Downsizing
Sun, Apr 3 2011, 11:15AM
#2
RE: Downsizing
I wouldn't call it a mantra. As I said before, it seems to be an engineering fact. There are sources of information, not written by manufacturers, which explain this.
It doesn't mean, of course, that any active speaker beats any passive speaker/amp combination. I'm sure it still depends on the competence of the design and quality of components/construction.
As for the Watts thing. There have been many blind listening tests comparing "high" and "low" end amps which have failed to detect significant audible differences between them. It appears that properly designed amps should sound the same (assuming they are not "overdriven").
I don't know why Naim Watts, for example, are so expensive. That's down to them and their business model I suppose. But I'm sure it's possible to make a cheaper amp with more Watts which sounds indistinguishable from the a Naim amp (unless there's a secret "sound" ingredient in them!).
There are other factors, of course, like features and looks and build quality. But the Naim Uniti, to me, still looks stingy Watts-wise.
Sun, Apr 3 2011, 11:59AM
#3
RE: Downsizing
The more you post, the more familiar all the arguments become, Phileas. That makes it rather like trying to have a discussion with a double-glazing salesman – and for that reason, I'm out.
Sun, Apr 3 2011, 1:11PM
#4
RE: Downsizing RE: Downsizing
and for that reason, I'm out.
Ok Andrew. Hope I didn't offend!
Wed, Apr 6 2011, 8:57AM
#5
RE: Downsizing RE: Downsizing RE: Downsizing RE: Downsizing
Fascinating stuff, gentlemen, for a hi-fi novice such as myself [in spite of my age!]. It did seem to be getting somewhat vitriolic, however, towards the end.
I am not really interested in hi-fi in itself, merely the music, which as an art form has brought me more pleasure than any other over the years. All I needed was a little guidance on downsizing, which you have kindly provided to me. Whether I go down the AVI or Naim routes will depend on what I hear when I get a demonstration.
So thank you again for taking the time to guide me through what seems a bit of a minefield. Clearly opinions differ! The great pleasure for me in all of this is that both products mentioned appear to be manufactured in this country, which is also an important consideration for me.
Wed, Apr 6 2011, 9:57AM
#6
RE: Downsizing
Spadger
Sorry for spoiling the thread. I should have stopped earlier. These kinds of "debate" are generally fruitless and I should have known better.
It is all about the music, of course, and as long as you're happy about the choices you make, then that's all that matters.
It is nice to buy British made products isn't it?
Sun, Jul 24 2011, 10:33AM
#7
RE: Downsizing
For anyone who might be in any way interested in what I actually did on the downsizing issue, I had a listen to the options suggested [AVI and Naim] and these products, good as they are, were not to my taste. In the end I went to a Hi-Fi dealer in Castleford, West Yorkshire, and they steered me towards a Marantz Universal disc player [UD7006] and an Arcam A38 amplifier. I decided to keep my existing Revolver Cygnis speakers as I did not think I could improve on them on my budget. So I now have a two box system that will play Blu-Ray discs, SACDs, DVD-As and CDs. I can play the radio via Freesat into the amplifier and I also occasionally use a Brennan JB7 for background music. The only format I can't play is vinyl, but that was a given part of the downsizing exercise anyway. In essence the system does pretty well everything I want at a high level of fidelity and in a reasonably modest size [the whole point of the exercise in the first place]. Perhaps because my ears are no longer young [63 years old], it all sounds good to me and I am very happy with the outcome. Incidentally, I find the Brennan fine to live with - played through my amplifier. It is what it is - not the solution to everyone's music needs and certainly not the perfect music carrier but good at what it claims to do.
Tue, Nov 22 2011, 6:40PM
#8
RE: Downsizing
I would suggest going for the brennan jb7, excellent product, have never had a space problem, but I am sure this product will be able to eradicate yours, downsizing and keeping sound quality is something that is very rare with hifi systems, but the jb7 does this superbly so I suggest you check it out.
Sun, Nov 27 2011, 7:02PM
#9
RE: Downsizing
Aaaah Kris, I see you are promoting the JB7 again..... you really are an advocate!
Mon, Dec 5 2011, 4:36PM
#10
RE: Downsizing
hahaha its just a great product!!
Mon, Dec 5 2011, 6:21PM
#11
RE: Downsizing
Does it compress the original or does it capture and reproduce in lossless (FLAC or similar) format? Just curious, given the enthusiasm expressed here.
Vic.
Tue, Dec 13 2011, 4:48PM
#12
RE: Downsizing
Hello,
There is a new and updated user manual for the Brennan jb7. This manual also includes a new section on how to record from vinyl. The manual is available via the official Brennan website, it can also be downloaded in electronic format via the named link provided below.
User Manual download - http://www.brennan.co.uk/imagprod/BrennanManual.pdf
Official website - http://www.brennan.co.uk/
Official support website http://brennan.kayako.com/
kind regards,
John
Brennan Customer Service Team
Tue, Dec 13 2011, 11:29PM
#13
RE: Downsizing
Hello,There is a new and updated user manual for the Brennan jb7.
So you keep telling us.
This is a forum for non-commercially aligned.....go away!
Tue, Feb 7 2012, 8:06PM
#14
RE: Downsizing
does any one know the best way to get music from jb7 onto my ipod and from my i pod to my jb7?
Thu, Feb 9 2012, 2:04PM
#15
RE:
from the JB7 onto your iPod you will have to transfer the music from the JB7 onto a USB memory stick. Then plug the memory stick into your PC. Copy the MP3s to a convenient folder on the PC then use iTunes to load these MP3s onto your iPod.
for itunes music onto JB7 the best way really is to copy folders of MP3s from your itunes library onto a USB memory stick then plug the memory stick into the JB7 and select upload albums from the USB functions menu. If your itunes library contains non MP3 files then you will have to convert them first.
hope this help you!!
Indeed, you can say that about anything, but those preaching the mantra that passive speakers are fundamentally flawed, and that the one and only true way is active, tend to be those with a vested interest in selling you active speakers.
And similarly, merely considering a product on how many Watts it gives you for the money would tend to overlook other factors such as the quality of the sound, what else the product offers, and so on.
Audio Editor, Gramophone