Now this sounds interesting and has peaked my curiosity.

Altec, could you elaborate further?

Also, with a speaker that is both passive and active (tweets and mids passive) and woofers active, does the degree of difficulty increase?

AK

True active crossover setups are more complex than I'm willing to type, however sites like Elliot Sound Products (google them) have a very good primer.

If somebody is really serious about the best sound quality possible, there is no other option. It's a pretty involved undertaking, but worth it.

Sorry for the thread hijack Liz.

After impulsively replying to Altec last post, I did a little research on active crossovers.

Altec, I am curious to what your suggestions would be regarding this. Would you implement a outboard active crossover? And from our past discussions, I would think this should be a tube based unit.

Since the crossover is placed between the pre amp and amp, there is no increased degree of difficulty. Even though, I am still a little confused in regards to my application, primarily with hook up. I am assuming the cable to the speaker would have to be split.

There is just enough information for me to get myself into trouble.

So how much money are we considering to implement an active crossover?

With a tube crossover unit, my buffer would no longer be necessary, correct?

I did do some research on multi-channel tube amps. I came across the Butler Audio hybrid amps. The literature is interesting, and user reviews are positive. Is this marketing "BS" and what is your experience with hybrid amps?

Although, I have asked myself if it is worth pursuing multi channel tube amps or multiple tube amps for the home theater application.

What is the amp power consumption with SS vs. Tubes?

My girlfriend finds me hypocritical when I am trying to save electricity throughout the house, but I have a room dedicated room for audio gear.

Sorry for all the questions, and drifting topic, however they've been building up since the "990+bryston+paradigm studio" thread.

AK

An active crossover is a requirement, and it can be solid state or tube, depending on your preferences. Tube amps are less efficient than solid state, mainly because of the filament power needed. This is no big deal for me, but you have to answer these questions for yourself. The most used setup is a solid state amp for the woofers and a lower powered tube amp for the tweeters (the high frequencies need much less power - roughly half as much as the woofer or less).

Again, I would suggest you visit the Elliot site and others for detailed descriptions on what is needed to implement a setup such as this.

I will be using a USB DAC soon (Audio Note Dac 2.1 Kit). I have been researching USB cables so I want to hear from all of you what you think.

For best computer, I feel the Belking Gold wil be fine. For audiophile typr stuff, there is Kimber, the overpriced Synergistic Research, the upcoming Wireworld cables, etc.

Can some one please suggest the best sound cable?


Just for kicks look up the comparison of copper to silver as far as conductors go. The difference is on the order of .3 NANO-Ohms (that is 3 X 10-10)per meter of material. This really means that silver plated copper wire from Kimber industries is just a high priced WIRE. I thinks Ray Kimber knows what is good for Ray Kimber's wallet.

So, does anyone use a better grade USB cable that gives better results?

Ask Ray Kimber....... :p

I am confused when you state better results. What differences have you heard between USB cables or are you expecting to hear?

Frankly, it hard to accept that there are audible differences between USB 2.0 cables given that the signal is digital. There are currently 2 specifications for USB: 1.0 and 2.0 with 2.0 being able to support 1.0. If your USB slot on the computer is 2.0 (not a given), it should be capable of passing a specific bit rate over a 2.0 cable to a 2.0 device connected to that cable. The maximum bit rate is now 480M bits per second. It has been that way since 2000.

Those believing Ray Kimber or any other higher priced cable, make a huge improvement, you may want to check " Maple Shades " catolog.I think they can match Kimber's exotic claims and price.

I found what looks like to be an aweseome All silver cable that I may demo. Will keep you informed.....