 Microphone-to-PC connection
May 29, 2009
Editor,
I read your great article on the JL Audio Gotham g213 subwoofer and
would like to try out the audio measurement as you suggested in the article. Ive got a
problem in that my microphone is terminated with an XLR connector. Could you please let me
know how to connect the microphone to the PC with the XLR connector? Thanks in advance.
Charles
Youll need a microphone preamp with an XLR input and a
USB output. These are quite common and very affordable. You should be able to find one for
around $80 or less. Here is a link to one version. This unit will also supply the 48V power to the
microphone, which it will derive from the USB connection with your computer....Jeff Fritz
Behold DAC192
May 15, 2009
Editor,
Isn't it tough doing an apples-to-apples comparison of the
Behold DAC in the APU768 with other digital processors? You say the Behold is one of the
best DACs out there, and I believe you. But how can I be sure?
Roger S.
You're right. Testing the DAC192 module within the
Behold APU768 is not a straightforward proposition. It would be possible to use it
strictly as a digital processor feeding its analog outputs into another analog preamp,
much as you would a standard DAC. And I might just do that experiment. But in reality that
misses the point of the APU768 to begin with. One of its greatest strengths is the fact
that it is three components in one: DAC, preamp, and room-correction processor. What I
have been able to do is compare it as a DAC-preamp versus my reference preamp along with
some excellent DACs, and it was hands down more transparent. It should be pointed out that
in that configuration the APU768 does away with the need for a set of interconnects,
thereby reducing the system's overall signal path -- always a good thing in my book. So,
to sum up, although I cant give you an exact score on the DAC192 module in isolation,
I can tell you that as part of the APU768 it is no doubt spectacular....Jeff Fritz
Simaudio or Bryston?
May 8, 2009
Editor,
I read your 2006 review of
the Simaudio Moon Evolution gear and was very impressed. I have the Focal Electra 1037
Be floorstanding speakers with matching center and surrounds. I want to do an amp upgrade
(from a receiver) that I will never have to look back on. I really like what I hear about
the Simaudio gear and think it’s a real gem. If I get the Bryston, I will save some
cash and get over twice the wattage for the front speakers (14B SST/ 6B SST). If I go with
the Simaudio, I feel I'm really getting something special (MC-8 or Titan). I'm willing to
spend the bigger cash on the MC-8 multichannel from the Evolution series if is going to
bring the 1037 Be's to life a little more. The Titan is a nice amp also, but, boy, the
MC-8 would be a really nice amp to have. I cannot hear these amps because there isn’t
a dealer around me that carries them. I will get the preamp-processor soon after. I listen
to all sorts of music from jazz, rock, acoustic, pop and listening is about 40% two
channel, 60% HT. My room is 19’ x 23’ with a 10’ ceiling. These speakers
don't have the biggest soundstage, so I would like to know which of the amps above would
give that and a smoother, liquid-like sound with all the detail possible. I am really set
on those amps only, so if you could keep it within those that would be good. With all that
said, I would love to have your opinion on which of the amps you think is best for a
never-look-back amp for the Focal system.
Steve
There is no question that Bryston makes some of the
finest amplifiers out there. I don’t think you’d be unhappy in any way if you
chose to go that route. However, what’s coming through to me in your e-mail is that
you’d really like to get the Simaudio MC-8 multichannel amplifier. I can’t say
that I blame you. On paper it looks fantastic, and based on my experience with other
Simaudio components, I’d say it is a pretty safe bet that it is quite special. If you
really are looking to buy the last amplifier that you’ll ever need, I certainly
won’t dissuade you from going that route. If I were in your shoes and had the budget
to allow for it, the MC-8 would be at the top of my list too. Also, Simaudio electronics
are known for their outstanding soundstage presentation, so that would lead me to believe
that the MC-8 would mate well with your Focal speakers based on your comments. I say go
for the MC-8 and never second-guess yourself....Jeff Fritz
EgglestonWorks Dianne review
May 5, 2009
Editor,
I enjoyed your
EgglestonWorks Dianne review. It was thoughtfully written, and it was also nice to see
a high-end speaker at a price normal people can afford. It would be helpful to me, and
I’m sure others, if you could compare the Dianne to speakers that it would compete
with. I was thinking specifically of the Devore Fidelity speakers, like the Gibbon 8s. A
small floorstander designed for music is a really attractive proposition. I look forward
to auditioning the Diannes for myself. Keep up the good work and do consider the Devores
for future a review/comparison.
Mark Moakler
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