Archive from 04-23-2001
Curtis ( 206.170.6.41 ) at 11:25 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Sampo @ Fry's for $2,499
This must be the RMA reject pile. Buyer beware, as always with Fry's.
Cytotech ( 12.74.88.17 ) at 10:28 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Thisa & Thata
KPD: Thanks for your comments! It's nice to get a GOOD professional's viewpoint.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:26 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Thisa & Thata
KPD: Thanks for the response. Two quick follow ups:
1. Am I correct to understand that the only way to get tru HDTV, as discussed by Joe Kane in the aforementioned thread, is to get a CRT front projector? If this is correct, what specs should one be looking for?
2. How do DLPs and LCDs factor into this discussion?
KPD ( 64.111.10.97 ) at 9:34 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Thisa & Thata
JBC: Part 2: As far as what a calibration is and cost, I tell the person exactly what I'll do on their set prior to taking the job, I answer all their questions and offer input when necessary. I think it's imperative that the person understands what they are getting beforehand. As far as "Mr. ISF", it may have been that he was not clear and then his comments and practices were questioned or scorned. As far as Mike TLV goes, I question why he would shim up a lens without knowing what the root cause of the focus problem was. The lenses and crt fixtures are designed with a certain planarization, this is fixed and the mating faces are bolted together. This set does not allow for Scheimflug type adjustments for a reason, it's designed and built that way. Cocking the lens forces you to electrically throw off the raster position and convergence adjustment. Depending on how much, this could contribute to an undesired level of drift or a reliability problem over time. Also, while the color temp may have been off from "mr ISF", as soon as you change focus, and on consumer sets, brightness and contrast, the gray scale will change quite dramatically in some cases. I've seen a 3k shift on some sets when brightness and contrast are changed. These sets don't track well with varying levels of contrast and brightness settings. This all has to be taken into account when doing grey scale, they interact tremendously.
KPD ( 64.111.10.97 ) at 9:20 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Thisa & Thata
JBC: Good Morning! I just checked out that thread everyone's been talking about. Thanks Wild Bill for the positive input in that thread. 
I have a lot of question or opinion on both sides. Some I won't share here because of potential issues. First I'd just like to say that while I know Joe Kane did not gain any new friends in that thread, I understand where he is coming from. With the dawn of HD and better scalers, higher resolution, etc. the current rear projection sets are really no better designed than before and are expected to do the duty of something on a better platform. Every time I calibrate, or tweak, a rear projection set, I think to myself several things. Why don't they incorporate better focusing? Why are the convergence and geometry algorithyms lacking so much? Why is the gray scale so difficult to dial in on most of these things? Front projectors are easier, for the most part, to get all or most of these parameters dialed in with some level of perfection. The answer to all of these is cost. If we look around, the sets keep getting cheaper and cheaper, and everybody expects that to happen. The biggest reason these sets look better is because of improved scaling technology at low cost. The chassis have also been trimmed down with the increased use of IC's, integrating several functions in just a few IC's. I think his point is, and think where it's coming from, is that these sets aren't really up to the task for which they are called. When you've seen an HD signal on a properly set up monitor that is capable of displaying it, it's awesome!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:12 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Thisa & Thata
Ron H: I am sure you were up late last night playing with the new speakers. Now that they have had a good 10 hours of play what are your thoughts?
ISF Certification: What are people's views wrt the HTF thread. Particulalry some of the "fringe" adjustments made by Michael TLV. LKP, Duanae and others... where are you on this?
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:10 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Cinepro on AVS
AVB: One of my questions actually expands on one of yours. I look forward to reading his responses.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 7:26 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Cinepro on AVS
AVB I am on my there now. I too will be easy, at least initially.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.181 ) at 12:44 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Star Wars Geeks
Gar: It's windblows media... they only upgrade their codec every three days... (one day sooner than Apple upgrades their quicktime codecs...) I prefer to stick with what works all the time. MPEG. 
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.181 ) at 12:42 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Chris L.: Ask and ye shall receive 
Gar ( 169.207.194.52 ) at 12:35 AM EST Sunday, April 22, 2001
Star Wars Geeks
Chris L.: Cool sound, but I could get a picture? Hmmmm don't now why unless I have an older version of something.....
AVB ( 64.41.32.120 ) at 11:42 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Cinepro on AVS
JBC: I'm surprised not to see any questions from you. I just hit him with 4 easy ones. No sense making it too hard on Eric.
AVB ( 64.41.32.119 ) at 10:41 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
TonyC, Gar: Donations received, thanks!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 10:06 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
WildBill: Welcome back.
Curtis: if you are serious I have a boat load of airmile points and a trip to San Francisco anytimne after May 11th works. Perhaps you, Kieran and I could do it. I am half Kieran's height but can have pretty strong arms and back.
Wild Bill ( 12.91.131.166 ) at 9:44 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
I'm back!
Hey all, I am back from a relaxing week in the Caribbean sun. Tanned and rested, I hope my fresh outlook makes it past Monday! LOL
Joe: Big congrats. Enjoy parenthood. It's great.
All others who made purchases and/or had birthdays or other important events. Congrats to all of you too.
BTW, I did manage to score a 5 pack (with the Cuban government seal) of No. 2 Romeo y Juliette cigars for $35 in Playa del Carmen. I had one on Thursday night. What a sweet cigar.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.82 ) at 9:36 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
AVB: I suppose I could round up 4 guys. It's much easier to just complain about the situation though.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.128 ) at 8:39 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Star Wars Geeks
Check out this amazing fan film with one of the most realistic lightsaber duels I've ever seen. It's called Duality. Simply incredible. And don't quit watching until it's completely over. Boy is he pissed!
http://windowsmedia.com/mediaguide/default.asp?Page=0
Ron H ( 63.39.148.252 ) at 8:33 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
AVB I was thinking of you when I posted about having tall speakers. I know you have some monsters.
JBC Yes I ment Ascents. I am not quite sure where my head was at. I had just spoke to the pool guy and am preparing for the worst on the heater. The other items were not major fixes. I guess it had me pre-occupied.
As far as the Cinepro goes it seems to handles these better than the SL3's.
When setting my levels I had to drop then down 3 dbs. That is quite a lot of difference. I do not think it really matters as I do not think there is a speaker that will bring the Cinepro to its knees.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.128 ) at 7:28 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
AVB: "You don't know 4 guys who can help you get that thing up?
Sounds like yet another memorable quote to me. LOL!
BAGMAN ( 207.30.191.226 ) at 6:37 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Middle Aged Guys
Footnote: Foutunatly, none of his female audience showed him their tits!!!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:31 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Ron H: I am thrilled that the speakers sound so good. I assume that you mean "Ascents" rather than "Scenarios". Also, how is the Cinepro handling the new power demands?
AVB You have mail.
Cinepro Owners: For those interested, Eric ABraham will be the special guest over at AVS tomorrow. Should be interesting.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.191.226 ) at 6:31 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Middle Aged Guys
Hey All: We just saw Dr. Hook (Ray Sawyer - real name, Cover of the Rolling Stone, big hit) for a buck at the Punta Gorda street fesival. He is now 64 years old and put on a very good show. I was never a big fan but came away impressed. Very tight show with a lot of audience parcipitation.
AVB ( 64.41.32.175 ) at 5:05 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Martin Logans
Ron H: I agree that towers can make music unlike any "bookshelf" speaker. Mine are almost as tall as I am.
Ron H ( 63.59.196.215 ) at 4:51 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Martin Logans
The Scenero's and Scripts arrived about 10:30 AM. Untill I change my racks in the rear of the room I need to hold off on mounting the Scripts. I also need to move/add a outlet about 36" up the wall. I have some in the right locations just too low.
My initial impresions of the Sceneros are:
1. Top end is a little sweeter
2. Bass is much stronger. I turned my sub which is crossed over at 40hz almost all the way off. I still needed to turn the bass switch on the rear to -3db.
3. Bass crossover seems to be a better match
4. The music seems to have more height and depth. When you have speakers over 5 feet tall, height of the sound is noticable.
5. Placement is just as critical to increase the sweet spot but not as much so for the bass response.
6. A little more three demensional which is not a week spot whith MLs already. At times I had to check the processor to be sure I was in stereo mode and not music logic which uses all 7 speakers.
All in all I feel they were worth the investment. A noticable improvement in sound, I recieved full value for the SL3's in trade and now I have a current product vs a discontinued one.
7. If I had to come up with a amount of improvement over the SL3's I would say about 20 to 25%.
AVB ( 64.41.32.117 ) at 4:48 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
JBC: You have mail.
A little slow here today.
Curtis: You don't know 4 guys who can help you get that thing up? As for the other problems try to find a service manual and give it a shot yourself until the pros show up.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 1:18 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Curtis: Just a suggestion but why not get another qualified person to mount and start the adjustment process so that you can enjoy it while waiting for the master to getto you? At least this way you will derive some use and enjoyment.somelse
Gar ( 169.207.192.235 ) at 1:18 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
That be "Needs"
Gar ( 169.207.192.235 ) at 1:18 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
the Ampro
Curtis: Sell it for the same price you paid and say it need convergence work...
Curtis ( 206.170.6.203 ) at 12:58 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
the Ampro
Gar: Yes the Shampoo looks great but it's kinda small for watching movies. Oh well, I can always sell the FP for parts for > I paid if it's hopeless. It's too late to make a claim with the movers & I'm not certain that it wasn't in the same condition when it left AL The movers waived the charges for screwing up the pickup several times. ARGH!
Gar ( 169.207.192.235 ) at 12:37 PM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
the Ampro
Curtis: Sorry to here that, at least the Sampo looks good. I would try to collect some cash because it sounds like the delivery people royally screwed it up... Where is Duane when you need him.... Also give kpd a call he should be able to help.
Curtis ( 206.170.6.203 ) at 11:56 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
the Ampro
I'm getting very frustrated attempting to get this FP to work properly. It's currently table mounted and woefully out of adjustment in geometry, convergence and who knows what else. It's also in the way sitting where it is.
The local dude who has me on his waitlist is so swamped that I'm still a month away from the permanent installation. I now have a new respect for simple FP designs such as the Sony 10HT. Anyone care to trade with me? At least I didn't go out and buy the screen and video processor yet.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.203 ) at 11:47 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Sopranos
JBC: I was joking with ya
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:42 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
AVB: You have mail.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:42 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Sopranos
CuRTis: The tapes will be made available for free to all HTOC members provided they find their way back to me.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.203 ) at 11:40 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
JBC: (in best Tony voice) Spoken like a real stand-up guy. Always remember the family comes first! Now in the event that you were to, say "rent out" your tapes, and not share your profits with certain individuals who deserve their cut ... then my friend, we have a big problem.
Gar ( 169.207.192.235 ) at 11:36 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Joe glad to here she is doing well.. Put in many sleepless nights driving back and forth to the hospital and overnights when our Guy was born. All worth it......
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:21 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Sopranos
Joe: I have the last four episodes of season two and all of season three (at least those to date) on VHS. I can make it available once my brother-in-law finishes with it.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.203 ) at 10:57 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
... FYI there are 13 episodes per season and 8 have already aired. You may want to wait for it to restart.
CuRTis ( 206.170.6.203 ) at 10:40 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Sopranos
T-Man: The series sucks you in doesn't it? I'm sure I heard somewhere that there will be a complete 2nd season DVD set, yet I can't locate a release date. HBO already reran the 2nd so don't expect to see it there for a while. #3 will be reran later this year.
I would just jump right in the current series (esp. if you can see it in HD)even though you won't recognize Meadow and major roles have been eliminated/ new ones introduced.
Joe ( 64.12.104.54 ) at 9:58 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Morning all,
Thank you for the well wishes.
T-Man ( 24.48.225.13 ) at 9:27 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Sopranos
Morning all: I received the Sopranos first season DVD as a gift recently. I hadn't seen the show yet but was anxious to start from the ground up. Needless to say my wife and I are enjoying it thoroughly. The question now is, once we're done with the first season what do we do? Just jump into the tail end of the third season? Wait for possible reruns of the second season? Yikes! Has anyone heard any speculation as to the second season on DVD? I know the first one has sold very well.
I'd better go eat some pasta and drink some Chianti.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:38 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
PSA Faroudja DVP 2200
6 months old DVP 2200,with warranty from Faroudja with box, for sale.List
$7995. Asking $3800 917 6011821
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:32 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Ron H: Also for those with little kids near by (i.e. Joe in a few years), I found a place that sells them used for cheap. We paid US$175 for the whol thing and it is in mint condition. New they go for near US$1,000!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:31 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Ron H: My highlight of the day will be my nephew. Beth and I bought him an early birthday present. We got one of those battery powered 1/4 scale cars. It is incredible -- two seater with a trailer, seat belts, mirrors, headlights, two forward speeds, one reverse speed, gas pedal, car dorrs, etc. I just hope the little guy can handle it (i.e. is coordinated enough to drive it). I also told my brother-in-law tobring running shoes. Something tells me he is going to have one hell of a work out!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:26 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
AVB: Can you put me in line?
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 8:18 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
pool
Ron H: what now, you put'in ML's in your pool
AVB ( 64.41.32.13 ) at 7:59 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
PSIII news
JBC: Got a line on 4! PP20/PSIII combos from a studio ($5500). They want to sell them as a total package and I am 2nd in line if they can't sell the package. If they don't sell as a package they said they would sell them as seperate combos for $1500 a set. I should know by the end of the day.
Ron H ( 63.59.201.5 ) at 7:01 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
JBC: I am afraid it will be a good news/bad news day. This morning I have the speakers being delivered and the pool technician arriving. I do not think I need to explain which one is the bad and which one is the good.
Ron H ( 63.59.201.5 ) at 6:59 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
JBC: Thanks and I will keep you updated. More tyhan likely I will not mount the Scripts untill I pick up the new cabinet for my equipment.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:54 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Good morning evryone.
Ron H: Have a great day with your new speakers. Drop us a libe with your initial impressions, as well as how you mounted the rear Scripts.
Kieran ( 207.214.148.24 ) at 3:22 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
YAAAWWN... slow!
Yep. Well, done w/ laundry... time for bed.
c-yall...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.211 ) at 2:26 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
Kieran: extremely slow.
Kieran ( 207.214.148.31 ) at 1:40 AM EST Saturday, April 21, 2001
wow slow night...
Ron H ( 63.39.153.161 ) at 11:05 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
New DVD's
Chris L.: Both my wife and I enjoyed Bone Collector. The wife is having a slumber/pool/HT party next Saturday when I am in Florida and the Bone collector was a movie the ladies wanted to watch. I have only watched a few bits of Chicken run when I was doing the demo for the ML Scripts. The picture quality looked great with a very agressive sounding soundtrack.
I have watched the 6th Day before and decided it was worth another look see. I was fortunete to end up with a $100 gift certificate for Amazon.com so I had to spend it on something.
Ron H ( 63.39.153.161 ) at 10:58 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
New DVD's
Chris L.: Space Cowboys??? Well the best I can say is it is sort of cute. It does have some deep bass in spots with a fair to good picture quality, not much use of surrounds as I would have expected.The wife/girlfriend and family will enjoy it.
Cytotech ( 12.74.65.78 ) at 10:54 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Here's wishing you and your new addition the best! Congratulations!
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.230 ) at 8:55 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
What? we don't have a frowny cry face? 
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.230 ) at 8:55 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
OT- computers
WOOO! I got a package today!!! (no, it wasn't from CuRTis :'( ) But it was almost as good. BeOS R5 Pro Edition and GoBe Productive 2.0.1. I figured since they dropped their pricing, and had a special (buy both for a total of $59.95!!!), I should bite the bullet and get them. I've been wanting to buy GoBe Productive for a long time. Gee, I guess that means I'll use Windblows even less, since now I have an office suite for BeOS that does word processing (MS Word read and write), spreadsheet (MS Excel read and write), graphics, image manipulation, and presentation... 
CuRTis ( 64.170.154.219 ) at 8:29 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Dalhquist
Derb: COme to think of it, they Dahlquists I owned were heavily modified. I'll see if I can track down the original owner to explain what was in them. Sounded sweet so long as you didn't stray 6" from the sweet spot.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.2 ) at 8:06 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
New DVD's
Ron H: I liked The Bone Collector alot, but not quite enough to buy it. Of course I only saw it on DirecTV PPV and in P&S so YMMV.
I also really enjoyed Chicken Run..enough to buy it. The other two I haven't had a chance to see yet. Let us know what you think of Space Cowboys.
Derb ( 199.174.5.46 ) at 7:47 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Dalhquist
Rick MTB, Cai, Curtis: I didn't know Dalhquist had an electrostaic. Maybe this is why I liked the Martin-Logans so much after I had the DQ30i's. And like Rick the Vandersteens & Thiel where on the short list, both using the time alignment sloped panel. Odd how we all seam to gravitate to the same speaker type. Maybe it says something for the individual, well in my case maybe not
Derb ( 199.174.5.46 ) at 7:43 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Ron Logan
Ron H: Hollow Cow !!! Ron Logan, I mean Martin Logan showroom or what. This could be very interesting. If I only had a bigger house I would show you!!
Congrats on the new speakers. I need to spend some serious time with my placement and saving some of the set-ups in the pre-pro. It will be great to have a referance at Ron's Theater Of Electrostatics
Derb ( 199.174.5.46 ) at 7:35 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Congrats
Joe: Congrats on the ankle bitter, curtain climber, rug rat, beer getter. No really best of luck
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.33 ) at 7:28 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Image size calculator
AVB: Tks for the pointer. It's exactly what I needed to show a friend exactly how my tiny 34" 16:9 shows more information than a 36" 4:3
CuRTis ( 64.170.153.33 ) at 7:25 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Kieran: I'm not surprised by Kane's remarks at all. You no doubt read that he split from ISF years ago and spend a lot of time TRYING to convince RP manufacturers (notably Toshiba) of the best way to build a RP. If you ever saw the FP systems that he shows at the trades you would know that he spares little expense in the never ending attempt to reach the holy video grail. Or at least he talks his clients and partners into parting with the cash.
Yes the top-end stuff looks fantastic when done right. Is that picture quality worth six figures to most consumers? Of course not. Joe is frustrated that manufacturers won't begin with the best grade projector possible and thinks that everything else done to make an RP look good after that decision is hopeless.
He sure knows how to piss people off though, doesn't he?
Ron H ( 63.39.155.189 ) at 7:07 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
New DVD's
I got a few DVD's in the mail today to add to the collection. The new additions are:
The Bone Collector
The 6TH Day
Chicken Run
Space Cowboys
JJ ( 64.192.228.201 ) at 6:49 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
That is some thread!
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 6:46 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Image size calculator
I ran across this little site and thought others may find it interesting/useful.
http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi
AVB ( 64.41.32.232 ) at 6:37 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Congrats! With all those sleepless nights ahead just think how much DVD watching you'll be able to do!
johnbr ( 24.112.158.247 ) at 6:37 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Hi all hope you all have a good weeked.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:49 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Kieran: Thanks. I am printing the thread -- it is 63 pages long!! Yikes!!
Winston aka the Spleen ( 63.93.239.9 ) at 5:38 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Did somebody mention tubes!?!
Scott: I disagree with your statement that "soiled state" (as we tube heads call them) components don't break in over time.
Winston aka the Spleen ( 63.93.239.9 ) at 5:27 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Kieran: I don't think you'll see any further posts on this thread. When things got hot the forum administrator locked the thread, then later re-opened it to allow the ISF biggies to make their comments. Then (and I'm only speculating here) the forum got shut down for "maintenance" for several days which IMO was cool-down time.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.118 ) at 5:17 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
JBC: Winston already did.... (see his post a few before mine) but HERE it is again.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.44 ) at 5:12 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
BIG AL: I'm not taking it as an argument... I'm taking it as a discussion. I wish someone here that has more experience with tube gear would chime in.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.44 ) at 5:11 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
BIG AL: But the expansion and contraction of any electrical device (ignoring the glass-encapsulated types) doesn't "seat" or change the expansion and contraction properties over time. solid state expands and contracts with heat the same on day 584 as it did on day 1. I'm not a tube expert, so I can't tell you WHAT occurs for tube break-in, but I can tell you that they do have a break-in time, whereas solid state does not.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:07 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Kieran: Can you post the URL for the thread please.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.118 ) at 5:02 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Winston aka the Spleen: Wow, what a thread, Guy Kuo, Joe Kane, Joel Silver, Jim Burns... a veritable who's-who of the video industry. Well worth a read, folks.
BTW, I too am very surprised by Joe Kane's comments. I wonder if he'll post again, explaining or clarifying what he said?
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 4:08 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Scott; Not arguing here, just discussing. I've always been curious about these 2 views, so I'm playing devil's advocate to pick your brain.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 4:07 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Congratulations Papa.
I love the name! I hope mom and baby come home soon.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 4:06 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Scott pop; That could be misconstrued. I mean the expansion and contraction of any electrical device, could cause unforseen changes, that in turn affect outcome, whether heard or not.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 4:04 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Scott pop; How do you know?
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 3:29 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
DVD Profiler
For those interested, there is an updated version now available.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 3:13 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Lexicon
Thanks for the complements on my letter. I will let know if anything transpires.
Winston aka the Spleen ( 63.93.239.9 ) at 3:02 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
For those who may have missed it, there's a very interesting thread on the Home Theater Forum regarding ISF calibration at:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=703dd0c32452ab2931ff3710b9c3b516&threadid=12734
The thread covers a very touchy issue about ISF calibration that I have ranted about in the past.... basically that anyone with $750 admission can sit in on the two day course and become ISF certified. What isn't generally known is that there is about 10 minutes of hands-on calibration training at these seminars, so if you don't know monitor calibration going in you're probably not going to know it coming out. Some interesting comments by Joe Kane, Joel Silver and Kevin Miller near the end of the thread.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.6 ) at 2:58 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
JBC
That was an incredibly well done and tastefull letter. It only further highlights the loss to SMR. I hope you return. I don't think this issue has escaped the notice of the administration team.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.6 ) at 2:56 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Joe
Congrats and best wishes for good health for the whole new family
Winston aka the Spleen ( 63.93.239.9 ) at 2:52 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Curtis: Thanks again for the e-mail, you made my day! If there's anything I can do to return the favor, just let me know!
Winston aka the Spleen ( 63.93.239.9 ) at 2:50 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Morning everyone.
Ron H ( 209.223.62.25 ) at 2:37 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
SMR Forum
JBC: Very nice letter.
Ron H ( 209.223.62.25 ) at 2:18 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Congrats on the new HT member.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.68.44 ) at 1:30 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
BIG AL: The manufacturing process for bulbs and tubes produces parts which need time to "break in". This is not true for non-glass encapsulated electronics. Especially for solid state electronics.
JBC ( 207.164.221.52 ) at 1:23 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Ron H: OK, now that you have the lion's share of your new speakers it is time for a trip to Houston. Let me know what work for you, if anything, in the June/July timefram as I figure that you will have the Theater, second set of Scripts and new HT furniture by then.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:22 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Kieran; Great remote site! I was reading the instructions, and it's amazing what the manufacturers could do with these remotes, and don't.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:20 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
74 degrees, sunny, light breeze, and all I can do is watch inept motorcycle riders attempt to pass their driving test. very depressing.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.130 ) at 1:20 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Congrats, my friend! Here's hoping all goes smoothly from here on out.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:17 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
JBC; On my beatiful, hi-tech, flat screen monitor, I can't read it! It looks like jibberish.
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.116 ) at 1:17 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
SMR Forum
JBC: An elegant, to the point letter. Let us know if you get a real reply. So many people need to be constantly reminded that this IS simply a hobby - and an expensive one at that.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:14 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
BC; Driven does look good, if only it didn't have Sly in it.
BIG AL ( 148.77.32.18 ) at 1:13 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Joe; Good news! Congrats!
JBC ( 207.164.221.52 ) at 12:53 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
SMR Forum
For those interested, here is a letter I wrote to Nigel Pound (one of the administrators at SMR)
Nigel:
Thank you for you page.
For now I will be hanging around for the next day or two simply to learn about the newly announced pre/pro. I will neither participate (i.e. respond to queries or post new threads) nor visit thereafter.
There is not much you can do to keep me around beyond that. It is not my
intention to fight with anyone, particularly you, Stewart, Jeremy or Nigel who have ALWAYS been most helpful and patient.
While I understand, support and applaud the need for balanced opinions I do not feel Philip's attacks were warranted. I asked a number of my fellow Lexicon owners and SMR participants, one or two which may have corresponded with you on the issue, to review the thread. The feedback was unanimous -- Philip's responses were unprovoked and extreme.
Remember, this is a hobby. One in which I spend a great deal of time and money for purposes of deriving enjoyment. There is nothing joyful about the tongue lashings I received. I just do not need the grief.
That said, I will rethink my views in a couple of days and let you know.
In the event that I do not return, I want to thank you for the effort, time and understanding you spread through SMR. It is truly a wonderful place, one in which you and your fellow administrators ought to take great pride in. You have created a gem and we, the participants, are that much richer for its existence.
If you wish to e-mail me feel free to do so as I will respond.
Joel
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 12:44 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Congrats!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.196 ) at 12:43 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
cai: Actually, I think the DQ-10s were great speakers. Similar design as the Vandersteens (features time-aligned drivers in sorta free space type of enclosure; more horizontal where the 'steens are more vertical). A co-worker's dad used to have a pair, he now has Martin Logan Aerius speakers. We were talking about older classic speaker designs (eg. vandersteens, Magnepans, Quads, DCM Time Windows, Spicas, and dalhquists all came to mind). Dahlquist purchased a speaker company that I briefly considered... a three piece (satellite/sub) setup for around $500 called 3D Acoustics.
BYork ( 159.37.7.57 ) at 12:36 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
BIG congrats Joe!
CuRTis ( 64.161.27.116 ) at 12:27 PM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: That great news. So where are our cigars papa?
JBC ( 207.164.221.52 ) at 11:56 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Joe: The important things of life help put perspectibe on the others. Big time comgratulations my friend! Have a cold one and relax.
BAGMAN ( 207.30.191.226 ) at 11:55 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: Way to go and congrats. Best wishes to all.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 11:45 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Joe: CONGRATS on the new addition. You guys take care!
Joe ( 205.188.192.46 ) at 11:40 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
She's Here
Good Morning all,
It's been quite the day. We went in yesterday for a second opinion due to pregregency complacations, that was at 1100.
At 16:13 yesterday Joanna Marie was born. She is small but everything is working and developed. She has a few pounds to put on before she can come home. In the meanwhile I will be spending my time in the NeoNatal Unit.
Well I had to tell someone, I only told family in town so my wife can get her rest. I know people mean well, but people coming into her romm does not let her rest at all.
Isn't it amazing how a little bundle can change your whole outlook on life
cai ( 66.61.52.10 ) at 11:23 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Well gang, its off to Vermont for the weekend. I will talk to you guys on Sunday.
cai ( 66.61.52.10 ) at 11:22 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
RickMTB: Careful what you say about the DQ-10s, I still own a pair. They still sound good, but I have not done a test versus my Joseph Audio RM25s.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 11:10 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Any of you guys looking forward to "driven"? Looks like it could be an awesome DVD.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:33 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
To Starwars Fans:
www.supershadow.com
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 9:58 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Ron H
Congrats on your purchase. The one thing to remember is that the MLs are not just pure ES speakers but have the bass so that may be where the break in, if any, may show some results. I just remember mine sounding incredible right out of the box. I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the bass forward design.
JJ ( 209.208.201.132 ) at 9:54 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Sony Pre/Pro Fans
uBid still is auctioning off new TA9000 Sony Pre/Pros in the Champagne Finish. It seems like it is a core uBid Product now. Under Consumer Electronics - Audio - Home Audio. The one on now is at $509. Friggin temping. They also have a refurb Denon 3300 yum.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.151 ) at 9:53 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
CuRTis: Wow, I didn't know Dahlquist made electrostatic speakers (I seem to recall their time-aligned speakers like the DQ-10)...
cai ( 66.61.52.10 ) at 9:32 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Power Supply
AVB: Great site, thank you.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.123 ) at 8:47 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Scott pop; If you can say that a CRT tubes have a mechanical part, then you could also say that sending an electrical current through a wire has a mechanical part to it. Metal Halide bulbs with a 6500 k rating are not even close to that rating for the first 48 hours or so. Wouldn't you call this a break in period?
Ron H ( 63.44.128.28 ) at 8:34 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Upscale pre/pros:
JBC: I am with you on that.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.28 ) at 8:30 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
BC: You have mail.
JBC ( 207.164.221.52 ) at 8:28 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Upscale pre/pros:
mic: I'll take two. Do you have US$35,000 to lend me? The prices for the Meridian 861, Theta Casablanca, and now Lexicon xxx are simply nuts! These processors cost more that a FP, screen and scaler. I would much rather spend the extra $$$ on a Stewart Screen, Rock scaler and FP!
Ron H ( 63.44.128.28 ) at 8:23 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Tony C: OK
mic ( 166.68.134.175 ) at 8:21 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Upscale pre/pros:
JBC: the end is not insight, 6.1 is hear, real talk about 10.2, Telarc has a different 6 channel configuation for music. digital interfaces for DVD-A & SACD are comming. Looking at these the Meridian 861 is the way to go with it's modular design, need more channels add a board, need new interface replace a board, new software download from net. This is what's needed, but at a much lower price point.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:03 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Ron H: LIke I said earlier, I will take the RCA DTV receiver. I"ll send an email.
AVB ( 64.41.32.96 ) at 7:16 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Power Supply
cai: I don't have any experience with the link I gave you. Here is a mfg that has the type heater you want. http://www.morelectric.com/hbb.htm
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 5:52 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
Good morning all...
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.101 ) at 1:08 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
CuRTis: I hope he didn't test drive my SGI
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.101 ) at 1:07 AM EST Friday, April 20, 2001
BIG AL: Though it might not seem like it, tubes (including CRTs) do have a "mechanical" part to them... Though it might not be readily apparent
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.192 ) at 11:42 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
RonH, Darian, Scott pop; When I was on Grand Cayman island, there was a bar on the waterfront that projected a HUGE image onto a white petroleum storage tank next to it. I was taking a floating break during a night dive, about a quarter mile out, and watching boxing. VERY Koool!
cai ( 66.61.52.10 ) at 11:38 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
AVB: Thank you for the information. I will take a look at those heaters and see if someone sells them in this area. Do you have any experience with them? I am leaning towards a radiant liquid filled heater because I think that the fan in a convection one would be too noisy to be in an HT room.
BIG AL ( 204.248.58.192 ) at 11:36 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scott pop; If breaking in anything non-mechanical is stupid, then why is it necessary to use a RPTV for a couple months before you ISF calibrate it?
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.178 ) at 10:44 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scott "popcorn": That reminds me that I made the mistake of tossing my car keys to my sons drum teacher yesterday. I had no idea how fast the car could go from a stop. He turns to my son and explains that he was once a driving instructor - don't try this at home.
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.178 ) at 10:41 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Kieran: Perhaps, but you'll get to that instant gratification thing sooner by blasting them. I wouldn't even think about placement before you knew they were ready.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.120 ) at 10:02 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Kieran: In theory, the "90dB for a week" thing would work better, because you'd be getting more cone travel than "Normal levels" will give. Of course, breaking in anything that is non-mechanical is just plain stupid. Burning in, to see if it will fail is a different story. Just my 2 cents (plus inflation)
Kieran ( 156.153.255.130 ) at 9:54 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
CuRTis: I'd argue that given enough time playing at NORMAL levels, a speaker will break in just as well as if you do the "90 dB for a week" thing. Doing that is just speeding up a normal process.
(IMHO)
Kieran ( 156.153.255.130 ) at 9:51 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Just too cool...
You've got to check this out...
http://wpg.groupwest.ca/hayz/fight.swf
Takes a little while to load, but be patient, it's fun and cool!
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.178 ) at 9:50 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H: I think that some speakers really do benefit from a good break in period. The reviews of my speakers all said it made a big difference and I agree. They're simply too tight out of the box and need a protracted amount of near ref level workout to sound their best. You may recall the phrase "loan them to a drummer for a week - he'll think that you're a nice guy and you'll KNOW that he'll crank them".
Then again electrostats may be an entirely different matter. I haven't owned any since my Dahlquists ages ago.
Ron H ( 63.232.64.175 ) at 9:42 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
I only have the original boxes and manuals for the Parasound and the Yamaha demod.
Ron H ( 63.232.64.175 ) at 9:40 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
email if interested in the used equipnment is ronhtx@msn.com
Ron H ( 63.232.64.175 ) at 9:39 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Jeez one would think that after these years posting my typing would improve. Thank god for spell checkers, grammer checkers and as they call them in this day and age administrative assistants.
Ron H ( 63.232.64.175 ) at 9:36 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Kieran:My previous set were also MLs. They sounded pretty good from the get go to me, but for nthe first week oe so I left them on quite often when we left the house but not at a 90 db level. I can't say if it helped but i know it did not hurt.
Proper placement of MLs willhave the largest effect on the sound more so than the electronics feeding them or break in.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.120 ) at 9:32 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Kieran: *sniff* *whimper* Ok, you asked for it now... if you run into ANY of those good-looking girls headed to oklahoma (I don't care what part) tell them they have to pay me a visit.
Ron H ( 63.232.64.175 ) at 9:30 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Also I will be selling a Parasound HCA-1000A THX 2 channel amp. It did a great cjog for my 7.1 set up, a RCA DRD515RB sat reciever with digital audio out. This may have a H card in it. The number on the card is H00443.....
I am looking at moving this stuff and the stuff below at a very good price. Make me a offer.
Gar ( 169.207.194.139 ) at 9:26 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H:ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you would have posted this a few days ago. I wouldn't have bought the Pioneer Elite CDL-79
Gar ( 169.207.194.139 ) at 9:25 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
JBC:I totally Agree with you on the long post about Pre/Pros etc.....
SACD and DVD Audio is nowhere near mainstream...... When it does get there prices will be much less expensive.. And I bet you could pick up a great piece for $1500 that does everything well......
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.44 ) at 9:25 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Oh BTW.....I can say that.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.44 ) at 9:24 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
break in, schmake in...
Kieran: I totally agree. Speaker "break in" is for those instant gratification types. I'd rather be able to say, "Man, these babies sound sweeter every day!"
Gar ( 169.207.194.139 ) at 9:23 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Lexicon Announces New Units
Tony C: hehehehe That's funny..:)
Kieran ( 156.153.255.250 ) at 9:23 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H:I am not sure if break in makes a diffeence in electrostats or ones ear just get use to/adjusts to the sound
Are these your first set of electro statics? I thought your last speakers were ML electrostats too... or is it just that you got the old set used (ergo requiring no break-in)?
Ron H ( 63.232.64.175 ) at 9:22 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
I will be selling a Pioneer CLD-D505 LD Payer, a Pioneer CLD-702 LD player, a Yamaha ADP-1 Demodulator and about 2 dozen LDs as a package deal. Anyone interested drop me a email at ronhtx@msn.com
Kieran ( 156.153.255.250 ) at 9:20 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
break in, schmake in...
Ron H: I always kind of shy away from "break in" suggestions. It seems to me that a break in prescription is just what you have to do if you want your new speakers to sound as good as they can ASAP. I say, why the hurry? You're probably going to have these speakers for YEARS. They will break in over time, and you will grow with them, and enjoy them more as their sound mellows and sweetens. I mean, if you're a dealer, and you're setting up a demo room, sure, you want to "break them in" ASAP. But I doubt a set of Martin Logans are going to sound like shit out of the box, until you "break them in" YMMV
Kieran ( 156.153.255.250 ) at 9:16 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scott "popcorn": LOL! That's okay, because she does.
trav1 ( 4.34.144.173 ) at 8:53 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Gar: You have email
Ron H ( 63.232.66.83 ) at 8:27 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Thanks for the congrats guys. I should gert delivery between 9:00 am and 11:00 AM on Saturday. I have been told they need 80 hours of break in at 90 dbs. I am not sure if break in makes a diffeence in electrostats or ones ear just get use to/adjusts to the sound.
I guess the next question is if you love the sound out of the box could it turn for the worse after "break in? It seems they always say it will get bettewr. Why could it not get worse if you already love the sound?.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.120 ) at 8:16 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scalers and AVB
Kieran: I don't like you.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.130 ) at 7:49 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Hmmm Odd.........
Gar/AVB: I just tried to get on MTBReview.com (moutnain bikes) which is run by the same company, and it's down as well....
HHHHMMMMMMMmmmmmm....
Gar ( 169.207.194.49 ) at 7:49 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Projectors
cai: The Sony has Digital keystone correction if I remember correctly?
Bottom line would be a side by side comparison.... Plus most Sony 10HTs can be had for less then $5000.00, not too sure where the Sanyo fits in there.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.250 ) at 7:48 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Traveling shows.
AVB: PAH! What would YOU know about life in Russia????
Oh, wait a minute... never mind...
AVB ( 64.41.33.102 ) at 7:48 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Hmmm Odd.........
Gar: I was just trying there myself not a minute ago. They are having server problems and are off line from what I see.
Gar ( 169.207.194.49 ) at 7:46 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Hmmm Odd.........
Anyone know did Audioreview.com fold? It says it is no longer avalible?
AVB ( 64.41.33.102 ) at 7:26 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Traveling shows.
Scott "popcorn": Scott, this is actually done in Russia only with a projector. There are so many small towns that are not near any movie theater that the "travel show" comes around once a month or so. They have a pretty good turn out from what I am told.
AVB ( 64.41.33.102 ) at 7:18 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
cai: Ok, here is what I have found out for your heater wiring. You need a 20 amp double pole breaker. The black wire goes to one and the red wire goes to the other. Of course, ground goes to the grounding block. This is for 240 and not 208 three phase.
At your heater there should be the corresponding red, black and green(ground) wires. Connect each wire to the proper color (MAKE SURE THE BREAKER IS OFF OR DISCONNECTED) and mount the unit. If you have an extra wire cap it off with a wire nut. See: http://www.cadetco.com/faq.html for more info.
cai ( 66.61.52.10 ) at 6:48 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Meet
Darian: Sounds like a very good idea. I would like to see a DLP image and you sound very enthusiastic about your projector. Maybe we could even do an A/B test with Bill's CRT.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.118 ) at 6:44 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scalers and AVB
Scott "popcorn": Yep.
CuRTis ( 64.161.26.178 ) at 6:38 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
Ron H: Outstanding selection. Congratulations on your new puppies.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.120 ) at 6:31 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scalers and AVB
Kieran: What's the good mood for? Did that chick miss you as much as you missed her?
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.120 ) at 6:30 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H: A few years back, I had the passing idea a few times of an SUV outfitted with HT equipment, with a projector pointing out the back... You could go to any farm (or any other place with a suitable screen) and project the image on the side of a barn... Just have a big ol traveling drive-in (You can tell I'm country, can't ya? )
BAGMAN ( 207.30.191.226 ) at 6:28 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
Ron H: Congrats on the purchase and having,what must be a great and understanding wife.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 6:10 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scalers and AVB
AVB:This shed/garage keeps getting more expensive every time I look at it.
Try wearing a blindfold the next time you work on it!
(Okay... that was pretty lame, but what the hell... I'm in a good mood!)
AVB ( 64.41.32.146 ) at 5:33 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scalers and AVB
Darian: Unless something happens money wise a Rock is not in my future. This shed/garage keeps getting more expensive every time I look at it. I had no idea that concrete block cost so much. I thought 60-70 cents each not 95. When you need 1,000 of them it makes a difference. And rebar...just plain iron bar is 29 cents a foot and I need 400+ ' of it. The list goes on and on. My $3000 project will hit close to $5K and I can't charge the overruns to the government, but I'm working on that
Ron H ( 63.44.134.40 ) at 5:18 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Darian: Isn't it great that these digital projectors are so light and small. One can set it up almost anywhere. Have you ever thought of doing a drivein movie in the back yard?
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.140 ) at 4:49 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Congrats Ron!
I remember those Ascents were the model I most enjoyed on the entire line. I bet you can't wait firing them up...
Darian ( 66.44.10.206 ) at 4:21 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
DiSh Network finally updated the demo loop on 9443. The sound is still way too low and only in DD 2.0. However they got a much longer demo reel with more interesting stuff.
I am pretty sure the signal being sent from DiSH Network is 1080i. I found the projector seems to prefer the converted 720P. This is what sparked my interest in the Crystal Image. I think there are scallers built on the DVDO/Sil chips. I am pretty sure that they have the same problems as the Denon 2800. It seems the DVDO stuff is the best in the bussiness as long as you use EVERYTHING from them and noy just the deinterlacer.
Darian ( 66.44.10.206 ) at 4:14 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Scalers and AVB
AVB: When you are ready to install your Rock... could I perchance... check out your Crystal Image? I just hooked my computer up to the NEC at 1024x768 and everything was razor sharp. I was curious to see what a scaller could do. 720P looks great too and I wonder what the quality of signal would be from a Crystal Image unit scalling signals in comparison to the NEC's scaller.
Darian ( 66.44.10.206 ) at 4:05 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Cai. When Bill gets back we were thinking of looking at the EAD TheaterVisionP on his display at native versus a scaller. Since I can carry my projector in one hand I would bring it along.
Everything is in a state of not quite prepaired here. I have the Projector sitting on a make shift stand and the screen is not yet mounted. I do have a 80" wide HDTV picture thou. For a while I was using the Sampo as the projector stand! Since they told me to mail the set back to California I have not been too fond of it.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 3:54 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Tweeter
Tony C: check out www.hometheaterspot.com They have a forum dedicated to Mitsubishi sets (and forums for several other brands too). Also, RGB owns a 55" Mits. He seems to like it well enough. While the picture is great and all, it didn't "blow me away" as I thought it would. But then RGB said his set needed calibration pretty bad when I saw it, I think.
Which specific model were you looking at?
Ron H ( 63.44.228.118 ) at 3:51 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Thanks guys
johnbr ( 24.112.55.144 ) at 3:35 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Hi all hope you all had a good day.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 3:09 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Manhattan HT dealers
cai: Yeah, that helps big time. Thanks a lot.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 3:04 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Projectors
If any of you comes accross the new Sanyo PLV-60, could you try and see how good this projector is and how it compares to the Sony 10HT. Both of these projectors have a 16:9 aspect ratio. The Sanyo is costing more because it has more goodies, like digital keystone correction, power focus, digital zoom, and higher H and V syncs. The Sanyo also has 1300 lumen brightness, Vs. 1000 for the 10HT and the contrast ratio for the Sanyo is 700:1 - no number is given for the 10HT.
Thank you.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 2:56 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Tweeter
thought I would add this. I made friends with the new manager of the Tweeter store near my office. I asked for the old manager, who I have known for about 20 years (no shit), and they said "He moved on".
Anyway, like I told Ron, I listened to some MLs but told the guy that my next upgrade should really be a display. And like I said I worked him good on the Sony 10HT. But before that, I mentioned to him that I already have the biggest TV I can get down the stairs. But he says that the Mits comes apart in two pieces. So we go look at the Mits.
You guys. He's got the picture totally squished. He's playing back a 4:3 source on the TV and peoples faces look like pumkins. So I ask my new freind why. Why wouldn't you display the TV with the best picture possible. I mean they even had the HD set box sitting on top of the TV. No answer. He just tells me that there are about 3 ways to adjust the picture. Whatever.
MITS: Didn't someone here want to buy a Mits? I'm wondering what your impressions of the set are? I have never been real keen on those. I'll have to check that one forum from the guy who does all the tweaking on Mits tvs. My point is that those big TVs are cheap, and I could have me one faster than a FP.
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 2:52 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
congrats ron!
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 2:50 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Manhattan HT dealers
Tony C: Try some of these:
Name : Harvey Electronics
Address: 2 West 45th Street
New York, N.Y.
Phone: 212-575-5000
Web site: www.harveyonline.com
Name: INNOVATIVE AUDIO
Address: 150 E. 58TH ST.
NEW YORK, NY 10155
Phone: 212 634-4444
Web site: www.innovaudio.com
Name: LYRIC HI FI
Address: 1221 LEXINGTON AVE.
NEW YORK, NY 10028
Phone: 212 535-5710
Web site: www.lyricusa.com
Name: STEREO EXCHANGE
Address: 627 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NY 10012
Phone: 212 505-1111
Web site: www.stereoexchange.com
Name: Sound by Singer
Address: 18 East 16th St.
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-924-8600
Web Site: www.soundbysinger.com
Of these Harvey, Sounds by Singer, Lyric, and Innovative seem to be the higher end. Fernando could also add a few more.
Hope this helps.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 2:48 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
Ron H: I just came back from Tweeter where I was listening to some Requests, and scripts. You are indeed very lucky.
I really worked the guy on a Sony 10HT with a Stewart screen. I just don't have the money now.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 1:42 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
Ron H: Congrats! Jealousy abounds....
Ron H ( 63.61.205.151 ) at 1:41 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
Rich F: I got the Dark Cherry trim on the Ascents.
Ron H ( 63.61.205.151 ) at 1:39 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
Well I am now the Proud owner of a setMartin Logan Ascents and a set of Scripts. Iam set up for delivery this Saturday.
Rich FMany thanks to your son. I ended up with what I felt was a more than fair deal. He even covered the delivery charge for me.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.118 ) at 1:39 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
OFA remotes
cai: http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.120 ) at 1:33 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
OFA remotes
cai: Have you tried the "Show all posts" feature? I'm not aware of an archive recently.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.120 ) at 1:22 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power
AVB: I asked you to post that to give bouncey a complex... he seems to be overly concerned with power usage, renewable resources, etc...
Tony C ( 64.108.10.34 ) at 1:11 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Manhattan HT dealers
Cai: or anyone,
Can you give me some names of good dealers in Manhattan?
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 12:37 PM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
OFA remotes
Kieran: Could you please post that site again? I do not know what happened, but I have lost all posts between 4/18 and 4/06. There does not seem to be an archive for those either. Thank you.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.114 ) at 11:55 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
You guys are good...
Darian, Joe, and anyone else who posted to me about my speaker wire running questions:
I picked up a basic home electrical wiring book at the hardware store the other day. Not that I needed it to do the speaker runs... what you all had posted was ample. But I just figured it would be good to educate myself, as I know next to nothing about house wiring. Anyway, it had a section on running cable and/or speaker wire in pre-existing homes, and the method was basically just what you all had described!
BTW, I now understand why an "Old Works Box" is called what it is. As opposed to a "New Works Box", which is used for new homes, and Old Works is used for "OLD" or existing walls that you have to cut to install the box.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.118 ) at 11:49 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
OFA remotes
Scott "popcorn": Cool! No problem! I'm glad you were able apply the info to your VE4 remote. Most OFA based remotes are very similar, just some have more features than others. That web site is a jewel, indeed. Up until it came online, I had to piece together all that infor from several other web sites, and it took some doing to sort out all the info. Basically someone just did the same thing, and compiled it into one well-laid out web site.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.254 ) at 11:41 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
JBC: I am heading to the store in about 20 minutes. If they are able to I want delivery this Saturday.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 11:38 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H: Good luck with the purchases. Are you going to them delivered on Saturday?
Ron H ( 63.44.128.116 ) at 11:16 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H
Rich F : I am just considering all options but I tend to agree that picking up the Theater center would be the way to go. I plan to do the Ascent and Script deal today. When I get back from Florida I will finalize a furniture/rack deal and look at the Logo upgrade.
I have some work to be done on the pool yet and just what that bill may be will determine when I go for the Theater.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 10:57 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H
The idea of buying back your SL3s may sound tempting but do you really need them for surrounds and do you have the real estate. I think my son would make more money if you did buy them back but I think you would be better off spending the money on the other pair of Scripts and upgrading your Logos to the Theater.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 10:55 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
Joe: You are correct in that the 12/3 wire has black, red, white, and ground wires. I have not bought the heater yet, but would like to lay out the wiring. The unit only pulls about 3 amps and I am hooking-up two of them at different locations. Thank you for your ideas.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 10:55 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
JBC
I agree that I will most likely not be trading up since I really enjoy the MC1 and if I had component needs i would hook direct to the TV. (although I haven't seen the trade up policy so I reserve the right to be foolish later). The biggest advantage to the Lexicon is the upgrade capabilities short of changing units. I would definitely upgrade my EPROM to get the latest version of Logic 7 and therein lies the best part of the value equation. I agree that the improvements in sound from an MC1 would probably be difficult to tell in a true AB but with a higher end unit but the difference in software could be significant. That's why I love Lexicon. I won't feel outdated if I update the EPROM at something less than $400.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 10:52 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
Joe: You are correct in that it a black, red white and ground 12/3 wire. I have not bought the heater yet, but would like to lay out the wiring. The unit only pulls about 3 amps and I am hooking-up two of them at different locations. Thank you for your ideas.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 10:33 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
AVB: It is just a fancy space heater that uses 220/240 volts through direct wiring. I have not made the connections yet and am relying on concepts that I have read in book. Perhaps I should review these books again. Thank you for your reply.
Joe ( 64.12.102.153 ) at 10:20 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
But for converstation the device probabley has a connection point, 3 of them. One for each leg ( red, black wire in your example) and a nutreal ( white) Plus a ground of course.
Are you trying to hook up a alarm system above the meter?
Chris L. ( 64.12.106.53 ) at 10:18 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
JBC: You typing with your knee?
Bwahahaha!!
Joe ( 64.12.102.153 ) at 10:18 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
cai: If I could jump in, What kind of amperage is the device pulling? On second thought, if you are wiring 220v direct, maybe you should hire a Electrician.
AVB ( 64.41.32.102 ) at 9:44 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
cai: I don't feel qualified to answer your question as I haven't had much expierance with wiring 220/240, Big difference between theory and practical application. Better to be safe then sorry when dealing with those. If you tell me what you are trying to hookup I may be able to point you to an answer.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:39 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
AVB: Thank you for your explanation, it makes sense. I now would like to pose to you a practical question. I have to connect a 220 Volt appliance, direct connection no wall outlet. If I get a single throw, 20 amp double breaker, and use 12/3 wire, I will connect the black wire to one side of the breaker and the red wire to the other side of the same double breaker. When I make the connection at the appliance,I would then have to combine the black and red to make 220 volts. Is this correct? Is this what you can a dual phase wiring system? Is there another way of getting 220 volts from the box using only one live wire?
I am using 12/3 because I do not want to use 10/2 or 10/3. I find it hard enough to use 12 gauge and I do not need the 30 amp connection.
Thank you for you help.
AVB ( 64.41.32.102 ) at 9:36 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Damn, hit the button twice.
AVB ( 64.41.32.102 ) at 9:36 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Trigger sequence
JBC: The preamp comes on first and the amps last for turn on. Reverse for turn off. I have a long delay of about 15 seconds between the preamp comming on and the amps turning on. Until I get the adapter for my Furman PSPRO my sequence is this:
PSPSO on via mechanical switch on it's front panel, this turns on the Sony 9000 on the delay one circuit, some other things on delay 2, and then the 12v wallwart with dual outputs is on delay 3 for the amps.
The Sony trigger turns on a Parasound scamp with 8 second delay which supplies power to the Sub amp.
All in all, everything that doesn't require a keep alive voltage (DSS, VCR, etc etc) will come on just by turning on the PSPRO. Other source things have to be manually turned on for use like the phonograph, tape deck, DVD, LD etc etc depending on what I want to use.
PSPRO > Sony, TT crossover, dbx120 & 12v wallwart
Sony> Scamp1
Scamp1> Parasound 1200II, VMPS crossover & trigger to Scamp2
Scamp2> projector & hush box fan
AVB ( 64.41.32.102 ) at 9:35 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Trigger sequence
JBC: The preamp comes on first and the amps last for turn on. Reverse for turn off. I have a long delay of about 15 seconds between the preamp comming on and the amps turning on. Until I get the adapter for my Furman PSPRO my sequence is this:
PSPSO on via mechanical switch on it's front panel, this turns on the Sony 9000 on the delay one circuit, some other things on delay 2, and then the 12v wallwart with dual outputs is on delay 3 for the amps.
The Sony trigger turns on a Parasound scamp with 8 second delay which supplies power to the Sub amp.
All in all, everything that doesn't require a keep alive voltage (DSS, VCR, etc etc) will come on just by turning on the PSPRO. Other source things have to be manually turned on for use like the phonograph, tape deck, DVD, LD etc etc depending on what I want to use.
PSPRO > Sony, TT crossover, dbx120 & 12v wallwart
Sony> Scamp1
Scamp1> Parasound 1200II, VMPS crossover & trigger to Scamp2
Scamp2> projector & hush box fan
AVB ( 64.41.32.102 ) at 9:18 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
cai: The limiting factors are wire gage and your breaker. 10 gage is for 30 amp single phase loads For dual phase you can use 12 gage for a 30 amp load because the full load is not constant over just one wire (putting it simply). The resistance in smaller gage wire causes heat which can pose a fire hazard and that is why the codes are 50% greater then what is actually needed in an open air environment. Also, the contact area of the recpticle is greater for 20 amp edison style plug, once again to reduce heat. The physical plugs are different for different type circuits more for safety among similar style plugs. Don't want to plug in a 2 phase device into a 3 phase outlet!
Load is what the end device uses. You can have 100 amps waiting at the wall, plug in a 20 amp device and if it is designed properly, it will only be able to draw 22 amps (10% over) before something internal trips (breaker) blows (fuse) or resets. All modern devices have some type of safety feature to prevent a unit from drawing current above its design limit.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 9:13 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Sorry for all the typos but I just got back from physio therapy and my knee is killing.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 9:10 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
AVB: I am trying to rig the trigger between my amp and pre/pro. Can you please confirm which of the two goes on first during power on (i.e. amp first and pre/pro second or pre/pro first and amp second) as well as the order on power off. Thanks.
Lexicon A few comments on the newly announced Lexicon pre/pros:
1. I highly doubt there will be on in my future. These units, which are geared towards the Meridian 861 and Theta Casablanca crowd, are simply too expensive. Moreover, how much better can they be -- US$5,000 worth -- I doubt it!
2. I, likely like others here, need to "balance" their susyems. I can not envision spending the additional dollars on audio, given that I have an MC-1, without first seriously upgrading both my room and my video. There is the "bang for the buck" factor to consider.
3. I, like others, are also getting frustrated with the two to three year cycle of spending an ever increasing amount on a new top-of-the-line pre/pro. What owners of the MC-1 should keep in mind is that the MC-1 is still and extrodinary peice of equipment, it simply is no longer Lexicon's best. Much in the same way that the Meridian 561/568, Theta Casanova, etc. are all wonderful pieces of gear although they are not their respective companies best.
4. Continuing on th lines of getting frustrated with the two to three year cycle of spending an ever increasing amount on a new top-of-the-line pre/pro there is an important question to ask -- does it make sense to spend this kind of money on a pre/pro now with some many outstanding issues? For example, the true abilities of DVD-A and SACD can not be realized until a digital connection is available to take advantage of time alignment, bass management and the like.
5. On the same subject, here is an interestin qestion. What is the preferred path:
a) Stick with a Lexicon, Meridian, Proceed, Theta or like piece of gear knowing that every two to three years you are in for some major $$$ in the neighbourhood of $5,000+.
b) Stick with Parasound, Sony or like pieces which provide very capable performance (although not quite at the level of the above pieces) knowing that every two to three years you are in for $2,500 to $3000?
I am starting to lean towards the later. Please proovide your thoughts?
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 9:00 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power Supply
This month's Home Theater Magazine reviews the Richard Gray's Power Conditioner (RGPC). In the review there is the following statement:
"and the extra heavy-duty cord use 20-amp version of the IEC connector, allowing you to feed the RGPC 1200S the maximum power possible from a domestic outlet."
I was not aware that there was a limit as to how much power one could have at a wall outlet, providing the wiring and fuses are properly sized. I guess the limiting factor here is the 12 gauge wire that is used in the RGPC power connecting cable. I say this because if you have a 10 gauge wire and a 30 amp fuse, shouldn't you be able to draw 30 amps from an appropriate wall receptacle?
I would like to hear from the electrical engineers who may know something about the code. It seems to me that everytime I go to a Home Depot or Lowe's someone has a different interpretation of the building codes, and now this from HT magazine. I guess I may have to read the code and make my own fourth interpretation.
Ron H ( 63.44.126.193 ) at 8:56 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Lexicon Announces New Units
Tony C: That price is in another level than the one I want to play in.
cai ( 205.254.147.8 ) at 8:45 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Alarms and Projectors
Thank you to JBC, Darian, Tony C, Joe, and all the others that gave feedback on my questions regarding hardwired alarms and projector operations.
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 8:33 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Lexicon Announces New Units
Gar: Totaly. At those prices, it should be able to drive you to work as well as order a pizza for your movie.
Ron H ( 63.44.126.193 ) at 8:27 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
mic: Hmmmmmm
mic ( 198.23.26.253 ) at 8:22 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Lexicon Announces New Units
JBC: gotta keep up with the Jones, hope Lex switched over from EPROM to Flash memeory upgrades. This kinda makes my Meridian 568 cheap.
mic ( 198.23.26.253 ) at 8:19 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Martin Logan
Ron H: WOW, Congrats ! GO back in a couple of days and pick up your SL3's at a redued demo price.
Ron H ( 63.44.126.193 ) at 8:17 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
If all goes well I should be purchasing a couple of new sets of Martin Logans today.
AVB ( 64.41.32.102 ) at 7:55 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power
Scott "popcorn": After giving it some thought, the 4,500 watt number is really for demo purposes. You can't stay in the room very long at that level. U-571 was showing 18amp draws on the PS30 so the other circuit was in the 9 amp range. 27 amps works out to about 3,200 watts which is less then an electric water heater and about the same as an electric dryer.
AVB ( 64.41.32.102 ) at 7:19 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Power
Scott "popcorn": Based on the back panel power ratings of all my equipment my max draw is 6,861 watts. I had this already in a spreadsheet so I could figure out how to divide the load between the PP20 and the PP30. Of course, not EVERYTHING is on at one time so my normal max draw for say watching a DVD is 6,272 watts. In reality, an action style movie will peak in the 4,500 watt area and the sustained level will be much less.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 6:03 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
JBC
Rich: Thanks.
Ron H ( 63.59.201.90 ) at 5:00 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H
Rich F: Back at you.
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.243 ) at 2:04 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
OFA remotes
Kieran: Thanks SOOOOO MUCH for posting that advanced programming for OFA remotes link... I have reprogrammed my OFA Video Expert 4 (bedroom remote) and now it operates the DVD in a logical manner. I have no idea why OFA made the default COMPLETELY illogical to begin with (and an e-mail told me I couldn't fix it except some V.Config crap... The website you linked was MUCH more helpful)
Rich F ( 172.173.140.192 ) at 1:14 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Ron H
You've got mail.
Kieran ( 209.79.134.195 ) at 1:09 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
i'm baaaaack
bouncey: Re. SW ep1: TPM, read www.thedigitalbits.com for the latest news. Go to the rumor mill area... they have info there. Anyway, it's pretty much confirmed that TPM will street in October of '01.
Rich F ( 172.173.140.192 ) at 1:02 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
JBC
I finally read the threads and once again, Philip was oversensitive to your comments and unfortunately, went on ad nauseum after mischaracterizing your comments as demands. It was incredibly boorish but very Philip. I still think it is a useful forum but he has a history of those kinds of verbal spars and as they say, "never start a print fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel." Since he is a forum moderator and is more tenacious than a pit bull, I would just steer clear of him. I did send a complaint to Nigel just so the other moderators get an outside opinion of how they are coming across to readers.
Rich F ( 172.173.140.192 ) at 12:54 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
Bouncey
Phantom Menace is said to come out on DVD Oct. 16
Scott "popcorn" ( 38.27.67.243 ) at 12:51 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
brackets
bouncey: Try reading up on the SML Forum Guide... you might learn something (like how to do numbered lists)
HT device power: just add up all the wattages and amperes (with proper conversion) of all the devices in your rack and you've got your answer. AVB: could you do this with all your devices and post the result as well, just to have something to compare to?
Phantom Menace: Gee, why don't you lurk more... you just might keep up on the news
bouncey ( 65.26.241.207 ) at 12:38 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
brackets
Okay, that worked. :p
bouncey ( 65.26.241.207 ) at 12:38 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
brackets
Huh.
[1] ... [2] ... [3]
bouncey ( 65.26.241.207 ) at 12:37 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
brackets
Amazing! I had a few brackets in my previous post, which held numbers in a list: [1\] ... [2\] ... [3\] The bracketed items disappeared. This time I'm escaping the brackets to see if it works.
bouncey ( 65.26.241.207 ) at 12:31 AM EST Thursday, April 19, 2001
i'm baaaaack
FINALLY got caught up. Stay away for a week or so, and the msgs really pile up here...
Notebooks: I really like my Apple iBook. 300 MHz PowerPC G3 (faster than the MHz sounds), 160M RAM, pathetic 3gig hard disk, cdrom, no floppy drive (but why bother anyway?), MacOS X. Now they have iBooks for sale with better hard disks, more memory, dvd-rom, and 466 MHz processors. Wireless networking rocks too; it keeps pace with the cable modem quite nicely. My only complaint is the wimpy 800x600 screen, which is smaller than I'd prefer but still reasonably adequate for most uses.
West coast power: If there are any price controls anywhere in the system, it's not total deregulation, by definition. They really need to build more power plants, encourage "heavy" users to install solar panels to reduce peak daytime loads, and totally remove all price controls. Though this doesn't have to happen overnight; I suspect it would be a big shock to consumers if it did happen quickly. From what I've read, they called the current system "deregulation", but the truth is that it's half deregulation and half socialization. Me? I want to go completely wind/solar when we can afford a house. Sell excess power back to the grid as a public service.
How much power do most HT devices consume? I assume it's an impressive amount when everything is on and working.
Phantom Menace: It's coming to DVD?!? When, where? I thought Lucas was dead set against providing decent quality for the customers, 'cause we're all no-good pirates who don't deserve to see his movies. What about the other Star Wars movies? You realize, of course, Star Wars is the only reason I bought a laserdisc player...
Sigh.
Gar ( 169.207.192.229 ) at 11:44 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Lexicon Announces New Units
JBC: hmmmmm, I guess I was on track when I heard that Lexicon was coming out with new units soon. But at those prices, I don't care how good they sound...
Tony C ( 208.209.205.117 ) at 10:10 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Gasgeek:thanks for the added info and link. They do look pretty cool.
Ron H: You'll have an unbelievable system. Congratulations.
I could be interested in your dss reciever, when your ready.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 9:04 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Lexicon Announces New Units
There is a preliminary announcement at SMR wrt two new units. These units are in addition to the DC-2 and MC-1 which will continue in their present form. The two unamned unites both contain all the features of the MC-1 plus component video switching, analog pass through, dts-es and dlp II. The single ended unit cost US$8,995 whereas the balanced unit costs US$9,995.
A trade in program will be start 90 days after shipping. No additional details are available (i.e. looks, card-based, RS-232 upgradeable, etc.). No additional information will be released by Lexicon.
Start saving those pennies.
Ron H: Please call when you as we need to talk!
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 8:03 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Joe: See the thread below which gives the location on SMR. As to the leafs, i sent the wife out tonight so I can watch the game. I have some 15 year old Scotch in hand.
Wild Bill ( 209.110.93.2 ) at 8:00 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Cruisin'
Hey boys, this post is from somewhere between Grand Cayman and Cancun. We're at sea and having a blast. The Margaritas are flowing and the weather is here. I hope you are all having a great day and I will catch up on the weeks post and talk to ya'll on Saturday.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.118 ) at 7:58 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
funny post from another forum
This was on the avs hdtv forum... I'm only pasting the funny part:The only problem Ive had with the TV so far is that a little bug is flying around on the inside of the screen... I sure hope it dies soon.
LOL! I just had to laugh at that! How irritating would that be? "I sure hope it dies soon..." 
Joe ( 64.12.104.53 ) at 7:54 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
JBC:
Where is this thread at? It hard to imagine someone being offended by your post.
BTW the Leafs must of read your post about being bummed out. They are doing the job on the Senators.
AVB ( 64.41.32.254 ) at 7:33 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Cinepro trigger
Rich F : The Cinepro uses a constant trigger, at least the two I have do.
JBC ( 206.47.244.58 ) at 7:33 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Lexicon
Rich and Ron: Go take a look at Philip's latest posting to me. He continues to rip me a new one. I am gone from there for good! I will, in the next day or two, send an e-mail to Stuart asking him to delete my user ID -- I am that pissed.
Ron H ( 63.39.153.154 ) at 7:23 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Ron H
Rich F : I am planning to see if they can deliver the speakers on Saturday. If not I will have to wait awhile because I will be leaving for Florida next Thursday.
Ron H ( 63.39.153.154 ) at 7:09 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Ron H
Rich F : The problem with the Lex is how it has the ground is set up. JBC has been through this and can explain exactly what the problem is.
I plan to visit your son at lunch tommorow. If they will also go along with the trade on the Logo toward the Theater it should give him a decent sale. I also am looking at some new racks to put my equipment on, so that order should be following shortly after.
All my excess equipment will be up for sale to rebuild my mad money account and to reduce the size ot the rack needed. I need to get something low and wide so I will ge able to mount the scripts on the back wall above it.
I think I can get down to six pieces of equipment. My Lexicon, My DVD player, Sat receiver, and the NHT Sub amp that I use to power the TT's. I like this amp for this purpose because I can adjust the crossover. I like it turned down to about 40hz so I bo not have people talking into my butt.
That leaves the 6 channel Cinepro amp, the other 5 channel amp which I can use to power my 2 new subs and the rears in 7.1. This makes a total of six pieces with 3 channel of amplification left to use.
I will then have to sell my Parasound amp, my other Sat reciever, and both LD players and the Pioneer A/V racks.
My next plan in a few months will be to replace the M$K Tripoles with another set of Scripts. I will then have a full 7.1 Martian logan system using their latest products. I will need to get you over for a visit so you can at least for a day get past your ML withdrawl.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 6:32 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
JBC
Phillip is very knowledgeable but has a real history of taking strident positions on SMR. I hope you return and would say that Lexicon has no control over the issue but I will notify Nigel who is one of the admins.
Rich F ( 128.121.145.5 ) at 6:31 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Ron H
Hi Ron,
Thanks, now maybe he can pay me some rent. He mentioned to me that you were having problems with the MC1 triggering the Cinepro. I had the same problem with my Proceeds until I found out that the Proceeds use a pulse trigger whereas the trigger signal put out my the MC1 is constant. I got a xantech constant to pulse conversion unit for about $90 and Voila, one button turn on from the pronto. Could this be your problem?
Kieran ( 156.153.255.118 ) at 6:21 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Take a look
Robert: LOL! Here's the best part of that whole article:Now, though, as the DVD is quickly gaining on the venerable VHS videocassette as the videophile's format of choice...
HAHAHA! Since WHEN was the "venerable VHS videocassette" ever the "videophile's format of choice"?????? What a joke THAT is!
Robert ( 63.31.173.157 ) at 5:59 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Take a look
I saw this the other day,,I think Mr Chapek at Buena Vista is a little nuts thinking I'm going to pay more $ just because it is a superior format,,,,a dvd is or will be cheaper to produce than a VHS,,,by far. I look at CD's and some of the crazy prices charged,,,DVD costs are more than CD,,but I paid $18 for City of Angels soundtrack yesterday, $3-4 more than any other CD I've purchased so far in my life,,,and I have yet to pay more than $25 for a DVD, and would rent anything higher priced.
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nyt/20010416/tc/sale_of_dvd_s_are_challenging_movie_rental_business_1.html
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.44 ) at 5:51 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
oh crap
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.44 ) at 5:50 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Video Essentials
Ron H: Especially since I haven't seen it anywhere online for less than $30+
I picked up a copy only because my sister in California still has mine. "We're waitng to get a center channel before we return it." was her reply I think. Yet another HT convert in the fold.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.44 ) at 5:34 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Video Essentials
Ron H: Especially since I haven't seen it anywhere online for less than $30+
I picked up a copy only because my sister in California still has mine. "We're waitng to get a center channel before we return it." was her reply I think. Yet another HT convert in the fold.
Kieran ( 156.153.255.130 ) at 4:57 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Kieran
RickMTB: Cool... I have seen their store (never been in) but didn't realize they had a web site. Actually I was in their old store (different name) years ago, and it wasn't very great. I'll have to check out what they've got now in the way of demo rooms.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 4:38 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Kieran
This may be of most interest to you... SOndscape is in Santa Rosa:
http://www.sonic.net/soundscape/product.html
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 4:37 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Vandersteen center channel
Ron H: Weird... I couldn't find it on the web site before, and there it is, plain as day. The Reference Monitor isn't listed however, but Soundscape's web site shows a picture of it. Since the VCC-5 is supposed to mate with the Vandersteen 5, the Vandersteen 3 sig, and the new Reference Monitor, the monitor must be a pretty expensive speaker as well.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 4:30 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Vandersteen center channel
Ron H: Aha... I went to Soundscape's web site (they are a big Vandersteen dealer) and they list a center channel they call the VCC-5 for $1995. They refer to it as the center channel designed to go with the Vandersteen 5 speakers. That makes a lot more sense price wise. They also show a picture of a new Vandersteen *monitor* on stands. There is no way I would spend $2000 on a center channel...
Ron H ( 63.44.128.113 ) at 4:30 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Video Essentials
Chris L.: Not a bad price.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.113 ) at 4:28 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Vandersteen center channel
RickMTB: You owe me one.
Here is the link for the $2K center speaker.
http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/VCC-5lit.html
Ron H ( 63.44.128.113 ) at 4:25 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Vandersteen center channel
RickMTB: Yes $500 more for almost the same thing does not make sense.
Chris L. ( 24.49.157.44 ) at 4:23 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Video Essentials
In case anyone's interested, 800.com has VE on sale for $24.94
Ron H ( 63.44.128.113 ) at 4:21 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Cinepro Pre/Pro
Darian: I guess that Tag has someone who knows what is needed to design a proper/good Pre/Pro. I actually have folloed postings on this unit and it seems to be received very well.
Do you have any experience with this unit or know someone who has? I am unable to get any first hand experience or a demo in Houston.
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 4:20 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Vandersteen center channel
Ron H: Thanks... again, it seems to support what people have been writing over on Speaker Asylum, and its likely Vandersteen doesn't update his web site. make sense from a cost differential basis... otherwise it doesn't make sense to spend that much more for solver internal wiring and spiffier Xovers...
Ron H ( 63.44.128.113 ) at 4:17 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
BC: I would be glad to have you. I will keep you posted.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.113 ) at 4:16 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Cinepro Pre/Pro
RickMTB: You may want to call Audio Concepts as that is where the info came from. I think the sales guy name was Dean.
Ron H ( 63.44.128.113 ) at 4:12 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Vandersteen center channel
RickMTB: I was the one who mentioned the new center. I can not remember the exact conversation I had with the dealer but it seems to me he said it had 2 6" on each side plus the normal coaxal.
Darian ( 66.44.21.8 ) at 4:10 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Cinepro Pre/Pro
I think they finally abbandoned this idea. Cinepro just doen't have the stuff to make pre/pros. They were farming units and make a change here and there to make a for a complete line up. The first Pre/pro they demoed died at a show from what I was told. Who ever tehy were going to farm from just didn't work out. They used to always demo with EAD TheaterMasters. Then EAD started making amps...
More than a year or so back, GOLDEN THEATER was a well reviewed inexpensive pre/pro. Cinepro started work on farming this preamp. At CES 2000 they ran a display for dealers and reps at a house they rented. The pre/pro had been stripped of any identifying characteristics. Front pannel was different and knobs and switches had been removed. A quick look at the back when a circuit was tripped by the VORTEX speaker system gave away the mystery Pre/Pro. Talking with Eric he mentioned that they were trying to work something out to do the preamps. Well Golden Theater disappeared and hark... no Cinepro preamp.
Making Preamps is a real different chore then making amps. Lexicon farms Brystons and rebadges them. Some comapnies have trhe man power and engineering to do both. But most are better at one... or the other.
As for going to TAG. That is the same guy who made the Lex. Good old BUZZ!
RickMTB ( 207.18.199.198 ) at 3:45 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Vandersteen center channel
I vaguely someone mentioning that the Signature version of the Vandersteen center channel (VCC-1 Sig) had more drivers than the VCC-1 which helped explain some of the cost differential and also helped it sound "larger". I have searched the web site and they show it having the same 6.5" driver as the VCC-1. I saw a few mentions on Speaker Asylum about a future larger center from vandersteen. Anyone recall the post or have info on the VCC? Thanks!
BC ( 166.35.145.38 ) at 3:32 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Ron, sounds like I will need to pull out my overnight bag soon!
You lucky dog! Sounds like a sweet deal is in the works for you.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.18 ) at 3:29 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Martin Logan
Rich F: It looks like your son will have some business coming his way.
Ron H ( 63.44.127.18 ) at 3:28 PM EST Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Martin Logan
JBC: "The only suggestion I would now make would be to do the same deal but throw in the Logos for a The