Posted by BeatleFred on October 21, 2003 at 21:58:15:
In Reply to: Q' for Fred, Kinda :) posted by Rich on October 20, 2003 at 18:34:04:
Hi Rich:
The DBX unit is meant to be used in a subtle way when it comes to expanding the dynamic range of music. You probably would not get very good results if you pushed all the controls to full-maximum, not to mention doing that would also put a strain on your amplifier.
I havent had the chance yet to use the DBX all that much to be able to evaluate its abilty to improve sound quality. Rather than for cd's (which have a wide dynamic range to begin with), my main uses for it (where I think it would do the most good) is for old casette tape recordings and to try and undo the heavy compression of transmitted FM radio signals- in other words, if I wanted to tape some music from the radio, I'd use a dBX to "decompress" the compression so that when I listen to the playback of the radio recording, its sounds less "squashed" (compressed) and more realistic (like an actual cd).
Some people think DBX dynamic range expanders are very useful (when used subtly) and others arent that keen on it. You can check the dbx listings on Ebay and decide for yourself, it seems that there are a good number of people who bid on them. But in the long run, I'd say that if you are looking for a wide Soundstage- its the main Loudspeakers that will provide that, not a dbx or any equalizer. The Infinity Renaissance 90 speakers shown in my photos posted on this site have an OUTSTANDING Soundstage.
By the way, you can see for yourself how compressed a radio broadcast is- simply hook up a tape deck with meters on it and put the deck in record mode so that the meters on the deck start moving in response to the radio station you're recording. Notice how the meters dont move up & down much at all- thats the compression- the limited dynamic range - as opposed to recording from a cd where the meter movements would be much greater.
As an analogy to understand dynamic range- the human voice has a wide dynamic range from a soft whisper to a loud scream. Your ears can detect the wide dynamic range from the buzzing sound of a mosquito to the loud crash of a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a musical instrument such as a harp has a limited dynamic range- it doesnt sound much louder if you pluck the string harder, right?
As for the Sansui RZ model you mentioned, it sounds familiar - has the newer Sansui logo. I'm pretty sure Ive seen it before and have the operating manual for it. Its ok if you want to use it for home theater tv type stuff, but for more serious 2 channel music listening, I think the classic older Sansui's are definitely preferable.
Regards,
B/F