Updated 11/23/2008 - HDTV and Surround Sound Recommendations! - Page 44

Shike · 06-03-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArielAtom

Monster seems to have a very split camp if they are high quality/good for the price or not, but its THX certified so whatever.

Their speaker wire is usually a tad bit expensive, but not extremely overpriced in comparison to say their interconnects and cables.

Quote:

Anyways, I got it home and hooked it up, and the hum is still present. I don't think the cable made any difference. that must mean it is the speaker cable.

The question I have is if it's a really loud hum or not. Can it be heard from over two feet away? As I said, a lot of equipment will produce a very low hum, but should be covered easily when music starts.

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I don't think its/hope that it isn't my receiver. It didn't make the hum earlier though so...

What do you think?

I'm leaning towards the cable now too; if the hum is drastic and only present from your PC as a source. You've checked the wire and the only other place interference is going to bother you is the cable. A higher quality wire will usually make a difference in what you hear . . . so maybe you weren't picking up the frequency the hum's on very well.

Of course, there HAS been complaints in regards to Macs analog sound quality before too. So, if a new cable doesn't fix it you're pretty much stuck without an external DAC / soundcard.

ArielAtom · 06-03-2007, 06:30 PM

the hum is inaudible until it is turned up. At louder but comfortable levels it is very audible and distracting, and when I crank it it becomes irritating.

At lower volumes though, its alright.

I googled mac analog hum and on the apple website they say that it is a result of many components of the computer sharing the same ground, so an external DAC would solve it.

The PAcific Valve DIYEDEN is the best I can get? dammmm its $70 for shipping! It must be because I'm Canadian.

Shike · 06-03-2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArielAtom

The PAcific Valve DIYEDEN is the best I can get? dammmm its $70 for shipping! It must be because I'm Canadian.

The best? Probably not, but worth the money IMO. Of course there's also just buying an external Sound Blaster soundcard or maybe a Stereo-Link DAC (which is advertised on the foobar site amusingly).

ArielAtom · 06-03-2007, 10:13 PM

I will email them to see why shipping is so much. I was ready to get it today, but I can't afford that much for shipping. On ebay there is a Spitfire for $260 CDN, and the shipping is only $18. In a few weeks I will have that much. Is it worth $80 over the DIYEDEn you think?

The stereo link looks alright, but really old, and all of its testamonies to its quality are comparing it to crap built-in DACs.

I have been thinking about the hum, and I bet that the older wire didn't supply enough info/power or idk to the spekaers, and I just didn't notice it. The better wire mustv'e revealed it.

From the pics, do you think the wire is decent?

Shike · 06-03-2007, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArielAtom

I will email them to see why shipping is so much. I was ready to get it today, but I can't afford that much for shipping. On ebay there is a Spitfire for $260 CDN, and the shipping is only $18. In a few weeks I will have that much. Is it worth $80 over the DIYEDEn you think?

I think the DIYEDEN is actually superior to the Spitfire, so not really.

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The stereo link looks alright, but really old, and all of its testamonies to its quality are comparing it to crap built-in DACs.

True, but that doesn't make it less of a DAC.

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From the pics, do you think the wire is decent?

Which wire exactly? I know the Monster is solid stuff, and the other you bought looks decent where I can see the braiding (the insulation is "cloudy" in some areas).

ArielAtom · 06-03-2007, 10:57 PM

ok, the Monster cable isn't the speaker wire, but the 3.5mm to RCA cable that connects my computer to my amp. The two wires are unknown companies, but the thicker one is the one I got and after which the hum began. I was just wondering if you could see any issues with it, or anything.

I am going to email Pacific Valve and see why the shipping is so expensive. Thanks for the info.

Shike · 06-04-2007, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArielAtom

ok, the Monster cable isn't the speaker wire, but the 3.5mm to RCA cable that connects my computer to my amp. The two wires are unknown companies, but the thicker one is the one I got and after which the hum began. I was just wondering if you could see any issues with it, or anything.

I am going to email Pacific Valve and see why the shipping is so expensive. Thanks for the info.

So wait, what do you actually have for speaker wire then? Is it layered and braided or not?

Zack · 06-11-2007, 03:33 AM

I am thinking about getting a Optoma Hd70 projector. I can control the lighting pretty well in my room and am gonna be sitting about 10 or 11 feet away. I have been looking at reviews and such and think this is the best projector for the cash. Would i be better off with a plasma hdtv or a projector? Thanks.

Deathwish238 · 06-11-2007, 04:27 AM

Unless you can get a 60" plasma, go for the pj!

Zack · 06-11-2007, 04:27 AM

Allright man. You think you could take some pics of your 360 running on your hd70?