Digital input on integrated
amplifier
August 28, 2003
I recently purchased a Rotel 1060 integrated amplifier,
which was on consignment at my dealer. I had simply assumed that any and all integrated
amplifiers these days would offer a digital input. I didn’t notice this at the time
of purchase. I have a nice digital coax cable and the irony being that I have a Rotel 961
CD player, which of course has a digital out. Is this a cost-related decision, or is there
a performance reason why a digital input is not offered on the amplifier? Is the same true
of products from other manufacturers?
I am happy with my purchase, but was just curious why this
should be so? Thanks.
Sanjay
Most integrated amplifiers don't offer a digital input.
Adding a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to such a component would add to the cost and
complexity, which are the very issues integrateds try to address. Their counterparts,
receivers, have digital inputs to process surround-sound-encoded signals from DVD players.
This is not something the typically two-channel integrated has to accomplish. A standalone
DAC would be an upgrade you could look into if you feel the digital section of your CD
player needs improvement.
Power-cord mods
August 26, 2003
I am considering upgrading the power cords for my amp and
DVD player. Do you think upgrading the power cords is a worthwhile investment? Also, in
order to upgrade the power cord in my DVD player that has a two-pin IEC plug, I will need
an adapter. Is there a difference in the type or brand of adapter one uses?
Brian
Upgrading power cords can be a worthwhile investment,
but keep in mind that the improvements in sound quality will usually be relatively minor
so the amount that you spend should be commensurate with the cost of the electronics. For
example, spending $300 on a power cord for a $500 receiver does not make much sense as the
money could be better spent by just purchasing an $800 receiver.
I only know of two adapters (from Tek Line and Harmonic
Technology) for converting the two-pin connector found on many DVD players to the larger
three-prong IEC connector, but I have not compared them. AudioQuest now has a power cord,
the NRG-1, that incorporates the two-pin connector so you wouldn't need to purchase an
adapter if you used this cord. You might even consider removing the connector on the
existing cord and attaching it to an after-market power cord or to some high-quality cable
and a good plug. Finally, if you are looking for a DIY project, this
SoundStage! article describes how to install a standard three-pin IEC connector to
replace the two-pin variety on the back of your DVD player. This would probably be the
best solution, but it will require some skill and void the player's warranty.
Burn-in
August 25, 2003
I know that this is going to be an obvious question, but I
hear a lot about burn-in of audio products. When I read reviews of preamps, amp, cables,
and A/V processors, reviewers are always saying, "After two weeks of burn-in I
started to listen."
Well, could you write an article about how reviewers burn
in audio gear and how we novices can do it? Do you really have to play your system for two
weeks? My neighbors would not like that.
Jay
Most reviewers rely on several days or weeks of casual
playing to burn in a product sufficiently. There are other methods, though: CDs are
available specifically for burning in products. These have tracks with various test tones
and frequency sweeps that purport to more quickly burn in a system. For cables there are
components that are specifically built for the same purpose.
I'd not worry too much about any of this, however,
because simply using your system as it was designed is going to do the trick. I'd also
caution you that playing your system at high volumes or feeding it with weird signals for
extended periods may cause damage to your equipment. I think the old-fashioned way is
still the best.
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