GOODSOUND!GoodSound! "Ask Me" Archives

...to September 30, 2005

 

Manual source

September 30, 2005

I just wanted to say thanks for referring me to Audio Classics for an old Marantz owner's manual. They were very helpful, and I know now that if I ever need service, they work on these older components and sell upgrade packages. You are a wealth of information, and it is presented in a real down-to-earth manner. Keep up the great work.

Frank L.


Subwoofer equalizer?

September 27, 2005

Do you know of an inexpensive subwoofer equalizer I could buy to use with my subwoofer? I'd like to experiment with flattening its response in my room. I don't want it to alter the signal going to my main speakers, just the subwoofer (a passive DIY unit I built with a separate amplifier).

Benjamin

I know a lot of the DIY guys use the Behringer Feedback Destroyer. This unit has 24 bands of parametric equalization that will allow you to notch out any frequency peak you might be exciting in your room. Simply connect it in line with your subwoofer amplifier. It is imperative that you read the owner's manual thoroughly, as this is a fairly advanced unit despite its reasonable price. Used judiciously, it can work in just the fashion you seek; used too aggressively, it can harm areas of the frequency band that you don't wish to touch. The list price is only $129 USD, and it can often be found for less online.


Source for old manuals?

September 23, 2005

I have an older Marantz tuner and some Fisher gear that my father handed down to me. I'd like to find copies of the original owner's manuals for these components. Can you point me in the direction of someone who might be able to help me?

Frank L.

I would try Audio Classics in Vestal New York. They carry all sorts of vintage gear and seem to have at least a copy of almost every old manual ever written. Audio Classics is also a good source for old parts and can perform all types of repairs and upgrades. I've also seen a number of manuals for sale on eBay. Between the two I'm sure you can find what you're looking for.


Yamaha subwoofer issues

September 20, 2005

First of all, I love this site. You do an amazing job.

I have a Yamaha RXV-450, some Yamaha front speakers and surrounds. I bought a Yamaha subwoofer as well, the YST SW-800, which was fairly dear. It has a 10" driver with supposed 800W of power. The reality is, I am finding it hard to get consistent, strong bass without really pushing it hard. Do you think I got conned? Or could it just be placement?

Sergio

Placement is likely the issue. Proper subwoofer placement can be difficult to achieve, especially when the best location might be the least acceptable from a practical standpoint. Have a look at "Bass in Place: Setting Up Your Subwoofer" for a good primer on setting up subs. The tips in that article will help you get the most out of the Yamaha. Now it is possible that the Yamaha is just having a hard time driving your room, which might mean you need a bigger sub. But I would not conclude that until I exhausted placement problems as the main issue.


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