auxinput

Responses from auxinput

Surround speaker setup: disc player or processor?
The Ayre DX-5 is a re-badged Oppo player that uses the stock Oppo DSP/HDMI/digital.  However, the Ayre only has stereo analog outputs.The stock Oppo DSP configuration for speaker size/distance/level really only applies if it had 5.1 analog outputs... 
Best 5.1 options under $5k
I've listened to a lot of subs and I've also listened to both SVS speakers and ELAC speakers on the same system.  That is my basis for my opinions.   
Best 5.1 options under $5k
It is a taste thing.  Sealed subs generally sound more clean, but they do have somewhat of an artificial sound to them (a very slight slant) where it almost sounds like a sine wave.  Ported subs, on the other hand, sound thicker and meatier.  In m... 
Digital Cables: Optical, Coax, BNC, or a simple RCA interconnect?
I haven't really used 1.5M cables, but the longer 2M cables are always superior to the short 1M cables (just search for "digital reflection on short cable").Pangea makes decent stuff, but it's not the overall best.  The Pangea cables I have tested... 
Dedicated lines — how many? Other advice?
FYI, VH Audio in USA and Audio Sensibility in Canada sell cryo-treated 10awg Romex. 
Best 5.1 options under $5k
In my opinion, the SVS are okay but they are not the greatest resolution speaker.  The best speakers I know of in this budget level are the Elac Debut Reference (DFR52, DCR52, DBR62).  The SVS will sound a little dull in comparison to the Elac Ref... 
Lousy IEC Connections
The Furutech FI-15 Plus IEC connectors actually have a very tight fit when inserted into equipment.  This is both with the plug casing itself (which the fit into the IEC socket is very tight and snug) as well as the strength of the internal contac... 
Can I Re-Terminate HDMI cable?
HDMI cables have 19 individual wires and are normally built using machines.  I don't know of any manufacturer that will cut/re-terminate HDMI cables.  This is not like cutting/reterminating interconnects or speaker cables which only have 2 or 3 pr... 
Linear Power Supply and Roon Nucleus/SGC
CORRECTION: disregard my comment on Orange fuse.  It turns out that it was these damn Neotech XLR connectors that was causing a really bad harsh sound.  Furutech and Oyaide XLR are highly superior and the Orange fuse in the Farad Super 3 works gre... 
Linear Power Supply and Roon Nucleus/SGC
I have had extraordinary results with my Farad Super 3 as a linear power supply for Pink Faun S/PDIF card (which is essentially our transport).  I will say that the Synergistic Orange fuse did not sound good in this device.  A normal fuse or good ... 
Can I Re-Terminate HDMI cable?
Also, there are going to be timing issues if you trim the wires at different lengths.  Shielding is lost as well on this termination. 
Can I Re-Terminate HDMI cable?
Those DIY HDMI termination kits will degrade the signal because you are using screw clamp based terminations.  Also, you won't have as good of "strain relief" on the cable itself.  My opinion is that it's not worth it.  Just spend another $100-200... 
How bad is it to place 5.1 rears from behind rather than on the sides?
There are some surround speakers which have two pairs or drivers and are switchable between a dipole or bipole configuration.  If you really wanted to see for yourself, you could try the "dipole" sound and compare with the "bipole" (which essentia... 
How bad is it to place 5.1 rears from behind rather than on the sides?
The dipole surrounds have the woofers/tweeters wired in opposite phase of eachother, so yes it does create kind of a NULL where the couch is because the opposing drivers are cancelling out the sound (if the speakers are mounted directly to the sid... 
How bad is it to place 5.1 rears from behind rather than on the sides?
There have been many opinions on this as well as the dipole vs bipole type of sound.  Technically speaking, the 5.1 surrounds are meant to be placed on the left and right walls directly inline where are you sitting.  That is how the soundtrack is ...