Stereo versus Direct
February 28, 2005
Can you clue me in to what is going on in my Denon AVR-2801
receiver when listening to music in Stereo Mode versus Direct Mode? Which is best to use?
Julius
According to Denon, Direct Mode shuts down both the
video and digital circuitry to "create an ideal environment for playback, resulting
in extremely high quality music." So for two-channel sources where you don't want to
use any processing, Direct Mode is the way to go for the highest-fidelity sound.
Speaker cable as interconnect?
February 25, 2005
I have enjoyed your articles on GoodSound! and was
impressed with the information presented.
I was hoping you or one of your staff could answer a
question I have. Can I use speaker wire in place of an audio cable? I am interested in
this because I moved into a house that has a theater room wired for surround sound, but
unfortunately, there is no audio cable routed in the walls for the subwoofer, only speaker
wire. I could run an audio cable from the amplifier across the floor to the subwoofer, but
it would not be as ideal as if it was already running inside the wall like the speaker
cable. I don't think I would be able to get an audio cable running through the wall
without tearing up the wall. I was hoping I could attach BNC connectors to the ends of the
speaker wire and use the speaker wire as an audio cable. Would this work without too much
distortion or loss of quality?
Jason
Subwoofers and surround processors don't have BNC
connectors for the subwoofer connections. They have RCA plugs and jacks.
For a subwoofer connection, you could put RCAs on the ends
of the in-wall wire and it would work OK. It wouldn't be my first choice, but it would
work fine. My first choice would be to use an interconnect cable specifically for
subwoofers. I would select one that is small enough to slip under the gap at the bottom of
the baseboard -- assuming the room has wall-to-wall carpet. If there is hard flooring,
there will be no gap at the bottom of the baseboard, so the in-wall wiring would be the
best solution short of a wire laying on the floor.
Crossover setting
February 23, 2005
What is the best starting point for experimenting with my
subwoofer's crossover? I have some small floorstanding speakers I'm mating it with and
can't get the sound to integrate properly.
Reggie
I'd start at around 60Hz. Much above that and you'll
start to "hear" your subwoofer, meaning you'll be able to pick out its location
with your eyes closed, which is not good. Blending a subwoofer with your mains doesn't
just involve nailing the crossover frequency, though that is unquestionably important.
Don't forget the phase control and output level -- both need to be optimized for your
current speakers. And maybe most importantly, there's the subwoofer's placement in your
room. All of these factors combine to produce the end result. A good starting point for
your research is "Bass
in Place, Setting Up Your Subwoofer." From there, you'll have to set aside some
time and experiment, experiment, experiment.
Speaker for acoustic music
February 21, 2005
I am looking for a good pair of new or used speakers with
which to listen to acoustic music I played/recorded over the past 30 years. I am currently
using Boston Acoustic A 60 and would like something better.
I like the Infinity Beta 20, but it was a little too
expensive. I also liked the Boston Acoustic A75 (in-the-store listening, of course). Can
you give me other options?
Dennis Tracy
Try the Axiom M2i.
It has a great tweeter -- taken from Axiom's more expensive speakers -- and that should
help it excel with acoustic music. It's also priced right at $280. Our reviewer stated
that the M2i "has a slightly forward sound with exceptional imaging, great precision
through the midrange, and a wall-to-wall soundstage." Axiom offers money-back
guarantee, as well, so what's to lose?
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