http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/rss.xml We get a LOT of email from our readers...a LOT. And this is where we answer the most common questions. It's a good chance that you'll find some very good insight and feedback from the site staff who are eager to help consumers out as much as possible. hourly 12 2006-12-01T00:00 http://www.audioholics.com/static/logo.jpg http://www.audioholics.com/ http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/too-many-hdmi-outputs Jim 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. clint 2008-05-06T09:31:16+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/hdmi-output-component A 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. clint 2008-04-25T10:04:32+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/subjective-loudspeaker-reviews-price When 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. clint 2007-12-04T08:38:46+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/speaker-cable-gauge-distance It'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. clint 2007-11-29T09:16:54+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/glossary-of-electronics-terms Audio 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. clint 2007-05-25T10:04:56+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/hdmi-audio-transmission-for-blu-ray-and-hd-dvd Ever 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. Gene 2007-04-04T12:09:34+00:00 Editorial http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/why-wont-my-cable-box-video-work-with-my-receiver In 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... clint 2006-12-01T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/ask-dr-a-of-projectors-and-1080p I 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. clint 2006-07-24T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/bass-management-for-sub-satellite-integrated-systems We 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. Gene 2005-03-09T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/connecting-a-motion-actuator-to-your-system I 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. ray 2004-09-01T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/yamaha-rx-v2400-receiver-faqs We have received our review sample of the Yamaha RX-V2400 (MSRP:$1000) A/V receiver. We are also fortunate to have a direct contact with Yamaha Engineering in Japan to get any of our questions/concerns answered from the designers themselves. clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/yamaha-rx-v2095-jumpers-video-switching-lfe I read your several reviews on the Yamaha RX-V2095, and thanks for sharing your insight with us. I have the following questions: (I have also posted this message on your Audio A/V forum) clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://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) clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://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… clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-slew-rate-and-damping-factor This 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. clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/watts-and-power-ratings Are 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? clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/the-difference-between-biamping-vs-biwiring I'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? clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/taming-dynamic-range-in-soundtracks I 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? clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/relationship-between-watts-and-dbs Can 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. Gene 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/receiver-speaker-settings-large-or-small How 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? clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/receiver-amp-specifications-thd-and-rms-power Isn'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? Gene 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/rbh-t-2-signature-speaker-system-interview-with-shane-rich In 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. Gene 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/paradigm-studio-40s-vs-studio-60s I 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? Gene 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/optical-vs-coaxial-digital-connections Between optical and coaxial, which connection is going to give the better sound quality, and why? Gene 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/less-equals-more-differing-volume-levels-on-receivers I'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? Gene 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/july-2003-faqs I 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-wiring clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/january-2003-faqs Please 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. clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/inconsistency-in-yamaha-rx-v1-receiver-test It 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. clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/handling-various-bass-management-dilemmas I 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. Gene 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/equal-power-ratings-dont-mean-equal-power I 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? clint 2004-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article