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htxpert

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Posts posted by htxpert

  1. The 876 has enough power to drive even in-efficient speakers to deafening
    levels. Klipsch speakers are very efficient and there is absolutely no
    reason to do this even in huge multi-media rooms and home theaters. If
    you double your amplifier power you would only achieve a net 3db gain
    anyway.

  2. If you mount them on the side walls don't put them in the null of the
    listening position. I have found that the RS series performs better if
    it is 12-20" above seated ear level and 10-24" behind the listening
    position. If one surround is close to the listening position and the
    other is a long distance away but directly across from each pother
    don't rely on YPAO to correctly set the spl level and distance. The
    newer versions of YPAO is a little more accurate but I have still had
    to touch up calibrations in configurations like this and others.


    Happy Listening


    -Ray


  3. Some of the Velodyne subs have a weak solder connection on the input
    board where the post connects to it. I cant remember if the HGS sufferers
    from this but I have fixed a few of the older sub amps and rack mounted
    Velodyne amps in the past. Thoes Monster turbine locking rca heads have damaged many receivers and amp rca inputs and I will never use them for anything but tying down a load in the back of my truck.

  4. Hi Bluewaves,

    I
    would like to ask you a few questions before offering my $.02 to the allready
    great advice you have received here on forum.



    #1 What is your room size?

    #2 Does your room have any acoustical treatment?

    #3 Do you plan on keeping your current Klipsch speaker configuration or do you
    plan on an upgrade in the near future?

    #4 What are your listening habits (IE )are you say a 50% multi-channel 50%
    music person or do you listen to more multi-channel content?

    #6 Do you consider ease of use, set up and equipment reliability important to
    you?

    #7 Will you be installing the receiver or pre-pro in an enclosed cabinet?



  5. I really have enjoyed the proprietary algorithms from Yamaha as well and am currently using the RX-V 2600 in one of my systems. The DIY
    version of the height channel I have been playing with off and on I like more than
    the EX channels in my HT. My dedicated HT room is fairly large so I am
    welcoming the addtional channels and format from Dolby. I am not sure
    about the two front effects channels but I will definitely incorperate
    the additional height channels for a 9.1 set up. I have found even with my low tech DIY version hard steering pans
    from front to back and difuse foley effects take on an addtional sense
    of realism with the additional speakers abouve and slightly behind the
    listening position. For me as an A/V Installer I really enjoy the technical aspects of home
    theater technology probably even more than listening and viewing my
    systems. My personal systems change from week to week and are always
    either evolving or devolving depending on my itch. PS.... Sorry didn't mean to highjack the thread.

  6. If you have the room and like to tweak you may want to wait till summer for your next AVR upgrade.



    Dolby Pro Logic IIz


    Taking Surround to New Heights


    • Introduces a new dimension in surround sound listening
    • Contains all the proven quality of Dolby® Pro Logic® IIx
    • Provides a compelling new listening experience with a more lifelike soundstage
    • Enables greater flexibility in expanding a 5.1 playback system to 7.1, or a 7.1 system to 9.1
    • Signifies an appealing new approach to surround playback in the home


    Dolby PLIIzDolby
    Pro Logic IIz introduces a new dimension to home theater listening
    through the addition of front height channels, creating a 7.1 or 9.1
    playback system that enhances the spaciousness of music, movies, and
    video games.


    Through the addition of a pair of speakers above the front left and
    right speakers, Dolby Pro Logic IIz introduces a vertical component to
    the horizontal soundfield of a conventional 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound
    system. The enhanced spatial effects bring an overall airiness to the
    listening experience, a new dimension of presence and depth.


    With Dolby Pro Logic IIz, rain in a movie now seems to be actually
    falling on the listener’s roof, concert videos bring a more intense
    sense of being at the performance, and orchestral works deliver more
    palpable depth, power, and connection.


    In games, the added dimension increases the realism and immerses players more deeply than ever in the action.


    Because it processes only nondirectional sounds for the height
    channels, Dolby Pro Logic IIz maintains the integrity of the source mix
    and the effects are always appropriate to the material. The added
    dimension complements the sound from the rear surround speakers, adding
    spaciousness while honoring the original intent of the content creator.



    The Challenge


    7.1-channel surround sound has made the home theater experience
    exceptionally involving and compelling. However, due to room layouts
    and space limitations, not every setup can accommodate the back
    speakers of a 7.1 system. Through our extensive research into
    multichannel listening, we have developed technology that delivers
    alternative solutions.


    Dolby Pro Logic IIz solves these problems by adding front height
    channels, through a pair of speakers mounted above the left and right
    speakers in a home theater surround sound system. Dolby Pro Logic IIz:


    • Improves on the spatial presentation of current 7.1 surround sound setups
    • Provides installation flexibility for setups in which rear surround speakers are not practical

    Dolby Pro Logic IIz offers a new
    dimension in sound, bringing a greater sense of air and presence from
    any content. Benefits include:


    • Realistic and involving surround sound from any music or movie source
    • Dramatic alternative listening perspective for installations that can’t accommodate back surround speakers
    • Functions with original stereo or multichannel sources
    • Requires no special encoding or separate mixing by the content producer
    • Simplistic speaker positioning and wiring

    The added channels also add flexibility for designing a surround
    sound system with up to 9.1 channels. 9.1-channel AVRs offer even more
    options, including state-of-the-art 9.1 playback with surround and back
    speakers and two front height speakers.


    Because Dolby Pro Logic IIz is based on proven Dolby Pro Logic IIx
    technology, it is as easily implemented in AVRs. The height channels
    become another option on the speaker setup menu. Additionally, game
    developers now have a powerful tool that opens up the potential for
    true three-dimensional audio effects. With Dolby Pro Logic IIz,
    developers can encode specific height information in the z-axis.
    Players will experience even greater immersion and realism.



    Why Height


    Extensive listening sessions established that adding a height
    dimension to a home theater brings a greater sense of realism than
    would the addition of surround speakers in the horizontal plane to 7.1
    systems. People are also far more sensitive to directional cues from
    sounds occurring in front than from those behind, determining that
    front speaker placement is ideal.


    Expanding on established Dolby Pro Logic II matrix decoding
    innovations, Dolby Pro Logic IIz identifies and decodes spatial cues
    that occur naturally in all content—stereo and 5.1 broadcast, music
    CDs, DVDs, 5.1 and 7.1 Blu-ray™ discs, and video games. Dolby Pro Logic
    IIz processes low-level, uncorrelated information—such as ambience and
    some amorphous effects like rain or wind—and directs it to the front
    height speakers.


    Just as with the surround channels in existing Pro Logic IIx
    technology, the height extensions do not offer any new kinds of program
    content to drive the height channel outputs. The extensions are
    designed to more effectively use existing program material when height
    channel speaker outputs are present. The height extensions can be used
    to upmix a variety of sources from movies and music, but are
    particularly well-suited to upmix game content.



  7. At 2Vrms, the preamp section of the RX-V4600 faltered.
    This is because Yamaha
    was likely using only a single rail 5V supply for the preamp section. I
    would prefer to see a preamp have the ability of driving 2Vrms
    undistorted to accommodate a wider assortment of power amplifiers.
    Though this didn't present any audible nasties when I used the RX-V4600
    as a preamp to my
    Emotiva MPS-1
    power amp, my advice here is to choose a power amp that can achieve
    maximum power output with about a 1.5Vrms input should you decide on
    buttressing your system with external amplification.

    Keep the words "2Vrms
    undistorted" in mind Now it may be true that many receivers can output higher voltage at the pre-outs but is the output unclipped and what distortion levels are they producing at that higher output level?

  8. Here is a good reference regaurding preamp output voltage written by Gene at AH and this is exatly why you have to be cautious.




    Preamplifier Tests







    1Vrms-preamp.JPG







    Frequency Response



    The frequency response out of the preamp
    was ruler flat in the audio band (20Hz to 20kHz +-0.1dB) with a -3dB point around 120kHz.
    I also
    observed no measurable difference between "Straight" and "Pure Direct".




    FFT Distortion Analysis


    1Vrms-Dist.JPG




    When the analog preamp was driven at 1Vrms (typically ½ signal strength to achieve ½
    of max power of most power amps with voltage gain of 29dB) distortion levels were (+0.497 + 88.955 =
    89.452dBv) or 100*alog(-89.452/20) = .00337%
    This is certainly a commendably low
    distortion
    figure.




    2Vrms-preamp.JPG



    At 2Vrms, the preamp section of the RX-V4600 faltered.
    This is because Yamaha
    was likely using only a single rail 5V supply for the preamp section. I
    would prefer to see a preamp have the ability of driving 2Vrms
    undistorted to accommodate a wider assortment of power amplifiers.
    Though this didn't present any audible nasties when I used the RX-V4600
    as a preamp to my
    Emotiva MPS-1
    power amp, my advice here is to choose a power amp that can achieve
    maximum power output with about a 1.5Vrms input should you decide on
    buttressing your system with external amplification.





    Signal to Noise Ratio




    • The Inputs can handle 3Vrms unclipped!

    • Outputs Deliver nearly 2Vrms output unclipped! But FFT distortion becomes very
      high once output exceeds 1.5Vrms.


    Ch-A Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)





    • -106.85 dB below 4.23 dBV
      Reference Level (at 0.10 %
      THD+N)



    • <
      10 Hz - 22k Hz bandwidth , no option filter and no weighting




    With a 200mV Input Signal, I adjusted master volume for 1Vrms out, preamp gain
    (Av=5 or 14dB), I measured as follows:



    • 18.5dBrA with signal

    • -74.6dBrA without signal

    • SNR: 93dBrA
      (commendable performance for a preamp at any price
      class)




    RX-V4600 Power Amplifier Tests




    power-freq.JPG


    Frequency response uniformity over all power levels was excellent (within +-0.1dB
    from 20Hz to 20kHz).




    RX-V4600 Distortion Tests






    of Channels




    8-ohms

    >
    0.1% THD




    8-ohms

    >
    1.0% THD




    4-ohms

    >
    0.1% THD




    4-ohms

    >
    1.0% THD




    RX-V4600 1 CH




    134 wpc




    144 wpc




    210 wpc




    225 wpc




    RX-V4600 2 CH




    116 wpc




    128 wpc




    175 wpc




    184 wpc




    RX-V2500 1 CH*




    NA




    146 wpc




    NA




    199 wpc




    RX-V2500 2 CH*




    NA




    135 wpc




    NA




    119 wpc






    *Line voltage was lower during testing of the RX-V4600 which accounts for the
    negligible edge to the RX-V2500 in 8-ohms.
    We did not test the RX-V2500 at 0.1% distortion so
    those measurements are unavailable.




    Upon first inspection it would appear the RX-V4600 delivered similar
    power measurements to the RX-V2500 (see
    measurements and analysis
    ), until you take a closer look at the RX-V2500 power into 4-ohm loads.
    In the case where 2CH are driven into 4-ohms, the RX-V4600 delivered
    184wpc @ 1% THD (onset of clipping) while the RX-V2500 delivered about
    119wpc under the similar testing conditions.
    What's most impressive is the RX-V4600's apparent better handling of
    low impedance loads when compared to the lower priced RX-V2500 as can
    be seen in our output impedance and damping factor measurements.





    RX-V4600 Signal to Noise Ratio Tests




    With 200mV in and 2.82Vout into an 8-ohm load,



    • <
      10 Hz - 22k Hz bandwidth , no option filter and no weighting


    Measured at 1 watt:
    200mV input:
    Master Volume: -3.5dB



    • At 1 watt: -21.69 dBrA

    • At idle:
      -103.46 dBrA

    • SNR:

      81.7dB at 1 watt

      This is very good
      performance



  9. This is dependent on the amplifier some like the Emotiva can be driven to full power with as little as 2 volts RMS while many others, Kinergetics and Newcastle come to mind require more input voltage to achieve full power. It would be very easy to make a mistake and many do by selecting the wrong combination of receiver and amplifier for use as a pre/pro. For example just off the top of my head using older Yamaha’s that predate the RX-V2600 and Kinergetics THX amps would be a poor combination.

  10. You may want to consider this when
    talking about amplifier power ratings. Doubling the amplifiers power will
    produce a very minimal net 3 dB gain which is only slightly louder than not
    doubling it. I seriously doubt you have a hard time driving any of the Klipsch
    offerings even with a receiver capable of 75 watts per channel. Many believe that adding an addition power
    amplifier and using a receiver as a pre amp is a good idea to gain amplifier
    head room when this could be a major step backwards depending on the receiver
    pre amplifier. Some receiver’s pre outs
    have a very weak output voltage say around 2 volts or so before clipping.
    Ultimately a pre amplifier should be able to output 4volts or more without
    clipping to effectively drive an amplifier to full power without adding any unwanted harmonic
    distortion.







  11. Here is an interesting read if you
    have the time.



    Signal
    to Noise - Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD MA vs. Uncompressed PCM



    http://www.hemagazine.com/node/Dolby_TrueHD_DTS-MA_versus_Uncompressed_PCM?page=0%2C1



    The Sunfire TG is a very nice
    piece, just because it's a little older than some of the new flashy gear does
    not make it any less capable.



    I am seriously considering yanking
    out my TrueHD/DTS-MA capable receiver that I use as a pre amp in my main
    HT and going back to either an MC-1, MC-4 or MC-8 with Shawn Fogg 8 channel
    analog bypass upgrade.



    Yikes what's with the formatting? I
    tried to edit it out but it won't let me, Mozilla bug?















  12. If you set your HK receivers LFE x-over at 60 Hz speaker size small you will
    have an effective x-over setting of 60Hz. Once again let the receiver set the
    x-over not the subwoofer. FYI for you speakers all should be set to small and
    an x-over setting of 60-80 Hz should be set in the receiver and the RW-10 set
    to maximum x-over.



    Happy Listening







  13. If you are using an A/V receiver set the RW-10's variable
    x-over to 140Hz and use the x-over in the receiver to set LFE frequency.
    If you use both you run the risk of cascading crossovers which is not good at
    all. If I correctly remember the RW-10 has a continuously variable x-over that
    will take some time to dial in. Set it at the position that gives you the most
    LFE output at your listening position starting with 0 and working your way up
    to 180 degrees out of phase. The toggle should be an On/Off/Auto On/Off switch.
    Subwoofer placement is critical for good LFE performance and room interaction. Generally
    corner loading a subwoofer will increase in room LFE output, if you want smooth
    bass try placing it 1/3 in from a side wall. There are many other factors for
    setting up a subwoofer try this tread for more info.





    http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/p/102270/1036706.aspx#1036706







  14. This is a good description of the different profiles but the
    writer failed to mention that the PS3 is currently a profile 2.0 Bluray
    player. Although the PS3 is technically a gaming machine and not a stand
    alone player I thought this should be noted. As for early adoption I am
    enjoying the Bluray format today. In the years to come we will most likely be
    streaming our 1080p and beyond media from the internet. There will be no need
    to get up, go out and rent or buy media as an option for purchase will be
    available for download on the media server that will replace your DVD player
    and Satellite/Cable set top box.




  15. First of all I want to thank you for all the help. Will the Yamaha
    sound pretty good with my 62's.



    Not pretty good > Very good. I am getting ready to pull one and set it up
    with 2- RF-83, 1-RC-64, 2-RC-64 and 2 RB-51 (Ex) in my showroom.


    How much you wanna bet the RX-V663 will make these speakers sing? I
    currently have the Yamaha RX-V3800 driving the system but want some play time
    with the 663.


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