Hi there. Got a couple of questions relating to volumes (when the Empeg is used in the house with my amp).

1) I have noticed (more so since I upgraded to 1.03 but that is probably coincidence) that there is a kind of background hissing noise from the speakers when the Empeg is paused. Does anyone know why this is? I don't remember it before but maybe I'm just playing my music louder these days :-)

2) The manual states that when connecting to an external amp, you should increase the volumne level to 0db. When I do this, I get a severely distorted sound from the amp (kind of like it's being overloaded). My amp is certainly not cheap (and neither are the speakers) so what is going on here? I can't make comparisons to how it plays in the car as I am yet to fit it (long story there!).

3) Is there a version of the 1.03 kernel that includes Voladj? I thought that maybe the code might need changing which is why I haven't seen it mentioned here. Any info?

Cheers,
Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

you should increase the volumne level to 0db. When I do this, I get a severely distorted sound from the amp (kind of like it's being overloaded). My amp is certainly not cheap (and neither are the speakers) so what is going on here?

It could be the empeg is over-driving the input you are using on your amp. It outputs around 3.7 V at line out. What would be worth doing is looking at your amp's specs to see if the input you are using is suited to a drive voltage at this level. If there is another, use that at 0 dB. If not, retain the same one, but by dropping the empeg output by steps of 3 dB you correspondingly reduce it's output level by 50%. If your amp will tolerate (say) 2V line in, then set the empeg to -3 dB and this will be adequate.

As for the hissing noise, it could stem from overdriving your amp's inputs, which sound to be quite sensitive. Experiment a little with levels. Otherwise, I would say - don't light any matches!

One of the few remaining Mk1 owners... #00015

I thought the home outputs were running at 1.75 volts?

Sean

Acckk - yes, you're right. They are lower voltage.

This could still be overvolting his line input - the level reduction should still work.

One of the few remaining Mk1 owners... #00015

The empeg is lower voltage than most CD players, so there really shouldn't be a problem at 0dB. What amp is it, and what input have you got it connected to?

Hugo

Hugo,

the amp I'm using is a Sony TA-VA777ES (costs £1500). It's really an AV amp but is rated well as a normal amp. I've got Mission speakers all round, the front two being 702e floorstanders.

I'm currently looking at the specs for the amp to see what voltage the input should be.

Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

Just a silly question, but into what input (i.e. AUX, Tape, CD etc) did you plug the empeg and did you try (just to be sure) to plug into a different input channel yet ?

Hans


Mk2 - Blue & Red - 080000431

OK, I've looked in the amp's manual and these numbers mean nothing to me so I'd appreciate it if someone could translate!

Phono in:
Signal to noise ratio 86 dB (A, 5mV)
Sensitivity: 4 mV
Impedance 50 kilohms
Frequency response 20Hz ~ 20 kHz RIAA +- 0.5 dB

Does this reveal anything?
Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

WAIT! You are plugged into a PHONO IN? This would be a special input for a standard phonograph / record player. This is usually more heavily amplified, and is not considered line level. Do you have any other inputs available? PHONO IN could be the problem.

Paul G.
SN# 090000587 (40GB Smoke)

I pluggeed it into the PHONO input. I haven't tried it on any of the others. I notice from the amp's manual that the phono input has different ratings to all the other inputs which all have common ratings.

Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

Ah, ok. Well, this amp has several thousand inputs so I will experiment with the other inputs. I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers,
Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

Try it in a different input. The phono in usually passes through an extra amplificiation step to bring it to line level before the standard amp. You might want to try another input, or lower your empeg level from 0db down significantly. I don't know how low, but it would be significantly lower.

Paul G.
SN# 090000587 (40GB Smoke)

Cool! I think this will solve it.

Paul G.
SN# 090000587 (40GB Smoke)

Wahey!!! Thanks everyone. I put it into the MD/DAT input and it is fine. I'm using 0dB without problems and the hissing is MUCH reduced (still appears when I pause the Empeg and put the volume WAY up on the amp).
BTW, wish list for the MK3 : digital out (optical or coax).

Thanks to all those who helped. Does anyone have any info for me regarding the voladj mod and the 1.03 kernel (see point 3 on my original post)?

Cheers,
Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

Edited by Andrew on 26/06/01 07:37 PM.

Actually I was expecting you would say Phono, I made the same mistake too (a long time ago and not with the empeg, and if you tell anyone I will come pummel you around ). There is your problem then, phono inputs do indeed have different ratings, just use a different input and the problem will most likely be gone.

Tony, maybe something for a faq entry ?

Cheers,
Hans


Mk2 - Blue & Red - 080000431

like this thread ? :

in technical

Cheers,
Hans


Mk2 - Blue & Red - 080000431

In reply to:

---

I made the same mistake too (a long time ago and not with the empeg, and if you tell anyone I will come pummel you around ).

---

I didn't realise it was such a well known silly mistake!! Ok everybody - don't tell anyone I did this or you'll all be in for a pummeling

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

I did see that thread but in another thread, somebody mentioned that there will need to be some code changes to voladj and I wondered if Drakino knew that. I didn't want to install a potentially dodgy kernel. If anyone has used his kernel without problems, let me know.

Cheers,
Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

I recieved a new patch for the voladj from Richard. Things did change in 1.03, but not too much. If your using a program to select different settings for it, it does need to be recompiled. I have this as an attachment in the technical fourm thread.

I've also been running the kernel on my empeg now for about 5 hours with no problems, although I am not hearing the voladj. I may have made a mistake in the patch, or I may just be having a hard time telling. I wpuld appreciate it if someone else tried the kernel to see if the code is working right.

I know you've got the problem solved, but one other thing to keep in mind... since you don't have the player installed using the RCA outs on the docking sled will net you the 4V outs which could also be overdriving the equipment. The RCA outs directly of the back of the chassis will provide the 1V outs that would be compatible with most home hi-fi systems.

Best regards,
Tim

Drakino,

Yesterday I installed the kernel and new voladj files that you posted in the Technical forum, and everything is working correctly (so thanks again for recompiling everything).

One question, though (and getting somewhat off-topic): I noticed that the voladj binary file seems to have reduced in size from 12KB to 6KB - I just wondered why?

Bryan.

Mark 2 #080000515
12GB Green (was Blue)
...and it's full!

Been there done that very common mistake also done it the other way round

"why my record deck so quiet?"

One question, though (and getting somewhat off-topic): I noticed that the voladj binary file seems to have reduced in size from 12KB to 6KB - I just wondered why?

No clue on that one. I opened the source code, changed the single thing that needed to be done (a 2 to a 3) and typed gcc voladj.c. This was from the empeg it's self.

Tim! You're still here! But... I thought...

Never mind, it's good to see your posts here.

___________
Tony Fabris

I just checked the Empeg Car manual, thinking that it probably had a warning about not plugging it into the Phono input on your amp.

Guess what? Not only does it have no warning, but it refers to the RCA jacks as Phono jacks. Oops!

Hey, Empeg guys, you might want to consider updating that in the next reprint of the manual, eh? Or perhaps include an addendum sheet in newly-shipped boxes or something?

___________
Tony Fabris

Ouch!

As long as you are updating the documentation, you might want to update all of the support addresses and references to empeg. There are spots where, for example, you refer to the "empeg car" program group, etc. Lastly, you will need to update the remote information for the new Rio remote.

I am certain that most of these changes are already done or in the works, but the version on the web site is a little dated.

Paul G.
SN# 090000587 (40GB Smoke)

Not only does it have no warning, but it refers to the RCA jacks as Phono jacks. Oops!

The lack of warning is possibly an oops (do ordinary line-level components such as CD players carry such a warning?), but "phono jack" is the standard term for those things in the UK, even when not used for RIAA-biased inputs. (Eeeh, I remember the days when RIAA were mainly known for being useful to the audio consumer...)

Peter

Yeah, I know the leads as Phono leads (RCA lead is a new term for me) but I had no idea about the different level inputs which is more to do with a general lack of audio knowledge.

Still, I do agree that this "avoid the phono input" point should be in both this BBS's FAQ and mentioned in the Empeg manual.

Cheers,
Andy

26GB MKII Blue #090000727

You don't work for Rio either Tony, but you're here

Rob

Are you looking at a Rio Car guide or an empeg guide? The Rio guide should be completely up to date.

As Peter said, "phono connector" is the English word for "RCA jack". The Rio Car guide refers to "phono (RCA) jacks" and states the line level. Maybe there should be a comment about not connecting them to the low level input of the amp.

I thought this was hifi general knowledge, but I guess a lot of people have never had contact with a record player. At our poker game last week I found it amazing to watch one of the players attempt to change the record and not have a clue how to use John's turntable. I feel so old!

Rob

I guess a lot of people have never had contact with a record player. At our poker game last week I found it amazing to watch one of the players attempt to change the record and not have a clue how to use John's turntable. I feel so old!

Tee hee... an astrophysicist mate of mine once said to me "I know how CD players work: that's obvious. But how on earth do record players work?"

He was very close to completely disbelieving that they worked in stereo, and his expression when another friend rigged up an unamplified stereo record player using a stick, a sewing-needle, and two cones of paper mounted at 90 degrees, can only be described as "gobsmacked".

Peter

his expression when another friend rigged up an unamplified stereo record player using a stick, a sewing-needle, and two cones of paper mounted at 90 degrees, can only be described as "gobsmacked".



This is truly one of the better party tricks I learnt at Uni - likewise, I have had the same experience. Something that will remain imprinted on my memory long after other memories of that time have faded

I have to admit to a feeling of great distress when I see 18 year olds unable to deal with a record deck and a piece of vynyl, yet able to change a cassette tape, a car wheel, or operate a dish washer.

One of the few remaining Mk1 owners... #00015

This is truly one of the better party tricks I learnt at Uni - likewise, I have had the same experience. Something that will remain imprinted on my memory long after other memories of that time have faded

I remember doing this with a pin and a single cone, but didn't know the 'cones at 90 degrees' trick... I'd try it, only I'm not prepared to risk my vinyl!!

I have to admit to a feeling of great distress when I see 18 year olds unable to deal with a record deck and a piece of vynyl, yet able to change a cassette tape, a car wheel, or operate a dish washer.

I also have to admit to a feeling of great distress when I see 18 year olds.... but usually because I realise I was sitting O levels when they were being born!!

Geoff
---- -------
Got one of the first Mark 2 empegs...

I absoluetly HATE to ask you guys for help on this, seeing as it is so off-topic, but I don't belong to a board inhabited with as many knowledgeable people as you folk, and instead of starting a new topic, I decided this would be the place:

I recently (2 days ago) bought a used Playstation, but have now found that they have problems with Zenith TV's. I finally found this FAQ entry:

"3.6 - My Playstation picture bounces!
We usually get a flood of these messages every Christmas. The reason is that
your TV is either a Zenith or uses Zenith components. The Playstation,
perhaps to save money or processing power, skips even-numbered scanlines on
the TV screen when it is in lo w-resolution (around 320x240) mode. Zenith
TVs don't know how to cope with this properly and go whacko, either causing
the image to bounce up and down, lopping off the top or bottom of the
picture, displaying it in a shrunken-down image, or just plain not showing
anything on the screen. Fortunately, you can take your Playstation to Sony
and they'll install a chip for free that will fix this problem. The
turnaround time is anywhere from three days to a week. I've never heard of
anyone not getting their Playstation back after more than five days.
If you really don't want to send out your PSX, Doug Dingus mailed me with a
workaround if you have a newer Zenith:

The truth is that very old Zeniths work great. These are the old Chroma
Color series. The newer ones are of two types. Those with an on screen
menu and those without. If you have a Zenith without the on-screen menu,
then you are SOL. Better get one of the chips, and or a new television.
If you have the onscreen televisions (system 2, 3, or better), then there
is a good chance that a solution lies right in your television. Here is
what I learned about mine from the TV Repair manual.
(This works for System 3 NTSC televisions sold in USA for sure. Your
mileage may vary...)
To access the service menu, press the menu, volume up, and channel up
buttons at exactly the same time. Most things in here need to be left
alone. What the Playstation needs turned on is the 'VFORCED' option. This
allows the television to sync up to the interlaced playstation signal."

I do not have those newer models

Does anyone know any other way to solve this? I don't quite understand why, when I connect the console throught the VCR, the TV still has the problem. I know it is not the console, either, because it even worked on the video-in to my AIW Radeon. Can anyone help me? I'd really appreciate it.


Again, I appologize imensely for the off-topic question. So sorry. And Tony, you can severely chastize me for this tangent subject, I deserve it

DiGNAN
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, etc.

i think you are reading too deep into the problem, it is most likely that his amp gains need to be set correctly.

I appologize imensely for the off-topic question.

No, no, no! Don't apologize. Some of the very best and most entertaining threads on this bbs have been completely off topic. That's what I love about this place -- it is filled with the smartest, most articulate and diversely educated people I have ever known, and they're willing to discuss anything.

tanstaafl.

"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"

Unfortunately, I don't think you have an answer yet. I was checking out some video equipment to try and stabalize the signal, but they are all probably more expensive than what you payed for the used Playstation. Even then, they don't seem to do what you would need. I wonder if it is a matter of the fact that it is trying to display the skipped scan lines, or if there is a change in signal that is giving it problems... If they have a replacement chip that solves the problem, and it still runs in low res mode, I think that might be your best bet.

Unless you have a way to convert the signal, or can get / make a filter that would take the input scan line, and output it twice, so that you are not skipping anything...


Paul G.
SN# 090000587 (40GB Smoke)