 |
| Letters -- August 2005 Shunyata and Nordost August 15, 2005 To Jeff Fritz, I've noticed in looking through the "TWBAS" archives that you have had both Nordost and Shunyata cabling in your system. Both companies' cables are highly regarded by both the reviewing and audiophile communities. I was wondering if you could make some comments comparing the two different companies' cabling. Were there particular strengths and weaknesses that you noticed? I gather that you use the top-of-the-range Shunyata as your reference. Why do you favor this cabling? I currently have Ixos Ixotica cabling, which has a geometry that is similar to the Shunyata geometry. I am wondering if I were to upgrade the cabling whether I am more likely to favor the Shunyata or Nordost. Richard Thomas Although I do currently prefer the top-range Shunyata cabling you just read about, it is not in direct comparison to the top-of-the-line Nordost offerings, which I've not heard in my system. I like the Shunyata products because they simply offer excellent across-the-board sound quality -- you don't give up one aspect of performance in order to attain another. And even for the top-of-the-line Antares and Orion, the prices are less than many other companies' products. Couple these facts to the company's excellent support and track record, and you have a winning combination. I do, however, have trusted friends who use Nordost in a similar-level system with great results. So I guess the upshot is that I think both would be leading candidates for your system. Which you would prefer, however, I can't say....Jeff Fritz Shunyata and a new room August 11, 2005 To Jeff Fritz, I just finished reading your column on the Shunyata products. I have plans to get a Hydra Model-2 and a Python power cord for my system. Let me know when you start to write about your new listening room. I have found out myself just how important the room is to great sound. I will look forward to hearing your comments. Robert S. Bates The first room-related article will September 15th, so it's coming!...Jeff Fritz DVD-A's resolution and playing time August 8, 2005 To Rad Bennett, I have read your review of Vivaldi's Estro Armonico, where you write, "I wonder, however, why this set takes up two discs. One of the good things about the format is the ability to present more music per disc. EMI released a Bach collection and a complete Messiah, each on a single disc, and both are longer than this two-disc set." I wonder on my side if you don't know the maximum capacity of a DVD-A even if it is a DVD-9. At top resolution (24-bit/96kHz, 5.1 and stereo as it is on these two discs) it cannot include more than 85-90 minutes. Obviously the EMI set is not fully 24/96 and doesn't utilize all the available channels at the same rate in order to fit all information on a single disc. An Arts Messiah has been released on two DVD-As (formally a DVD-9 and a DVD-5) and this is a full and original 24/96 multitrack, which utilizes the maximum of the DVD-A capacity. So, I think you have to be careful in your review if you are affirming things that could generate misunderstandings to your readers, even more since you are a website devoted to high fidelity. Gian Andrea Lodovici I was correct in giving two examples of DVD-Audio discs that contain a generous amount of music (over two hours). But, as you rightly point out, the allowable time will vary depending on the chosen resolution for all of the channels, particularly the surrounds, and I did not take that into account. The DVD-Audio system allows that the channels need not all have the same resolution. I checked with several producers that I could reach and could find no one exact time limit for a DVD-Audio disc. It varies depending on the type of disc format chosen, single or dual layer, and on the way the channels are configured. It is probable that some producers who wish to put more playing time on a single DVD-A, might trim the resolution a bit on the rear channels, feeling that since they carry largely ambient sounds, that the highest resolution is only necessary up front. Others, apparently including Mr. Lodovici, will feel that the highest resolution is needed on all channels even if it causes the release to be placed on more than one disc. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating; the final result is what is important. The Arts recording of the Vivaldi is A+ in sound, but so are the two longer DVD-A recordings I mentioned in my review of the Messiah on DTS and the Bach concert on EMI. All of them sound quite a bit better than similar CD versions. DVD-Audio allows more than one way to skin the proverbial cat and achieve magnificent results. It boggles my mind that the system is not more popular than it is....Rad Bennett Where to get SACDs August 2, 2005 To Rad Bennett, Thank you for "Where to Get It." What I missed in your article is a reference to www.sa-cd.net. This is the best source for information on SACD and has a click through function to various online shops (including the various Amazon.coms in the world). Giel Bessels
Ultra Audio is part of the SoundStage! Network. |
