Q I'm split 50/50 between music (rock) and movies (action, sci-fi), and need a used hi-end amplifier that can make my KEFs sing like never before. Here is a list I have chosen after a month of research: Aragon 8008x5, Bryston 9B-SST, Cinepro 3k6III, Classe CAV-150, EAD Powermaster 1000. The rest of my system consists of Seleco SV-400 HT projector, Da-lite screen, Denon Receiver, Denon DVD-2900, KEF 4.2, KEF 200c, M&K SS-150 rears. All cables are by Nordost.

A The Aragon and Bryston will have a bit more edge to them than the Cinepro and Classé, so it depends on your tastes. All of them are high quality amplifiers though, and will sound good with your KEF speakers.

T

Q How can I connect 4 Ohm speakers to an 8 Ohm system?

A All amplifiers will drive both 8 Ohm and 4 Ohm speakers, but some amplifiers are not "rated" into 4 Ohms, meaning that you have to be careful with the volume control so that the amplifier does not clip.

T

Q I have a receiver with no sub-output that I want to connect to a subwoofer. How do I do this?

A Use one of the rec-out jacks to the line-level input on the subwoofer, or use one of the speaker outputs connected to the speaker-level input on the subwoofer. You will need to control the volume with the subwoofer volume control since changing the volume on the receiver does not affect the rec-out volume.

T

Q How do you tell the difference between mosquito noise on a DVD or if it's grain from a bad transfer? I just bought the season 1 and 2 box sets from "Highlander - The Series", and dark to very dark scenes look very grainy/mosquito noise. It's as if I'm watching VHS rather than DVD it's so bad.

A Mosquito noise is an MPEG artifact that appears in areas that have sharp edges, such as lettering, while grain is present throughout the picture. Here is a link to a good explanatory article: http://www.itl.nist.gov/div895/docs/MosquitoNoise2000.pdf

T

Q When I watch HD programs, sometimes one scene will look sharp and the next will be fuzzy. What is causing this?

A High Definition TV now is in a transition period. Some commercials are HD and others are NTSC, and they can be mixed on a High Def program. With sports programs, they don't have enough HD cameras to shoot from every angle, so you might get an HD shot of the field, but an interview with one of the athletes might be in NTSC. Also, some "High Definition" programs are just 480i material that is up-sampled to 1080i. They may call these "High Resolution" in the program guide, but it is definitely not High Definition, and it only looks just a little better than 480p.

T

Q I recently purchased a Denon 3800 DVD player for about $1000. Now I keep hearing about new players coming out with DVI outputs. I do not want to just buy new player with DVI outputs and throw this brand new player away. Do you think it would be at all possible to upgrade the Denon 3800 to have a DVI output? Would it be possible that Denon would offer such a service? I'd rather spend a couple hundred to upgrade this player than get a new one.

A Denon will probably not offer the upgrade, but I think there will be other companies who will offer the upgrade on a variety of players. We just have to wait for the services to start appearing. If we find one, we will post the address here.

T

Q I'm ready to join the digital TV revolution. I'm weary of plasma because of burn in and price. So I've narrowed it down to two products, the Sony KF-50XBR800 LCD rear-projection and the Samsung HLN437w DLP Monitor. I'm leaning towards the Sony, but I've heard that DLP technology is more reliable (LCDs have pixel problems) plus it has a better DC filter (3D y/c vs. 3D). Both around $3000. What do you all think is best? Alternatives?

A Six months ago I would have said get the LCD, but recently, I attended a Samsung press conference and was amazed at their new DLP RPTV. It had some of the best contrast I have ever seen. Since contrast affects color saturation, I think I would get that DLP RPTV.

T

Q My question involves using a separate processor like the Outlaw model 950 with the multi-channel inputs on a receiver. I realize this sounds totally backwards, but my receiver is pretty low end and lacks pre-outs, but does have a multi-channel input. I can't afford to purchase both a processor and amp all at once, and as far as I can tell a receiver with no pre-outs and a separate amplifier just equates to me waiting to save the money to get a processor. I also recall you saying in a previous Q&A that you could use an old receiver to power the rear two channels in a 7.1 setup by using one of the analog inputs like CD or something, because they are the right voltage for such a thing. So bearing in mind that the receiver only has 5.1 multi-channel inputs, could I run 5 channels from a pre/pro like the 950 through the old receiver and essentially use the old receiver as an amp until I can get the money together to purchase a proper separate amp?

A Yes, this should work just fine, and in fact, you could continue to use that old receiver to handle the 6th and 7th channels in a 7.1 processor, and then only have to purchase a five-channel outboard power amplifier for the other five channels.

About Secrets Register

Terms and Conditions of Use