Connecting a subwoofer
May 16, 2002
I've read in some reviews that you can connect an active
subwoofer to the preamp output of an integrated amplifier. Currently, I have an active sub
and would in the future like to purchase an integrated amp.
Sean
Assuming the integrated's preamp outputs are active with
the amplifier section (being driven), you'll be fine. In fact, this is the preferred
method in most cases. You can balance the level using the subwoofer's controls, and use
the integrated amplifier's master volume for the sub and main amp. No problem.
They're reading in Taiwan
May 15, 2002
You are definitely right about the far-reaching impact of
Internet publications, and your efforts are clearly felt here in Taiwan. I love your
in-depth and sensible reviews, which contain absolutely none of the snobbish or mythical
stuff that frightens away many music lovers from hi-fi products.
Bruce Tai
Thanks Bruce! You have a clear understanding of our
goals at GoodSound!. We're glad we're getting through -- all the way to Taiwan!
Two-channel SACD
May 13, 2002
I have Dynaudio Evidence Temptation speakers, a Krell
preamp/power amp combo, and I want a CD player with SACD, but one that can match my system
level. Does the Sony SCD-1 suit my system?
Edi
Your system investment exceeds what we typically
recommend on GoodSound!, but that doesn't mean we won't answer your question!
Two-channel SACD players such as the Sony SCD-1 are
fairly rare today. Sony is primarily producing multichannel players at a lower price
point. The SCD-1, therefore, is unique in that it is one of a few SACD players with
claimed state-of-the-art two-channel performance. Based on that alone, I'd say it is worth
auditioning in your system.
You do have one other consideration though connectivity.
The SCD-1 is one of the few SACD players supporting a balanced XLR connection, which is
mandatory for current Krell equipment (the other option is C.A.S.T., which is not
supported by any SACD player I'm aware of). This is one more feather in its cap.
Adding an amp
May 10, 2002
I'm thinking on upgrading my system with an NAD C370
amplifier and a NAD C541i CD player. I now own a home-theater system, which I use to play
music also. The system is composed of a Denon AVR-1800, Sony DVP-S725D DVD player, B&W
602 S2 front speakers, B&W CC6 center speaker and Eltax HT-2 rear speakers. I listen
to music in stereo mode only using the Denon and Sony as sources. The dealer told me that
I could buy the NAD C370 and connect it to the Denon using the its pre-out RCA jacks. That
way I could connect the B&W speakers to the NAD amp. Will all this work? Is the NAD
C370 too powerful for my speakers?
Paulo Nascimento
This setup will work, and will likely spawn a real
improvement in sound quality. There's hardly a better upgrade for main-channel
performance, outside of better speakers, than upgrading the front-channel amplification.
Don't worry about the differences in power, because you will balance all the relative
speaker levels using the Denon's level controls. As for too much power, that's not a
concern either. Speakers love clean power; it's the dirty, distorted kind that likes to
damage tweeters. Your dealer seems to be giving you good advice. I'd keep listening to it.
Tower speakers or minimonitors with subwoofer?
May 9, 2002
I'm in a bit of a quandary. I'm ready to upgrade my
speakers, but I'm uncertain about which avenue I should follow. I'd been considering the
Axiom M60Ti towers, but I'm not sure what they will give me over, say the M3Ti or M22Ti
plus a subwoofer. I've always believed that full-range towers produced a
"fuller" sound with better imaging than bookshelves, but I don't have much
evidence to back that up. What would be the trade-offs between going with towers (like the
Axiom M60Ti) versus minimonitors plus a quality subwoofer (like the Hsu or Adire Rava)?
Michael
Great question! Your instincts are grounded in fact.
Many times there is an upper-bass gap left between a small bookshelf speaker that doesn't
have much bass below 100Hz and a subwoofer that just can't play quite that high (with
agility). This can lead to the thin sound you refer to. Better integration between
subwoofer and satellite occurs when the two can overlap a bit. It's exactly this
integration that causes so many headaches when pairing a subwoofer with a small speaker.
If you can accommodate the tower speaker, I'd suggest this as your first alternative. If
you do go with a sub/sat combo, stick with the same manufacturer for both. You'll have the
best chance for proper blending of the two if they're made by the same folks.
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