2. amps-preamps
  3. 1339025747

Weak link

Hi all, I am relatively new to this world, and I have a question which, accordingly, might seem easy to answer to some. At least I hope.

My set-up is the following:
Onkyo HT-RC360
Carver A500x
Mirage M1
cables : from Carver to M1 : blue jean AWG10, biwired.

Onkyo -> Carver : this is a bit unorthodox, but I use a speaker to line level converter and generic cables to connect the converter to the carver.

While I really like the sound coming from this system, which is an improvement over having the Onkyo driving the M1 directly, I am found wanting in terms of high-frequency details coming from the speakers.

I read that the carvers deliver in general in terms of power, but not in terms of details, could it be the main culprit?

The other route is to get a preamplifier (any recommendations for this setup?) I am sure there are many weak links in this setup, but I am not quite sure which upgrade would yield the most audible improvement.

Thanks to all!
dalig
mateored
258 posts
 
Why are you wiring the amp that way?
dalig OP
11 posts
 
lowrider57: yes this is the correct link, it is a receiver.

The line 2 out only works for analog sources, which is not ideal but fine; but the main issue is that there is no volume control for line 2 out. The carver has no volume control either (only level knobs in the back). That's mostly what's driving me to wire this way.

So I found the line 2 out of the onkyo to be pretty useless, but I like everything else it offers (ipod connection, dolby decoding, etc)
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
I believe that if u use the PRE OUT L/R into the Carver there will be a significant increase in the performance of your system. (Use quality RCA cables). That Carver amp will then give clean, detailed sound with tons of power.
PREamp OUT would be the 2 purple RCA jacks.

mateored
258 posts
 
I just looked at the diagram and read the manual. It appears that the 2 purple RCA jacks are intended only for subwoofers (2 of them). Surprisingly, there do not seem to be any pre-outs with a volume control. I would think it would be preferable to hook up the zone 2 output to another simple preamp or volume attenuator (unless you are willing to get rid of the Onkyo or replace the Carver with an integrated amp). Very strange.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
yes, very strange there's no variable pre-out. maybe it's time to call Onkyo or the dealer.
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