B&W electronics dm70 Instruction Manual - Ancillary Equipment
Ancillary equipment
Because of its exceptionally good frequency linearity and relative
freedom from colouration and distortion, the DM70 is capable of ex-
tremely faithful reproduction, provided that the signal fed to it is of
the very highest quality. A monitor loudspeaker — and the DM70 is
such a high-quality system — is therefore analytical and will reveal
faults in ancillary equipment and programme material which could well
be masked by an inferior loudspeaker.
It is not appropriate in this instruction book to recommend specific
items of ancillary equipment and fortunately there is a wide range of
top quality equipment available. In general terms, however, it is wise
to match the quality of the various items in the reproducing chain. A
good guide being to spend approximately equal amounts on the pick-
up arm and motor combination; on the amplifier or tuner/amplifier; and
on the loudspeakers.
The power rating required of the amplifier will depend on the size of
your listening room, on the preferred listening level, as well as on the
sensitivity of the loudspeakers. True RMS outputs of between 25 and
100 w a t t s per channel will meet all requirements.
Volume and Tone control Settings. The correct operation of these
controls is important if realistic reproduction is to be obtained. Deal-
ing firstly w i t h volume control setting: it is important to set the volume
control of your amplifier at such a level as to recreate the original
level of sound that w o u l d be heard in the concert hall or place of
original live performance.
For many reasons it may not always be possible to listen at original
sound levels. For this and other reasons, tone controls are provided.
The actual tone control settings will depend on a number of factors
too numerous to detail. As a general guide, orchestral music will
require some bass lift and little, if any, treble control when played
below natural level, speech will require bass cut and slight treble cut
when played above natural level. Between these t w o extremes there
are many settings which will be quickly determined by listening.
12