Bradfords is Now Open in Our New Location!
We’ve moved! After nearly 34 years in downtown Eugene, Bradfords Home Entertainment has moved to the Delta Oaks shopping center in northeast Eugene. Our new address is 1020 Green Acres Road, Suite 2, Eugene, Or. 97408 ( next to Dick’s Sporting Goods ). Our phone number (541) 344-8287 remains the same. We hope to see you soon!
Getting the Best Digital Audio Quality
The convenience of using a computer or iPod as a music source is undeniable. It is why so many of us are compiling playlists for our music systems. Computers and iPods are now commonly used alongside conventional music sources such as CD’s, LP’s, and tuners. But what about sound quality? Computers and iPods used as music sources often sound compressed and lifeless – especially played through high quality systems. The road to impressive sound quality utilizing computers and iPods is a two-step process. First, make sure you are recording in a lossless format. If using iTunes, select Apple Lossless, AIFF or WAV in the “Import Settings” menu before recording (Edit -> Preferences -> Import Settings). The sound quality of recording from a CD to your computer will be dramatically superior to downloading music from iTunes. And secondly, select playback components that offer advanced digital to analog conversion (DAC). The following are examples of products that can significantly improve the sound quality coming out of your computer or iPod.
We call the Audioquest DragonFly USB DAC the “Mighty Mouse” of the audiophile’s arsenal. The DragonFly is about the size of a USB memory stick, but, wow, what a critical component this DAC will prove to be as an interface between your computer and sound system. It accomplishes this (as all our external DACs do) by bypassing the low-quality DAC in your computer and substituting itself as a higher performing alternative. This is a vitally important step in the chain of producing quality audio, and the DragonFly accomplishes this extremely well.
DragonFly Red – $199 | DragonFly Black – $99
The Paradigm A2 Powered Speaker is an exceptionally versatile product. There are many ways to utilize the A2. The built-in amplifiers allow direct connection to an iPhone, computer, preamplifier or television (analog only). Wireless streaming can be accomplished with an Airport Express or Squeezebox connected directly into the speaker. The self-powered A2 exhibits dynamic range and bass response you would normally experience only with much larger speakers.
Standard finish – $279/ea | Premium finish – $329/ea
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus Digital to Analog Converter will upgrade the sound quality of your CD player, computer, wireless digital music player, or iPod in conjunction with a digital iPod dock. The DacMagic Plus offers two coaxial or optical inputs and a USB port. $599
Musical Fidelity has long been known for producing excellent sounding audio components with a heavy emphasis on value. The Musical Fidelity V90-DAC follows this tradition by focusing on the areas that have the most effect on sound quality. Featuring a USB input for your computer (along with one coaxial and two optical digital inputs), the V90-DAC offers incredible value and can be an ideal interface between your audio system and computer. $299
Are you looking for an easy way to add streaming or stored music to your high performance audio system without compromising sound quality? The Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Receiver may be just the answer. Simply connect the Audioengine B1 to any high level input on your receiver, integrated amp or preamplifier and begin enjoying the content from any bluetooth device through your existing audio system. $189
The Peachtree Nova 300 offers a high performance integrated amp and digital-to-analog converter all in one package. It boasts a power amplifier rated at 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and includes the ESS 9018 reference DAC. The versatile Nova 300 offers a USB input for your computer, optical and coax digital inputs, and analog inputs including phono. $2199
How the Spark for Bradfords Was Ignited
Just a quick video post to give you a little background on our business. Enjoy …