Golden Triangle, Redbook CD, Soundproofing and Dual Subs

Q: 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.

Audioholics: Please review an article we wrote about Speaker Placement Tips.

Q: I was browsing your Audioholics web site and found it to be most informative in helping me understand some concepts regarding setting up my first decent-budget home theatre but I wondered one thing that I can't find the answer to on the web. What exactly is the term "redbook" referring to when mentioned about a redbook CD or CD player?

 

Any help you could give me would be great in finding a link to the appropriate website to read about this term or standard.

Audioholics: Redbook is basically the standard what you/consumers refer to as CD. For more specifics, click here:

http://www.cdpage.com/Compact_Disc_Books/redbook.html

Q: I was wondering if you could give me some advice/information, tips etc. I have seen soundproofing material for use inside PC's, I have experimented a little and I have found that pieces of carpet, cuts the noise out substantially. I was wondering if it is dangerous to use it in this way ?, is it a fire hazard? etc. Or is it perfectly ok so long as it isnt touching any components etc. Inside the PC and that the PC is cool inside. I would love to hear some feedback on the matter, if you have any at all, please contact via e-mail as soon as possible. I would be very grateful for any feedback.

Audioholics: Carpet is probably not a good idea to use for soundproofing the inside of your PC as it tends to shed which can cause fire if it hits heat sensitive components inside your PC. You are better off using flame retardant Fiber Glass or Dacron material commonly found at Home Supply Stores.

Q: Could you tell me between ONKYO TX-SR 800, ONKYO TX-NR 900 and Denon AVR 3803 (does not offer THX certif. but has A/B option, which you recommend and why?

I have listened to ONKY TX -SR 600 and Denon AVR 3803 both sound good.

I have never listened to or operated ONKYO TX -SR 800 or ONKYO TX -NR 900, they have plenty of features. Do you know if these two last unit have processor that is upgradeable?

Audioholics: Both Receiver options are good ones. They all have 6 channel inputs to accept DVD-A/SACD and have a wide assortment of surround sound features, plenty of audio/video switching and flexible bass management options. Given the choice between the three, I would probably choose the Denon AVR-3803 for its above average amplifier and superb DAC performance. However this unit is a bit more pricey than the Onkyo alternatives that you mentioned.

Q: Fidelity Compromise from Impedance Selector Switch of Receiver

I have a question to ask you. I'm using a Sony DA50ES receiver and a set of Audio Pro Avantek series speaker(4 ohm speaker),should i set my impedance selector to 4 ohm for my Receiver? I found that the fidelity has drop significantly when i set the impedance to 4 ohm for a long time.

Audioholics: Fidelity, in audio terms, is faithfulness in audio output reproduction and generally is described in output frequency bandwidth. I am wondering if you meant that your Receiver's dynamic range has changed when you set the selector to 4 ohms and not that your fidelity has suffered.

If it is the dynamic range, this could mean the maximum output levels of your setup have decreased. . Some receivers feature a 4 ohm selector switch so they can get satisfy UL or some other type of electrical standards approval. This selector switch when set to 4 ohms reduces the supply voltage to the amplifier, and therefore reduces the overall available output power. While the Receiver manufacturer will pass UL standards testing, it will decrease the Receiver's dynamic range. If you don't have the selector set for 4 ohms, you have a greater dynamic range, but your tradeoff is more heat dissipated and greater power consumption.

Q: Any words of wisdom on running two home subs. I've heard stacking them is best. I have two Monster Cable sub cables with Y's on them so L + R inputs on the subs will be used, and I plan to use another Y at the sub

output of the receiver. Any suggestions are appreciated. (BTW, they are 2 Phase Technology Power 10's with a Yamaha RX-V630 receiver.

Audioholics: This is a tricky question and contains many variables for proper assessment. However, generally speaking, it is usually easiest to achieve the best performance in a system with more than one sub to locate the subs in a common place. This assures minimal cancellation or phasing problems between the subs and will usually yield a much greater SPL output and lower extension then just having one sub. My best recommendation is to experiment and use some of the guidelines here:

Subwoofer Placement Tips