Two-input DAC?
September 30, 2003
Wes,
I have a Bel Canto DAC2 and two Sony Megachanger CDP CX 400
players. The DAC enormously improves the sound of the one player which is plugged into it.
The problem is that the DAC will accept only one input. Consequently, I am unable to link
both players to the DAC at the same time. Are you aware of a DAC that has input
capabilities that would allow it to be linked to more than one CD transport? Are you aware
of any other device that would permit such a configuration?
Robert
Sure there are lots of 'em -- and there are even
switchboxes that will accept several TosLink inputs and output one to the DAC. But what I
suspect you are asking is, Are there any DACs that will automatically switch inputs when
they receive data from the active transport? And the answer is that I don't know of any
currently available. Readers, do you?
Passive preamp?
September 25, 2003
Hi Wes,
I would appreciate your advice in regard to a new preamp
for my system. I am considering a passive preamp, but I am unsure if my system is
appropriate for it. I have several sources, but the one I am particularly concerned with
is a Denon DCD 1650 AR CD player. I'll use a one-meter Alpha Core Goertz TQ-1 interconnect
to connect the CD player to the preamp and a one-meter Alpha Core Goertz Tourmaline to
connect the preamp to my amp, a Musical Fidelity A3 CR. The source output is 2V with a
10,000-ohm load. The amp has an input sensitivity of 1000mV and an impedance of 31,000
ohms. The interconnects have an unusually high capacitance. I would appreciate your
opinion on whether this system is a good candidate for a passive preamp. Which would you
advise for my system as being the most neutral unit, playing the music just as it is?
Thanks for your help!
Ron
As a system, no, it doesn't sound like yours is ideal
for a passive preamp. The problem isn't the components so much as the high-capacitance
cables. This doesn't mean you should get rid of them if they're the ones you like best,
simply that they are the big impediment to employing a passive preamp.
But the question really is, do you want a passive preamp
because you have heard one you like or because you like the idea? If the former, fine. I
have owned several passive preamps and generally admire them more than love them in the
long run. Your experiences could be different, of course -- and the Denon certainly has
enough output to drive a passive preamp -- but make sure that a passive preamp delivers
the sound you're looking for before committing to a component that will require such major
system changes.
Needs a $300 preamp
September 22, 2003
Hi Wes,
Firstly, congratulations on running a great site -- I
really like the way you blend humor along with insight.
I have a query regarding preamps. My current equipment is a
Marantz CD6000 KI signature CD player, Rotel RB-971 stereo power amplifier, and
custom-made three-way floorstanding speakers.
I'm currently using the CD player's built-in digital remote
and have two problems with it. First, it doesn't go low enough -- even at minimum volume,
it's still too loud for night-time listening. Second, I think I may be losing on some
dynamics because of the digital volume control. Therefore, I need a preamp with the
following features:
Inputs -- I don't really need more than one or two. More
would be nice but not really required. No phono stage required either.
Outputs -- I would prefer two for biamping.
Remote control -- definitely!
My budget is $300.
I would really appreciate your input on this.
Punit
I think your analysis of the problem is spot on. It
probably is the player's volume control -- which, by the way, is not digital -- that's
causing the dynamic damping you describe. The simplest solution I can think of is Creek's
OBH 12, which is a remote-controlled, passive volume control with two inputs and two
outputs. Simple, but extremely refined in performance -- and right around your budget cap,
too.
Neutriks
September 18, 2003
Wes,
I have no clue what to do. I just bought this house, and
the previous owner had Neutrik NL 4FC connectors installed. I have two of these cables
coming out of my walls, but how do I connect my speakers to them? I'm guessing these are
the male connectors.
Rick
I'd bet the last owner of your house had a pair of
European loudspeakers -- or maybe a set of pro-sound monitors, since Neutriks aren't that
common in domestic hi-fis here in the States.
You really have three choices: (1) Sell your speakers for a
pair that have the matching Neutrik connectors, (2) buy a set of matching Neutrik
connectors and wire 'em to bare wire, or (3) cut off the Neutriks and either use the bare
wires or install spades or bananas to your existing cables.
Obviously, the third choice is simplest and cheapest.
Better imaging
September 16, 2003
Hi Wes,
I have a Musical Fidelity A3.2 preamp, power amp, and CD
player with Elac 207 speakers.
However, I am not that satisfied with the imaging of sound.
The vocals are OK, but when I listen to musicals, I can clearly hear the sound coming from
the two speakers, while with some systems I have heard, the speakers seem invisible.
What's the single most important component in the system that contributes to imaging?
What's the cheapest way I can improve the imaging of my system?
Jill
In my experience, the single most important element in
getting good imaging and soundstaging is system setup. You can spend all kinds of money on
components, but unless you optimize the room/speaker interactions, you won't get good
imaging.
I have several articles on loudspeaker placement in the Features section of onhifi.com
and that would be a good place to start.
Good speaker stands help a lot -- and here's a hint that's
free: Use an inexpensive bubble level to check that your speakers are level (front to back
and side to side). You'll be amazed how much a difference that makes.
Don't make any component changes until you've explored your
loudspeaker-placement options. The answer just might be a lot more inexpensive than you
think.
Renewed interest in audio
September 10, 2003
Wes,
I am developing a renewed interest in stereo/audio
listening after 30 years of kids, house-building, and career. Somehow I thought I would be
richer now (dollar-wise), but I find I am still more into low "high end" than
further up the ladder. I have recently begun to enjoy listening to music again for
relaxation after work, the way I used to many years ago, and I have a few questions.
(1) Do cables/interconnects really make a sonic improvement
with lower-end (NAD, Adcom, Rotel, Fried) components? Differences that will matter to my
50-plus-year-old ears?
(2) Is stereo still better or does Pro Logic decoding and
theater/hall modes improve the sound?
(3) Are good headphones still a good way to go for
full-range listening?
I appreciate any info you may have.
Larry
Welcome back!
(1) Yes, well-built, solidly constructed interconnects can
make a real difference even in low-cost hi-fis -- but don't spend new-component money on
'em when there are so many previously owned cables out there. Ask your audio dealer about
any stock he has taken in on trade-in, or check the classifieds in your local paper for
good deals.
(2) I prefer stereo (two-channel) to artificially derived
(synthesized) surround. Some people don't. If you have a receiver or preamp that offers
synthesized surround, you should compare a few discs in stereo and surround for yourself
-- but if you don't, don't feel too bad. Most hard-core audiophiles still go two-channel.
(3) I really like the sound of good headphones, and there
are times (especially if you live with other people who don't share your love of music)
when headphones allow you to listen -- or listen at volumes you couldn't manage otherwise.
You can spend a lot of money on headphones, but most high-quality "cans" only
cost a fraction of what speakers that offer the same level of resolution would set you
back.
Tube rolling
September 2, 2003
Wes,
I read your "Rolling Tubes" segment and had to
chime in on the effects of changing tubes. I own an old Audio Research LS22 preamp that
feeds a Pass Aleph 3 amp.
The rub on this preamp has been that, although impressive
in most performance areas, it was a little lean in the bass and maybe a little bright in
the upper midrange.
I liked the dynamics and soundstage so much, however, that
I bought it used and replaced the tubes through Audio Research. The Russian 6922
replacements they provided were fine, but there was no real discernable difference in the
music.
After about a year of enjoyable but not totally satisfying
listening I called the folks that specialize in tubes at Upscale Audio in California. They
had a profile of the LS22 on their computer and recommended replacement tubes (this time
Russian 6922/6H22 NOS). I purchased the tubes -- what a difference! All of the strengths
of the preamp remained unchanged, while bass became dramatically more alive and the upper
midrange silky smooth.
All of this brings me to the question of why doesn’t a
company like ARC use these far superior tubes in their gear? It can’t be cost; both
sets of tubes were comparably priced. If it is a matter of supply, why don’t they
find a source to reproduce them?
Steve Moore
The audio manufacturers I've asked say that they need
assurance of continuing availability of the tubes they recommend and use. Most of them
admit that most people can find tubes they may prefer the sound of, but also point out
that an individual might have different priorities (or tastes) than a manufacturer might.
As to why audio companies don't just buy tube-manufacturing
facilities and make their own, it comes down to two things: cash and know-how. Making
tubes requires a big cash outlay for production facilities for what is, at the end of the
day, a product with a less-than-meteoric growth rate. On top of that, tube-making is both
an art and a science, and the people who have the most experience at it are no longer
young -- most have already retired or shuffled off this mortal coil.
All of which is why places like Upscale Audio and people
like Kevin Deal are such important resources.
However, I do still stand by my original assertion that
audio isn't supposed to make you crazy (although many audiophiles enjoy their madness). If
the fear of tube-rolling "insanity" is keeping anyone from tube ownership, they
should ignore the whole subject and simply enjoy the product as the manufacturer made it
and sold it. Other options are there for them that wants ''em.
Just my opinion, of course.
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