Preamp mixer vs. HiFi preamp - what parameters determine sound quality:S/N, THD, ...?
 

Hi, I have a question about a comparison between HiFi preamps and
mixers; I consider buying a mixer/poweramp combo for my HiFi system at
home instead of a full HiFi amp (I plug/unplug audio gear a lot, also I
hobby-DJ at times... Still, it should sound "good" in a HiFi set):

I've gone through some technical specs of mixers that were recommended
and looked for parameters that I sort of understand, such as Signal to
noise (S/N) and crosstalk between channels.

Allen&Heath, Rane and Numark mixers looked pretty good there, for
example (S/N -90 dB or better). Denon, OTOH, had S/N specified as better
-80 dB only.

So is this as important as I think it is?

What other parms determine "sound quality" on paper? I know that numbers
on paper are not everything but they certainly help to rule out some
mixers for what I want to use them. Are the THD (total harmonic
distortions) important there?

In the end I will listen to a few models, but I'd like to know how far
off (if at all) mixers are from HiFi preamps.

Price range should be 500-1000$.

Thanks for all input, cheers, Martin

Preamp mixer vs. HiFi preamp - what parameters determine sound quality:
 

I'm not too familiar with mixers, and it looks like you could use one because
of the convenience to DJ at times etc. One thing to look for in mixers is a
defeat button for any EQ (parametrics etc), which would take them out of
circuit, and of course good quality faders. Professional desks have these but
looks like you want a mini-unit which may be much more low budget in terms of
parts. If you're near London, have some fun at a used studio gear auction like
MCD auctions, monthly.
http://www.mcdauctions.co.uk/

=== Andy Evans ===
Visit our Website:- http://www.artsandmedia.com
Audio, music and health pages and interesting links.

Preamp mixer vs. HiFi preamp - what parameters determine sound quality: S/N, THD, ...?
 

On Tue, 02 Sep 2003 17:26:55 +0200, Martin Fuchs
wrote:

Hi, I have a question about a comparison between HiFi preamps and
mixers; I consider buying a mixer/poweramp combo for my HiFi system at
home instead of a full HiFi amp (I plug/unplug audio gear a lot, also I
hobby-DJ at times... Still, it should sound "good" in a HiFi set):

I've gone through some technical specs of mixers that were recommended
and looked for parameters that I sort of understand, such as Signal to
noise (S/N) and crosstalk between channels.

Allen&Heath, Rane and Numark mixers looked pretty good there, for
example (S/N -90 dB or better). Denon, OTOH, had S/N specified as better
-80 dB only.

I looked into the briefly a few years ago and settled on a different
solution which has served me well for many years.

Apart from the problem of size and ugliness in a domestic environment,
there are other problems with semi-pro mixers. (Professional mixers
are a different ball game, with prices to match.)

My hazy memory has dragged up the snippet that virtual earth mixing
circuits using op-amps do tend to be noisy, especially when the number
of inputs increases. (cue Jim Lesurf.) What is suitable for a live gig
in a pub is probably not going to be too satisfactory in a living
room.

A mixer with a build-in power amplifier is likely to be targeted at
the bottom end of the market and I personally would need quite a lot
of convincing before buying one. (Separate amplification is simply
more flexible and is likely to preferred by anyone able to afford it.)

My solution to the problem of lots of inputs was to but a pair of 10
by 10 miniature patch panels and stick them in a box with a large
number of phono sockets on the back. Device inputs are connected to
the rows and outputs to the columns; connection is simply achieved by
inserting pins at the desired intersections. This solution is compact,
fairly inexpensive and totally passive - meaning that it has minimal
if any impact on the sound quality. (The difficult part was the robot
for the remote control. :-)


--
Chris Isbell
Southampton
UK

Preamp mixer vs. HiFi preamp - what parameters determine sound quality: S/N, THD, ...?
 

(The difficult part was the robot
for the remote control. :-).

you kept finding him in bed with a tube of the amber nectar?

=== Andy Evans ===
Visit our Website:- http://www.artsandmedia.com
Audio, music and health pages and interesting links.

FS: Amplifiers and speakers
 

Quad 34/306 pre and power amp in excellent condition with manuals and
mains leads c/w QED link interconnect. The usual excellent Quad build.
Both units are in grey with phono plugs throughout. £275 plus postage.

Mission FSmm1 NXT speaker package in excellent condition with the
exception of the feet which have some scuff marks. Comprises sub woofer
and 2 small nxt panels. Boxed with manual and speaker cable and plugs.
Excellent sound, can be used for your PC or as a second system. £50 plus
postage


Creek 4040s3 amplifier, excellent sound and in very good condition
except for the vinyl wrap which has shrunk about 1mm around the edges
of the case. £60 plus postage.


If you want anymore information or would like me to email you an image
of any of the above, please email me.


Thanks

FS: Amplifiers and speakers
 

Quad 34/306 pre and power amp in excellent condition with manuals and
mains leads c/w QED link interconnect. The usual excellent Quad build.
Both units are in grey with phono plugs throughout. £275 plus postage.

Mission FSmm1 NXT speaker package in excellent condition with the
exception of the feet which have some scuff marks. Comprises sub woofer
and 2 small nxt panels. Boxed with manual and speaker cable and plugs.
Excellent sound, can be used for your PC or as a second system. £50 plus
postage


Creek 4040s3 amplifier, excellent sound and in very good condition
except for the vinyl wrap which has shrunk about 1mm around the edges
of the case. £60 plus postage.


If you want anymore information or would like me to email you an image
of any of the above, please email me.


Thanks