http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Tue, 06 May 2008 13:31:16 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/too-many-hdmi-outputsJim from Iowa asks us how in the world he's supposed to make use of all the new HDMI-capable components he has when his TV and AV receiver don't have enough inputs. It's a good question, and one that many people are asking as more and more manufacturers place HDMI into their products. We tackle it a couple of ways to give you options for maintaining a great picture and also retaining the ability to get the best audio quality possible.Tue, 06 May 2008 13:31:16 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/too-many-hdmi-outputsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/hdmi-output-componentA reader asks Dr. A why he can't view some of his material on the TV he bought. Lots of people run into this problem, so we figured we'd take it to Dr. A for a solution.Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:04:32 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/hdmi-output-componentFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/subjective-loudspeaker-reviews-priceWhen taking on the task of reviewing products for consumers there are different ways to get across the conclusions and experiences of the reviewer. Objective testing and subjective viewpoints are both presented, and price is also included in the evaluation process. But there are so many methodologies and considerations, how does Audioholics keep it all straight? Frank asks a very valid question and we thought it was good enough to include it for public consumption to outline just how Audioholics handles this issue.Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:38:46 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/subjective-loudspeaker-reviews-priceFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/speaker-cable-gauge-distanceIt's been a while since Dr. A answered a reader question so we pulled him away from his 4 month karaoke binge and tossed a new question at him. Seems like Dr. A has an addictive personality so we'll need to keep him a bit more occupied in the future for his own good. This question, from philophobos via our forums, has to do with speaker cable gauge, but we expanded it a bit in our answer to address some other related situations. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:16:54 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/speaker-cable-gauge-distanceFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/glossary-of-electronics-termsAudio terminology can be very confusing and ambiguous. We talk about things all the time that our readers may not be able to fully understand. Back by popular demand, we've reconstituted our Glossary of Electronics Terms (with some very important updates) and included it here for all to reference as needed. We'll try to keep it updated as we expand our vocabulary and horizons and as technology coins new terms and phrases.Fri, 25 May 2007 14:04:56 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/glossary-of-electronics-termsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/hdmi-audio-transmission-for-blu-ray-and-hd-dvdEver wonder how the new surround formats are transmitted from the next generation DVD players to the receiver/processor? Our quick interview session with Craig Eggers from Dolby Labs helps shed some light on this subject. Check out this FAQ to learn about HDMI audio transmission and the future for HDMI ver. 1.3 enabled receivers and processors.Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:09:34 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/hdmi-audio-transmission-for-blu-ray-and-hd-dvdFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/why-wont-my-cable-box-video-work-with-my-receiverIn response to numerous threads about this issue we have developed this article to address the issue and let everyone know of productive workarounds and the status of various cable company fixes...Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/why-wont-my-cable-box-video-work-with-my-receiverFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/ask-dr-a-of-projectors-and-1080pI have been looking for a nice, affordable projector for some time and came across some reviews on Audioholics. The Sanyo Z4 seems like a real steal in terms of bang for the buck. With the dangling carrot of 1080P out there I am concerned that my investment in this projector may be short lived.Mon, 24 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/ask-dr-a-of-projectors-and-1080pFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/bass-management-for-sub-satellite-integrated-systemsWe have fielded several questions relating to how to handle bass management for integrated sub/satellite system where the subwoofer actually handles the crossover and feeds signal to the satellite speakers. Bose and Definitive Technologies both have systems that deal with this (though they function quite differently) and we received a recent question that prompted us to write up a brief FAQ to address this issue.Wed, 09 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/bass-management-for-sub-satellite-integrated-systemsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-motion-actuator-to-your-systemI am using a Clark Tactile Transducer TST229 and I am trying to feed it an LFE signal from my Integra DTR 7.1. I do have the Adcom bridged but do not set the sub output on the Integra to more than +1 sometimes less depending on the type of music and or soundtrack I am listening to. Wed, 01 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-motion-actuator-to-your-systemFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/adding-surrounds-or-notI currently have two good main speakers, a sub, and a good AV receiver. The listening room is 30 long by 10 wide opening to 15 wide 2/3 down at the speaker end. 9 ft. ceilings and hard plaster walls with absorbing furniture and rugs. The sound is quite nice, but I've wondered if adding another pair of speakers will enhance fullness, etc. or have a negative affect. Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/adding-surrounds-or-notFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/audioquest-cable-theories-exposedAudioquest: We totally understand that is very easy to be skeptical about cables. After all, you can't measure it, so how can you possibly hear it? In fact you can hear it - and it really is very easy to hear the differences. Far from making bogus claims, the principle of cable "break in" is very real.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/audioquest-cable-theories-exposedFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/common-misconceptions-in-audio-part-iThe audio industry is full of ambiguity, leading to common misconceptions by consumers, and thus marketing opportunities by manufacturers. Additionally, the unknowing consumer tends to make their own assumptions, not based on engineering principals, or logical assumptions for that matter, but on their ideas as to what they perceive as right from wrong from the propaganda printed on sales literature or spewed by sales people or chat forums.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/common-misconceptions-in-audio-part-iFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/common-misconceptions-in-audio-part-ii-speakersWe have singled out a few common questions your fellow Audioholics have asked me in the past regarding speaker connectivity and power issues, and decided to post them here with our responses.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/common-misconceptions-in-audio-part-ii-speakersFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/configuring-bass-management-for-dvd-audioI have two questions about my Yamaha C920 DVD player and Yamaha RX-V530 receiver. They are connected via 6-channel analog for DVD-A. They are also connected via digital optical fiber. I just added the C920, a DVD-A capable player. Previously I had a DVD player not capable of DVD-A.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/configuring-bass-management-for-dvd-audioFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-4-ohm-speakers-to-an-8-ohm-receiver-or-amplifierHow do I connect a set of four ohm speakers safely to an eight ohm system?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-4-ohm-speakers-to-an-8-ohm-receiver-or-amplifierFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-subwoofer-to-a-receiverI read the article about adjusting the crossover freq...and I'm one of those people that got a receiver with a fixed crossover at 90hz (Yamaha's RX-V800), my main speakers can go as low as 40hz as well so I wanted to pose a few questions that werent in the article, and the FAQ on this forum didn't answer my particular point...Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-subwoofer-to-a-receiverFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-subwoofer-to-a-receiver-with-no-subwoofer-outputIs it possible to connect a subwoofer in a Technics AV Receiver Control Receiver SA-GX350? How? It has NO subwoofer output, but has 4 Front (A + B), 1 Center, 2 Rear speaker output and Dolby Pro Logic Surround Mode (it is possible to eliminate Center and choose volume for Center and Rear speakers ).Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-subwoofer-to-a-receiver-with-no-subwoofer-outputFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-subwoofer-with-a-different-wiring-schemeI've got a question for you regarding the subwoofer hook up. I acquired a surround sound system from our previous home purchase and the wire set up was simply to hook up all of the mains from the receiver to the sub woofer and then back out to the 4 satellites. Now we've moved to a new home that was pre-wired for surround, but the wire configuration obviously does not match my last set up.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-subwoofer-with-a-different-wiring-schemeFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/december-2002-faqs-part-1I need a recommendation for a home theater receiver. First, I would like to use my floor speakers for my main channel speakers, without a subwoofer. I plan on buying center and rear surround speakers. I am replacing a classic Yamaha integrated amp that has died (for the 3rd time).Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/december-2002-faqs-part-1Frequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/december-2002-faqs-part-2After this past xmas I now have two extra Sony 5.1 surround speakers. Is there a correct way to add these speakers to my back speakers without lowering the sound quality of what I already have set up? I don't have any more plugs left in the receiver. I was thinking of splicing them.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/december-2002-faqs-part-2Frequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/decisions-in-buying-a-new-preamp-processor-and-amplifierHaving shopped around for pre/pros and amps, I've been hearing about new formats (SACD, DVD-Audio, etc.). My current budget is at $3.5k (I don't have the cash for high-end stuff). Now, I have been wondering if I should put off purchasing right now and waiting for new components that can decode 6 ch. audio.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/decisions-in-buying-a-new-preamp-processor-and-amplifierFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/equal-power-ratings-dont-mean-equal-powerI would like to know the answer, because I owned a sony 545 that was rated at 100wts, then I upgraded to a sony 845 that is also rated at 100wts. The 845 sounded much stronger,cleaner just plan better also w/ less effort far as the volume was concerned. Now can someone please tell me why do they sound so different?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/equal-power-ratings-dont-mean-equal-powerFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/handling-various-bass-management-dilemmasI read your article regarding LFE output. I am getting conflicting information from the people who make my receiver (Yamaha RXV520) and the people who make my surround sound speakers (Polk Audio RM6000). Polk says the sub-woofer should be connected to the system via the main speakers using speaker wire (not a RCA cable) or else I lose a bunch of mid-range bass. Yamaha says that is a fine way to hook it up but I lose the .1 of 5.1 surround sound.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/handling-various-bass-management-dilemmasFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/inconsistency-in-yamaha-rx-v1-receiver-testIt was brought to our attention that there has been some confusion over the performance of these receivers because our reviewers used different test procedures to measure two of the parameters, which appear under the Dolby Digital (AC-3) Performance heading: Output at clipping (five channels driven) and Subwoofer distortion.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/inconsistency-in-yamaha-rx-v1-receiver-testFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/january-2003-faqsPlease explain the golden triangle rule I have asony 5.1 Dolby surround sound system and yet to fine the perfect placement for the front speakers. They are at 1 foot above ear level for the 2 prime seats (the wife and me) but I am not sure how far apart to place them, we do not to seem to get"movement" of the sound it seems to jump to the rear at time and not fluidly move from front to rear.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/january-2003-faqsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/july-2003-faqsI am in the process of upgrading my home theater system to the Krell Showcase pre/pro, Krell Showcase 6-channel amplifier, and B & W Nautilus 802's for my front left and right speakers. What is your opinion on bi-wiring my front speakers? The B & W user manual (which for $8K/pair I would have expected more documentation) recommends bi-wiringTue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/july-2003-faqsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/less-equals-more-differing-volume-levels-on-receiversI've been wondering about this for a while and have an idea, but no solid explanation. I own an RX-V800 receiver which as you know is rated at 100wpc. I was given a Sony STR-DB940 (110wpc) and decided to do a little comparison for the fun of it. So what I'm wondering is why does the Yamaha receiver sound louder than the Sony at the same volume level?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/less-equals-more-differing-volume-levels-on-receiversFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/optical-vs-coaxial-digital-connectionsBetween optical and coaxial, which connection is going to give the better sound quality, and why?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/optical-vs-coaxial-digital-connectionsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/paradigm-studio-40s-vs-studio-60sI noticed reviews (Audioholics.com) of both Paradigm studio 40s and 60s, yet received different marks with respect to each other. The 40's with stands cost about the same as the 60's without stands. Is it a no brainer to chose 60's, or do the 40's for some reason have an advantage?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/paradigm-studio-40s-vs-studio-60sFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/rbh-t-2-signature-speaker-system-interview-with-shane-richIn preparation for our visit from RBH Sound on November 7th , we have prepared a short FAQ article to better understand their new flagship Signature Series speaker system know as the T-2 (not to be confused with Terminator 2). Technical Director and Chief Designer Shane Rich of the RBH Sound T-2 System has responded herein to our questions.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/rbh-t-2-signature-speaker-system-interview-with-shane-richFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/receiver-amp-specifications-thd-and-rms-powerIsn't THD important in the sound quality of a receiver? The lower the better? Also, when you see the 20 - 20,000 Hz versus 40 - 20,000 Hz, the higher number 40 will affect the sound quality won't it? So, if you have a receiver with .08 THD and a 40 - 20,000 Hz, will you not get as good of a sound out of a receiver as say the one with .04 THD and 20 - 20,000Hz.? In essence, is it something your average audiophile should look at when buying a receiver?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/receiver-amp-specifications-thd-and-rms-powerFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/receiver-speaker-settings-large-or-smallHow should I set the Speaker Size and OHM setting on the receiver- 4 ohms or 8 ohms. Def Tech manual says the Mains and the Center can be set to 4 Ohms or 8 Ohms. Which setting is correct and also will give best sound?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/receiver-speaker-settings-large-or-smallFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/relationship-between-watts-and-dbsCan someone please explain the relationships between watts and dB's to me? I am new to audio and wish to acquire a better understanding of power/watts, etc. Thanks.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/relationship-between-watts-and-dbsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/taming-dynamic-range-in-soundtracksI have noticed when I have played DVD movies that when the actors are talking that I can barely hear them. The background music and effects come through good but the voices do not. Is there a setting on my DVD or receiver that I need to set? I have an older Panasonic DVD , Model "DVD-A310/ca and A new Denon Surround Receiver, Model AVR-2802/982. Can you help?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/taming-dynamic-range-in-soundtracksFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiringI've often wondered how much sonic improvement comes with bi-wiring and/or bi-amping speakers, assuming the speakers are of high quality to begin with. I would assume that bi-amping might be a better route?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiringFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/watts-and-power-ratingsAre all wattage ratings dealing with sound equipment the same? Does my 25x4 car audio receiver put out as much power as one of my channels in my Sherwood 100x5? If so or not, why?Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/watts-and-power-ratingsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-slew-rate-and-damping-factorThis is a term used to describe how quickly the output of an amplifier can track its input. Slew Rate is usually measured in V / usec. The higher the value (up to a point), the better the amp is at potentially reproducing the subtle nuances and dynamics associated with music reproduction.Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-slew-rate-and-damping-factorFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-the-function-of-an-rs-232c-port Q: What is the function of an RS-232 port? A: An RS-232 port is a standard…Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-the-function-of-an-rs-232c-portFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/wiring-loudspeakers-in-parallel I currently have a set of WDST (Klipsch Synergy Premiere S6) on the surround channel of my RX-V2095. I'd like to add a set of floorstanding speakers (Klipsch Legend 10) to the same channel, and wire it IN PARALLEL. Other channels: mains, KLF-30 (bi-wired); center, KLF-C7; no sub as yet (30's shake the ground plenty hard)Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/wiring-loudspeakers-in-parallelFrequently Asked QuestionsAV University