Piggyback Audio Cable
March 18, 2005
I recently had the same "two output" dilemma
detailed in your letter from Ross. I was moving to a two-channel w/subwoofer system
(Magnepan MGMC 1 and Onix UFW-10 sub) and my preamp didn't have a sub output connection. These connectors, which I found at at RadioShack, solved the problem.
The nice thing about them is that they don't make the rat's
nest of cables much worse (two sets of Y-splitters get kind of messy), and one package
takes care of the output from both channels. Plug the Y-shaped part into the preamp outs,
and then plug the attached six-foot connectors into the sub's inputs (if the sub is close
to your equipment) and a separate set of interconnects into the back of the Y and your
power amp (or vice versa).
Greg
A good tip. The Piggyback Audio Cable is a new one to
me.
Two outputs?
March 16, 2005
How common is it to find two main line-level outputs on
basic preamplifiers ($500-$1000)? It seems to me that this would be a common feature
because it helps when connecting a subwoofer with line-level inputs. The problem is that I
don't see this feature on any of the models I'm looking at.
Ross
Your observation is correct, in my experience.
Most of the preamps I see do not have two sets of main outputs. Many users are forced to
employ Y-adapters to split the output signal between the main power amp and the
subwoofer's inputs, but this is not an ideal setup. There are exceptions, however. I
recall that the Anthem TLP 1 has a dedicated subwoofer output and also includes some
basic crossover functions. Although it may not interest you for your system, most
receivers have a dedicated subwoofer output as well. The home-theater world has embraced
the use of subwoofers, whereas the audiophile world still seems somewhat averse to them.
So you can find what you're looking for, but it will involve some searching. And be sure
to take a look at the Anthem, as it may fit your needs perfectly.
Setting up a budget system
March 14, 2005
I'm trying to set up a home audio system with a limited
budget. I have, however, been looking at the TEAC Reference Series 500 as a system that
would sound good on a tight budget. Or if you can steer me in a general direction of other
vendors who I can build a quality system on a budget. I tried to look at used McIntosh and
Marantz components, but even these are expensive. I hopefully would someday like to have a
tube amp, but as I said I don't know if I could afford one.
Any help would be appreciated. Aloha and Mahalo from
Hawaii.
Guill
I haven't heard the Teac Reference Series 500 you
mention, but two brands that I'm very comfortable recommending for electronics are NAD and
Rotel. NAD has an integrated amplifier that sells for $299 that is very good and the RA-02 from
Rotel that I reviewed last year was very good for $500. I prefer the Rotel, but other
people I know like the NAD a lot. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them.
NAD and Rotel CD players are also very good, but if you want other formats (DVD, DVD-A,
SACD) you can check out some universal players. I've liked Denon universal players, and
I'm currently writing a review of the Samsung 841 DVD player that is now discounted to $99
and I think that is a steal. Inexpensive speakers from Axiom, PSB, and Paradigm are all
very good. I currently use Axiom speakers in my home theater and enjoy them every day. So,
there are several combinations that would give you a great system for not too much money.
I have some tube amps that I'm reviewing that aren't as inexpensive as the solid-state NAD
and Rotel gear, but would get you tubes for under a grand. If you give me a better budget
guideline, I may be able to give more concrete advice.
I don't like buying equipment used for two reasons.
First, you are usually left without a warranty and the peace of mind a warranty brings is
important for me. If I spend several hundred dollars I want to know I'll be helped if
things go wrong. Second, you never know how the equipment has been treated. With
good-sounding equipment available at reasonable prices I prefer to buy new.
I wish I could be giving you this advice live and in
person in Hawaii. Here in New Jersey we just had a terrible ice storm.
Plans to review Ascend Acoustics CMT-340?
March 10, 2005
I bought the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 loudspeakers based on
the strength of your review. I've been very happy with them as they have exceeded my
expectations. I'm wondering if you are going to review the new CMT-340. I'm thinking of
upgrading to that model and would like to know how much better it is than the CBM-170.
Bill
We have spoken with Ascend Acoustics about this speaker,
but we have yet to schedule a review. We'll gladly follow up with the company and see if
we can arrange it. Good suggestion!
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