Scoping software.This review column will be split into two sections: (1) sometimes lengthy SACD (Super Audio CD) A high-resolution CD audio format from Sony and Philips. SACD and DVD-Audio (DVD-A) were the two next-generation digital audio formats for enhanced sound quality, but neither one caught on (see high-resolution audio). surround-sound evaluations and (2) somewhat abbreviated standard compact disc reviews. More channels require more words. The first part has been made possible mainly (but not entirely) thanks to Chesky, who has been loading me up with SACD recordings for some time. I also owe thanks to Yamaha for sending me their very nice DVD-S1500 player to review, and in that review I further discussed the topic of surround-sound audio, SACD and DVD-A See DVD-Audio. style. In this column, I will analyze some current SACD releases in terms of their technical abilities (and sometimes their musical and performance qualities) and often compare them to the two-channel versions. The second part will deal quickly with some "old-fashioned" CD releases in the usual manner. Additional SACD recordings (mostly Chesky releases that have been sent to me, with the later-issue stock numbers) will be discussed in the next issue of the magazine. All of the SACD tracks on these releases were auditioned via my middle system, with Dunlavy Cantata cantata (kəntä`tə) [Ital.,=sung], composite musical form similar to a short unacted opera or brief oratorio, developed in Italy in the baroque period. main speakers, located about 9 feet apart and 2 feet out from the short wall. An NHT NHT National Housing Trust NHT Now Hear This (speaker manufacturer; Benicia, California) NHT National Heritage Trust (Australia) NHT Naphtha Hydrotreater NHT Now Here This VS1.2 center speaker, Allison surround-channel speakers (side/rear mounted, about six feet up), and a Hsu TN1220 subwoofer A speaker that reproduces the lower end of the audio spectrum. A subwoofer system may include a crossover circuit which switches frequencies at approximately 100Hz and under to the subwoofer, while passing the rest of the signal to the main speakers. (in the right-front corner) mostly round out the speaker package. I say mostly, because there are also a pair of small "effects" speakers located at the front-wall corners, about 6 feet up. They would be employed with most of the Yamaha DSP (1) (Digital Signal Processor) A special-purpose CPU used for digital signal processing applications (see definition #2 below). It provides ultra-fast instruction sequences, such as shift and add, and multiply and add, which are commonly used in math-intensive emendations one would apply to two-channel sources. The distance from the listening chair to the axis between the main speakers is about 10 feet. The processor was a Yamaha DSP-A1 integrated amplifier An integrated amplifier is an electronic device containing an audio preamplifier and amplifier in one unit, as opposed to separating the two. Most modern audio amplifiers are integrated and have several inputs for devices such as CD players, DVD players, and auxiliary sources. (reviewed by me back in issue 72), which is able to apply bass management to the six-channel analog inputs from the player. The five primary speakers are all similarly distanced from the listening position (each, about 10 feet), so no electronic distance compensation was required. The room is roughly 17 x 22 feet, with an 8-foot ceiling. |
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