Naka-Tribe Feature #6:
Duane Cloutier
What got you started as a home theater enthusiast?
I was just looking for better sound than what you get on a tv. Plus I really wanted to get the surround sound experience. And in this world today, true hifi has been replaced by cheap and easier forms of music.
How did you start on your Nakamichi journey?
I always wanted a Dragon cassette deck, but couldn't afford one. Then I read about the Shockwafe soundbars. I purchased the 9.2.4 and was happy with it. Then I heard that you were coming out with the Dragon. I was determined to get one. And I did.
Why did you decide on DRAGON, out of the many other audio systems available on the market?
I knew of the Dragon line's history and knew that Nakamichi would not use the Dragon line's name in anything but top notch products. After always wanting the Dragon cassette deck, I decided to purchase the Dragon soundbar without ever hearing it.
And believe when I tell you, it was well worth the money. MONEY WELL SPENT!!
What are some of the ways in which your home theater experience has changed since your upgrade to DRAGON, as compared to your previous system?
OUTSTANDING SOUND! It's everything I hoped it would be. Another great benefit is how well it plays back music. I've listened to most systems on the market and the only one that comes close is the Sennheiser. I am a fan of old black-and-white movies, but since owning the Dragon I've only watched one old movie. Now I can only watch movies with surround or Atmos sound.
Describe the bass experience from DRAGON's quad subwoofers, in terms of depth, power and tightness.
What's to say!
Simply amazing. The control you have in adding or removing sub speakers was a great idea. The bass is powerful without being overwhelming. It is tight but able to rattle just about any room.
Many subs have a problem of being muddy and causing the sound to be unintelligible.
Tell us how the sense of height and spaciousness has improved with DRAGON, when listening to overhead effects.
I've used the same test sounds that you've included in the soundbar on 2 Vizio, a Boston acoustic, Bose, and the Shockwafe 9.2.4 systems, and the Dragon is so much fuller. You can really notice more of the sound and pinpoint the sound you feel you can see the different sounds. I will in the future get a good disk to try and really test it.
What do you think of the overall experience brought about by DRAGON, when it comes to realism, directionality and clarity of surround effects?
Realism, movies sound great but it's music where this system shines. Music comes to life while not high end for music it's darn close. Directionally, sound comes out of everywhere. Movies envelop the seating area, you get more into movies because the sound brings you into the scene. Clarity, voices are incredible, clear and cut right through other sounds. I'm sure this is due to the AMT tweeters.
Describe the overall music playback experience with DRAGON. Which is your favorite mode for music listening and why?
No sound bar comes close to the Dragon, like I said earlier the Sennheiser Ambeo is #2.
Music is crystal clear, all sound from the lowest of lows to the crisp brilliant highs shine through. Everything is balanced and not muddled at all.
It really sounds like music. As for modes I like the stereo mode but although I'm not an audio pro, I like the surround effect. It's a nice full sound.
