LFE routing

February 25, 2005

To Roger Kanno,

I am presently integrating into my home-theater system a Clark Synthesis transducer. I have read various articles, each with slightly differing opinions on the following topic: the LFE channel. Here goes. When the main L/R and center are set to "Large" do they receive all of the low-frequency information, or is there still some extra .1 information that is only sent to the LFE output? I’m trying to determine if I need to combine the front L/R signals with the LFE output to send to the Clark transducer. I am not sure if the LFE output is required for this application.

Chris Hansen

I wish that there was an easy answer to this, but there isn't. You would think that if a speaker was set to "Large," then it would receive all of the bass for that channel, but some systems will still route bass from that channel to the LFE output while others will not. Also, some systems do not allow the crossover frequency to be set by the user, instead having a fixed frequency that is often unspecified. So it really depends on the bass-management options in your system and the bass capabilities of your speakers and subwoofer, whether you prefer the sound/feel of the Clark Synthesis transducer with the speakers set to "Large" or "Small."...Roger Kanno

Power rating

February 21, 2005

Editor,

I am pleased to write you this e-mail as I read your "The Director's Chair" article. Indeed, I need your help.

I intend to buy a Yamaha 7.1 A/V receiver (model RX-V750) rated at 7 x 100W RMS minimum per channel from 20Hz to 20kHz with no more than 0.06% THD. It is even clearly stated as 700W and 980W maximum at 1kHz with 10% THD. Normally Yamaha is a good company, and this receiver is quite expensive. My problem is that the power consumption of this unit is only 400W! So please explain the meaning. The amp cannot output 100W to all channels simultaneously, or the power consumption is not properly stated, or what else?

Ahmed

Rarely do receiver manufacturers specify power ratings "with all channels driven simultaneously." If those words don't appear, it's safe and prudent to assume that those conditions aren't part of the specification. Each channel may have the capability of producing 100W when driven alone, for example. I would even doubt that 980W is an accurate peak rating, with the receiver able to produce that power for short periods (using what's called a tone burst) on the test bench. The real question is whether the Yamaha will drive the speakers you intend to use it with. It may be that it can and you'll never experience a lack of power. But if you're counting on the full 700W/980W, as you've already wisely surmised, you're not going to get it....Jeff Fritz

InFocus 5700

February 17, 2005

To Wes Marshall,

Excellent review of the InFocus 5700. What screen setup did you use? What gain level?

Dean

Thanks for the kind words. I use a rear-screen setup with the projector in another room. The screen has 1.2 gain. This allows you to look into the guns, maximizing the brightness....Wes Marshall

Anthem AVM 30 review?

February 9, 2005

Editor,

You guys always seem to review Paradigm and Anthem gear, but I have not seen a review of the AVM 30 processor on your site. Is a review scheduled, or did I miss it?

Hugo

We do have an AVM 30 presently in for review. The reviewer also owns an AVM 20, so a relevant comparison is in the works. Look for the review in the next six weeks....Jeff Fritz

Dynaudio or Wilson?

February 3, 2005

Editor,

I read with great interest your review of the SVS 25-31PC-Plus subwoofer. The reason it caught my eye was the fact that you paired it with Dynaudio Confidence C2 speakers. My only interest is home theater. I currently have the B&W Nautilus 804s with a Lexicon MC8 processor and Lexicon CX7 amp. I have decided to upgrade the Nautilus 804s, and my two final contenders are second-hand Wilson WATT/Puppy 5.1s and demo Dynaudio C2s.

I wonder if you feel that the C2s are adequate for home theater purposes in terms of dynamics, detail and soundstaging. I usually listen to films at moderate or low volume. I feel that the 804s sound quite dull at such levels -- I need to turn up the volume to make them come alive. I actually went ahead and purchased the new Velodyne 12" Digital Drive subwoofer, which should arrive in a few days. But the question remains on the front speakers I should get.

Ran

One shortcoming that I found with the C2s was that they needed some real power to come alive, just like you describe with your B&Ws. But when the volume was cranked up a bit, look out! They were tremendous in terms of dynamics and detail. They will also be newer than the Wilsons, so if warranty is an issue to you that would give them the leg up. The Wilsons will come alive at lower volumes and provide equal dynamic range and tons of detail. The staging will be pin-point accurate, too. The 5.1s are a bit older, though. Depending on the vintage, you might be looking at a speaker closing in on eight years old. That means that reconing the woofers is closing in fast -- not a cheap proposition. The perfect solution would be a pair of W/P 6es, though that may break your budget. They would provide greater bass and a smoother sound, and in my opinion be superior to either model you're considering.

To sum up, there are pros and cons both ways. Both speakers are fine products, and I can't imagine you'd be disappointed with either. If you go with the Wilsons, though, make sure you inspect the drivers closely for condition....Jeff Fritz

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