Subwoofer connection
July 31, 2002
Is it better to connect a subwoofer through a line-level
connection as opposed to a speaker-level connection? I have been pondering chucking my
Onkyo TX-8511 receiver for a Harman/Kardon 3470 because the H/K has a line-level subwoofer
output and binding posts. I am planning on purchasing a nice subwoofer soon, and I want to
take full advantage of what I pay for. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Eugene
The only time I'd use the speaker-level connections
would be if the speaker manufacturer suggests this would give a better blend to the
subwoofer and satellite speakers (assuming you'd be crossing over to the satellites).
Otherwise, I'd surely use the line-level connection. To gain access to the subwoofer's
electronic controls, and to utilize the low-frequency effects output on the receiver,
you'd have to use the line-level (or that marked LFE or Subwoofer) output into the sub's
line input. And since I'm a big fan of binding posts over spring clips, I'd agree and say
it's time to upgrade that receiver.
Gotta listen!
July 28, 2002
I am setting up a hi-fi system in small room. I'm thinking
of a Roksan Kandy integrated amp (KA-1), Exposure 2010 CD player, and B&W DM602 S3
stand-mounted speakers. But I'm not sure if it would be better to use Arcam's A85 instead
of the Kandy. I listen to a wide variety of music from classical, jazz, to a bit of dance.
Could I have your opinion on this?
Nick
You gotta listen to them! If they both have the
features, warranty, look, and ergonomics you need, then it is going to come down solely to
which one sounds better. And the only way to determine that is to listen to both of them
and decide. No shortcuts.
Demo gear
July 24, 2002
Would you buy a piece of demo equipment, namely speakers,
if you could get a great deal on them? What should I look for?
Aaron Marks
I might buy demo speakers, but I'd be very careful about
a couple of things. First, who are you buying them from? Have they been well cared for on
the sales floor, or blasted at 110dB by every other customer with a Metallica CD? The
amount and type of use they have received while in demo use is important. Look at how the
other equipment in the store is being treated for an idea as to how your potential
purchase was used. Second, look at the physical condition very closely. Lots of dings and
dents mean that the speaker was moved often, meaning the internal components were jostled
around. And is the extra savings worth having to look at those dents and dings over many
years? Maybe not over the long haul. If, however, the equipment is in great condition and
the store seems well run, you just may find a deal worth jumping on.
Speakers on ceiling?
July 22, 2002
Is it OK to put my speakers on brackets, hanging them near
the ceiling out of the way? Will this hurt their sound?
Ken Adams
Yes and yes. If it is absolutely necessary to put your
speakers close to the ceiling for domestic concerns, then you would be best off to look at
speakers designed for such applications. Many companies make in-wall or in-ceiling
speakers that would stand a better chance at sounding good up high, than you'd have by
simply hanging a conventional set of speakers from the ceiling. Taking speakers designed
to be placed on stands at ear level, for example, and placing them as you suggest, will
surely result in disappointing performance.
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