Frequently Asked Questions

See Table Of Contents for answers to general questions. more specific answers can be found in their respective articles.

• Amplifiers:FAQ
• Speakers:FAQ
• Subwoofers:FAQ
• Headphones:FAQ

• 3.5 mm TRS to 6.3mm TS Y-cable or
• XLR / TRS cable connected to an audio interface connected via USB.

cable you got with the speaker. either USB or 3.5mm.

PCs cannot drive passive speakers, as they do not ouput a high-level signal. You will need an amplifier to drive passive speakers.

• analog: 3.5mm to RCA cable
• digital: TOSLINK (optical) ,usb to external DAC

3.5mm to RCA cable

Use this calculator: https://mehlau.net/audio/spl/

Active speakers have a built-in amp, passive speakers don't. If a speaker has a power plug chances are its active. Another indicator is the type of inputs the speaker has. Most passive speakers only feature binding posts for high-level signal. Actives have line-level and/or digital inputs, besides DSP for crossovers and room EQ switches are feature found on active speakers.

Take a look at this flow chart. While its up to debate, it represents a upgrade path from left to right. With the most important things first. It tries to show things you can invest in that synergize well.DACs and Preamps are built-in in many devices. Darker orange is for home theater application.

• Price is a poor indicator for sound quality. Always look up measurements and teardowns. Don't take any reviews at face value.
• Remember to read up on speaker placement, room treatment and how to use DSP/EQ to get the most out of system.
• As you can see, there is no need to invest in cables.
• Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #141: Only Fools Pay Retail! Use Hifishark and price search sites.
• Finding good value is the goal with a consumer hobby.
• Keep in mind the hedonic treadmill - you can be perfectly content with whatever you got - if you choose to be. You stop just wanting and start enjoying.

ASR Forum: Ending the windows audio quality debate

A Digital-to-Analogue Converter converts a digital representation of a waveform into an analog waveform, that then becomes source for a mixer, preamplifier or amplifier. It turns the data inside flac or mp3 files or coming from a CD or TV into analog music. Inputs are usually USB (to connect a computer), toslink/optical (to connect a TV) or SPDIF coaxial (often found in CD players). Outputs are usually RCA/Cinch. Often DACs are built into amplifiers, so you can use those. By logic every digital device with an analogue output must have a built-in DAC.

It's the amount of channels used: 2.0 is 2 regular channels (front left, front right, aka stereo) and 0 subwoofers. 5.1 means 5 regular channels (front left, front right, center, back left, back right) and 1 subwoofer. 7.2.2 adds a second subwoofer and two height channels.

see: Amplifiers

The brain processes what we hear and is adapted to what it is accustomed to. Hearing needs time to adapt to new stimuli. Give the new stuff some exclusive time, then switch back to your old stuff and you should be able to clearly tell the difference. If not get a refund.

Be aware of the limitations of hearing when comparing transducers:

• Make sure you compare at the same volume levels. Use a sound pressure level meter (phone app or standalone) and pink noise to level the volume between tests. This is important because we perceive low and high frequencies different at different sound pressure levels (See: Fletcher-Munson Curve)
• Either defeat EQ before listening or EQ both systems to comparable targets.
• Consider your mental state when comparing

Note: To output uncompressed multi-channel surround sound you need to use HDMI. TOSLINK output is limited to 5.1 channels with compression.

HDMI eArc allows to loop audio from a TV or Console to be processed trough the AVR, without the need of an extra cable.

A line-level signal is typical 2V unbalanced and 4V balanced. It is used to interconnect audio devices before amplification. For example an audio interface is connected via xlr to an active studio monitor or a AVR is connected to a subwoofer with a RCA cable. This should not shocked you if you accidentally touch bare metal connectors.

On the other hand high-level signals carry enough current to drive the motor of the connected speaker to produce audible sound. TAKE CARE and READ THE MANUAL on how to connect speakers and amplifiers. Most common are a pair of copper cables sometimes terminated with banana plugs or bare twisted ends.

Instead of bare speaker wire, vintage gear may use 3.5mm / DIN connectors for high-level signal to connect amps and speakers. When connecting gear from different times or manufactures always check the impedance and power specifications of both devices to avoid damage.

Not audible at home. If you're in professional audio stuff and depending on the environment you work in, yes it does help to keep EM noise from polluting your microphone/line level signals before amplification/recording. Using balanced for amplified audio signals is useless though, you have to cancel noise before amplifying it.

• Try using different exclusive outlets for the speakers.
• Other suspect parts of the power line that come to mind - like a obviously broken cable or multi plug. Don't fuck around with electricity and DO NOT modify power plugs in anyways or shape! EVERYTHING AT YOUR OWN RISK. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. READ THE MANUAL. LET PROFESSIONALS DO WORK, YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR AND COMFORTABLE WITH.
• Take a look at connected or nearby devices - each could introduce noise. (e.g. noisy graphics card)
• Return items and get better equipment that is not as badly isolated against EM noise.
• USB Isolators, active USB Hub may help.
• Try a balanced connection.