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Maximising System Potential
Interconnects
and Speaker
Cables
An often-ignored area in high fidelity syst
ems is the cabling connecting the
various
components. Interconnect leads should be high quality cable with
substantial terminations. Gold plate is inherently resistant to corrosion, and an
excellent conductor. The presence of corrosion induces distortio
n and poor
conductivity will seriously interfere with sound quality. Terminations must plug
snugly into sockets to maintain maximum conductivity and to avoid annoying
earthing problems.
Speaker cabling is equally critical. Use only solidly constructed ca
ble of high
purity copper or silver content. Again, gold plated terminations are
recommended, of the spade or banana plug type. Use cables of equal length and
as short as possible to maintain uniform electrical resistance at the lowest
possible level. I
f your amplifier is closer to one of your speakers than the other,
avoid coiling the longer lead as this can create inductance, with the potential of
reduced high frequency performance. Keep all connections clean, firm and
tight. The traditional adage th
at a chain is only as strong as its weakest link
most certainly applies to audio systems.
Balanced
Interconnects
The use of the balanced signal outputs can have the effect of cleaning up hums,
buzzes, radio frequency interference (RFI) and general extrane
ous rubbish that
can enter an audio system. A balanced signal input system operates on the
principle of differential amplification. The positive and negative inputs are
contrasted against one another and the difference between them is amplified.
Noise e
ntering the system is imposed equally on the positive and negative
signals and therefore will not be amplified, as no differential voltage exists.
The term used to describe the quality of the effect is called Common Mode
Rejection Ratio (CMRR). CMRR is an
equipment and system specification,
which describes how well unwanted common mode signals are counteracted
when used in conjunction with balanced connections. CMRR action prevents
the egress and build up of extraneous hum; buzzes and RFI when analogue
si
gnals are conveyed down cables and between equipment powered from
different locations and is widely used in professional audio applications.
Positioning
Ancillary
Equipment
Positioning of your source equipment (tuner, video, disc, tape, record, decks) is
important. To avoid airborne frequency peaks, place them well away from your
loudspeakers and not in the corners of your listening area.
Final
Thoughts
High fidelity systems are an investment deserving of careful thought and
personal time. Your preferen
ces, priorities and constraints will dictate the
parameters of your purchase, your ears will tell you what is the right choice for
you. Our experience tells us that the bitterness of dissatisfaction lingers long
after the fragrance of cheap price is forgotten, hence our use of the term
–
investment.