Adding an amp
March 21, 2003
I am new to your site and have a question about separate
power amplifiers. I have heard that adding a separate power amp to your system will result
in improvements to the sound. I have a Marantz SR-7000 receiver, and I am considering
purchasing a used Carver AV-705x five-channel THX amplifier and connecting it through the
preamp outs of my Marantz and using my Marantz as a preamp. Do you think this is worth the
investment?
Regards,
Brian
You've described one of the most cost-effective and
easiest upgrades you can make to your system. A separate amplifier will -- in the vast
majority of cases -- sound significantly better than the all-in-one receiver. This is not
a slight against receivers, but the truth is that only so much hardware will fit into a
single chassis; a receiver has not only amplification, but also a tuner, processing, and
switching. I'd say a new amp is a solid investment and will likely yield much better
sound.
Power conditioner
March 20, 2003
My system is currently a Linn Classik CD/tuner/integrated
amp, Reynaud Arpeggiones speakers, and a Panasonic DVD player and 27" monitor
(eventually will probably purchase a 43" Panasonic plasma monitor). I am interested
in a power conditioner (up to about $750 new) that I can plug all the components into,
including the Linn Classik.
My understanding is that a power conditioner will probably
yield more improvement on video versus audio, and that many power conditioners can
actually have a negative impact on amps (the Linn in my case) due to current limiting and
potentially other issues. Are there units that you could recommend that I listen to or
that you have experience with that would meet these goals?
Kevin Kennan
Maybe more so than any other component, power
conditioners' effects vary from system to system. This can be attributed to several
factors: how tolerable your components are to varying AC, the quality of the AC in your
area, and the power demands your system has, to name a few. I've seen some people simply
swear by power conditioners and others completely disappointed with the results they
obtain. There are a couple pieces of advice to keep in mind when you go shopping. Buy a
power conditioner that has surge/spike protection so that whatever the sonic/visual
effect, you also gain protection for your system (with the cost of components, this is not
an inconsiderable concern). Also, buy a unit that does limit current; many of the power
conditioners on the market are compatible with your Linn, so that should not be an issue.
Lastly, if possible, try it at home before making a final decision; perhaps buy from a
vendor that gives you have return privileges.
Static
March 19, 2003
I can hear a lot of static coming through one speaker when
I adjust the volume knob on my amplifier. It goes away once I stop playing with the volume
knob. However, I can't play the stereo at real low volumes because the static can then be
heard non-stop. Is this being caused by the amplifier? My connections to the speakers are
good (I use Monster Cable) and like I said, it's only one speaker that has this problem.
If it is the amp, what do you suggest? I have been out of the stereo market for quite some
time and I don't know who's who anymore. My amp is an Onkyo, and I bought it in 1984.
Thanks for any help/advice you can offer.
Eric Christie
A noisy volume control is a very common problem on older
equipment. Many times this can be fixed by a simple cleaning and will cost very little;
other times there more serious problems such as old worn-out parts (which is likely the
case since it is only one channel). Only a visit to a technician will tell for sure,
though. On the other hand, since your Onkyo is going on 20 years old, I'd be hesitant to
spend much money on a repair. For very modest sum, under $500, you can substantially
better the older unit. Outlaw Audio, Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo make receivers that offer a
lot of hardware, and performance, for the money. If I were in your shoes, I'd go shopping.
Subwoofer hookup
March 17, 2003
I have a powered sub and a passive sub that I want to hook
up. Can I hook up my passive sub using the aux jacks or any other jacks on my receiver, to
the aux jacks on my Aiwa receiver, and then run speaker wire from the low-frequency wire
jacks to the inputs on my passive sub?
Thanks,
Rick
I'm not completely clear on what it is you're asking. A
passive subwoofer has to be connected to an amplifier's output via speaker cable. It
sounds like you want to power the subwoofer, which is passive, from RCA (LFE?) jacks. This
won't work. You'll need an amplifier, which could be an extra receiver, to power the sub.
If the subwoofer does not have a passive crossover built-in, you'll also need some
facility to send a low-pass signal (so you're not sending a full-range signal to a
subwoofer with no capability to cross it over). Hope this helps.
Subwoofer confusion
March 15, 2003
I'm having trouble setting my subwoofer's controls for the
best sound. My owner's manual is no help. Is there something I can read online or in print
to help me with this? I really want good bass!
Keith H.
The GoodSound! "How To" section is
filled with great advice on a variety of issues. Setting up your sub is covered in detail
in the article "Bass
in Place: Setting Up Your Subwoofer." There are other "How To" articles
on speaker placement and room acoustics that may help optimize your sub's sound.
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