Q&A # 243 - August 6, 2001

Staff

Q I am using a NAD 5.1 receiver as a preamp for a 5 channel NAD amplifier. I have the M&K 750THX speaker system, with the switch setting on the subwoofer bypassing its internal Linkwitz-Riley crossover filter. It is using the preamp's internal 100 Hz setting, so I am violating the true THX recommendation of 80 Hz. It does sound very good though, on music as well as movies. I have all front and rears set to SMALL for the preamp setup . So everything is matched to the preamp's internal 100 Hz bypass. My question is if I would be approaching audio nirvana by setting all front and rear speakers to LARGE, and use M&K passive 80 Hz filters between the preamp outputs and amplifier inputs. Then continue using the preamp sub output and set the sub to the internal L-R crossover at 80 Hz. My concern is any interaction between the NAD's 100 Hz sub output, and the 80 Hz roll-off of the M&K subwoofer's filter.

A Dual crossovers in the signal path will interact, but it is mainly just adding more phase shift. It won't hurt anything to try it out and see if you like it. This is one of the fun things of having choices and all those buttons we are paying for. The only thing you need to be aware of is conflicting high pass and low pass, where you eliminate frequencies in between, i.e., 80 Hz to 100 Hz.

Q  I could use some clarification on how composite video and S-Video connections work together, or not, through VCRs and receivers. For example, will a receiver that has both S-Video and composite inputs used at the VCR-1 input also output both so that you could send the S-Video to one display and the composite to another? With a VCR, if you input both will it output both? If so, which does it record? Why are manufacturers so stingy with S-Video outputs? Why can the antenna pass through the VCR in the off mode but not the S-Video?

A Receivers tend to output what they are input (composite or S-Video), but don't convert one to the other. So, if you input S-Video, you need to use the S-Video output to your TV. Same thing for composite video. Conversion takes additional circuitry, which adds to the cost. S-Video is also more expensive than composite, so that is why they don't put a lot of them on the receivers. You can buy composite-S-Video converters so that you can connect a composite video VCR and an S-Video satellite to your receiver, and use the S-Video output to your TV. The antenna signal is put through your VCR in a passive way, so the power does not have to be on. S-Video is part of the active circuitry, so the power has to be on.

Q  I'm a first time DVD buyer, and I just purchased a home theater receiver "Pioneer VSX-29TX" to start to build my system. I would like advice for buying a $500 DVD player that matches the standards of this receiver.  I would like it to have progressive scanning and DVD-A.

A There are a number of new players coming out this Fall that have DVD-A in the $500 range. As to all the other features, such as progressive scan, we just need to wait and see. The release of these players is only a month or so away.

Q I have narrowed my speaker selection down to B&W 805 and Martin Logan Scenario. Regarding the subwoofer, I am interested in the Hsu TN 1220 or REL Q201E. Could you help me to choose? I have read lot of reviews but could not make up my mind.

A These are two good speaker models, but they are very different. If you like a focused sound, then go with the B&W. If you like a diffuse sound (the whole wall), then go with the Martin Logans. You will likely need a larger power amplifier with the Martin Logans though. Either of the subs would give you a nice deep bass.

Q Your Buyer's Guide is very informative, as I am looking to buy a complete system. For receivers, what kind of numbers should I be paying attention to?

A Well, all the specs are important, but the specs I look for are the number of channels, the power per channel, whether it is with all channels operating, 20 Hz -  20 kHz, and into what impedance. Not all those numbers are in the tables yet, but eventually they will be.

Q I am considering updating the cabinetry that houses my H/T and audio gear. My wife has suggested an armoire or entertainment center type cabinet that matches the decor and has doors that can be closed. I have an RPTV so the cabinet would be strictly for components.

Implementing this will render the IR remotes useless because there will be no direct line of site access for them. The cabinet would be facing a different direction on an adjacent wall.

Is there a device available that would allow the use of IR remotes in this scenario? None of my components are RF remote capable.

A You could put together a system that uses RF to trigger infra-red (IR) LEDs that are placed in front of the IR receivers on each component, but it would be complicated. The way I would work with your setup is to use a reflective surface on the wall in such a position that the front of the cabinet is in a line of sight to your sitting position as reflected from the surface. A decorative wall mirror would work, but also probably just the glass surface of some artwork, like a framed photograph. IR will reflect off surfaces like this, and it should work if you position it right.

Q I purchased a JVC XSV60BK progressive scan DVD player. I also own a Samsung 490i progressive scan TV. The TV is not HDTV. I'm connected to the TV using the component out from the DVD player. I tried pressing the VFB button on the remote for the DVD which activates the progressive scan. When I do this it splits the screen. I think that I can't use this function and I can only get the interlaced scan. But since I have a progressive scan TV, is the video signal out from the DVD player getting converted to progressive?

A Yes, I think your TV is converting it, but you really need to work out the problem of why you are not getting progressive video out of your player, because you will likely have a better picture by using that feature. I would suggest going back to your dealer and having them set up your model of player and TV and getting the menu settings that work. If those settings on your system don't work, then either the TV or the player may be defective. If so, activate your warranty rights.

Q Perhaps you can help me choose which component video cable I should use to be connected to the soon to be released Sony HD-34XBR2 HD TV. I believe Sony uses Tributaries, but I understand Bettercables and Nordost Optix-S are very fine as well. Can you please give me your personal preference for deeper color and sharper detail.

A Either one of these would be good. The Nordost is very sophisticated technology, but we have not tested the effects of the Teflon and monofilament design on the video signal yet, using an Audio Precision instrument. We will get around to it though. The most important thing is a 75 Ohm impedance, which both are specified as having. The second thing I look for is sturdiness of the plugs on the cables, and the third thing is how flexible the cables are. A fourth might be the diameter of the cables for ease in putting them under a rug to reach the projector on the other side of the room. I have a feeling we are going to find that the TVs are the weakest link, with less than 75 Ohm video input jacks, mediocre lenses, noisy LCDs, etc. Still, a good cable is always an excellent investment.

� Copyright 2001 Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity
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