2. amps-preamps
  3. 1339025747

Weak link

Hi all, I am relatively new to this world, and I have a question which, accordingly, might seem easy to answer to some. At least I hope.

My set-up is the following:
Onkyo HT-RC360
Carver A500x
Mirage M1
cables : from Carver to M1 : blue jean AWG10, biwired.

Onkyo -> Carver : this is a bit unorthodox, but I use a speaker to line level converter and generic cables to connect the converter to the carver.

While I really like the sound coming from this system, which is an improvement over having the Onkyo driving the M1 directly, I am found wanting in terms of high-frequency details coming from the speakers.

I read that the carvers deliver in general in terms of power, but not in terms of details, could it be the main culprit?

The other route is to get a preamplifier (any recommendations for this setup?) I am sure there are many weak links in this setup, but I am not quite sure which upgrade would yield the most audible improvement.

Thanks to all!
dalig
mateored
258 posts
 
I just looked at the diagram and read the manual. It appears that the 2 purple RCA jacks are intended only for subwoofers (2 of them). Surprisingly, there do not seem to be any pre-outs with a volume control. I would think it would be preferable to hook up the zone 2 output to another simple preamp or volume attenuator (unless you are willing to get rid of the Onkyo or replace the Carver with an integrated amp). Very strange.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
yes, very strange there's no variable pre-out. maybe it's time to call Onkyo or the dealer.
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
Well, I owned the M1si version from 96-09. Very similar to the M1 I'm sure. They like lots of power due to the bipolar design. They fought me hard with the rear firing drivers compounding reflection issues but in the end they can be tamed. As for their strengths, big soundstage, large presence, pretty deep bass, and they sounded good at very loud levels. For pinpoint imagining and super sweet highs not as good. No doubt if the grill socks would come off I'm sure this could improve as whenever I'd vacuum the socks they would sound better. To improve your scenario I would get an actual preamp, not a reciever feeding your amp. I would surely make sure the room is'nt too echoey as this really kills the bipolar aspect. Good luck!
dalig OP
11 posts
 
Thanks to all for you answers.

So I connected the Onkyo to the Carver via line-2 out, after turning the knobs on the back of the carver way down. I could only listen to radio in this setup, but it definitely feels like a veil has been lifted! It was the most striking when listening to a piano piece. Switching back and forth between the 2 setups (with or without speaker-to-line adapter) made clear that the adapter was the culprit.

Any recommendations for a good preamp to match the carver and the mirage? Ideally, I'd like it to have optical inputs. The budget would be up to 400. I mostly listen to 2 channels music. Thanks!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Good riddance to that spkr output/adapter setup.
With only a $400 preamp budget, start looking at the used stuff here and Audio Asylum Trader.
More to discover