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Q I have a Yamaha HTR-5490 receiver. I'd like to add some power to my
system without having to shell out more money on a new receiver. I'd like to
connect some more amplifiers if possible. I've heard a lot of different things
about connecting amps in series. Any suggestions?
A The only manner in which amplifiers are connected together is
called "Bridging", but it is not a casual procedure, and is usually done with a
stereo amplifier where both channels are in one chassis. One input is inverted
and you use the + terminals on both speaker output sets (for the two amplifier
channels) to drive a single
speaker. For most modern receivers, you would just get a multi-channel power amplifier and
connect it in a bi-amping configuration, removing the metal straps that connect
the tweeter and woofer on a speaker, and one amplifier to drive each. You would
have to use the receiver's speaker outputs to drive one, such as the tweeter,
and the pre-out on the receiver for the same channel to drive the new amplifier which is then
connected to the woofer. There are lots of good outboard power amplifiers out
there. The new Outlaw 200 watt monoblocks are only $299 each. Unfortunately, I
believe the HTR-5490 does not have pre-outs. Radio Shack has cables for
connecting speaker outputs to amplifier inputs, as they have a resistor in the
cable to bring the voltage down. You could do that for the time being, and then
just get a new receiver down the road, that has pre-outs for all channels, and
use the outboard power amplifier in a more conventional configuration at that
point.
T
Q I am considering purchasing the Onkyo
TX-SR700 receiver along with the Panasonic DVD-XP30 DVD player. I would
appreciate your comments on this pair. Also which speakers would you recommend?
A That looks like a good
combination. The XP30 is a nice player. For speakers, select some that are 8 Ohm
impedance and at least 90 dB/w/m sensitivity, such as made by Klipsch. This is
important for mass market receivers.
T
Q I have just recently bought
a home theater system which consists of: Marantz Sr6200 A/V amp, Mission 773e
front speakers, JBL SCS-178 centre, JBL PB12 sub, and a pair of Celestion SL6 as
rears. In your opinion how can I further enhance the quality of sound and
harmonics?
A I would suggest an outboard
power amplifier down the road. You can connect it the way I suggested in the
answer for a question above, or just use it to replace the receiver amplifiers
altogether by connecting all the pre-outs to the outboard amplifier, and driving
the speakers only with the outboard power amplifier. You could do this in
stages, by purchasing two monoblocks (a monoblock is a single channel power
amplifier) to start with, using them to drive the front left and right channels,
and adding monoblocks later on for the other channels.
T
Q I'm starting to look for an RPTV with widescreen and HDTV-capable. My confusion lies with DVI and Firewire.
The salespeople say not to worry, but it appears highly likely that either one
or both will have a significance in the near future. Should I look for a unit
with both inputs? It appears that the only manufacturers offering both on
certain units at this time are the Hitachi XWX series and the RCA Scenium. Can
you comment on the DVI/Firewire dilemma, the choice of the Hitachi or RCA and
offer me a candid answer if I should wait several months (or longer) until this
dilemma is resolved? I am confused and frustrated. Any other RPTV
widescreen recommendations for someone on a limited budget? In addition to
Hitachi and RCA, please comment on Mitsubishi and Toshiba. Which of these four
do you prefer and why?
A I would look for a TV
that has both, because DVI/HDMI will be the future for HDTV programming and
connections from DVD players, while Firewire will be used for connecting your
digital video camera and digital VCRs to the TV. However, if you have to choose
only one, then certainly, get the TV with DVI/HDMI rather than Firewire. You can
always play your DV tapes using the analog video output jack on the VCR to your
TV, but having a TV without DVI/HDMI could leave you out in the cold when HDTV
satellite and cable boxes require that spec to be in the TV in order to send
digital signals to it. As to the brands you mentioned, all have great products,
but Mitsubishi may focus on Firewire rather than DVI/HDMI in its TV models.
T
Q I have purchased a Sony VPL-HS10 projector, and I now need a
multi-region DVD player to use with it. Which models come top of your rankings
for picture quality? I am a bit confused as to whether I need progressive
scan or not, etc.
A For a basic player, get the
Panasonic XP30, for DVD-A get the Denon DVD-1600, and for DVD-A and SACD, get
the Yamaha S2300. No player is multi-region from the factory, as that is
illegal.
T
Q I have an Infocus
LP-340 projector, which I've had for about a year and a half. I'm currently
using the S-Video output from my DVD player connected to the S-Video input on
the projector to view SDTV images. The projector will display 1080i or 720p
HDTV. Would it be worth the extra expense of purchasing, say, the Samsung
SIRT-165 Terrestrial Receiver, using the component output from the DVD player,
and outputting an up-converted HDTV signal to my projector versus the SDTV
S-Video signal I've been using?
A It would be best to use component video with all
your sources if you can. Especially with the HD set-top-box (STB), you will want
to have component connections to the TV, as that is the best picture.
T
Q I am in the process of adding a rear center
surround channel. Am I better off using a surround speaker identical to the rear
left and rights I already have, or should I purchase another center channel
speaker and use that as my rear center surround?
A The rear speakers all get just an ambience type
of signal, so get a rear center like the rear left and right speakers.
T
Q Is there any adapter to convert an S-Video
input plug to an aux plug? I am running my XBox to my amp via an optical cord
but the only way to run video as well is using either S-Video or a Scart, but my
TV only supports aux inputs.
A The aux jack would appear to be a composite video
jack, so what you are looking for is an S-Video to RCA converter. Radio Shack
now carries these, and they are very inexpensive.
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