Help needed

[MCM]

Hi, I m definitely a newbie in hi-fi.

Recently got myself a set of audiolab 8000 P Q & CD with a set of image bookshelf speakers.

Questions (maybe quite stupid to most of you):

1) why no sound comes out when I try to plug my iPod to the aux input on the pre-amp? Is it cuz the iPod only gives digital signal rather than analogue?

2) noticed the sound is good when playing musical CDs but not so good if I play other types of CD. Does it mean these amps or speakers r only good for certain types of music?


Many thanks in advance.

[beeman]

1. Do you have the volume on the ipod up to full?

[kaka]

Your iPod is firing out an analogue signal, so that isn't the answer. Is the iPod volume well up?

[MCM]

Yes I did

[MCM]

I ll try again... Thx u both

[MCM]

Problem 1 solved. I didn't select the right source, thought I did but not apparently...

[Squid]

What do you mean by
other types of CD?

[Ross F]

By that I think he possibly means discs containing MP3s or somesuch.

[HiFi Si]

CDs with photos on them dont sound flash either...

[luckiestmanalive]

I'm guessing music from non-music CDs you are playing contains highly compressed MP3s or AAC files and your new stereo is good enough for you to be able to hear the difference. If this is the case, you have swallowed the red pill and can become a hifi bore like the rest of us!

If that thought is too scary you could, of course, take your new stereo back and buy a crappier one that won't allow you to hear any differences!

[Ross F]

Gentlemen, I think we are dealing here with the newbiest of newbie so let's go a little easy on him, eh? Maybe one of our Auckland Enzers might want to talk to him directly and set him on the right track.

[Squid]

Would love to help this guy, I certainly wasn't trying to offend by my question on "other types of CD" just attempting to understand what source material was.
I have a good respect for Audiolab equipment and Image spkrs - if MCM has just started into this hobby (obsession??) he/she is off to a good start.

[Ross F]

Would love to help this guy, I certainly wasn't trying to offend by my question on "other types of CD" just attempting to understand what source material was.


T'was not directed at you, Squid.

[MCM]

Hi all, thanks for all ur replies, guess I should be more clear as to what I am asking for my second question.

Ross, thanks for your nice words, I think the mixture of replies do give me a good feel of different personalities on this forum. No offence to anyone, I actually find it quite amusing.

For the curiosity of all, yes, I am the newsiest newbie if not worse. This is my first time setting up a hi fi system for my own pleasure. Knowing that audio lab is not the best brand out there, I am quite happy to start with what I have at the moment.

By musical CDs, I m referring to pure music played by instruments such as piano or guita etc. And other types of CDs r still CDs (as opposed to MP3), and I am referring to CDs such as pop music. Maybe there are better terms to describe them, feel free to let me know as I m keen to learn.

Cheers

[whale]

I've only read good things about the two pieces of AudioLabs equipment you've got.. If I had the spare dosh I would've bought a 8200CD too!

Pop music sounds crap probably because they weren't produced (terminology?) with Hi-Fi in mind.. Nor were they intended for nice system like yours ;)

[DodgyConnection]

By musical CDs, I m referring to pure music played by instruments such as piano or guita etc. And other types of CDs r still CDs (as opposed to MP3), and I am referring to CDs such as pop music. Maybe there are better terms to describe them, feel free to let me know as I m keen to learn.

You have stumbled onto the vexed issue of compression in music recording. A lot of recorded music is compressed (the dynamic range - or difference between the loudest and softest sound - is made smaller) in order to, theoretically, sound the best on the greatest range of equipment - a lot of that equipment being small midi-systems and mp3 player headphones.

Mostly this is done on pop/mainstream music and less so on classical/jazz.

More info here. (http://georgegraham.com/compress.html)

[beeman]

One of the first discoveries once you have upgraded to a reasonably revealing system will be treble definition.

This can be a bit challenging at first. There will be sounds that you may never have heard on your CD's before. Also you may now be listening allot more carefully.

Take some time you may find (I am willing to bet you will find) that you get used to the new frequency extension & resolution & will rediscover your music collection. You have a good system there & give yourself time to get used to it. Come back to the CD's a bit later & see if they sound better.

Try your speakers in different positions in the room & in relationship to your listening position. There is great info on speaker positioning on this site. & this might help make your system a bit more source music friendly. Best of luck but beware you could become like the rest of us here hehe :D

[Ross F]

Nice one, beeman :)

[MCM]

Sorry, had a busy day tday. I ll digest all the replies this weekend. Again, thanks a lot for sharing the knowledge!