how to do this better? wiring advice for a newbie

[jaross]

So here is what I have:

Ipod
Video Game Consoles

AZDEN GX-35 graphic equalizer with the mid and lows flat and the highs turnes up

Denon DRA-355 Amp

Polk Audio PSW50 Powered Subwoofer 120watt

A/D/S L710 150watt loudspeakers

I want to be able to listen to music, or listen to music and listen to my video game at the same time. I also want to bypass the EQ to the subwoofer. Here is what I have right now as a solution to this:

h t t p://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7175/img9154mediumbs8.jpg

The white wires go out to the Subwoofer. These creative contraptions are plugged into the input on my equalizer. What is plugged in is my Ipod. Next to that is an input for my video game audio. But if I keep the video game system plugged in I can get strange distortion so I keep it unplugged while not in use.

How can I do what I want to do in a better fashion?

 

[cbraver]

Is it like a hum or is it like static? If it is like a hum it is probably a ground loop, created from a difference in potential between the two outlets you have those units plugged into. You may fix that by trying to keep them on same circuit, and if that doesn't work, use a cheater plug (a three prong to two prong that disconnects the ground wire).

If it is a distortion, it might be the input levels are getting too low when you split the signal like that.


If I were you, I would get an inexpensive receiver and some inexpensive speakers to run off it. Run one pair of speakers for your games off the B channel, and the main/A channel can be used for your music (pre-outs for your powered monitors).

I can't find your EQ online, do you have a link?

 

[jaross]

Is it like a hum or is it like static? If it is like a hum it is probably a ground loop, created from a difference in potential between the two outlets you have those units plugged into. You may fix that by trying to keep them on same circuit, and if that doesn't work, use a cheater plug (a three prong to two prong that disconnects the ground wire).

If it is a distortion, it might be the input levels are getting too low when you split the signal like that.


If I were you, I would get an inexpensive receiver and some inexpensive speakers to run off it. Run one pair of speakers for your games off the B channel, and the main/A channel can be used for your music (pre-outs for your powered monitors).

I can't find your EQ online, do you have a link?

Its definatly more of a distortion in the higher ends. Sometimes the high ends loose all their fidelity and it sounds like they got lost or something. hard to explain.

I don't have a link. can post a pic (once I am allowed). Its a pretty basic EQ. R and L 53Hz, 205Hz, 1kHz, 4kHz and 13kHz

 

[cbraver]

When you bring the highs EQ down does it go away? It might just be clipping.

I thought your loudspeakers were powered, but now that I re-read your original post I see you have an amp driving them. So, disregard my comments of pre-outs... any amp with a B channel should work for you. Get that EQ out of the there.

There are some good deals on Onkyo refirbished units that might be within your budget. Maybe someone will chime in with a link, I can't seem to find them right now.

 

[mazersteven]

How can I do what I want to do in a better fashion?

Forget all the other suggestions. This is the best way to do it.

Find out what members live near you. And invite them over for a GTG.

You get your system wired, and connected properly. Calibrated properly. Maybe audition some new stuff others will bring over. Meet new people.

It's a win, win situation.

 

[jaross]

No Eq huh? why? as long as I don't turn any one channel up a lot more it shouldn't clip, right? anyway, I am not having that problem. It does that when I have both the video games and ipod going in on one input on my Eq. My receiver has A and B speaker outs. I also have an Onkyo TX-8511 which I am not using because my uncle (the audiophile of the family) said that Onkyo is cheap asian crap. But all he uses is tube amps and I don't have the budget for that..

My ADSs are great for mid and high (as every audiophile who has ADS speakers will say) but not great for my thumping taste for lower end. If I pump too much bass through them, they will blow/distort especially their fragile cloth dome tweeters. so I filter some of that out, and let the sub take care of the bass.