Analog or digital connection?
November 8, 2005
I just bought a receiver and a DVD player. I understand
from the manuals that I can connect these with either a digital connection (one cable) or
an analog connection (six cables). Which should I use for the best performance?
Carter Montgomery
The primary difference, functionally, is that with a
digital connection you will be using your receiver's processing power and
digital-to-analog converters. Conversely, those functions would be handled by your DVD
player with the analog connections. It's likely that your receiver has an edge in
processing options, which may make a difference to you, especially with home-theater
material. On the other hand, your DVD player is probably DVD-Audio and/or SACD capable,
and these formats are typically output with analog cables. If you'd like to sample these
formats for multichannel music then the analog outputs would need to be utilized. You can
always use both kinds of connections (though you'll need to buy both kinds of cables)
which will give you the benefits and flexibility of both setups.
DCM speakers
November 4, 2005
Do you have any experience with DCM speakers? I have a
dealer near me that carries them. Of course he says they are quite good, and they do sound
decent in his showroom, but I'd like a more objective opinion. Have you reviewed them?
Daryl
I have not personally ever heard DCM speakers. I do know
that years ago the Time Window model was popular amongst audiophiles. Looking at DCM's
website, I can see that the company makes quite a few models and appear to use up-to-date
cosmetics. Beyond that, I really can't help. From your note, though, I'm not sure
"decent" is enough reason to buy them. Maybe a second audition will help you
form a more solid opinion on them.
Center-channel speaker?
November 2, 2005
Would a center-channel speaker help me get better vocal
imaging from my system? I know they are meant for movies, but I have trouble getting a
good center image from my music and think this might help. How would I do this? You have a
very helpful website.
Ralph R.
You can process CDs so that a center-channel can be
added to your stereo system. It's not quite as simple as simply adding a speaker, however,
unless you are already set up with processing and extra channels of amplification.
Essentially, what you would need to do is have a processing mode such Dolby Pro Logic II
that would allow you to synthesize surround sound from two-channel sources, then you'd
need to power that center speaker with a dedicated channel of amplification. If you
currently use a home-theater receiver you likely have the needed processing modes and
power to do this. If you use an integrated amplifier it will take an entire system
reconfiguration. Lastly, try to match the center-channel speaker with your main stereo
speakers. Use the exact same speaker if you can, but if not, use a dedicated center
speaker from the same manufacturer.
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