Which DACs?

October 31, 2006

Is there a difference in sound between CD players if one is using the optical digital output? I assume when you use the optical connection, the DACs being used are at the preamp-processor, not the DACs from the CD player. Is my thought on this correct?

Brad

You are correct. The sound quality using the optical out will be largely determined by the quality of the DACs in the preamp-processor or receiver. Conversely, if you use the analog outputs from the CD player, you are utilizing the internal DACs from the CD player and therefore their quality will have the most influence on what you hear. If you’re unsure as to which way to go, listen to both and see which you prefer. There are more minor variables such as cable quality (both analog and digital), so just be aware of those too.

Less power OK?

October 25, 2006

Let's imagine I've got a pair of full-range speakers and an appropriately powerful amplifier to drive them. If I add a powered subwoofer to the system, can I substitute a less-powerful amp to drive the pair of speakers and still maintain the necessary fidelity?

Larry

I understand your question, and would answer it "yes," though I don’t think more power is necessarily an indicator of greater "fidelity." There is no doubt that relieving your main amplifier of reproducing bass frequencies is an advantage of having a powered subwoofer -- crossed over appropriately -- in your system. As such, you likely can get by with less power driving your main speakers. However, for better sound it still needs to be a better amplifier than the higher-powered model you’ll be replacing. In other words, don’t replace the higher-powered model with a lesser-quality amplifier due to it reproducing "only" the midrange and treble; this is where the heart of the music is, and sacrificing that is not ever a good idea.