FreeRadical

Thanks for the advice guys. I like the idea of using the dust cover without the hinges attached. I should be getting the new entertainment center this week so I'll have a better idea of placement then. I'm probably going to have it on the very bottom/base shelf. I'll probably be doing most of my listening from the floor anyway. I like to kick back in my son's bean bag and listen. That posistion is also good for headphone listening.

I'm thinking about getting a Music Hall MMF-5 turntable but I have a few questions. The entertainment ceter I'm getting for my new system will have the components on shelfs under the TV. Will this be a problem having the turntable close to the floor? I can either put it on a shelf if I don't use the dust cover or on the bottom with or without the dust cover. Does the dustcover even need to be used on it? Will it affect the sound? What kind of starting equipment am I going to need? I've already seen several accessories on the web that include anti-static guns, record cleaners, record brushes, stylus cleaners, stylus force gauges, protractors, levels, etc. I plan on playing old records from my Dad's collection and used stuff that I will be buying.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Can someone tell me how headphone amps are hooked up to a receiver? I have a brand new Pioneer Elite AV 56TXi and would like to buy a really nice set of cans but I'm not sure if I need an external amp. If I do, how do I hook it all up?

Hello everyone, I've been offered a great deal on a new Music Hall MMF5 turntable from a local specialty retailer. I was wondering if anyone in here has this model? All of the reviews say that it can't be beat in it's price range. I think it will fit in well with the new receiver that I'm getting (Pioneer Elite VSX 56TXi) but it doesn't have a phono stage. Any recommendations on which phono stage would match up good with this combo? Is there anything decent at Circuit City or Best Buy that would work? The dealer that has it doesn't have preamps. He said he got a preamp from Circuit City that works fine for him. Thanks FR

Can someone explain how 2 channel systems are set up with monoblocks? Does the preamp have 2 outputs? I've seen some systems on Audiogon that have seperate phono stages too. How does that setup work?

I have two cars with the follwing systems 1995 Honda Accord Alpine CDA-9807 JL Audio 500/5 JL Audio 12W3v2 Boston Acoustic Pro 6.5 Boston Acoustic CX6 (These used to be in the Impala) Lightning Audio Install Kit QLogic Box 1996 Impala SS Sony CDX 970 (I think that is the model number, not sure) Sony Disc Changer (Broken) MTX Thunder 5400X Rockford Fosgate 12 inch woofers (model number??) Boston Acoustic CX9 MB Quart Q.218 Custom Boxes I can say the amplification and speakers make all the difference in car audio. I think all of my equipment is top notch stuff except for the disc changer. I will never buy another one. I've had two and they just keep breaking. I've also had several friends who keep breaking theirs. The Impala stereo is loud and has deep, warm bass. The Honda pounds the Impala into submission. It has more alot more power and the JL Audio stuff will shake the earth. It has tight, punchy bass but can also go very deep and LOUD. The Boston 6.5s will make your ears ring if you turn it up too loud. The MB Quarts sound less bright than the 6.5s but are still really great speakers. I would put the money into the speakers or consider a small amplifier. Go with speaker separates if you can afford them. I've had some friends that hook up an amplifier to stock equipment and it sounds good. Not great but good enough for the wife or girlfriend. If you want some extra bass, I have an MTX 10" Stillwater woofer with factory enclosure for sale. There is nothing wrong with it, I just upgraded to 2 12s. I'll give you a great deal but you'll have to pay postage. I'll ship it in the original box. Let me know if your interested. FR

Thanks, that is some great advice. You mention several things that I had not thought about. I hope to start aquiring some equipment very soon for my next setup.

How long does it take for burn it to occur on the crt tv and what does it look like? I currently have a Sony 27" Trinitron that I watch widescreen movies on all the time. Do the black bars cause burn in? What about CNBC with the stock ticker? I haven't noticed any problems with my picture after several hours of movie watching so what is the big deal?

I would like to know what other members think about buying used equipment on ebay, audiogon, and other auction sites. I'm planning my next HT and I would like to get the most out of my budget. I'm seriously considering buying some used audio equipment. I will buy the TV new however. Can anyone give me advice on buying used equipment and what to look for and avoid? What are some personal experiences?

Can someone explain to me the difference between tube tvs and CRT tvs. Is there a difference? I thought that the traditional tv was a CRT type. But now I'm confused.

I didn't think burn in was much of a problem with CRT TVs. What are the different modes of watching 4X3 TV shows on the widescreen and how do they look? This is important to me since our viewing is about 50/50 TV/movies. I'm also watching several TV shows on DVD now that are in 4X3.

I am also considering one of these tvs for my next home theater. I believe the new XBR 910 model has some new technology called Super Fine Pitch. Sound & Vision has a review of this new model on their web site soundandvisionmag.com. The reason I'm interested in this tv is that it is a CRT type tv. This technology is tried and true and the price is within my budget. The units are very heavy though. The XBR tips the scale at around 200 lbs. I think it gives the best overall picture quality compared to other technologies. The plasmas look nice and have larger viewing screens but they are too expensive for my budget and they also have burn in problems. The LCDs look ok but the viewing angle isnt' as good as a CRT or plasma. Sunlight entering your room can also be a problem. I live in Florida so that is always an issue with me. The 34 inch widescreens from Sony alway look good in the stores but they are kind of small looking next to the giant plasmas and LCDs. I wish they could make them just a little bigger. I believe the XBR 910 is going to replace the HS 510 so we may be able to find some good closeout deals on this model.

I have a Sony DVP C660 and I did check the Two Towers DVD in my computer and it played fine. I'm going to get a lens cleaner today after work and try that tonight. Will this help if there is a tracking problem or just clean the lens?

I've gotten several DVDs lately that I had to return because of technical problems. The discs didn't have any scratches or other defects that I could see. I had to return the first season of MASH because on one of the episodes the picture would lock up. The new one plays fine. I also had to return the new Led Zeppelin DVD because the sound would cut in and out on the center channel. I brought the new one home and it sounds fine. I just watched my brand new copy of the The Two Towers and on scene 51 the screen locks up and skips forward about 10 seconds. The first time it did this it jumped back about an hour before where it was. On repeated viewings it skips forward a few seconds. I know my DVD player is not the problem because it gets used almost everyday and plays other DVDs just fine. Can someone explain to me what is going on here? Is there something in the information on the disc that is causing these problems.