BillH2121

Anarchist - I originally bought the M97 to replace the V15 III on my Dual 510 TT. I then used both the M97 and V15 III on my VPI Scout. Both TTs were used with a Mac C-26 preamp and a Mac 2102 amp running through RF-7s. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying the M97 is a bad cart, I just don't think it can be considered a "replacement" (meaning just as good or better) than the V15 III. I haven't heard the later generation V15s so can't comment on that - I just thought the V15 III was better in almost every way over the M97. That said, I thought the M97 was an incredible bargain for the $60 I paid for it. However, I used it as a trade-in for my Benz ACE but kept the V15.

The M97xE is not a replacement for the V series carts. I had both a V15 III and a M97xE and there is no comparison as to sound. The M97xE might be Shure's idea of a replacement, as in they're not making a high-end cart anymore, but it can't take the place of V15 III. And neither of those carts come close to the Benz ACE I now use. I really was disappointed with the M97xE, but the price was right.

Mike - Shure stopped this practice some time ago. I only wish they still replaced stylii for $20 - I have a V15III sitting in a box at home because I can't find a replacement stylus - I'm not willing to waste the money on the aftermarket stylii that are now available nor am I willing to pay $300 for one.

Doug - do you mean one into the LFE input and the other into either R or L input?

The Klipsch manual mentions generally what I said above and what you mentioned - that use of LFE input bypasses the sub's crossover and allows the receiver to manage it. I set the crossover on my Denon to 80 Hz. I guess what confuses me is that the guy at Utlimate sold me the Denon with the HT speakers at the same time so should know that the receiver is capable of handling the crossover. I wondered if there might be a reason to prefer the analog L/R over the LFE or if he just was used to connecting them that way?

Sorry for the confusion - not digital input per se - the LFE input recommended in the Owner's Manual for use with digital processors. I'm asking is there a reason to favor the inputs for analog processor as opposed to the LFE for digital considering my receiver?

When I purchased my HT system a little over a year ago, I was completely new to HT and particularly digital equipment. A friend of mine that works at Ultimate Electronics picked out the interconnects and gave me a wiring diagram to connect my Denon 1705 to the speakers, TV, etc. I just noticed that line to the sub runs from the sub out on the Denon but instead of going innto the digital input on the sub, he split into two jacks and used the analog inputs. Is there a good reason to do this? Why analog over digital input? I removed the Y connection last night and went to the digital input, but haven't had the chace to listen to anything yet. Explanation anyone - or did my friend make a mistake?

I too am a lawyer and I enjoy all the lawyer jokes as much as anyone. However, what I have noticed is that a lot of people complain about unethical, mean, etc, lawyers until they're the one in trouble - then they want the meanest sob there is to save their rear-end - no complaints about how it gets done. If you doubt me, just visit any divorce court in the US and take in the show.

LOL!! Another good example of why Paul is needed/tolerated here!

Gary - Extremephono has taken care of the sticky mat problem by introducing "the skin" - a thin material that goes over the mat, so no more sticking to records and labels. I sent Extremephono an email explaining my problem with their product and requesting a remedy or info if perhaps I had gotten a defective mat. I await a response and we'll see what happens. During some listening sessions, I had convinced myself that there was some improvement with more defined bass and midrange with the mat. Once I switched back to the platter without mat, I'm not so sure. Certainly, if there is improvement it is subtle and hard to determine without a quick A/B.

As discussed in a previous thread, I ordered the None-felt donut mat for my Scout TT. It arrived a couple days ago and I haven't had much time to actually do comparison listening, but thought I would note a few initial observations - primarily concerning set-up. First, this mat is fairly thick and requires quite of bit of adjustment to VTA. So much so over my acrylic platter that I had to adjust to the very extent of the VTA adjustment on my TT. Second, and most problematic, is the issue of platter levelness. With my platter as level as possible using the bubble level, I placed the mat on the platter and put a record on. I then placed the bubble-level on the record and found the record was very unlevel. Using the clamp at various degrees of pressure did not help. I readjusted TT level with that record and played it and it did sound good. However, the next record I put on the platter was out of level to a different degree and required more TT adjustment to obtain a level record. It appears that when using the mat, each and every different record will require an adjustment to obtain a level record. I removed the mat and with just the acrylic platter, found that with a level platter and with use of the clamp, different records remained level and required no additional adjustment. I really don't know if the mat can make such a difference as to be worth the trouble of adjusting the TT level each time I play a different record. Any like experiences or remedies??

Just spoke to a service tech for our local cable provider, Cox, and he believes there is a problem with the converter box. He said one channel could be affected and that he was familar with the proble he was describing. A service person will be out to our house on Wednesday - I'll see then what the real problem is. Thanks for the help, guys.

Did more viewing comparisons yesterday. Only the Discovery HD channel presents the problem I referred to. All other HD channels look great, DVD looks great. I do have the black enhancement off. The couple of shows I watched on Discovery plus commercials on that channel for other shows all had blocky edges on landscapes, people, lettering, etc. Switched to other channels and they disappeared. Watched "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" on DVD last night and it looked incredible. While watching Discovery HD, I tried switching from 1080i to 720p on cable box and the picture remained unchanged - still ragged edges on everything.

Sorry - I should have given a little more info. I have cable line into cable box and run through receiver to TV. It seems to be noticable only on certain HD programs. Its as if I can see the lines of resolution. I haven't noticed the green areas you mention though.

I got a Sony 55 inch TV (A20 model - RP - LCD) a couple weeks ago. I am very happy with it for the most part. However, occasionally on HD programming I notice a "ragged" edge on black objects against light backgrounds. For example, people with dark hair, block letting, etc, What causes this and how do I correct it? Thanks.

I think its extremely important at this time to support Paul's freedom of speech and expression. It should be apparent to all who view that album cover that it is important, socially relevant art chocked full of symbolism. I intend to stare at it for hours until I am certain that I have gleaned every symbolic image from that picture. And should I stare at it so long that the image burns into my computer screen - so be it!! That's the sacrifice I'm willing to make to preserve fine art.

Thanks Ben - I'll give it a try and, if no improvement, I don't feel a big loss. BTW, I think I have you to thank along with a few others for pointing me toward the Scout TT earlier this year. It was something in my price range that has worked out beautifully. Also, it is interesting to me that something as minor as putting a mat on a TT platter could generate this much discussion. Thanks alot everyone - its was fun!

Whooooops - I have the Scout too, Ben - looks like maybe I just wasted $45. Dang, I was going to use that $45 to get one of those new-fangled graphite racquets Paul was talking about. My knowledge of things audio may be a little light, but I do know tennis. Paul, if you're content with the old wood stick, I'd certainly be willing to play you for a slight wager - say $45 a set?? Maybe I could recoup my loss and have some left over to buy some of those new yellow tennis balls everyone's talking about - I don't know why anyone would use anything but white........

Uh - oh, maybe I should have done a search before jumping in and ordering the None-felt. Oh well - its only money - its not like I'm some coke addict that constantly throws money away trying to get a bigger rush. WAIT A MINUTE - its exactly like being a coke addict! I'll give the donut a try and see what I think - its one of the lesser investments I've made lately and won't hurt too much if it doesn't work out.

The "vacuum" I'm referring to is not quite as sophisticated as the device Larry speaks of. On the VPI platter, the label area of the platter is recessed and the platter does not extend to the outer edge of the record, but instead leaves the lip exposed. I thought that as the clamp pressed down, air was pushed from under the record and a vacuum of sorts was created - I could be wrong about this I guess. Regardless, I just ordered the "None-felt donut" mat Leo referred to with the additonal "skin" from Extremephono. I'm not sure how long delivery will take, but I am anxious to give it a try and report back with my layperson's description.

Thanks all for your input. I think the conclusion that I can draw is that it is certainly worth experimenting with a mat and clamp/no clamp combinations. I had thought that the advantage of an acrylic platter and clamp combo was to create a vacuum between record and platter thereby creating a flatter surface with less movement/vibration/etc. It appears as if that may not in all cases lead to the best sound. I am ordering a mat today and am anxious to see if my less than sterling ears can discern a difference. That's why I love this hobby - always more to learn and more to spend!!

Thanks for the reply Leo - do you have a preference as to material for the mat? I assume you listen to chamber music or small ensenbles at fairly low listening levels. Would you be able to hear the "resonances" you refer to in jazz or rock music at higher listening levels? I have too many years of playing drums in rock and roll bands as a young man and have lost some upper frequency hearing. I'm not sure I would hear something that subtle.

Is there anyone who prefers a mat (cork, felt, etc) on an acrylic TT platter? I have a Scout TT and use the Delrin clamp. To mat or not to mat, that is the question.... If so, what are the perceived benefits? Thanks

Petrol - OK, I see what you mean - the inputs are divided by the type of source. Yeah - I used components to connect cable box, receiver, dvd, and tv. I haven't been able to get a clear answer from my cable company as to whether the HDMI port on my HD cable box is enabled or not. When my wife picked up the box, the cable representative told her not to use the HDMI - and then said most people like component better. I've been happy with the tv so far - I'm still messing with tweaks. A lot of people on the AVS forum like the A10 series and seem very satisfied with it. Thanks for the info on the video inputs.

I picked up a Sony 55 lcd A20 series last night. Finally got everything hooked up but could not get a signal from DVD to the external Video on TV. Eventually, I found the signal on the Video 5. Can anyone tell me why it was on Video 5 and not Video 1 and how I can reassign the DVD to Video 1. The menu allows you to assign the Video 1 to TV, Sat, DVD, etc. When I assigned Video 1 to DVD, it still didn't pick up the DVD signal. Thanks for any help.