Topping D10 USB DAC and USB SPDIF Converter Review
A simple $90 DAC that could embarrass some products costing 10 times the price. If a USB input is all you need, the Topping D10 does everything a good...
A simple $90 DAC that could embarrass some products costing 10 times the price. If a USB input is all you need, the Topping D10 does everything a good...
In the 60s and 70s loudspeaker sound came to be characterized by geographic location. JBL, out of Los Angeles, became known as offering the “West Coast”...
Good stocking stuffers must have everything in the box complete and ready to go. No batteries required.
Good News! Marantz Says No More AVR LSIs for You! You might recall my article on Audio Video Receiver Build Quality announcing the downgrade of the analo...
Oppo Digital is gone. What now for high resolution multichannel audio?
I wish to add some advice to those of you who are considering purchasing a used reel to reel tape deck unit. This comes from decades of using these decks.
Welcome to my continuing examination of the ARC-2 room correction system with some Dirac comparisons and usage suggestions thrown in. Dirac will have it own Guide to Tweaking coming up later. As a Super Geek, you are willing to try things that may make things worse, understand...
The last time I mentioned ARC 2 was in 2013 as part of the Looking Forward to 2014 – The SECRETS Editorial Team article. That was a quick look at a pre-released version of the ARC-2 software V0.99. Anthem has added many functions since then. You have seen the basic ARC2 panels...
It has been three years since Manhattan hosted an audio show. I discussed the last one in May 2013, including a history of the New York Audio show since the early 60’s.
You mention that you used the Yamaha R-S700 receiver to drive the Revel M106 speakers you tested. Do you have any other recommendation for integrated amps in the $500 range?
A mini-monitor is an ideal solution for a small room. I look at placement issues in depth. As in the large room excellent performance requires a speaker with optimal ANSI/CEA-2034 curve sets. I show the Revel M106 achieves the same performance, matching in-room response curve of the large room. This is a result of it excellent measured performance in the ANSI/CEA-2034 curve set. Lower frequency room modes extend in-room low end...
A new standard set of anechoic curves, that are specified to be printed in a specification sheet for speakers, can predict the performance of a speaker in a listening room. I demonstrate this with measurements of the Revel M106 made in a large listening room.
As much as I hate to say it, my favorite speaker has been overthrown. The Revel M106, an Anthem ARC enabled product, and good subwoofer now represents the pinnacle of what can be achieved with a mini-monitor using passive technology...
Question: I like using the automated EQ setup on my receivers. I also enjoy using the multi-channel audio outputs on my blu-ray player to take advantage of its DAC. But I’ve never found a receiver where the EQ will work with analog inputs. Why is that? - John K Portland, Oregon
It has been a disappointing time in the AVR world. "Excellent" parts have been substituted by "good parts", and in the majority of cases "average parts" in anything below $3,000.
David A Rich received his MSEE from Columbia University and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Polytechnic University of NYU. He specializes in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design, with a portfolio spanning from audio ICs for Air Force One to RF ICs for wireless cell phones. Holder of fourteen patents, David's industrial experience includes ten years at Bell Laboratories where he rose to Technical Manager. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in integrated electronics and electro-acoustics. David's interest in audio began very early under the influence of his father, who was a recording engineer during the halcyon days of RCA Records. He gained an early understanding of electronics building Echo, Heath, and Dynakits. At the start of quadraphonic sound, David was building decoders based on designs in Popular Electronics. During his teen years, he spent more time in the back of TVs than watching movies at the front of the set. He still has limited interest in things video. David has been a professional reviewer of audio equipment for more than two decades, serving as Technical Editor for The Audio Critic and Sensible Sound. He is a member of the Audio Engineering Society High-resolution Audio Technical Committee. Collecting classical recordings has been a passion that has run concurrently with involvement in audio hardware. David has a special interest in early- and mid-20th century American tonal composers. He is an avid fan of chamber music and leads the Selection Committee for the Bethlehem (Pennsylvania) Chamber Music Society Concert Series.