Adding a subwoofer
May 21, 2003
Hi Wes,
I have a Rega Hal preamplifier and two Rega Exon mono power
amplifiers connected to a pair of Shahinian Arcs. I don't have -- and I don't plan on
having -- home theater, so exactly what must I do to introduce a powered subwoofer in my
current stereo hi-fi system? What should I connect to what?
Nuno Calado
The Hal utilizes non-standard output wiring -- although
it is single-ended, it employs Neutrik XLRs. This means you must have special output
cables constructed no matter how you configure the system. You currently have cables that
connect the Exon power amps to the Hal. You'll need to replace these with new ones that
run two leads -- one to an Exon and the other to the powered sub. This may mean you only
need to replace one output cable, since many subwoofers require only one channel's input.
This might get a little tricky in the case of the Hal, however, since it is a passive
preamplifier and the difference in loading between the channel that drives the sub and the
Exon and the channel that sees only an Exon might be audible. You'll need to experiment
and see (um, hear).
Computer sound
May 18, 2003
Wes,
I just found your site -- it's fantastic.
I wonder if you might be able to suggest how I can get a
warmer sound from my computer. Would sound improve if I used a tube preamp between my
sound card's output and my Klipsch Promedia speakers?
Joe Juarez
Yes, it is quite possible that using a tube preamp
between your sound card and your media speakers will give you warmer sound, but it's just
as likely (and possibly a whole lot cheaper) that any preamp will give you warmer sound --
and more control as well.
But, as a rule of thumb, if you want to improve the
sound of your computer, it ain't the preamp that needs attention; it's the
"computer" speakers themselves. I don't have personal experience with the
Klipsch Promedias, but the majority of powered "computer" speakers sound tinny
no matter what drives 'em. I find even the cheapest pairs of two-way "bookshelf"
loudspeakers, driven by just about any integrated amp, sound better than even the
highest-rated "computer" speakers. They don't need to be "audiophile
quality" either -- inexpensive thrift-store cast-offs almost always outperform the
puny little multimedia speakers sold by most computer and office-supply stores.
VMPS
May 12, 2003
Hi Wes,
After much looking, I seem set on my two-channel upgrade:
either a Bryston 4B SST/BP 25 combo or a McIntosh MA6900 paired with Dynaudio Special 25s
or the new ATC SCM-35s. I just had to spend a little more time listening to the various
combos and I was there. Until this weekend.
I accidentally bumped into a speaker made by VMPS, the
RM-40. About the same price of the other two but seemingly in a different league than them
(at least as driven by some way-out-of-my-price-range Pass amps). I need to spend more
time on an equal playing field to really get the whole picture. Have you ever had any
experience with the VMPS or similar "mostly by mail" and "sometimes by
kit" products? Am I heading down a slippery slope, or is there real value in this
kind of product?
Thanks,
Dave
I think you have the right attitude -- you are willing
to let your ears be the judge and you're willing to take as much time as you need to come
to your decision. I think that that's the way to build a system that satisfies you. I have
heard several VMPS systems. As a "purist" (whatever that is), I thought that
there could be no possible way speakers that were that large and contained that many
drivers could possibly be any good -- which just shows you the problem with reviewing by
label rather than by ear. Each time I have heard VMPS speakers, I have enjoyed listening
to music through them.
I'm not claiming they were necessarily the speakers I
would have chosen to buy as my long-term companions, but I'm not ruling that out
completely -- like you, I felt they had potential and it would take further listening to
determine whether or not they were soul-mate material.
Your question about "mostly by mail" and
"sometimes by kit" products is a valid one. With these products, you can realize
some significant savings at the buying stage -- either through sweat equity or from
eliminating the retail mark-up -- but you also don't tend to benefit from the
name-brand-recognition factor when it comes time to sell. This is less of a consideration
if you tend to keep what you buy for a long time, but if you enjoy trading gear frequently
in your hunt for the perfect hi-fi, you need to be aware of it.
As always, the most important thing is how happy you
are with the performance of the products, but you must also factor in resale value, pride
of ownership, and longevity. However, when you love the performance and the other criteria
are satisfied as well, then the final lesson is in learning how to say yes to pleasure.
New DAC?
May 8, 2003
Hi Wes,
I have a very modest JVC surround receiver, a Technics
SL-MC7 CD changer, and a pair of Cerwin-Vega E-708 speakers. Not very much on the hi-fi
side, I know, but I got the stuff a long time ago when I did not know much (well, I don't
know a hell of a lot more now, either). Basically, I listen to everything, although now
I'm more on the jazz/Latin jazz, and rock side of things. I'm thinking of upgrading. My
budget is limited, but I thought of starting with the basics and upgrade the source first
and then little by little upgrade to a preamp, amp (Rotel), and new speakers (possibly
B&W CDM-7NT). I've been considering the Rotel RCD-02 as an option. On the other hand,
I came across a D/A processor from Musical Fidelity (A324) and read that it can improve on
the sound of your "old" CD player.
Would that be applicable even for my CD changer? Or should
I get the Rotel? Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Xavier
Yes, an outboard DAC can offer improvements to many
older CD players and changers, but it may not necessarily be a more economical upgrade
than replacing your current CD player. On the other hand, the combination of a changer and
a high-resolution DAC may offer convenience and performance benefits greater than a simple
CD-player upgrade -- this is the kind of math equation only you can answer for yourself.
However, I'm a firm believer that improving the source
improves the system, so with that in mind, I'd say you're on the right track to better
sound, whichever way you choose to approach the problem.
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