jheis

Yeah, never did get the hang of the salesman thing. James

Soundscape is a very laid back place. The last time I stopped by, I wandered around for a good 10 - 15 minutes by myself before I saw another human being! Even after they noticed a potential customer in the store, they were more interested in talking heritage than actually trying to sell me anything. Good shop. James

To piggyback on Tom's offer, I've got a couple of DVDs that I bought because of the media hype that IMHO are absolute dreck. $2.50 ea to my PayPal account for mailing and they're yours: There's Something about Mary (can't stand Ben Stiller) History of Violence (despise David Cronenberg - even Ed Harris' presence can't redeem this POS). PM me if you want 'em. James

"Bagpipe" and "music" are two words that should never be used in the same sentence. James

Excellent deal & generous offer! I'd have jumped on this in a second, but like you, I don't have a DVD-Audio player. Lots of folks don't understand that DVD-A (and SACD) is analog 5.1 (rather than digital) - if your player doesn't have the analog outputs - you can't play the disc. By the way, zero views is a forum software glitch - I don't think any of the threads show the number of views. James

To echo David, my favorite Christmas music is when it's over and I don't have to hear any of it again for another year! James

Replacing the Denon 1802 with separates from just about any manufacturer will make a HUGE difference. Lots of folks are very happy with the 38xx on up series Denons, but IMHO the lower end (made in China) Denon receivers just don't cut it. You've got quality speakers, give 'em some quality power - your ears will thank you. James

Wonder how much WAF you have to have in the bank for a pair of those! James

Happy New Year indeed! Those guys look like they're brand spanking new! James

My pleasure. (Just don't take what I say too seriously.) James

Look on the back of the unit you are considering. It will tell you where it was made. James

I've said this before, but if you are leaning toward Denon, I'd recomend that you move far enough up the Denon line to make sure you are getting a "made in Japan" model. The made in China Denons sound like crap - IMHO. James

William Safire (US columnist & speechwriter (1929 - ) That's the problem with William Safire - he's not dead yet.... Does "nattering nabobs of negativism" ring a bell? James

Take a look at the B&K PT5. I think it has everything you're looking for - plus it has a nice built in tuner. Retail is ~$700, but can be had on ebay or Audiogon in the $2-300 range. B&K stuff is bullet proof, so I'd have no qualms about buying used. I've got two of the PT3 S-IIs (non-XLR) versions, love 'em. James

My god, $142 for Barry Manilow tickets!!! You couldn't get me to a Barry Manilow concert if you paid me the 142 bucks (and threw in a limo)! "He writes the songs that make the whole world cringe." James

Maybe Gram Parsons? James

While you're at it, don't forget to pick up their super ultra power cord for a mere $2,700 - such a deal - you'd never forgive yourself. James

Heard an interview with Ridley Scott on NPR the other day. When asked if Deckard is a replicant, his response was "absolutely." James

DirecTV has absolutely the worst customer service I have ever encountered (and that takes some doing). I pulled the plug on them about 5 years ago and will NEVER go back. Just my experience, YMMV. James

I dunno, just seems to lose a little je ne sais quoi in translation.... James

Try markertek.com for professional quality XLR cables - cheap. Mon$ter crap stuff is ridiculously over priced. James

My pleasure. James

As I've said before, "what this forum needs is a good 5 watt spell checker." James

Arf: Good to hear that you are still enjoying the Optonica tuner. The matching amp is powering my garage system. I bought the pair of them on June 29, 1980 - still have the receipt. Glad it went to a good home. James

I'd suggest the standard method of cleaning electronic components: a small paint brush lightly wisking the surface while holding a vacuum cleaner nozzle about an inch away. James