Digital or analog connection?
April 11, 2007
I have a receiver that accepts both digital and analog
multichannel connections. I have a new DVD player that has a digital output and
multichannel analog outputs. Which should I use for a dedicated home-theater system?
Reggie
As for which is better for pure sound quality, it would
basically come down to whether the digital-to-analog converters in the DVD player or
receiver are higher quality. Simply running your system both ways and listening would give
you the answer. But since you are asking primarily for home theater, I suspect you would
be much happier with the digital connection. The reason is that your receiver is likely to
have more flexibility in setting up your system than your DVD player. Receivers are
basically home-theater processors coupled with an amp and tuner. The processing section is
going to offer more advanced features, in most cases, than the basic settings included in
most DVD players. There are exceptions, and reading both manuals will clue you in as to
the capabilities of both, but my guess is that the digital connection to the receiver is
the way to go.
"The best...?"
April 9, 2007
I read the review on Paradigm’s
Atom v.5 speaker. Is this the best speaker I can get for the price? How are they for
home theater? I’m replacing some Merak speakers.
Wade McMillan
I’m familiar enough with Merak speakers to know
that the Atom is a better speaker. But is this the best speaker you can get? For the
price, it’s one of the best, but I’d be foolish to say that it’s the only
good one for that price. There are others, obviously, so you still have to shop around. As
for home theater, I suspect they’d work fine, but I’d definitely match them up
with a subwoofer, along with a center-channel and surrounds. Don’t buy just anything,
though. I believe that it’s important to stay within a company line to ensure your
speakers are matched visually and sonically. Paradigm has lots of options in the Monitor
lineup.
Speaker ideas
April 2, 2007
I'm looking to finally upgrade to a "real" stereo
system from the RadioShack model I've had since junior high. I've come into possession of
an NAD 314 amplifier and was wondering what speakers you would recommend. Room size would
be medium (15' by 15' to 20' by 20'). I primarily listen to rock, but by no means
exclusively. I never listen to hip-hop/bass-driven music, but I am trying to stay away
from "thin bass" setups. I was thinking of pairing the amp with a souped-up
Technics SL-1200 -- I really want to get back into vinyl. Price range would be $500-$750
(give or take). Any thoughts?
Peter
The Aperion Audio 533-T comes to mind as a good value.
It is a floorstander with respectable bass output and comes nicely finished. Another would
be the Axiom M22 v2, which is a large stand-mounted speaker that one of our
reviewers owns as a reference. A third option would be a subwoofer/satellite setup that
would allow you to dial-in just the right amount of bass for your tastes while giving you
expanded placement possibilities. The Internet-direct firms offer a lot of value when
shopping in your price range. You could also check local vendors for such products as
those from PSB and Paradigm. They both make speakers in your price range and are both
highly thought of. You have lots of good options in front of you. Good luck with the
search.
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