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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