have two minor quibbles: Well, perhaps the Third. Curiously, while and gives the singers strong support. Some of There's a certain fussiness in the orchestral Krainev seems comfortably "inside" the four his tempos may prove too brisk for a staged phrasing in the introduction to "Martern Aller less familiar concertos, responding to their performance, but here the cast is with him all Arlen," and the spoken dialogue is recorded at various demands with the most winning sense the way, and an admirable momentum is susan almost whispering level. G. .1. of spontaneity, he does seem given to self- tained. The English Baroque Soloists offer conscious gestures in the most popular one, as delicate and transparent sound, with lustily PROKOFIIV: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-5 if determined to put his own imprint on it even stressed woodwind and percussion detail. Krai : Frankfurt Radio Orche,tra. Kitaenko if that means distorting a phrase here or exag- The excellent impression I gained from the TELDEC 73257 (two CD's. 123 min) gerating an effect there. Too bad, for his other soprano Luba Orgonasova's earlier recital Performance: Four out of Aye performancesarethoroughlypersuasive. disc on Naxos is fortified here. She brings a Recording: Comfortable Dmitri Kitaenko has the orchestra in fine

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1..1 I1l1 I I HI I ...I I 11.1111.111.1..1.1....1.11 CLASSICAL MUSIC STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, nite touches of the Schubert to come in the MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION carefree and spirited first movement, the sici- (REQUIRED BY 39 U.S.C. 3685) liana-style slow movement, the Landler-fla-

vored menuetto, and the major/minor finale, I.a. Title of publication: Stereo Review which displays genuine structural command h. Publication no.: 0504-850 of the medium. 2. Date of filing: September 30. 1993 3 Frequency of issue: monthly The young Artis Quartet performs both No. a. No. of issues published annually: 12 2 and the familiar No. 14 in the best Viennese b. Annual subscription pnce: 515.94 4. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 1633 Romantic tradition. The recording locale (an Broadway. New York. NY 10019 Austrian Schloss, or "castle") produces a 5. Complete mailing address of the headquarters or general business offices of the publisher: 1633 Broadway. New York. bright but not glaring sonority; the microphon- NY 10019 6. Fug names and complete mailing addresses of publisher. ing is close enough that the audible decay time edi:or. and managing editor: publisher. Thomas Ph. Witsch, presents no problems. D.H. 1E03 Broadway. New York. NY 10019: editor. Louise Bout, das. 1633 Broadway. New York. NY 10019: managing editor. Davtd Stein. 1633 Broadway. New York. NY 10019 7. Owner: Hachette Filipacchi Magazines. Inc.. 1633 Broadway. New York. NY 10019 shape, and although some details are a little IC Known bondholders. mortgagees. and other security holders owning or holding I percent or more of total amounts of bonds. lost in the sonic focus, which favors sumptu- mortgages. or other secunties: Hachette Filipacchi USA. Inc.. ousness over clarity, the listening is very com- DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH 1633 Broadway. Ncw York. NY 10019 fortable. SNMPHONY No.11 10. Entent and nature of circulation NATIONA1 SYPAPIECRIY ORCHESTRA Some of that sumptuousness, in fact, would NISTISLAV ROSTROPOVICH Average no copies Actual no. copies each issue dunng of single issue have been welcome in the Sony recording, preceding published nearest which tends toward harshness in its almost X- 12 months to filing date A. Total no wipes /net pre. moll 603.025 616.410 ray image of the Israel Philharmonic winds B.Paid Aram requested circulation I.Sales through dealers and brasses. Yefim Bronfman's steely, brilliant and

tragic climax), a well -sprung scherzo taking little-known Saint-Saens Trio No. I is espe- all possible repeats (as in the other move- cially pleasing, and I was happy to have an ments), and a tensely brilliant finale with a opportunity to hear anything by Cecile coda of near -elemental ferocity. Things are Chaminade, who is not well represented in more to my taste in the pert. Rossinian the current catalog. Good recorded sound overture. Good sound. D.H. reveals plenty of detail without sacrificing MONOGOIRs Pastorale d'ete; Pacific warmth. William Livingstone 231; Rugby; Other Works AMERICAN CLASSICS Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse, Plasson Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Mauceri DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON PHILIPS 438 663 (70 min) 435 438 (65 min) John Mauceri's hitherto impressive series This CD explores Honegger's narrative or- with the new Hollywood Bowl Orchestra chestral works. including tone poems, bal- falters here. Gershwin's An American in lets, and suites from film scores. Aside Paris and Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from old favorites there are some intriguing from West Side Story come off as fairly discoveries, including a prelude for Shake- lackluster runthroughs. John Adams's The speare's The Tempest and a "pantomime Chairman Dances has little rhythmic verve symphony" called Horace Victorieux. The or sparkle. Most disappointing of allis harmonies have a lingering, dissonant kick Mauceri's "new edition" of Luther Hen- SEQUENTIA and a coloristic distinctiveness that's em- derson's symphonic arrangement of Duke Ancient Music for a Modern Age phasized by these sumptuously recorded. Ellington'sfrustratinglyunderdeveloped RCA 61868 (two CD's, 120 min) idiomatic performances. D. P. S. 1950 tone poem, Harlem-it is not im- This sampler from the medieval -music proved by the retouching or the heavy- group Sequentia is an excellent (though SCHUBERT: Symphony No. 9; handed performance. Roy Hemming somewhat tame) introduction to the kind Overture in the Italian Style of music it plays, from an ethereal antiphon San Francisco Symphony, Blomstedt REMERANDT TRIO by the twelfth -century abbess Hildegard of LONDON 436 598 (67 min) Piano Trios by Ravel, Chaminade, Bingen to earthier Spanish pieces of the HerbertBlomstedt givestheSchubert and Saint -Satins fourteenth century. Included at no extra Ninth Symphony, the "Great C Major," a DORIAN 90187 (74 min) cost is a bonus CD of superb period -instru- decidedly cool, Nordic treatment with a The Rembrandt Trio plays beautifully in ment performances of familiar Baroque brisk first movement, a darkly classic slow these ingratiating, well -crafted. generally music drawn from the Deutsche Harmonia movement (with unusual restraint at the light-hearted French chamber works. The Mundi catalog. D. P.S.

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R. STRAUSS: Ei n Heldenleben; because it's all so ingratiating that it could be written far from the cutting edge of modern- Till Eulenspiegel nudge choral directors toward more adventur- ism. Robert Moran's lovely Seven Sounds Un- Cleveland Orchestra. Dohnanyi ous repertory. It truly doesn't bite-though seen sounds like a descendant of Vaughan LONDON 436 444 (61 min) occasionally I wished that it would. Williams's Serenade to Music. Ricky Ian Gor- Performance: Terrific "Till" Olivier Messiaen's 0 Sacrum Conviviutn is don's deeply personal Water Music: A Requiem Recording: Very good an early work that sounds hardly at all like his is a subtle, intimate setting of its haiku -like n this performance of Richard Strauss's Ein more mature music. Many will remember text and a formal hybrid as well, contrasting Heldenleben. or A Herds Life, Christoph GyOrgy Ligeti's Lax Aeterna from its use in the thematic development with a song -like refrain. von Dohnanyi's characterization of the Hero film 200/: A Space Odyssey. And Meredith Most striking of allis Kim D. Sherman's strikes me as somewhat robotic, at least at Monk's Return to Earth is a hypnotic study in Bosnia -inspired Graveside, with its Eastern first: he moves swiftly. but like a well-oiled rhythm that immediately touches something European folk influences and use of drone machine. The Cleveland winds have a real elemental in the listener. effects from sacred music. The consistently field day. on the other hand, portraying the The three new works commissioned for the rich -sounding performances do justice to the Hero's critics, who come across as a marvel- recording show that wonderful music can still different needs of each piece. D. P. S. ous barnyard lot.I don't find much caprice and mercuriality in the "Hero's Helpmate"- personified capably enough in violin solos by the orchestra's concertmaster. The battle scene gets off to a rousing start with wonder- fully recorded offstage trumpets, but the uni- INevvWesit son return of the Hero theme at its close brings no real sense of culmination. Dohnanyi finally electronics warms to his task when we get to "The Hero's Works of Peace"-he clearly seems to enjoy its juxtaposition and combination of quotes we proudly offer: specializing in: from Strauss's earlier works, and the music's advent beautifully balanced polyphonic texture is ele- a iv receivers gantly realized. The final moments are distin- infinity guished by superb solo -horn playing. pioneer amplifiers Dohnanyi is much more in his clement in the volatile world of Till Euknspiegers Merry 1-afler Id players Pranks. Rarely has that scamp been so astute- carver ly characterized in his many guises, thanks to cd players the orchestra's flawlessly blended and articu- hiiachi lated string tone, razor-sharp attacks by wood- panasonic speakers winds and brass, crackling percussion work, monster horn playing with nary a bobble, and conduc- p-ocessors torial control that's second to none but never sony p-ojection tv coldly virtuosic. The rendition of the epilogue tecinics really says it all, and the CD is worthwhile for lcd projectors thisI5 -minute track alone. The recording. dah quist too, is a tad more sharply focused than in aiwa camcorders Heldenlehen, but that may stem from the differences in the scoring of the two works. Aft 1-4. jbl jvc td go video vcr premiere car audio sharp accessories Collection free shipping honest pricing- -friendly service

410 call toll free from the U 3 or Canada mon-fri 6:30a-6:3Cp sat 7:00o -5:00p sun 7:00a -4:00p MUSICA SACRA Of Eternal Light ( I A I.\ SI 61/322 170 mini Performance: Scrumptious Recording: Excellent 800-488-8877 Musica Sacra's conductor, Richard Wes- a division of Clarity Electronics LTD tenburg, predicts that this collection of 4120 Meridian Bellingham, WA.98226 contemporary a cappella works may change the way people think about choral music. 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1 , lay Mail Order Hours: For Returns or Claims We Ship 10 day delectem *Mangefrom Odle of ,eceoexLept On Viet VOdUCtSI Al returns must De made neteal Mon - Fri 9-9 Sat 9-6 Monday - Friday 9-5 To Canadaof merchandise F. are sutypect to a reslaclong lee bens ,nustke original cond tonand packapg Shang tdrki,K; ,Ot rerun:taw No Tax On ON 01 Stale Purctz,es Non -comnss,oned salesman Nag day and Second daydehvery avallabt CO STORAGE CONNECTION CD-576KD $189.95 Holds 576 CDs or 345 Audio Cassettes (top 2 tiers also hold 56 Video Cassettes) Solid Oak wood with hand rubbed finish DOA Includes 8 dividers Assembles easily 58 1/4"Hx32 1/4"Wx10"D RA Also available in Black CD-260KD $79.95 Holds 260 CDs or 160 Audio fora Cassettes (top tier also holds 20 Video Cassettes) sound value. Solid Oak wood with hand rubbed finish or Black . Fully Assembled! CD, Audio and Video Storage Our solid oak Includes 6 removable dividers Call or write for a free color brochure . 100% Solid Oak! . 30 Day Money Back Stack Racks will Assembles easily Guarantee! 35"Hx22"Wx9"D 1-800-858-9005 . Made in U.S.A. hold audio, video AGM Woodworking . Smoked Class Doors and satellite CDV-80KD $79.95 870 Capitolio Way 45 Ajuslable Shelves San Luis Obispo. Ca. 93401 components, Holds 80 Video Cassettes or NSA .No Hidden Costs (805) 544-8668 Just One J.ow Price! providing 212 CDs or 128 Audio Cassettes Solid Oak wood unmatched Includes 4 removable dividers flexibility Assembles easily and economy. 34 1/2"Hx23 1/2"Wx8 3/4"D Available in black lacquer CD TOWER $99.95 or honey oak Holds 100 CDs finish. Elegant styling Custom crafted with Cherry For a free or Oak finish brochure on the Stackable full line of Stack Convenient revolving feature Racks and CD Storage, contact us at: Free delivery in 48 states P.O. Box 609, Boone, NC 28607, call 1-800-344-5116 or Fax (704) 262-0844 Leslie Dame Enterprises, Ltd. 111-20 73rd Avenue CD3 Compact Disk Storage System The Market Tree, Ltd. Forest Hills, NY 11375 Design and Engineering Award winner. Con- Manufactured Call (718) 261-4919 FAX: (718) 793-8804 sumer Electronics show. Holds 40 CD's; sale, compact, retreivable, portable 1-708-3814020. I ice 1 )iinenSiOnS Wilsko - 333 E. Chestnut Street, Barrington, IL 60010 Visa/MC/Disc./Am Exp. $29.95 SSH Trademark PendingStack RacksTM

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COXFM35 Coll Car, .NC, SONY POLK CRUNCH, LEGACY PIONEER, DENON. 101111St. 170117 14t him., (D11 149. 811 100 429 700209 119 CON0(12 Call HIFONICS. BLAUPUNKT, AUTOTEK KENWOOD. SCOSCHE EFX 7007 ?N. 790I 149 AP*, CND 374. 151100 TOWN. IN CONN Call *aim order A. sm... 1,00 Aki MAIM Cali Sony 0119220 CMI r=1 C T90029 C. CDP50140 C. AND MANY OTHERS CALL OR WRITE FOR CURRENT FREE SALES WM 4110 rim u I arralsoir pr***. ONAorehabentel be faIAA. **or C01002R Call C1205240 C. FLYER. FREE UPS IN 48 STATES. OUR 7TH YEAR. VISA/MC: COD ini1/4 Arm. NoirNISI NISI II 40/0.1. All kr CTIVECOR Call COX340 CMI ACCEPTED. P.O. BOX 596, MONROE, NY 10950 (914) 782.6044 /, A91.1 h to( InI* Mn, KiEnwitiorl PEW4030 100 CD Chong. COAA35AF Coll PAWSOSO C. CC110.00311F Coll IIEVIEOSO Coll Call for 9.1 pr.. LOW PRICES!! Nakamichi, CARVER, Polk, DE - Send TC1011 Call CAR AMPS 11 SPEAKERS TCWR5.35 159 CAMCORDERS. VCR'S 4 LASER DISC'S TCWRINSS CM AO C. Se,. P.A.. 1 Col NON, Onkyo, PARADIGM, NAD, Parasound, Call RADAR DETECTORS B&K, KEF, M&K, Snell, plus more! SOUND SHOP B&W, CELESTION, DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY, CALL FOR PRICES on Models and Brands Not Listed HITS Mon Sal 9 AM 6 PM EST Prices sublets to change. Pnoes exclude ship' 206-692-8201. KEF, MIRAGE, VELODYNE, ADCOM, B&O, CARV- ping a handling Not responsible lot typographical errors. MasterCard, 81sa. SLEDGEHAMMER AUDAX PEERLESS. FOCAL WA & DYNAUDIO ER, DENON, HARMAN/KARDON, NAKAMICHI, American Express and C 0 D accepted Products come reilli W C %wanly Who esale Connection 108191 51 Forest Mills. NY 11375 LOUDSPEAKERS with good prices and fast service. MADISOUND ONKYO, YAMAHA, AND OTHERS. S.T.I. (800) SPEAKER COMPONENTS, 8608 University Green, Box 44283. Madison. WI 53744-4283 (608) 831-3433. 370-1800. TIPS FOR MAIL ORDER FOR SALE FOR SALE PURCHASERS VIDEO LASERDISCS-Largest Selection. All AudioNideo needs can Colonel Video & Audio. Discount -Sony Panasonic, Ken - wood, Pioneer 1-B00-423-VCRS. It is impossible for us to verify all of Sound Ideas GRAPHIC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION DISC. SELECTED BANDS OF Car & Home Stereo NOISE FOR 7/10/30 BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZERS. NO NEED FOR A the claims of advertisers, including REAL TIME ANALYZER ANYMORE! $19.95 C.O.D. + SHIPPING. TYN product availability and existence of 516-864-6548Fax 516-864-6437 INC. 4725 E. SUNRISE DR #415, TUCSON, AZ 85718. warranties. Therefore, the following rg AUTO SOUND .aa, THREE BEST $1,500 LOUDSPEAKERS!!! THX information is provided for your KE HOME THEATER!!! B&W - Alon - Celestion - KEF 7513 229IN35225129KPC160 159NWOOD 279 protection. 7514 259 35275 22914X260 179 KCC7000 339 - Hafler - Fosgate - Harman/Kardon - Bang & 7517 289 3548 229145C360 209 100:000 419 7524 379 3553 27914X-.560 239 KCCC601 309 Olufsen - Denon - Adcom - Polk - McCormack - 1. Confirm price and merchandise 7525 429 3555 3491070660 279 K.601FM 379 7626 cai 59522 3391470860 319 KAC714 179 Eminent Technology - Carver - Crown + 29 information with the seller, including 7804 329 5956 429KRC960 439 KAC744 239 7805 379 5957 429KGC6042A 189 269 More Brands - Honest Advice! TECH ELECTRON- brand, model, color or finish, acces- 7807 419 3331 189 BOSTON 7982 539 3342 389641 139 4 4 pro 249 ICS. (904) 376-8080. Not affiliated with Amer- sories and rebates included in the A D S 851 159 5 4 pro 269 955 2 209 6428169861 169 6 4 cro 289 isound or STI. price. 4 25 .229k4 209757 89 8 4 PAR 249 6 25 .319 AL5 239767 99 10.4 PAP289 2. Understand the seller's return PH15 2..489 41.6 269797 139 124 PAR 389 COMPACT DISCS PQ20 2 539 510 o 299 SOW and refund -policy,including the 3006 249 2001 209 3206299 . 2 "OVER 15,000 USED CD's! $2.99 - $999. Send $200 for 28 page allowable return period, who pays the 6 2.3 129XI:5600 199 197L.660 319 catalog (refundable) or $10.00 for 12 issues. 10th Year. Visa/MC. CLARION CDX5060 239 X81'770 439 postage for returned merchandise, 6201CD 279 5740 229CDX5260.269 0014.170 279 Buy/Sell. AUDIO HOUSE 4304B &cyan, Swartz Creek Michigan 5632CD 229 5750 259C0X5460 .309 COX4351* 349 48473 313-655-8639." and whether there is any "restocking" 5671CD 279 5760 309COX1i6260 .359 Cr6anc13...339 578000 charge. 329 5790 399 PIONEER 40,000 NEW CD'S $4 -to -$12. FREE details. Compact Music -SR, BAZOOKA 1E444500199 DEW _269 162 159 162A 1105 Webster, Sandy. Utah 84094-3151. Phone/fax (801) 3. Understand the product's war- 219KEHM65C0.239 CEH730 . /89 182 209 182A 2491.114.43500. 389 CEN880 409 571-9767. riO2 ea 149 1102A 289 ranty. Is there a manufacturer's war- CDXM12 319 CCAOA . 289 Call for poor. on adddoonal Cr at Home sena products flom Moak Adarnt Alegi Lansaw. INVENTIONS WANTED ranty, and if so, isit from a U.S. or A ado Convol. BlaudortIO. Bar. Code ma", Coll.. Coto.. Pennon. al K. Infamy. JBL. NC. K laph. M 13 ,..an. MTX. NM.... Pali. PPI.ocklord. Sio ES. Yamaha and raga ern,1110 foreign manufacturer? Note that ...a an homed Sound Ideal Warrants THE LOGICAL PROCESS'', Inventors. Call for free advice. Your many manufacturers assert that, first step is important. Complete patenting and morketing even if the product comes with a service APSI in Washington DC 1-800-458-0352 U.S. manufacturers warranty card, FREE CALL...(800) 423-1122...FREE CALL. BLANK TAPES if you purchase from an unautho- BOSE AM5 II $569, AM7 II $699; CARVER rized dealer, you are not covered TFM-35 $569, CT -27V $599; DENON by the manufacturer's warranty. If AVR-2000 $675, AVR-3000 $1049; ONKYO in doubt, contact the manufacturer TXSV-717 $699, TXSV909 $1299. IN STOCK, directly. In addition to, or instead of, FULL MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. 15 DAY the manufacturer's warranty, the sell- MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. NEW WORLD er may offer its own warranty. In AUDIO (800) 423-1122. either case, what is covered by warranty, how long is the warranty period, where will the product be ser- I viced, what do you have to do, and 4f2yeiz will the product be repaired or replaced? You may want to receive a ifflieWE CAR STEREO copy of the written warranty before CALL FOR PRICES ON VCR'S & FAX'S placing your order. 2 PARK AVE., DEPT. 15, NY, NY 10016 4. Keep a copy of all transactions, 212-684-6363FAX: 212-684-8046 B. J. AUDIO, INC. 991 Beechmeadow including cancelled checks, receipts CAR STEREOS Cincinnati, Ohio 45238 and correspondance. For phone 'PIONEER orders, make a note of the order DEH980 469 KEHM8500389 59522 '319-PICIS CALL (513) 451-0112 439 including merchandise ordered, price, DEH880 419 KEHM8200...339 5952 439 7525 Car Stereo DEH780 349 KEHM7500...279 7982 549 7524 389 order date, expected delivery date DEH730 289 6EHM5500...229 7807 429 7521 349 Al ne' Boston' Kenwood' and salesperson's name. DEH520 269 KEH3500...... 189 7805 139 7517 299 7607 $429 6.2 $299 KRC 7000 9339 COXM30 289 KEH2500 ...... 169 7804 339 7514 269 7514 269 5.2 279 KRC C601 339 5.If 3342 399 7513 239 the merchandise is not 7521 349 797 149 KRC 960 439 shipped within the promised time 3522S 139 3555.. 359 CDX435RF 359 XRU770...... 449 3527S 239 3548 239 SotindStream' PPI' Audio Control or if no time was promised, 30 days CDXU70 289 XRU660...... 329 'BOSTON 'e1300 $309 A404 $429Ementer 916 of receipt of the order, you generally CDXU303 319 XRU330 269 6.4 299 767 99 Rat 500 469 MOO 499 Ego II 25 C0XU6260.369 XR5600 209 5.4 279 797.. 148 MC 245 469 A200 299 4.s . 16 have the right to cancel the order and C0X5460... 319 X04400 169 4.4 249 10.4 pair 299 MB Quart' Polk' ADS' C0X5060249 CDXU303 319 757 89 727 89 get a refund. OM 218 CX 9269 MM 3065 $275 Ph 15.2 5439 XM4040..219 XM3021 99 ''CLARION 6. Merchandise substitution without 'ADS 6770 379 5760 329 OM 215 CX 249 MM 3055 265320 is 389 K your express prior consent is not PS5.2 179 PH15 2 .439 578000 349 5750 269 M 1 1.9 642 1 4.25 239 P0202_493 5671CD 289 5740 239 Home Stereo allowed. 30015. 249 320IS 299 6201CD 299 2060 299 Yamaha' Paradigm' Polk' 7. If you have a problem with your 642IX 189 SlOpair 299 HOME AUDIO 2001 219 62__..___129 RX9 870 Call9 se III Call LS 70 LNI order or the merchandise,write a 625 329 AL4 219 'YAMAHA 'DENON RX1/ 1070 Call 7 se III Cat RAA 3000 Call AL5 249AL6...... 279 letter to the seller with all the perti- RXV670 529DRA545 289 coc 735 Call Phantom Call 54 Call rKENWOOD CDC635 239 0CM440 299 Onk o Bose Hat man/Kar don nent information and keep a copy. KDC9000 429 1005000. ...289 RXV870 699AVR2000 659 8. If you are unable to obtain satis- KCC7000 349 KDDC800...... 389 'PIONEER K Cell Call Call KRC960 449 KOCC601FM.389 VSX452 249HK3500 419 BIC Definitive Tech' Nakamichi- faction from the seller, contact the KRC860 329 KFIC360 209 VSX702 549FL840 429 Call Cau Call consumer protection agency in the KRC660 289 KRC260 189 PDM702 198HD8400 429 KRC460 239 KRC160 169 "tJVC ''TECHNICS seller's state or your local Post Office. KAC714 159 KAC744 249 RX509 239SAG650 389 KAC723 189 KACI323 . .279 RX709 319SAGX130 179 'JVC XLM509 239RSTR333169 WANTED TO BUY If, after following the above guide- XLMK500 . 259 KSRT80...... 249 lines, you experience a problem with 8.146700AF329 KSRT70...... 189 'MINI SYSTEMS LP's & CD's. BOUGHT & SOLD: Classical, Rock, Jou, Audi- XLG3900309 KSRT50...... 159 JVC AIWA ophile, Etc. PRINCETON RECORD EXCHANGE, 20 Tulane St., a mail order advertiser that you are KSRG8 279 KSRT30. ..149 *rBLAUPUNKT MXS2 319NXS3500 389 Princeton, NJ 08542. 0091921-0681. unable to resolve, please let us MXS4 399LCX01 339 LAGUNA 279 CANCUN 169 Pioneer McIntosh and Marantz tube type Hi -II and old JBL Altec. VENTURA 34 MEMPHIS 199 Sony know. Write to the Associate MHC510 349 Tannoy EV Patrician and Western Electric speakers. David: Call fpr Prices Polk -Rockford CCS-370 469 Publisher of STEREO REVIEW PPPCollins-Collins-AITX MHC610 419CCS-470 599 1-800-356-4434 Magazine, Tony Catalano. Be sure to 'Factory Warrantee -Authorized. 'Factory Warrantee -Non - MISCELLANEOUS include copies of all correspon- Authorized. 'NY Wholesale Warrantee -Non -Authorized ASK FOR DETAILS AT TIME OF ORDER CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVERS EXCHANGE'. Nationwide link be- dence. tween unattached music lovers. Write CMLE, Box 31, Pelham, NY 10803. (800) 233-CMLS. MISCELLANEOUS I NEW PRODUCTS Stereo Reviev TERMPAPER assistance 19278 papers available, 306 -page catalog- -rush--$200. Research, 11322 Idaho, # 206SX, Los An- geles, 90025. TOLL FREE HOTLINE: 800-351-0222 (California [310) 477-8226) RETAIL MART LOUDSPEAKERS

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To help you, we've selected the 60 companies that offer We are notaware of any the finest equipment, at the best value. one facility that has the unique combina- We'll proceed step by step until you're satisfied that tion of physical size, the system you purchase is the perfe or you. depth of inventory, To get started, call us today. and number of quality lines to complement our approach to display, demonstration and 310 517-1700 competitive pricing. 310 517-1732 fax REFERENCE KANSAS UNIVERSITY 182141)1170\KNEE, DEPT S AUDIOVIDEO GARDENA, CA 90248 osuutt, STUDENTS & ALUMNI ASK ABOUT OUR C

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BYDIGI1 RALPH HODGESEND

their working parts are as massless listening, lest a musician step out to and insubstantial as gift wrap, leading introduce himself. Waggles and one to expect a certain retiring delica- A second cavil was anticipated: cy in their emissions. Instead, "My lack of low -frequency extension, as is God, it's like the fifth row in a movie inevitable with almost any dipole theater," remarked one visitor, and his loudspeaker of less than enormous di- assessment was correct, except that mensions. These Maggies do full jus- I just happens to be a part of this the overall sound quality was infinite- tice to the string bass, but at the lower job. Once you have everything ly better. Another suggested that the frequencies plumbed by many orches- sounding very much to your satis- whole wall had come alive with mu- tral bass drums, pipe organs, and syn- faction, and you begin wondering sic, which was fascinating in its way, thesizer compositions, your imagina- what it would be like to start invit- but not easily reconcilable with the tion must provide the floor shakes and ing record producers in and con- modern concert -hall experience, in tummy massages. A subwoofer to fronting them with what their work which the whole stage may bloom handle the lowest audio octave would really sounds like, it's time to throw with sound but that stage remains a seem a likely fix, but getting a cone everything out and begin anew. relatively small portion of the entire driver to "join up" satisfactorily with Therefore, the Yellow Room's new auditorium. Here, the stage had been film -diaphragm elements has often principal loudspeakers are Magnepla- brought into the room, and the room proved puzzlingly difficult. nar 3.5's, the as -yet -unannounced suc- was not really big enough for it. My strong suspicion is that the cessors to the 3.3's, replacing them as It's probably time to point out that crudely horn -like configuration of the the company's next -to -largest offer- the above comments have nothing to Yellow Room's sending end has a lot ing. I confess to a long fascination do with stereo imaging, or "sound - to do with the potency of the Mag- with planar -diaphragm speaker de- staging," as it is now often called. The gies' projection, but I have heard signs, having been astonished by how Maggies keep the violins precisely in from some colleagues that they can marvelous they can sound when sen- place, very much up front and to the verge on the overwhelming in other sitively installed, and how abom- left, and the percussionists remain listening environments. A major prob- inable when they're put just any- fixedly in back, to the point where lem with saying more is that not many where. The difference lies, of course, you can almost sense them playing people have heard Magneplanar in the treatment of the speakers' rear cards during the slow movement. speakers anywhere, and very few radiation, normally identical to the There are no spatial distortions unless have heard them in their homes. The front, which will bounce back from they are contributed by the recording. company is small. the dealers not nu - the wall behind them to interfere cata- strophically with what the device is trying to project into the listening area. Any speaker is subject to some The Magneplanar 3.5's keep the violins up front and of this sort of degradation, but with a planar -diaphragm type, the back re- left, and the percussionists in back-you can almost flections don't even have to ooze their way around a cabinet to do their dam- sense them playing cards during the slow movement. age. They will come right through the diaphragm, which is, after all, only a flimsy sheet of plastic film. Nor is there any sort of -tom ard- met -oils, and the setup in showrooms I anticipated many an exasperating ness," often associated with an ag- that do have Magnepan products can hour lugging the 6 -foot Maggies here gressive upper midrange. The upper be very disadvantageous. Magazine and there to locate their sweet spots, midrange is handled by a ribbon reviews are scanty. For these reasons, but in that I was disappointed. The tweeter, 4 feet tall, about a centimeter and others, I'd like to call your atten- structural irregularities of the Yellow wide, and not thick enough to be tion to them on this page. They pos- Room (window casements, strange worth talking about. Magnepan says sess all the favorable sonic attributes junctions of walls and ceiling) seemed it's dead flat to 40 kHz, and you read- of full -range electrostatics at a mini- to disorganize the back reflections so ily believe it when you hear it. mum of cost (about $3,200 a pair) and effectively as to make the very first This is the sort of tweeter that complexity, and what they can do, experimental placement quite delight- draws you in instead of driving you bass limitations considered, is proba- ful-with some reservations. away. And so does the rest of the sys- bly as much as could be expected The first of these had to do with... tem. But its overall presence, its from any loudspeaker. The thing is well, let's call it "bigness." The Mag- "thereness," makes you wish you had that, for some, they might do a little gies are large objects, to be sure, but bothered to shave before you started too much of it.

150 STEREO REVIEW JANUARY 1994 vIt'sa THE ATOM, $159'/PAIR.

Sound&Vision

Crones CHOICE AWARD

V TheATOM represents an amazingpricebreak- through in high performance sound. Although diminutive and designed to fit into small spaces, and small budgets, the ATOM is first of all designedfor superb sound!

That's why superior components are used, such as the cooling/damping. The multi -element crossover is

PARADIGM built bass/midrange frequency/phase corrected. drive unit that has no The ATOM must be

less than a precision heard to be

diecast chassis, believed. It is polypropylene cone completelynat- and kapton former. ural and true to The tweeter is a %" wide - live music. And at dispersion polyamide dome with ferrofuild $159/pair it's not just a best buy, it's a steal!

For more information on the ATOM as well as other fine P4RAD/GM speakers visit your nearest AUTHORIZED PARADIGM DEALER, Or write: AUDIOSTREAM, MPO Box 2410, Niagara Falls, NY 14302 In Canada: PARADIGM, 101 Hank', Rd., Woodbridge, ON L4L 3P5

CIRCLE NO. 44 ON READER SERVICE CARD .A4SLP. COPY RIGHT 0 PARADIGM/BAVAN All the controlsyou needto operate a lu performancestereo system.

Ditto.

Obedience.Some people Communication happens almost listen to a Lifestyle® S music system. think the only way to get it from a instantaneously and virtually error- You'll find it has all the lifelike perfor- stereo system is to stand there and free. No matter where you're stand- mance - with less hassle - any serious fiddle around until it finally gives them ing - in the same room, on a different music lover could want. what they want. floor, or even outside. Take And while you're at home a Until they try a Bose® Lifestyle® The obedient remote control, Virtu- new the store, you music system. ally Invisible" speaker design, and the Lifestyle can also enter Then they're amazed at how such a elegant one-piece AM/FM tuner and music to win a free system small, elegant system could respond so CD player are results of the research Bose car stereo - quickly with so little effort. Bose has invested in the Lifestyle® and the sporty new car it's built into. The secret is the radio frequency music system. But the best result is the For details, call toll free: remote control. And the highly selec- spacious stereo image and the true-to- tive receiver designed to catch the very life performance the Lifestyle® system 1-800-444-BOSE narrow band of delivers. And that, we think, is what (1 -800 -'I'M 2673) Ext. 311 radio signals. So, you really want from a high perfor- unlike the signals mance stereo system. Monday - Friday 9AM - 9PM; Saturday 9AM - SI'M of a portable Once you see it telephone and hear it, we for instance, .E7151M"'" think you'll be Better sound through research, there's no convinced. 01993 Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, cross talk. MA 01701-9168 Visit your Bose dealer and Covered by patent rights issued and/or pending. JN94358