SovTek, From Russia With Love
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| AOpen Tube vs. Terratec Aureon 5.1 Sky The Audiophile's Cornucopia: Part 1 | |
| (Review by JoeF, April 7, 2003) |
We Just Disagree vs. How It Is / Jesus Built My Hotrod
People often have different perceptions of and responses to the same stimulus. What sounds clear and detailed to one person may be overly harsh to another. These differences of opinion make it impossible to declare that any one audio product is the best, just as it is impossible to declare a single painting or a single film to be the best. Objective measurements can help illustrate the capabilities of a piece of in a controlled environment, but I don't have access to an anechoic chamber and testing equipment. I'll include some objective data where it is possible and relevant, but the core of this review will be subjective listening impressions. I'll try to pick out differences between these audio solutions and point out things that a product does particularly well or poorly. In the end, I might even be able to pick a favorite, but when choosing one for yourself, let your needs and your ears be your guide.
SovTek, From Russia With Love
Listening tests will be done in my living room, such as it is. It is a rectangular room 9x18 feet, with a 7 foot ceiling. Two walls are lined with windows covered in wooden Venetian blinds, and there is an exterior door. There is an interior doorway which will be closed for the listening tests. The back wall of the room opens via glass-paned French doors into the dining room. Those doors will also be closed for the listening tests.
Here is the computer hardware and software to be used:
Platforms
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Common Hardware
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Peripheral Hardware
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Test Applications
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Unfortunately, my Yamaha receiver has only 5 powered channels and lacks rear surrounds and true Dolby EX or DTS 6.1 decoding. PowerDVD does not currently perform DTS 6.1 Discrete decoding, so I have no way to test it. PowerDVD does support Dolby EX decoding, so for EX testing I will use the 6.1 or 7.1 analog outputs, with the JVC receiver powering the American Acoustics speakers (either a single speaker or the pair) for the rear surround. Just to give Hilary Rosen and Fritz Hollings a conniption fit, the turntable will be connected (through the appropriate pre-amp) to the line in jack and a recording will be made at the highest sampling rate and resolution supported (stick that in your "analog hole"). This will test the analog to digital converter (ADC).
Rather than list the complete specs for every card or motherboard here, I will provide a link the the manufacturer website where specs can be found. I will concentrate on unique features and distinguishing characteristics while trying not to simply repeat marketing hype.
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