Q: I have an older Yamaha HTR-6160 receiver that I use with a mix of AR, Cerwin-Vega and Mission speakers. Would adding a low-end digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to my system improve the sound? If so, what connection would I use to hook it up?
A: An external DAC would be connected to an analog input, but it is not likely to improve the sound. The first reason is the mash of speakers. Matched speakers will sound better almost 100% of the time because of tonal matching, which makes everything sound more coherent. Then there is the receiver’s signal processing, which converts the incoming analog signal to digital for volume control. Converting back to digital negates the effect of the external DAC.
You would be better off investing in other improvements. I would start with a receiver with HDMI and 4K capability, which will likely have a better DAC than your 2009 Yamaha and can process higher resolution signals. Getting a matched set of speakers would be the next step.
Use a portable player
Q: I recently purchased a 2025 Hyundai Tucson with Apple CarPlay, USB-C connection and Bluetooth. My wife and I are not interested in playing music, but we recently bought a lot of audiobooks on CD and want to listen to them. Do you have any suggestions?
A: I recommend purchasing a portable CD player with an integrated Bluetooth transmitter, which will be powered by the car’s cigarette lighter/power port connection and connected to the car’s Bluetooth for playback. As a bonus, you also can use your Bluetooth-transmitting CD player with a portable Bluetooth speaker, so you can use it out of the car as well.
Look for a portable CD player that is designed for automotive use. Those models usually have more vibration and skip resistance, which makes them better suited for use in a moving car. Megatek makes a model called the CP27BR that sells for about $40 that looks to be a good fit for you.
Small fryer tip
I recently retired my old air fryer, so I searched for a new one with the goal of finding a small model that performs well. I came across a gem that is perfect for those who cook for one or two people, or when storage and counter space is at a premium.
The Ramjoy 3.8-quart air fryer is a bit larger than a drip coffee maker and though lightweight, feels sturdy. The size and weight facilitates easy storage and setup and made me realize that moving my old one made me feel like I was handling a 25-pound dumbbell, even if it did not actually weigh 25 pounds. The dishwasher-safe tray also is light, so it is easy to take out. As a nice plus it includes an oil sprayer and basket liners, though I do not recommend using the basket liners because they singed when I tried them. Other than that, everything I have cooked in it has come out perfectly. The responsive touchscreen is intuitive and guides you through the air frying process.
