Wayne and Art,

Thanks for the advice and questions. After going back into the Integra manual, I've decided to go back to non-bridged mode since impedance of the T1s is below the recommended 8-ohms. All other settings the same, it still sounds better in 4-ohm mode, through RCAs from my Oppo, and all processing off. Interestingly, Audessey destroys the sound altogether and going through the HDMI audibly deteriorates the sound. Both of these changes are very noticeable. The 4-ohm setting is slight but still perceptible to me. Going back to a single channel of amplification didn't make any perceptible difference in the sound.

Cheers,

T Cobe

Hi T. Cobe,

Thanks for the link to the Integra Manual. I read the Page 16 info about bridging and you are correct about that possibility with your Integra. However, my Onkyo 3009 makes no mention of a bridging option. I've double checked the manual. Also, in the 3009 manual there are very specific comments about bi-amping that make it clear that the manual is discussing traditional bi-amping for speakers with separate inputs for the woofer section. So, it appears that the Integra does have some features not found in the Onkyo.

In any event, as I mentioned earlier, I am using all 9.2 channels on my Onkyo, so neither bi-amping nor bridging would be a viable option for me. I might try the 4-ohm experiment to see if I can hear any difference. What differences do you suggest I be on the lookout for?

Best,

Art

And now for a little levity. While rooting around for info on some amplifiers I'm getting ready to sell I found this very handy Hi-Fi Jargon Generator that was kindly created by Celestion a long time ago. Bridge, biamp, impedance, tweeter, woofer, yada yada yada... now you, too, can speak, errr bloviate, meaningless hi-fi terminology to impress your friends and neighbors!

Dave

Hi Dave,

I agree with your thought that the simplest signal path is likely to be the best for stereo music. That is why I have been encouraging everyone to drive their Golden Ear speakers with basic two-channel signals. I listen to music in the "Pure Direct", "Direct", and "Analog Direct" modes (the names respectively employed by my Onkyo, Denon and Sony Receivers). In my opinion, the less signal processing the better with music.

I am currently test-listening to my Triton Ones with my Onkyo set to 4 ohms. So far, I can't say that I can perceive any difference between the 4 and 6 ohm settings. We'll see as I listen to a variety of music with the 4 ohm setting.

Thanks for your comments.

Best,

Art

Hi Guys,
T Cobe, I think that is a good move to go back to a more simple and straightforward hookup.
Art, I agree with what you have been saying. As little processing as possible. Though there are times when the processor can be a great, high level place for the DAC and can give a very sweet signal.
Dave, that was funny!!!!
Happy listening.
God Bless,
Wayne

With all due respect, Art, your setup is anything but simple...