Laptop-to-receiver connection?
February 15, 2008
What connection is best to connect my laptop with a
receiver?
Franklin
I imagine that any day we’ll see receivers with
USB inputs, if there aren’t models already that I’m not aware of. But until then
you have two options that I know of. One is the Trends Audio UD-10.1 USB converter, and
the other is the Blue Circle USB Thingee. The Blue Circle even has a built-in DAC if you
choose to use it, but you can always choose to output a digital signal -- either method
will interface fine with your receiver. And the great thing about these products is that
they are on the affordable end of the price spectrum, just what we like at GoodSound!
Polk speakers?
February 8, 2008
Have you heard any Polk Audio speakers recently? I would
like to buy something good and these have caught my attention. I see you guys reviewed
some of the older models over on Home
Theater & Sound, but I have not seen anything on GoodSound!
Rob
I have not personally heard any Polk Audio speakers in
years. The company seems to be keeping a slightly lower profile, at least in the stores I
visit and with respect to submitting review samples to our writers. Their long-time
marketing manager, Paul DiComo, is now with Definitive Technologies, so that may have
something to do with it. However, we can always try to get in touch with them about
arranging a review.
Second Rotel?
February 4, 2008
I was thinking of buying a second Rotel RB-1070 amplifier
in order to biamp my ten-year-old Paradigm 9se Mk III speakers. Is biamping a viable
option to improve sound in any way? Also, in two years I plan on purchasing some Paradigm
Signature S6 speakers. Will these amps be a suitable match for this upgrade? If not,
please give me some suggestions.
Jean-Marc Neveu
In my experience the value of biamping is purely
dependant on the loudspeaker’s design. I have heard speakers that seem to be
optimized for biamping, while with others there is little if any benefit. A more surefire
upgrade that would definitely carry over to a new set of Signatures would be to replace
the Rotel with a single better amplifier. This way you know you will get the benefit of
the upgrade whether with the Signatures or some other speaker you might choose. In this
case thinking quality instead of quantity would be the best move.
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