Drew in the desert

I just ordered HD cable service this morning and I will be picking up the HD box today. For those of you that have Cox HD service, what cables if any are supplied by Cox? I have a digital coax already to cover the audio, but what quality of cable comes for the component video connection? Should I stop at rack and pick up some better video cables?

Thanks for your response. What I am looking for is a more flat frequency response in my room. Currently, I have a serious null around 45-55Hz. It could be the room, but I had the same setup in another house and experienced the same results. I have my receiver crossed at 80Hz, to the RF-35's and SVS PC+2039. I will be moving in January into a bigger house with a more ideal listening environment, so I hope things will improve. My current room is definately not ideal. First of all, it is shorter than it is wide. It also opens up to other rooms on both sides. Don't get me wrong, I think my system sounds great for both home theater and music, but looking at the results from my SPL meter leads me to believe that I can improve greatly. Just wonerding if things can be improved from the use of a BFD or EQ. I realize that room treatments may be a better option, but I really have no idea of how to identify the needs of my room.

Lately I've been wondering about subwoofer EQs. More and more subs and receivers are being offered with auto room EQs. But, for those of us that don't have subs or receivers with one built in, is there a stand alone unit available. I've read about BFD's and the ART351 available through SVS, but these don't seem to be made specifically for subwoofer use. What are some ways to help tame those peaks and nulls in our theaters? I'm thinking there has got to be some EQ out there that would be set up in-line between the receiver and sub. Other than room treatments, how have some of you flattened your response?

I posted pics of my theater previously, but here is the update with RF-35's and Monster HTS3600. I'll be moving in January into a larger house with more room for the theater.

I'd be curious to hear some comments as well. I have also been toying with the idea of having my TV professionally calibrated. I have done everything I can using test discs and I have even been into the service menu on my Toshiba to complete the 56 point convergeance. Having done so, my picture quality has improved greatly, however, I'm wondering if paying a pro to do it is worth the cash.

VRUIZ3, I also live in Phoenix and would be willing to help you out this weekend. I'd hate to see you dish out $300 for something you should learn to do yourself. It's more fun that way. I sent you a personal message if you are interested in my help.

Thanks for the help guys. Easy question, Easy answer.

This should be a simple question. How is the size of a driver measured? The reason I ask is I have RF-35's which have 8" drivers. I got out the measuring tape and came up with only 7" from the outer edges of the surround. Does the 8" specification come from the surface distance of the driver, perhaps?

Here's the rack I made a couple of months ago. Very similar to all the others, except I covered the threaded rod with PVC pipe that I painted a "hammered metal" finish. I also vaneered the edges and added a couple of coats of polyurethane.

Nice setup. But doesn't your neck cramp up from looking at the TV so high?

I have the same sub as you and I also have a big valley around 50Hz. I used the DVD Essentials test disc, but I can't get very accurate data since the disc is a frequency sweep and doesn't play a constant tone.

I used pvc pipe, then spray painted it with a "hammered metal" looking paint. The nice thing about using the pvc is, if you cut the pipe to length then you don't have to worry about trying to get the shelves perfectly leveled.

Here is a close up of the flexi-rack I just finished building.

Just moved into my girlfriend's house and here is what the front array looks like. I wish I could place the sub in a corner, but there really isn't much room for it elsewhere.

Troostj, I prefer all speakers set to small and crossed over at 80Hz. I have been playing around with these settings lately and my opinion keeps changing. With certain music with lots of low end such as A Perfect Circle, I prefer my mains set to large with the sub mode set at THX-LFE. But then when listening to other CDs, I find myself switching it back to small. So, right now I still trying to decided what works best overall. I think I am going to start playning with the crossover. Maybe set it at 60Hz with all speakers set to small. This way the Denon will allow the RF3s to extend a bit lower and have the SVS handle the dirty work.

Anyone here receiving their HD service through COX or any other cable provider? I am considering going this route to get HD, but I am not sure it is worth the extra $$ since there aren't many channels broadcasting in HD. I really just want it for the NFL season and HBO. Any comments?

We have very similar setups. The only difference is my Denon 4802 and RF35s. You will be very satisfied with the SVS. Once you get it setup, it would be interesting to see your receiver settings. I have mine crossed at 80Hz and all speakers set to "Small". Some will argue that the towers should be set to "Large", but this sub is very powerful and accurate down low.

Can someone explain to me the difference between audio and video interconnects? For example, I know it is possible to use audio RCA cables to connect the component video conncetions from a DVD player to a TV. Would I be compromising quality if I did so? Are the guts of audio cables the same as video?

Relax, that thread is already 4 pages long. There's nothing worse than having to scroll through page after page to see the latest posts.

Dude, you got alot of guts setting up your gear in a college house. When I was in school, I left my system at home. There was always too many people with too many drinks. I was afraid of someone kicking in one of my drivers on accident. I guess I'm just paranoid. Watch out for someone spilling down the ports on your SVS.

Here it is. The ebay guy just replied. "Hey man! Thanks for the link. I bought these from a friend and checked the Klipsch website for a price.....I guess I got the price on the higher end model. You guys are funny on there! I appreciate the info and concern. Thank You. "

I just emailed this guy with a link to this thread. It should be interesting to see what happens to the asking price. I'd actually be willing to purchase these RF3's for a decent price.

There are DVD players that make excellent CD players also. I have a Samsung HD841 universal player that has the best audio output from CDs that I have ever heard! Jerry Rappaport ---------------- What do you think of the Samsung HD841? I've in the market for a universal disc player and I saw a review of the new HD941. Does the 841 play DVD-Audio and SACD? Does it upconvert DVD's ot 1080i/720p? If so, these players are a great bang for the buck.

No, he hasn't responded to my email yet. And I don't think he will. I do find it funny that he changed his asking price, and what is even funnier is that they are still way over priced. I think I'll send him another email with a link to this thread. Maybe then he'll get a clue.

Get the Digital Video Essentials DVD and an SPL meter from Radio Shack.