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Understanding the Differences between HDMI VersionsHDMI has changed versions so many times it's been hard to keep up for most people. We've talked about the versions as part of other articles and documents, but it seemed fitting that we'd formulate and maintain a definitive document outlining the changes in a straightforward and easy-to-digest manner for all concerned. Hopefully this article helps you understand the format differences and aids in your ability to discern what features are important to you as you shop for HDMI-equipped products. |
Subwoofer Connection Guide For A Multi Subwoofer SystemWe are always preaching the more subs the better in a home theater system. So now that you've decided to purchase two subs, its time to show you how to correctly connect them up to ensure you achieve the maximum benefits of a multi sub system. Following the guidelines set forth in this article will help you integrate a multi-subwoofer system into your home theater. If done properly, using two or more subs will yield significantly better and smoother bass response for all of the seats in your theater room. |
Editorial: How a Class D "Digital" Amplifier Works
by Alan Lofft — last modified May 07, 2009 20:56
by Alan Lofft — last modified May 07, 2009 20:56
Ever wonder how an amplifier works at a very fundamental level? Alan Lofft, Resident Expert of Axiom Audio takes us on a tour of traditional linear amplifiers as well as the newer more sleek Class D designs. Various types of Class D design approaches are discussed including feedback topologies and their implications on audio performance and efficiency. The similarities and differences of traditional Class D amplifiers compared to Axioms new A1400-8 multi channel amplifier is reviewed. Learn what makes these amplifiers tick and why it’s cool in more ways than one to get your hands on the future of high end audio amplification that is powerful, efficient, and lightweight compared to their analog predecessors.
Editorial: Attack of the Clone Amplifiers
by Gene DellaSala — last modified April 28, 2009 18:16
by Gene DellaSala — last modified April 28, 2009 18:16
It’s been a few years since our controversial release of “Attack of the Clone Processors” and we felt it was time for a sequel to our blockbuster hit editorial. Engineering a product from the ground up, especially one as complex as a switching amp, takes time and money with the end result often not being as good or cost effective as what can be bought off the shelf like these ICE modules from Bang & Olufsen. I can count the number of manufacturers producing their very own Class D designs and still have a finger left to point at all the copycats. Overall this seems to be a good design approach for manufacturers unwilling or unable to do their own developmental work if cost and full disclosure of performance is kept in check. It’s up to you the consumer to decide if paying a premium price for name brand, exotic accessory parts and cosmetics is worth the investment. Just don’t let anyone tell you that regardless of price, you are buying anything other than a clone amplifier, albeit a reasonably well engineered one.
Editorial: The Truth About Amplifier Power Ratings
by Rod Elliot — last modified April 27, 2009 19:06
by Rod Elliot — last modified April 27, 2009 19:06
Ever wonder why the boom box you bought at Best Buy has a higher power rating than your dedicated two-channel power amplifier? Amplifier power ratings are usually honest in Hi-Fi equipment, but become very silly when it comes to the 'mass market' systems and even some of the latest Class D amplifier offerings. Few amps have a dynamic headroom of better than 1 or 2dB, and the greater the headroom, usually the cheaper the power supply for the rated power. This article explores the history of power ratings for consumer audio and also busts the myth about 'RMS' power.
Tech Article: Trading Amplifier Quality for Features – A New Trend with A/V Receivers?
by Gene DellaSala — last modified May 04, 2009 10:12
by Gene DellaSala — last modified May 04, 2009 10:12
With new A/V receiver models being released by the major manufacturers every 8 months or so, consumers flock to them for promised improved performance and features. But are you really getting better performance with the newer models? Or are you trading amplifier quality for features? This article will be primer for what’s to come in our verification testing to better answer these questions. Stop and think if the model you currently have meets the performance vs feature balance that is right for your needs and how the newer so called “improved” model fits into that equation. All the features in the world can’t replace clean undistorted dynamics which we believe makes up most of the WOW and magic in the newer HD audio formats.
Editorial: 10 Things about Audio Amplifiers You've Always Wanted to Know
by Alan Lofft — last modified September 18, 2008 11:37
by Alan Lofft — last modified September 18, 2008 11:37
Alan Lofft, Axiom Audio's Resident Expert, took a series of the most commonly asked questions he received about amplifiers, and transformed his answers into an informative editorial. In this article you will find answers to the importance of amplifier weight and how it relates to quality, how an amplifier works, what the different classes of amplifiers are (ie. class A, A/B, D, etc), and the most important attributes of amplifiers that govern their real world performance.
Tech Article: The All Channels Driven (ACD) Amplifier Test
by Gene DellaSala — last modified March 13, 2007 20:57
by Gene DellaSala — last modified March 13, 2007 20:57
Can Your Amp Truly Deliver What It Claims? Just how valid is the ACD test most home theater publications use to measure amplifier power? This article cuts through the nonsense of this hotly debated (and often misunderstood) topic.
Tech Article: Switching Amplifiers: The Technology and the Issues
by Dan Banquer — last modified March 06, 2007 17:46
by Dan Banquer — last modified March 06, 2007 17:46
This article started because a good friend of mine dropped a Panasonic SA-XR50 switch-mode amplifier to me for some basic bench test. This article will NOT be a review of that unit, but an investigation into some of the issues that are happening with this technology.
Tech Article: Switching Amplifier (Class D) Basics
by Bruno Putzeys — last modified March 01, 2006 19:00
by Bruno Putzeys — last modified March 01, 2006 19:00
Just today I read on an internet forum a post by a "hot" new manufacturer of class D amplifiers saying that "the only way to solve the interference problem is to put the amplifier in a completely sealed metal enclosure". Apparently they were trying to excuse the fact that their product renders any nearby tuners useless. This begs the question: why didn't they do so then? Answer: because it doesn't help.
Tech Article: The High Instantaneous Current Spec
by Dan Banquer — last modified December 05, 2007 05:30
by Dan Banquer — last modified December 05, 2007 05:30
This very subject came up recently in the Audioholics forum and I would like to expand on this subject further, but before I do I think it's important to go into the history of how this specification became popular.
Tech Article: Basic Amplifier Measurement Techniques
by Gene DellaSala — last modified December 05, 2007 05:26
by Gene DellaSala — last modified December 05, 2007 05:26
There has been much discussion on many of the audio forums lately regarding mid priced A/V receivers power capabilities as well as their abilities to drive low impedance loads. Much of the controversy steams around the infamous " All Channels Driven Test " which simulates a best case test load in a worst case environment and by all intents and purposes an unrealistic real world scenario. For more information on this, the reader is encouraged to read the following articles: The All Channels Driven Test Controversy and Product Managing Receiver Platforms.
Tech Article: Product Managing Receiver Platforms & Power Ratings
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Gene DellaSala
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last modified
November 08, 2004 19:00
Tech Article: The All Channels Driven Amplifier Test Controversy
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by
Gene DellaSala
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last modified
July 01, 2007 09:08
Tech Article: Damping Factor: Effects On System Response
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by
Dick Pierce
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last modified
October 18, 2007 11:33
Tech Article: The Truth About Digital (Class D) Amplifiers
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by
Bruno Putzeys
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last modified
August 29, 2004 20:00
Tech Article: Audio Amplifier Classes
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by
Gene DellaSala
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last modified
August 29, 2004 20:00
Amplifier Technology
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