Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions HT component wiring

What would the priority be for wiring a receiver to or from these components.

1) CD player(audio out only)

2) cable decoder box (audio out, digital audio optical, digital audio coax or just audio out)

3) DVD player (component video out, audio out, Digital audio out[pcm bitstream] and/or S-Video out)

4) Anthem MCA3 II amp (single ended or XLR balanced input)I believe the NAD T 773 has the single sub coax output

5) Projection TV (DVI-HDTV input, component video, S-Video)

6) Sub output from receiver is single coax.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

Thanks, Troy

I don't get it. What are you asking?

I'm not sure I get it either, but I'm going to guess and say you want to know what the preferred method of hook up is????

For me it would look like this:

1) CD player - ANALOG (RCA's)

2) cable decoder box - OPTICAL ONLY

3) DVD player - COMPONENT & DIGITAL COAX......but does it have DVI? or if It was a universal player, I would also go with RCA's for 6 channel audio (SACD, DVDA etc)

4) Anthem MCA3 II amp - RCA's are fine. I have yet to hear a system where XLR's made a night and day difference.

5) Projection TV - (DVI-HDTV input, component video, S-Video) - Your order looks right to me in terms of preference. DVI if your source has it.

6) Sub output from receiver is single coax. - Which is all you need.

Sorry the question was a bit confusing, I was a bit rushed as the wife was pulling me out the door to go see a movie.

Anyway, I think you got the point of my question. I know my old components have no other options and the new ones I have never used. I was only asking, as you answered for me quite well, which would be the best choice for cabling if you had the choices to choose from that I mentioned.

I expect once the dust settles I will start by updating the DVD/CD player. It sounds like there will be something newer coming soon with the new CD formats in the works.

Now as far coax cables, optical and RCA's, is there a big quality difference between the companies such as "RCA", "Monster" and custom made cables?

Thanks for info,

I assume you've only got a certain number of each connection on the receiver (like 1 or 2 coaxial digital)?

Bren R.

Oops... should have refreshed before answering.

The NAD T 773 has 2 digital inputs and one digital output. The cable decoder box has digital audio optical output and the DVD has digital audio out. So far that is all the digital connections in the sytem. The TV has a DVI-HDTV connection but the rest of the system will need to be updated sometime in the future.

I have been told somewhere along the line that component video was the first choice for video and for audio, use analog. I was also told that if the DVD was better quality I should go direct to the TV, bipassing the receiver with video and route the audio directed through the receiver. I just started reading through the manuals today and expect to purchase some cables this week. I am just looking for opinions and options.

Troy

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I have been told somewhere along the line that component video was the first choice for video

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In descending order - (DVI), Component, S-vid, Composite

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for audio, use analog.

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Without starting a huge battle here, I'd suggest you use the digital connectors where possible.

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I was also told that if the DVD was better quality I should go direct to the TV, bipassing the receiver with video and route the audio directed through the receiver.

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Depends on all the available connections for each (TV, AVR and DVD-P)... and remember, there may be problems with "lip flap" under some DSPs - where the video is ahead of the audio.

Bren R.

Thanks for the info Bren.

So it looks like I'll be shopping for some digital audio cables.
I take it that the "PCI bitstream" digital audio out on the DVD player is the same as the "digital audio optical" on the cable box??

Troy

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So it looks like I'll be shopping for some digital audio cables.

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just remember, don't fall into the trap of paying and arm and a leg for a "digital" cable, vice an "analog" cable. they're the same thing with different packaging, and they pass current the same way (can't get around this on DVI and HDMI though, there's not two incarnations to choose from)

How about build quality and logevity in the connections. Does either have an advantage? I take it that is why Bren mentioned getting into the discussion. They must both work well and have good points. I guess I'll find out the difference in price tomorrow.

Troy

Nah, there are some that swear by analog connections, though... that was what I was refering to.

Locally, go see Ian or Eldon at Ross Electronics. Great prices on no-nonsense cables. They're a pro audio shop (not "pro" home audio) though, so you'll have to search past bulk bins of XLR connectors and the like... no pretty Monster displays there.

Bren R.

For anyone in Canada, Solens is another place to get good cheap cables. Based in Quebec and they look like a pro only shop, but they do sell to individuals. You can find their price list in pdf form on the website but last i checked, the 12ga speaker wire (ProLink) was 53 Cdn cents a foot.

Thanks Chess,

I actually contacted them for a catalogue last week. I hope it arrives soon.

The Axiums are to arrive early next week, so I am trying to get the rest of the little things prepared before their arrival. I am sure there will be some piece of the pie missing.

I broke down and bought a pair of the Monitor Audio S8's. they dropped the price by atleast 25% this last couple of days in preparation for the new models soon to come out.

I figure they won't sound as good as those Tannoy's, but will be a nice addition to the upstairs living room. With the Anthem amp running the M80's and the VP150, it leaves the front L/R amps in the NAD receiver for the S8's.

There will surely be an A-B comparison in the works.

As far as speaker wire and cables, I am trying to turn over every rock.

Have you heard of "Prism Bi-wire". It has 2 connectors out from receiver/amp and splits into bi-wire to all 4 connectors on the speaker. Also, there is "Tara Helix 8" which uses multi wire cable to the speaker. I wonder how far a person really needs to go to get audible difference between each.

Troy

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I wonder how far a person really needs to go to get audible difference between each.

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Depends on how demeaning your sales person is.

Bren R.

That is exactly what I am thinking when they roll out the list of reasons you should use this stuff.

I stopped by Ross electronics. They didn't have as much as they said normally stocks the bins, but cheap, cheap prices. They are mostly stocking RCA and a few others. In fact I thought why so cheap! Good guys and they are not selling you anything, just letting the customer decide what they want.

I am looking at a few avenues still and not sure what is best. The system cables seem to be sorted out. I just have to decide where I am purchasing. Now I'm tossing around the speaker wire requirements. Long runs will be 14 gauge, I think and possiblly something a little different for the mains and center channels.

It is nice getting advice from folks not making a profit off your decision,

Troy

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I stopped by Ross electronics. They didn't have as much as they said normally stocks the bins, but cheap, cheap prices. They are mostly stocking RCA and a few others. In fact I thought why so cheap! Good guys and they are not selling you anything, just letting the customer decide what they want.

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And their stuff is solid... wire spring strain-relief, etc. Sometimes it's hit and miss, one day I'll walk in and there'll be 1000 pieces in the RCA Coaxial section, the next time I'm in, they'll have two, one 50ft, one 6".

Like everywhere else, some prices are great, some are too good to be true, and some are high.

Bren R.

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I broke down and bought a pair of the Monitor Audio S8's. they dropped the price by atleast 25% this last couple of days in preparation for the new models soon to come out.

I figure they won't sound as good as those Tannoy's, but will be a nice addition to the upstairs living room. With the Anthem amp running the M80's and the VP150

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So you bought BOTH the Axioms AND the Monitor Audios?!!
Troy, you're out of control.
You are going to have some beautiful sound in your house very very soon.
I'm tempted to start watching Audiogon for folks selling the 'old' model Silver series. Some good deals to be had i think.