Naka-Tribe Feature #5:
Tom MacNeill
What got you started as a home theater enthusiast?
Being legally blind, I require high quality audio/visual equipment. Believe it or not, people like me are an ideal audience for AV systems; as someone with heightened auditory awareness I can tell a quality product. This can be honestly a little annoying and time-consuming, when you can tell (that) something, such as an audio system, just doesn't sound right.
How did you start on your Nakamichi journey?
Being a technology enthusiast, I keep myself up to date with the annual Consumer Electronics Show. In 2023, I heard about the buzz - Nakamichi was bringing back the Dragon. I was very intrigued with their announcement of the all-in-one sound system.
Why did you decide on DRAGON, out of the many other audio systems available on the market?
I have to thank Nakamichi for the OSD. I had never heard of a system with on-screen settings. Most sound bar systems have a little LED screen on a sound bar that I have found doesn't accommodate my vision impairment. An all-in-one system with an on-screen display for settings was a big selling point for me.
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?
All those wires!
The Dragon wireless system has freed me from worrying about tripping hazards, as most high-end home theater systems require lots and lots of wires everywhere which does not make for an ideal environment for someone such as myself.
Describe the bass experience from DRAGON's quad subwoofers, in terms of depth, power and tightness.
This sounds distinctly different from your average home speaker. It provides that sound you only get at the movie theater. During scenes with a lot of sound effects, this creates high pressure levels.
You don't just hear but you feel those on-screen explosions.
Tell us how the sense of height and spaciousness has improved with DRAGON, when listening to overhead effects.
In scenes with a lot of action, you can hear bullets whizzing by your head, making you want to take cover. Also, a little anxiousness in those intense car chases - you can hear the traffic rush by and pedestrians. For music, it fills the room as if you are getting a personal concert.
What do you think of the overall experience brought about by DRAGON, when it comes to realism, directionality and clarity of surround effects?
True immersive experience, it puts you at the ball game or concert. It plays with your senses as you know you are not at these events, you literally have the best seat in the house.
Watching sports you can hear the cracking of hockey sticks, the thud of pads while watching football games.
Describe the overall music playback experience with DRAGON. Which is your favorite mode for music listening and why?
Phenomenal. I use the All Channel Stereo, Music One setting. I like all sorts of music from classical to rock and metal. 80s music is my favorite, and Money For Nothing (by Dire Straits) makes you just want to head bang with the system. And also really brings out the feels with ballads.
Anything else you would like to share regarding your Nakamichi journey?
I have never owned a Nakamichi product before, but now I am keeping an eye out for what's coming next.
