Scott Dolan

Yeah, I was at work when I posted that yesterday, so I couldn't double check on my iMac. But, I was pretty sure that no Apple product would refuse to support its' proprietary CODEC. Do you personally see a reason to use ALAC over AAC, though? I know I don't. I can't even hear a difference on my main system, which has a far superior DAC and detailed sound than my iDevices. I've always encouraged folks to give them an honest comparison. As I've stated in the past, I was actively wanting to hear a difference. Just wasn't happening. Modern day lossy CODECs are just vastly superior to what came before them.

Yeah, Shawn beat me to it. I guess iTunes now,checks that box by default, but it didn't used to. Either way, I always convert mine down to 256 AAC since I can hear absolutely no difference between it and ALAC. Especially on a relatively lower end CODEC/DAC, like those that come built into iDevices.

Crutchfield may be one of the most reliable online retailers in existence. In the audio/music world they and Musician's Friend are rulers of the roost, and for very good reason. Their customer service is second to none, and when you order something from them it's seemingly on your doorstep the second you click "purchase".

And with home studioes to rival the big boys, as well as digital distribution, it will hopefully be returned in full to its rightful owners. Personally, I'm glad to see the old dinosaur model dying off.

Don't all iDevices support ALAC?

Cool! Yeah, finding the sweet spot in your sub settings can take a little time, effort, and patience. Room placement usually isn't a huge deal, but adjustable crossover settings, as well as volume and phase adjustments are done through much trial and error. You'll get it exactly where you want it eventually, don't worry. As for size, just think how much bigger my Velodyne 15" is! Can't remember the dimensions off the top of my head, but it weighs 83 lbs!

Hate to say, but I think the iPod is going bye bye soon.And I mean all of them.

A firm like that CAN get anyone to make bits, but maybe can't get anyone to make bits at a price that's consonant with the price they sell the ipods at. And the equation would likely be worse if sales were declining. MG Yeah, that's exactly what I was saying. I just wasn't understanding why he was trying to pull the wool over people's eyes by giving an answer, that even under the lightest scrutiny, didn't make sense.

Agreed. The answer doesn't even make sense. They can get anyone to manufacture parts for it? Um...yeah. Why not just be honest and say sales were way down, and they chose to refocus on better selling items?

I can't find a pic online of the rear panel for my exact model, but this is nearly identical. Note the inputs. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_6_3/images/velodyne-ct-150-rear-panel-all.jpg Fucking bizarre, isn't it? And as I mentioned, my 20 year old JBL which now resides in the game room is the same way. I'm glad manufacturers finally came to their senses.

Ahhhh... See, the two subs I own are 15 and 20 years old, and they confusingly came with "stereo" RCA inputs. So I have to run a single RCA out from the preamp to a splitter to plug into the sub. But, I see what you're saying with the F12, as it does indeed have just a single RCA input. Which makes all the sense in the world. I always wondered what the hell the point was having a L/R input. I can see the speaker level inputs if you're intending to run your mains out from the sub, but...

Room acoustics play a HUGE role. But, it's nothing to concern yourself with at the moment, IMO. Room treatments can be looked into later, but I seriously doubt you'll even care to bother. I certainly haven't. The deepest shag carpeting will not defeat a solid sub. And yes, you'll definitely need a cable for the sub. And a RCA splitter (as the sub pre-out is a single RCA out, but the sub will require a L/R input). Both can be had for a decent price from Monoprice. Or, if you have a local Best Buy, you can get something just as good there. Having auditioned it, I think you'll be overjoyed with the F12. It's a clean and powerful beast.

Yeah, I can see that. Those TDL's have a pair of 7" woofers, so they probably have a somewhat similar sound to my Polk R50's, which have a pair of 6 1/2" woofers. Both with front-firing ports. They simply can't move enough air on their own to replicate those lower frequencies. So I completely understand where you're coming from. And I also agree, Emotiva makes some outrageously clean gear (and I'd LOVE to hear that DAC you ended up with!). It's clinical and unforgiving. If the mastering is marginal, it WILL be exposed. Lon tried to talk me into using the tube preamp I was considering for a headphone amp as an actual preamp with my Emotiva system, and I can certainly see the wisdom in doing so. It may be the perfect marriage of warm distortion and clinically cold amplification, which would possibly do the music more justice. I don't know... As for subs, I only use one. I can see the wisdom of using two, but since I have my crossover set at 70Hz the bass is completely non-directional, so the soundstage doesn't suffer. Based upon tests I've seen online, my Dynaudio X12's start to roll off at 70Hz, and from what I've noticed, there is no drop off in that range when paired with my Velodyne sub. Even better, your TDL's are rated down to 35Hz, which tells me they probably start to roll off around 50-55 Hz. So you could set your crossover there, and have absolutely no indication where the low end is coming from directionally. So in your case, one sub should be absolutely perfect. Depending on the sub you choose, you could even set the crossover higher taking most of the pressure off of your woofers, and letting their mids and highs shine. Which I would assume is their strength. Either way, I'm excited for you! And kinda jealous about that badass DAC. Hope you find the perfect balance. And although I temporarily fell on my face yesterday by unintentionally over-thinking your situation, and stupidly ignoring the reality of jumpers on bi-wire ready speakers, I hope I've been able to give you some decent food for thought. Please keep us updated on how things progress. You're already just a half step away from audio nirvana! Just keep in mind, if you're going to start looking at subs, please look into the Bic America F12 I mentioned before. And if you're going to go $1,000+ then you need to look at the SVS line. They are THE class of the subwoofer world right now. And from what I've read of your TDL's, I see no reason why you'd need to "upgrade" from them if matched with an excellent sub. The smallest step up I took with my system rebuild was going from my R50's to my X12's. Yes, the X12's are an upgrade, but on nowhere near the same level as the definitive upgrade of the Emotiva gear vs. my old Harman Kardon receiver. My Velodyne CHT 15 was the cock of the walk in its day, but from what I've heard Velodyne has taken a step backwards since then. So I cannot recommend them at this point. But, do your own research. If I can help you with any questions, it would be my pleasure.

Well? Have you gotten to the bottom of the problem?

Nope, I lost my mind for a second there. My bad. Not quite sure what crossed my mind... Are you sure the jumpers are making good contact? Try plugging the speaker cables into the bottom terminals and see if all you get is low end.

If you have a pre-out for a subwoofer, then you can indeed change crossover points. I can do it on my UMC-200. With that said, unless you have a sub attached, there is no crossover point to select or change because you're sending the full signal to your mains. Their crossovers are in charge of the dirty work after that. Either way, you should mostly definitely not be at a loss for bass with the amp you're using. My UPA-500 puts out very clean and powerful bass. Have you made sure all of your connections are correct? Got your speakers in-phase and all that good stuff? When you were fiddling with your homemade jumpers, you didn't accidentally plug your speaker cables into the top input, did you? And I don't mean that sound condescending whatsoever, because that is the kind of dumbass thing I'd likely get in a hurry and do... Oh, and you should have a programmable EQ in your preamp menu settings somewhere.

Btw, if you have tapped your budget, but would still like to add a sub, I HIGHLY encourage you to audition the Bic America F12. It has been the darling of the audio world for a few years now, and can be had for under $200. I've heard it and all I can say is that while it's not equal to my Velodyne CHT 15 (which, interestingly enough, was the darling of the audio world when I bought it), i wouldn't consider it a downgrade, really. It's that good. Unless you're in the market for a $1,000 SVS, you won't find a better sub.

Very nice! That looks like an outstanding system. I guess the DC-1 is a new product as the XDA-2 was the only DAC they were producing when I put my rig together. And based on the fact that your system is slightly higher end than mine, I'd say your speakers are definitely the weak link as far as bass response goes. My system puts out some of the cleanest, fastest bass I've ever heard, price range be damned.

Glad to hear! So aside from the XDA-2, what amp and preamp did you order?

Hope you enjoy the new gear, mjzee! I love my Emotiva rig.

My view of the Cards has been soured by Cards fans outside of the St. Louis metro area. Those inside are as gracious and knowlegable as they come. Outside, they feel entitled, and are as obnoxious as any fan I've ever come across.

Some of them are fairly easy, some are downright impossible. A real bi-polar mix, but nicely done.

Happy B-Day, MG! And enjoy the whatever it is you're having built when it's done!

My son got Willie Wilson's autograph at a Storm Chasers game a couple of months ago. I really don't know if the Royals can beat Baltimore, but then again, I wasn't sure they could beat L.A., and they swept them. I do think with their style of baseball, they could go to the Series and win it. But, Baltimore is built almost the exact same way as KC. Should be some very low scoring games with defensive highlight reel plays from both teams all night long. I'm just glad they're back in the eastern time zone! Those west coast start times were killing me. Oh, and naturally, people around here are hoping for another I-70 series.

Pretty cool! I got 392 in Music. Got the double or nothing sports question wrong. Haven't done the other two. Pretty fun.