Multichannel confusion
February 28, 2003
Dear Wes,
I'm shopping for an A/V receiver, and reproduction of
multichannel music will be a top priority. However, I've been confused in reading about
the requirements for multichannel analog audio inputs for DVD-A and SACD. I see reference
to 5.1 and six-channel inputs. Are these the same thing? I've also seen reference to
7.1-channel inputs. What will I need to buy to ensure compatibility with current and
future multichannel sources?
Thanks,
Bill Kats
I certainly understand your confusion. To start with, 5.1
and six-channel are indeed the same thing, since there's no such thing as .1 of an input
channel. I suspect that initially the consumer electronics industry simply wanted to
indicate that it was talking about five full-range channels and one that handled only the
signals below 40Hz. How that bass channel became designated as .1 of anything is simply
one of life's little mysteries.
As for insuring compatibility in the future -- good luck!
At the moment 5.1 is the de facto standard, but it doesn't actually re-create the
movie-theater experience, since movie theaters have many side speakers and rear speakers
as well. That's what 6.1 and 7.1 formats add to the equation -- one or two back surround
speakers.
Whether there is -- or ever will be -- overwhelming
consumer demand for the additional channels is another story. I don't sense a groundswell
of sentiment for the EX versions of surround sound, but it might be too early to call the
race.
Besides, for multichannel music reproduction, engineers
haven't even figured out how to use the five-channel surround formats yet, much less the
six- and seven-channel versions.
If you're willing to trust my prediction (and remember, I'm
the guy who said CD was too complicated to ever catch on), just buy the best five-channel
processor/amp combo you can afford -- but don't be afraid of a seven-channel job, if it
sounds good and the price is right. No one can truly guarantee freedom from obsolescence
-- you might decide to convert to a class D amp long before a new surround standard ever
takes hold....Wes Phillips
Dynaudio or Polk?
February 25, 2003
Hi Wes,
Congratulations on a nice article: "Product of
the Year." I enjoyed reading it. This brings about my query on Dynaudio and Polk,
both good speaker makers from two different worlds.
Having chosen Rotel amplifiers for my planned 7.1-channel
system and a choice between Dynaudio Audience series or a Polk LSi series, which
set would you recommend? Prices on these are similar. I have a medium-sized room, with
semi-bright to neutral acoustics.
Unfortunately, I could not do an A/B test and hear
distinctly the differences.
Best Regards,
Al Mendoza
It's an interesting question. I haven't auditioned the
Dynaudio Audience system, but I'm sure it's very good. I have heard the Polks,
however, and you've read how much I loved 'em. I'd go with the one I know -- but I'll put
Dynaudio Audience on the "to review" list and publish the results later in the
year.
Hope that helps a little....Wes Phillips
Asking too much?
February 18, 2003
Hi Wes,
I am a real novice, and I want to put together the
best-sounding DVD/CD home-theater sound system I can for under $700. What receiver/amp,
DVD player, and speakers can I put together to give me the best sound from DVDs, CD-R,
CD-W, and MP3s? I would like to have Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, and CS-5.1 capability, a
woofer with a built-in amp (preferably 100W), and possibly a five-disc player.
Most of the time, the system will be used while watching
cable TV, DVDs, and VCR tapes, in that order.
I know there are a lot of theater-in-a-box systems
available, but I think a component mix might give me better sound/performance/dollar
value.
What should I look at?
Thanks,
Don Lambeth
You don't want much for $700 do you? I think your best
choice at that price would be to haunt eBay -- if you insist on new gear, you're going to
have to choose an HTIB to get everything you want.
Another option might be to make friends with a local
dealer who takes trades.
If you're patient and you don't mind getting there
piece by piece, it's possible to have it all....Wes Phillips
Polk and H/K?
February 13, 2003
Dear Wes,
I am looking for a surround-sound package. I read your review of the
Polk LSi system. I don't know if I am ready to spend quite that much, but I was
wondering if you have reviewed the other Polk systems -- and would also like to get your
opinion on some other systems. I am curious about the Bose AM-15 series. What do you
think? Have you reviewed the Polk RM series surround-sound packages? If so, what do you
think? Also, what receiver do you recommend? I have done some reading up and asking around
and have come to the conclusion that Harman/Kardon seems to be the best-reviewed receiver
brand. I don't currently have any surround sound at all. What is the best system in your
opinion for around $1500 to $2000, not including the receiver?
I have heard a lot of good things about Polk Audio
products, so I have been trying to research as much as I can before I purchase. What about
the RTi series Polk speakers? One guy recommended for my price range that I get the
RM6700 with a PSW404, and RTi100 speakers. Or the RM7600 without the RTi100s.
He said if I put that with a Harman/Kardon receiver, I would really like it.
The problem with trying to purchase home-theater products
is that there are so many out there and they never sound the same at home as when you are
at the store. If you could give me your opinion on what you think would be my best options
for surround sound and a receiver, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Craig
You can get a pretty good idea of the items I have
reviewed by checking the archives at this site, www.onhifi.com,
and www.wesphillips.com. I
haven't reviewed all the speakers Polk makes, but I have reviewed a few of the RTi
and LSi models and think highly of them. Harman/Kardon as never seen fit to
supply any receivers for review, so I have no opinion on their quality.
However, I have reviewed Pioneer, Denon, Onkyo,
Kenwood, and Integra receivers and think quite highly of the models I have experience with
-- and I have personal experience with Sherwood, which offers a lot of performance for the
money. Any of these companies come recommended.
Also, if you'll check my Products of the
Year for 2002, you'll see that the Axiom Epic Grand Master speaker system fits your
price range almost precisely. There may be others as good at the same price point -- I
simply haven't heard them.
Hope this helps....Wes Phillips
Home-theater options
February 8, 2003
Dear Wes,
I have a 21' x 13' room that I am converting into a home
theater. I have a 53" Hitachi HDTV. I am on a budget and have considered these
options for sound:
(1) Onkyo HTS-755 all-in-one system ($850).
(2) Marantz SR5200 receiver, Toshiba DVD, with either
Paradigm or Klipsch speakers, in the $1500 range.
Will I hear a big enough difference in sound to warrant the
extra dollars for option two? The guys selling option two say yes! I have read some
decent reviews of the Onkyo, though. I also listen to music quite a bit. Any feedback is
appreciated!
Scott
There are some extremely good home theaters in a box
(HTIBs) -- for the money. However, as amazing as it is to get all that technology for
under $1000, there is a perceivable performance advantage to separates at around twice the
money -- especially if music is important to you.
This isn't one of those hi-fi snob putdowns of home
theater (I am a hi-fi snob, of course, but I also love home theater, so I don't feel like
putting it down). While processing visual data, the brain doesn't tend to concentrate on
audio input in the same ruthlessly revealing way it does when not so occupied. Therefore,
if you listen to music a lot, you need better audio performance -- which translates to mo'
power and better speakers, which is what you get with separates.
The guys selling option two may have a vested interest
in telling you it is the better choice for your purposes, but they are also probably
correct....Wes Phillips
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