<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Impressive in performance and design
Review: A favorite pastime is to visit audiovideophile stores and listen to home theater set-ups. Well the prices are coming down. No longer the $15K or more set-ups. At least until I get a large plasma screen or something. I bought a mere 32" Toshiba HD TV and I realized the sound fell short of what it could be. Oddly, I saw demo'ed at Sam's Club a Nakamichi SoundSpace 8.5 speaker system (with A-V receiver-DVD player). The whole set-up was totally impressive. When the price dropped further, I couldn't resist. This system is now set-up with 5 satellite speakers and TWO sub-woofers plus the electronics. This have been beautifully designed components (and compact). I don't think I could enjoy the sound any more in a theater -- I know I wouldn't. The only thing now lacking is a huge screen. The sound and spaciousness of 5.1 audio is impressive. I've listened to "Return of the King", "Kill Bill, Vol. 1", and "Terminator 3". The exploitation of the dimensionalty is simply awesome. The sharpness of the sound is impressive. I just finished adjusting the system for time delays based on positions of the speakers (manual is very clear and straight-forward) and even my ears heard (and felt) improvements. I found that my old DVDs had new life and interest. It's difficult to tell whether it is the sound alone, or the quality of the DVD player that is part of SS8.5 that made such a difference. I do not have perfect pitch or especially good ears, but the experience of this system is remarkable. My family has been wowed by the set-up. Sounds on the discs are momentarily mistaken for real sounds in the room. In "Kill Bill", breaking glass sounds like real breaking glass. Together with the increasing cable offerings available in HDTV, many new choices are appearing. These do not have the impact of the DVDs that I've played, but nevertheless well executed. I am one VERY satisfied Nakamichi customer.
Rating: 
Summary: Borderline solution..., for a special type of customer
Review: Nakamichi 8 1/2 will be for some time (depending on the course of its price and competitors) the happy compromise for those who want a combo consisting of: (1) decent DVD player (2) good CD/FM tuner/MD amp audio solution, (3) HIFI audio, and (4) at about the right price.
It's only a decent DVD player for it lacks the newest/greatest (digital) connectivity, thus inherent limitations of S-Video, etc.
Great audio solution for its low harmonic distortion (0.04%, as in some high end cans like Sennheiser, and it shows!). A little more detail on the audio fidelity: It is achieved by breaking the whole thing into 3 separate units + 2 sub-woofers + 5 satellite speakers. Each sub-woofer has a couple of satellites connected to, and DRIVEN by, it. The first unit is the disc player. The second unit drives the central satellite speaker. The third unit is the AM/FM tuner and connects to most everything else (btw, the FM tuner's reception is average). Make sure you check out the Dolby Pro-Logic II setting even for your typical 2-channel stereo sources! Connected headphones are served well--with a headphone amp by the disc unit or directly by the AM/FM tuner unit. Pumping only as much as 20Watts worth of power per speaker makes this solution less than great for the typical audiophile.
Beyond and above the price tag or this configuration, the rich wire-connectivity, and especially the lack of support for newer audio/video data formats make Nakamichi 8 1/2 a borderline solution for a special mix of customers--not exactly "mainstream" one might say.
Rating: 
Summary: Rip-Off
Review: Nakamichi is an excellent product. Performance, style, sound. Nonetheless, pray for it not to need any repairs because the Customer Service Dept is terrible. I have been waiting for 4 months on my $1300 system to be repaired and all they can tell me is that they don't have the part yet. Even the Customer Service Representative shy fully acknowledges that their parts are scarce and take forever to be shipped.
I rather spend $300 on my next system and make sure that they have spare parts, OR buy a BOSE system, their customer support Rocks.
<< 1 >>
| 
