Q&A # 251 - September 11, 2001

Staff

Q Could you explain the reasoning behind the benefits that bi-wiring is supposed to deliver? I've heard from certain people that many speakers that are bi-wire capable (like the Energy e:Xl line) won't actually benefit from bi-wiring. Is this true, or is bi-wiring always beneficial?

A The idea behind bi-wiring is that you connect one set of speaker cables to the tweeter and one set of cables to the woofer, having removed the bus bar that connects the two on the back of the speaker enclosure. However, in my opinion, all this does is replace the short bus bar with a long one (think of it as pulling the middle of the bus bar all the way back to the amplifier). When it does work, I think that it is because you have added more conductor mass, which will lower the impedance a bit. If you use really good cables to begin with, I see no value in bi-wiring (but that is only my opinion). This contrasts with bi-amping, which is a completely different thing.

Q Stupid newbie question alert: If one has a progressive scan DVD player, do you still need a progressive scan TV to enjoy said benefits?

A It's not a stupid question. The problem is that the industry comes up with all these new technologies and then they leave the explaining of how they work and what you need to make them work, to magazines like Secrets, and consumer columns in newspapers. Yes, you need a progressive TV to show the progressive output from a progressive DVD player. Look for the component video inputs on the TV that you are planning to buy. That will indicate it is capable of receiving the progressive scan signal from the DVD player.

Q Which is better, a receiver or separates? The receivers I am looking at are Yamaha, Denon, and Onkyo. I am interested in Rotel and Anthem separates.

A Well, it used to be easy to answer this question, but now, the receivers are getting so good, that answer does not work any more. As long as you buy 8 Ohm speakers, the big mass market receivers work phenomenally well. For example, we used an Integra receiver at our recent Benchmark event, and it was fantastic. All the mass market manufacturers are jumping into the big receiver arena. They have wonderful features, and you eliminate all those cables that connect the processor to the power amplifier. However, if you like to blow the windows out and are into 4 Ohm speakers, like M&K, then the outboard power amplifier is still the way to go. But you can always get the receiver, and add the outboard power amplifier, because the receivers are made in large numbers, so their price is almost the same as just the preamp/processor.

Q I really appreciate your DVD player reviews. They are unparalleled by any other publication, print or net. I was also happy to see you review the Sony Playstation's abilities for DVD playback. I have waited on the purchase of a progressive scan player since I heard the Microsoft Xbox would have progressive scan capabilities. $300 is a great deal for a progressive scan player let alone one with powerful gaming capabilities and a hard drive. So do you have any plans to review an Xbox console? I'm sure there are many out there in my position and many which would be happy with an Xbox as a progressive scan DVD player if its performance is up to par.

A Yes, because the Xbox will be a major step towards having a PC really integrated with a DVD player, we will certainly review it when it becomes available. After having been through two Benchmarks, we have lots of questions to ask of it.

Q I have a receiver that supports the rear center along with the surrounds (6.1). I want a subwoofer back there, but should I wire it to the rear center or split it between the two rear surrounds?

A I would suggest using it with the two rear surrounds. However, put the subwoofer in the front with the main subwoofer. I have found considerable cancellation problems with using a subwoofer placed in the rear along with a subwoofer placed in the front. Be sure to use a low-pass frequency of no more than 50 Hz or so, for the subwoofer covering the rear channels, if it is sitting in the front.

Q I've been researching progressive scan DVD players and as far as I can see there is none that offers the right mix of features for my needs (film sources with a direct view 16:9 HDTV monitor - probably Sony or Panasonic). 

The models with good de-interlacing (Sage or Silicon Image) such as Denon 2800 or Kenwood 5700 all suffer from the chroma bug, as you reported. The additional image processing on the DcDi Kenwood hides the chroma bug, but neither offer aspect ratio control so 4:3 source (older films) can't be viewed in progressive mode. 

Is there any DVD that has a good de-interlacer, without the chroma bug, with aspect ratio control? 


A No player passed all of our tests, but no single test should be used to eliminate a player from consideration unless that factor is really important to you. Determine the features you want, and then go through the list. None of them have everything, and none ever will. I (JJ) prefer a player with low amounts of ringing, but the chroma bug does not bother me unless it is there in huge amounts. In other words, accept a few compromises to get the things you really like.

Q I am using an Aragon 8008st, and an 8008x3 I want to upgrade to THX EX and DTS EX, so I need extra amplification. Should I get the Aragon 8008bb and be happy with my setup now or get a Cinepro? Do you think the Cinepro is more of an improvement over the Aragon? I'm using M&K S125 speakers all around, and I intend do upgrade to the S150THX later on.

A The Cinepro and Aragon lines are quite different from one another, rather than one being an improvement over the other. One thing about the Cinepro though, is that it is already a six channel amplifier, which handles that sixth channel in the center rear. However, if you already have Aragon, and are just looking for more channels so you can bi-amp your speakers when you crank it up, then get another Aragon. Cinepro sounds slightly different than Aragon, so it might not be such a good idea to mix and match these two brands.

Q I'm looking at getting a DLP projector for watching progressive scan DVD movies. It says that it supports 480p, but it doesn't have the 3 RCA RGB connectors on it. It only has a VGA DB15 connector. I cant seem to find a cable to fit that scenario anywhere. Am I missing something? How are you supposed to do that?

A You need what's called a breakout cable. We got ours from BetterCables.com. It consists of the DB-15 on one end and the RCA plugs on the other. You will actually have five RCA connectors there, three for the color, one for horizontal sync, and one for vertical sync. You will need to call them and order it custom since the length and types of connectors vary depending on the requirements (some want BNC rather than RCA). A breakout cable is what you would also need if you connect your computer's video card output (DB-15) to a projector.

� Copyright 2001 Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity
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