August 31, 2000
Subject: Methods for converting analog to CD
This is probably an easy question. I am interested in
converting some vinyl recordings to CD. Can you give me some idea of what
methods/equipment can be used or where to go to find folks with experience doing this? Can
I do it on a PC using the sound card or is it better to avoid the PC altogether? I want to
do it myself, rather than sending the vinyl away to have it done. Any help would be
appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Rick
Dear Rick:
You can do it one of two ways. A very popular
method is to use your computer’s soundcard (assuming it has A/D processing) to copy
the LP to a 16/44 .wav file using a program called Cool Edit 2000 (www.syntrillium.com). Cool Edit has
filters that can edit our steady state noise, such as surface noise, as well as manually
controllable click and pop removal. I haven’t used Cool Edit myself, but many of my
friends have and recommend it. It seems pretty cool for $69.
Since I have a pretty good turntable and phono
section and don’t feel the need for much noise removal, I record from LP to my
Philips 680 CDR using a dCS 902D A/D converter. The disadvantage to this is that I have to
manually set the songs as I record, otherwise I end up with an entire LP on a disc with
only one track!
ATB...Wes
August 29, 2000
Subject: 24/96 DADs
I have a Pioneer DV-05 DVD player and MSB Link
III w/upsampling. My question is: Do you have a list of two-channel DADs and where they
can be purchased online? I would like to take full advantage of my gear.
Thanks.
Teri
Dear Teri:
Check out www.chesky.com and www.classicrecs.com for their lists.
ATB...Wes
August 26, 2000
Subject: Top-of-the-line receivers vs.
integrated amplifiers for music?
Now that top-of-the-line receivers are getting better, are
integrated amps still superior for music systems? I have been improving the music sound of
my home-theater system. I have Sonus Faber Concertino speakers, PSB Subsonic 3 sub, Rotel
971 CD player, and Harman Kardon AVR65 DD/DTS receiver. I was thinking of getting the
newer HK 7000 receiver or getting an integrated amp such as Musical Fidelity A2 or A220,
Audio Analogue Puccini or Audio Refinement Complete. I play light rock, jazz vocals, pop
vocals. I tried a Cyrus 2 amp and I loved the speed and slam, but my ears bled from the
brightness. Question will these integrated really be superior than a top-of-the-line
receiver like the HK 7000 when it comes to lifelike sound, imaging, transparency, speed,
slam, soundstaging, etc? Hope this does not count as a system recommendation.
Sincerely,
Gregg
Dear Gregg:
Separating the components in integrated amps and
receivers can offer some benefits over the multi-function units, but the very best
receivers probably minimize them to a great degree. When you look at receivers, such as
Magnum Dynalab’s new MD 208 Discrete Audio Receiver, you aren’t throwing away
much sound quality, if any. In fact, you could even argue that there are some benefits
gained from the elimination of interconnects and connectors.
Stepping down from those exalted heights, I’m
pretty much dumbfounded by how much solid engineering and good sound the top-of-the-line
receivers from HK, Denon, Pioneer, and Sony can offer -- and by how little they charge for
it. If convenience and a single chassis are important considerations, you’d be silly
not to look at some of the receivers available these days. The trick is finding one that
still treats two-channel sound as a living, reasonable option.
ATB...Wes
August 24, 2000
Subject: I need a really good used amplifier
I read your articles all the time in Stereophile.
Thanks for all the great writing. I am in search of a used solid-state amplifier. I just
sold my ARC VT-100 Mk 2. I have my stereo on quite a bit, and the cost of tubes was
getting prohibitive.
I have both Audio Physic Virgo and Vandersteen 3a Signature
speakers. I am not sure which ones I will keep. I am looking for a recommendation on a
$2000-$3000 used solid-state amplifier. My main targets at this time are McCormack DNA-1
hot-rod amp or Pass Aleph 2 monoblocks. I don't think the Aleph 5 will be powerful enough.
I have a 12' x 16' listening room and I like strong bass.
What do you recommend ?
Thanks,
John Loranger
Dear John:
Like you, I like the McCormack and Pass quite a
lot, but the problem with buying used is that you have to pick from what’s available.
Obviously you’ll jump on either of those if you can find them, but also keep an eye
peeled for the Conrad-Johnson solid-state amps, which are, in my opinion, still seriously
under-appreciated, as well as Plinius -- another line that gets less buzz than it ought.
Don’t count out older models of lines such as Krell or Mark Levinson, either -- there
have to be tons of them out there, since they hardly ever break down.
ATB...Wes
August 23, 2000
Subject: On the absence of crossovers
There's this French company BC Acoustique that builds
"crossoverless" speakers, and presumably do it rather well. While they may be
rather popular in that corner of the world, I have been unable to find any solid reviews
on the company or the speakers.
I was wondering if you've heard of the them -- and what's
your opinion of them. Moreover, what exactly are the benefits of a crossoverless design to
music listening?
I'd appreciate any information you'd find on this. Thanks.
Ming
Hi Ming:
As it so happens, during my hiatus between
reviewing gigs, I worked for the web company that attempted to import the BC Acoustiques,
so I do have some familiarity with them.
Strictly speaking, they aren’t crossoverless
any more than Epos’ speakers are. They have an extremely simply electronic crossover,
generally just a capacitor connected to the tweeter. The rest of the crossover function is
accomplished through careful attention to the mechanical roll-off of the tweeter and
woofer. In effect, they trade an electro-acoustic crossover for one that is essentially
mechanical.
Properly implemented, the sound is extremely open
and musical. "Crossoverless" advocates maintain that the simpler the signal
path, the purer the signal. Fans of first-, second- and third-order crossovers claim
better control and repeatable results as the benefits of their preferred designs.
The truth is probably that careful attention to
detail and a refined ear for tuning a loudspeaker will trump any specific "one true
path" approach every time. I have heard great-sounding speakers that employed each of
the different approaches.
ATB...Wes
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