Subwoofer amp?
May 28, 2003
I want to add a subwoofer to my present system consisting
of a JVC receiver (Dolby Digital, DTS) and KEF speakers. My receiver is rated to have five
channels, but it must have one more to drive the subwoofer, correct? Do I need a separate
amp?
Frank Lloyd
Your receiver likely has a subwoofer output via an RCA
jack. It probably does not have a (powered) speaker output designed for a subwoofer. You
won't need a separate amplifier, either, as long as you buy a powered subwoofer. This
means that the amplifier is built into the sub -- all you need to do is send the subwoofer
signal from your receiver, via an RCA cable, to its input. The subwoofer will also have
the control functions you need such as volume level, crossover frequency, and perhaps a
few more. Powered subs are becoming more and more user friendly, so I don't think you'll
run into any problems in your search for more bass.
Receiver alone or something else?
May 26, 2003
I would like to get into 5.1 sound with the emphasis on
quality stereo sound. Would I be better off getting something like the Rotel RSX-1055
receiver ($1300) or a mid-priced receiver used as a preamp (Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha or the
like with pre-outs in $500 range) and a high-quality power amp? I could buy the receiver
first, then later add the power amp for the front speakers.
I was considering the Bryston 2B-LP power amp, which I have
seen offered used for $500 to $600. The 60Wpc Bryston has separate dual power supplies,
one pair of high-current output transistors per channel (which may account for its
beautiful sound), and a 20-year warranty to boot! My speakers are B&W 602 S3 for front
and B&W 302 for rear.
So I guess my question is, are the preamp sections of
mid-priced receivers the best part of those units, or would this just be a bad link in the
audio chain?
Steve Barnett
Both options are viable, and each has its own benefits.
I'd likely go with the Rotel RSX-1055 over the mid-priced receiver/Bryston combo because
the pre-out section of the lesser receiver may be the limiting factor in your system. On
the other hand, the Bryston amp would be a great anchor for your two-channel system, and
it sounds like you really want it. But I'd try to listen to the combo first (or at least
the receiver with another external power amp to test the pre-out sound quality). Another
option: You could look at something like the Outlaw 950 surround-sound processor and a
used B&K, Anthem, Sherbourn, or Outlaw multichannel amplifier. You could likely come
in about the same price as the Rotel receiver, but you would have the benefits of
separates, which include the ability to switch out the amplifier in the future.
Father's Day gift
May 24, 2003
I'd like to purchase a small radio for our kitchen for
Father's Day, and I just priced the Bose Wave radios (ouch!). I wonder if you could
recommend a product with acceptable sound quality, but with a much more affordable price.
We're currently using a very cheap portable radio, so almost anything would be a step up.
Size counts, though, as our kitchen is small.
Thanks,
Anne
I've heard great things about the Tivoli line of radios.
They have a great name behind their design -- Henry Kloss, who created a renowned
reputation in the field of consumer electronics -- and in my opinion have it all over Bose
in the looks department. Check out www.tivoliaudio.com.
They're available factory direct, but there are also several resellers around the web, so
check a few to find the best price. Great idea for a Father's Day gift!
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