The Cables: A Receiver Is Nothing Without Them
Oct 18 '01
The Bottom Line Read this review about the cables that you will use with the receiver, very important!
This review isn't about choosing receivers, it is actually about cables... However, a receiver simply won't work without cables, and it will work much worse than you want it to with worse cables. So in this review, you will learn about the cables and wires that you will use in your reciever.
-Personal Preference-
*In my flagship home theater hook-up that uses Marantz components, and Paradigm/Boston speakers, I use Acoustic Research and Monster Cable wires. Many people say that premium cables make no difference in sound, but I have already paid thousands for my components, so why not reach even further for better sound? All my premium component cables are Acoustic Research. Acoustic Research is personally my favorite, the cables cost more and look uglier than Monster Cable, but their overall designs and structures are better than Monster Cable. That is why Acoustic Research is more expensive than Monster Cable. However both of these popular brands will give you excellent sound and video quality.
-The Types Of Cables-
*CD Player - There are a few types of cables that you can use for the CD player. You can use standard analog L-R RCA cables, which is good enough for most people. The best of these analog cables are gold plated, this improves contact between the end of the cable and the RCA jack in the receiver and CD player. One step up is TOSLINK, also known as optical link, and digital coaxial lines. My personal preference is TOSLINK, even though there is no sound difference between TOSLINK and digital coaxial connections. I use a premium Acoustic Research TOSLINK that connects my Marantz CC-4000OSE to my Marantz SR-14EX receiver. The sound quality and bass response that I get is very clean. Other people prefer Digital Coaxial lines, but I try to avoid RCA jacks when I can, just a weird thing that I feel. With the digital connections versus analog cables, I was able to get cleaner sound, and a much improved bass response. Believe me, you'll love the difference if you can hear difference in sound quality. So if you're looking for a good digital connection, you can go with the cheap GE TOSLINK from target for $12, or you can get the premium better quality Acoustic Research TOSLINK for $25+.
*DVD Player - Some people run the video connection through the receiver, but I wouldn't suggest doing that. You should connect the video cable directly into the viewing monitor. But obviously, the DVD sound cable makes its way into the receiver. Here once again, you are stuck between analog and digital connections. The best choice is obvious though, you simply can't get digital sound with regular analog connections that use L-R audio once again. You may be able to get 3D surround sound (Enhanced by player) over 5.1 channels, but it truly doesn't match the power and quality of digital formats. In order to get amazing digital sound, you need to use a TOSLINK connection. Once again, I would recommend Acoustic Research or Monster Cable. You will definitly notice the difference between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital. They are like day and night.
*Satellite/Digital Cable Receivers - You should connect them via digital connections, so you can get Dolby Digital surround sound.
*VCR - If you have a VHS player, and want the best sound quality, try gold plated RCA cables. However, there really isn't much sound difference between gold plated and normal RCA connectors.
*Television - Another analog device, connect via analog RCA cables.
-The Speakers-
*Speakers are also run through the receiver. Many people argue that there is no difference between cheap low gauge speaker wire versus bulky premium brand speaker wire. Depsite what everyone says, I still use Monster Cable wires that are run into all my speakers. It's for you to decide whether you want to use the default wires, generic wires, or premium wires.
-In Conclusion-
*The difference between analog and digital is like day and night. Premium cables also give better overall performance. However, it is for you to decide whether you want premium cables or generic cables. But remember, the cables and wires that run out of your receiver are like arteries. You can be using a top quality receiver with terribly poor quality wires, and the sound quality would be terrible. Something is only as powerful as its weakest link, don't let all your cables and wires be weak. Check out the options on different connections, and choose the cables which are best for you and that fit your budget.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
soupcraze
|
 - Top 50 |
|
Member: Soup Enthusiast
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Reviews written: 488
Trusted by: 185 members
About Me:
I enjoy many of life's passions... Music, medicine, people, and life itself.
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.