Newbie Audio/Video/HT question!

[Jammrock]

Just kind of an appendium to Dogbert:

Amplifier (Amp) - Inputs a line level signal from an outside source and amplifies (increases, power's up) the signal. The amplified signal is then sent to speakers. Has no other function.

Pre-amplifier (pre-amp) - Kind of like a hub for A/V equipment. Plug in all your sources (CD, DVD (if A/V pre-amp), tape, etc.) and it will output a line level signal to an amplifier. A good pre-amp will not hurt the sound as it passes through (or extremely minimal) or clean it up.

Tuner - A pure tuner is just a radio; however, it is often used synonymous with a reciever.

Processor - When working in a seperates system (i.e. each function in the stereo/HT has it's own component/box for that function) a sound processor will do things like decode Dolby Digital, HDCD, SACD, DTS, etc. Most of the time, however, this is done in the A/V pre-amp or reciever, but not always.

Reciever (or AV Reciever) - If you take all the above components - amp, pre-amp, tuner, processor - and put it in one box, you have an AV Reciever.

As rule of thumb, a good component system will always sound superior to an all-in-one AV reciever. Recievers are a whole lot cheaper, so unless you plan on putting in some serious cash to a HT/Stereo, go with a good reciever.

Another little hitch with component systems is that you need good cable to go with it. The generic lamp wire cable (the black ones that come standard with all components, no matter what teh cost) will not give you the sound a component system can produce. You don't need to go overboard and get teh $1000 per foot cables, but something nice.

Many sales guys will say you should buy cables worth about 10% of your total system cost, but I've found you can get good cables for less than that. You just have to search around.

Jammrock

[WyWyWyWy]

Thanks all!!!!
You guys are very very helpful, much appreciated.
I love MURC!! :~~


Gurm: at least they don't think you have a dead tuna!!

Jammrock: you think those 2 to 5 pounds per meter cable gonna be ok? (3 to 7 dollars)

RichL: Lovely! They sell stuff very cheap I'm currently looking a Eltax and Mission... but Mission only has floorstandings? No rear no centre no sub?

Dogbert: I never liked something hanging on my head i.e. headphone except outdoor of course.


As you guys are very helpful, may I take this opportunity to ask some more newbie questions....


Right now I want to get the Sony SSCR490 or SSCR290 for Xmas to get myself started (with my existing crap setup), and then a pair of floorstanding and an entry level receiver (or integrated amp + dsp) after new year when I have some money. And then a sub some time in the future. So, is the Sony SSCR490 are good?

Oh by the way I found that DSP's are pretty cheap...

Hmm... guess I have to visit Richersound tomorrow...

[Dogbert]

I personally like Yamaha better.
The smart thing to do is to go there and audit them yourself.

1. Listen
2. Try operating it, do you thing you'll be able to operate the remote in the dark ? Are the functions you frequently use eaisly accessible ? Is the panel / remote too cluttered / spartan to your taste etc.
3. Listen again
4. The toughest part - £££

I don't know what the price in GB is, but in the U.S the Wharfedales Modus 8 (floorstanding speakers) are dirt cheap and offer more than a decent sound for the price (I use them as my rears).



Happy shopping...


edit: added image.

[Dogbert]

You can read all kinds of reviews here.

[Dogbert]

Seems like people in the U.S are still getting the Modus One Six for $129 /pair in the U.S + $100 for delivery.


I use those as fronts, they are 170W, 8Ohm, 3 way, sensitivity is 93db.

[WyWyWyWy]

Thanks
I'm gathering information

Will make a purchase for some inexpensive stuff first next week, and then print some money and recevier go receiver!!

[Dogbert]

Just noticed your sig, doesn't the platinum WHITE panel ruin your all-black theme ?

[thop]

that 500$ cable stuff is still a urban legend, that will never die out. anything over 5€ per meter is a waste.

[Dogbert]

Costs even less if you make it yourself:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/diycables.html

[WyWyWyWy]

Originally posted by Dogbert
Just noticed your sig, doesn't the platinum WHITE panel ruin your all-black theme ?

Actually yes.
I have emailed Creative Europe to back-order the Audigy black face plate kit... they don't have stock at the moment.

AFAIK the Audigy black kit fits Live too, if it doesn't I'll make it fit somehow!!

Hmm... pretending to be Audigy :I hmm...

[WyWyWyWy]

Okay bidding on a used SONY STR-D511 receiver now
Pro-logic yo!!

[K6-III]

amp---well amplifies sound
preamp--switching capability and tone controls for amp
integrated amp--preamp and amp in one
receiver--integrated amp with tuner

[Jammrock]

Originally posted by thop
that 500$ cable stuff is still a urban legend, that will never die out. anything over 5€ per meter is a waste.

One year ago I would have agreed with you. I've used some $1.50, $15 and $30 per foot cable on my system, and each one had a distinct, audible, difference. And it's not just me that noticed, everyone who listed did, so the, "you're just justifying your purchase," arguement doesn't work

Though it does depend on the system. For each system you get to a point where the cabling won't make a lick of difference. An inexpensive system deserves inexpensive cables, a nice system deserves nice cables.

Jammrock: you think those 2 to 5 pounds per meter cable gonna be ok? (3 to 7 dollars)

Like I said, it depends on your system. If your total system cost (reciever, CD, speakers, etc) is around/under $1000, then the $3-$7 per foot cables will work just fines.

If you're hooking up $10k speakers to a $5k amp, and a $6k AV pre-amp, you don't want to use cheap cables. What kind of cable to use at that point...I will not start the arguement. According to formula you would need about $2100 worth of cable, but you could get stuff just as good for a lot less.

EDIT: The ONE exception to the rule are Video interconnects! Unless you have a crappy, POS TV and DVD player, the cable and type of cable will make a difference. On my 5-year olf DVD player, hooked to my 3-year old TV, I've used the stock 'lamp wire' cable, 'lamp wire' S-video, Monster s-video and Audio Quest S-1 s-video cables. Each one improved, and VERY noticible I might add, on the other, with the AQ S-1 being by FAR superior to the others.

Jammrock

[Maggi]

Originally posted by WyWyWyWy
... Pro-logic yo!!

Try to get one with ProLogic II ... it's really worth the difference !

[WyWyWyWy]

But why would cables make that much difference?
They are just a bunch of copper together to transmit signal, and if they are pure and thick enough there shouldn't be too much signal lose at all, no?

And oh I said per meter not per foot :~ So it is likely I need to spend some more on cabling too : p