GeorgeV

MrMcGoo, We have been using XP SP2 since Sept in our corporate images. Typical hardware platform ranges from a P4-2.5 to 3.2Gig system with 256 Megs of RAM. We have experience zero reports of slowness. I would do the following tweaks to your system after the SP2 install. 1)Disable the following 2 services: Security Center and Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing. 2)Delete all the files you have in the following 2 folders: C:\Windows\Temp and C:\Windows\Prefetch -- These 2 folders can slow down a system if they contain a lot of files. 3)Check what applications are in your Startup folder, you maybe starting application you dont need. 4)Open regedit and navigate to the following hive: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run -- look for entries that look suspicious (i.e. spyware). If you are not comfortable editing the registry you can run msconfig from the command line and in the pop-up window select the Startup tab. Uncheck anything that looks suspicious. 5)You should also download and install the latest drivers for your Sound and Video cards. I can go on here but try these ideas first. SP2 has a number of security features that make it a must install for every XP PC.

Hi Pythagore, I live in Toronto, I know it's a 3.5 hour drive from Ottawa. But, before you dish out this much money for a preamp, it maybe worth the drive. Anyways, you can PM or email me if you want a demo.

---------------- On 6/18/2005 12:33:27 AM pythagore wrote: I'm 80% music and 20% movies I like to listen to music in multi-channel mode. ---------------- Hi Pythagore, I was in a similiar boat you are in now. I wanted a HT preamp that delivered great 2 or 5.1 channel audiophile music. I auditioned all the preamps you have looked at along with the Bryston SP1.7. After listening to the Bryston SP1.7 (5000 CAD) my search was over. This is definitely the best 2 or 5.1-channel preamp of the group due to its analog circuitry in bypass mode. Here is a link to the Bryston website which describes it all: http://www.bryston.ca/sp17_m.html If you would like to hear the SP1.7 with RF-7's, we can arrange a visit.

A while back, I was in the same situation as you are in now. I wanted a HT pre-amp that delivered audiophile 2-channel sound quality. I listened to the B&K ref 50, EAD TheaterMaster 8800, Anthem AVM 30 & D1, NAD 163, Adcom GTP 880 and the Bryston SP1.7. The only 2 pre-amps that were clearly better in 2 channel were the Bryston and the EAD. Since the Bryston sound just as good as the EAD, I purchased the Bryston and saved a few thousand dollars. If you really want the best 2-channel sound from a HT pre-amp, give the Bryston SP1.7 a try. You will not be disappointed.

Depending on your budget, you may want to look at separates instead. You will find many postings on this forum detailing the benefits of driving the RF-7's with a good power amp instead of a receiver. I personally like the Bryston pre and power amps. Many other forum members like the sound of Rotel with Klipsch speakers. Since you have the time I recommend visiting a few dealers and auditioning various receivers and separates. Then choose the one you like the best.

I really like my Bryston SP1.7 pre-amp, it's a very musical sounding unit. It only has audio inputs/outputs, no video. Very easy to setup and you can turn off all bass management by setting the cross-over freq to none. You can bypass all DSP functions as well for 2 and 5.1 channel analog music. However, you will need to setup speaker distances for multi-channel operation only. Sorry, if this is not exactly what your looking for.

I use a 250/wpc Acurus A250 to drive my RF-7 and it sounds great. I get very nice detailed highs and great bass. I demoed the 7's on 70/wpc receiver (Onkyo ?) and the highs and bass were definitely held back compared to my Acurus. I definitely recommend a powerful amp.

---------------- On 5/2/2005 6:25:35 PM pythagore wrote: GeorgeV, 3600CAD is not a bad deal. Audiotronic.ca wanted to charge me 3999+15%Taxes for the same package. ---------------- Yes, Audio Empire has very competitive prices and their an authorized Klipsch dealer so all speakers come with the full warranty. If you live close to the Toronto area it would worth a drive to check out the store.

I paid $3600.00 CAN (tax included) for my RF-7's and RC-7 from Audio Empire earlier this year.

TauRus, Thanks for your reply; I guess we will have to agree to disagree on some of the points above. However, I do agree that ED plasma TV's are not as good as LCD TV's. For this reason, I am looking at HD plasma sets only. Another factor is cost; currently 42 inch LCD screens are more expensive 42 inch HD plasma. That being said, in 6 months LCD TV's may correct some of their shortcomings and surpass plasma.

Ou8thisSN, Thanks for the great post. You made a very good point about LCDs not doing well with fast motion. Since I will primarily watch either TH or HD sporting events, this is a major factor. I think based on everything I had read to date I am going to go with a plasma HDTV. I give it a few months and see if there is a price reduction. Thanks to all who have responded, I appreciate your opinions.

Nat, Thanks for the reply. That is a very good point about the resolution. I have been looking for a display of at least 1024 x 768 and it's not in my price range yet. But, I have heard that plasma displays will have a dramatic drop in price this year. So I will just wait and see.

I had a ground Loop that was caused by my cable TV connection. All I do is disconnect the cable TV when I want to watch a DVD or listen to music.

---------------- On 3/30/2005 2:52:45 PM NatGun wrote: what is your budget, what is your room size... if its in the basement, have you considered front-projection? ---------------- My budget is $2500 - 3000, the room size is 13' x 22' with the seating 16 feet away from the front wall. Thanks for the idea but, I have no interest in front projection. With the RF-7's, RC-7 and equipment rack at the front I want a TV that is wall mountable to save space. A front projection screen would take up too much room.

I have been sitting on the fence for a while now trying to decide between Plasma or LCD. I would like a 37-42 inch screen, viewing angles are not a concern and either is brightness since the set will be in the basement. Currently, most reviewers pick Plasma over LCD for picture quality. I am not interested in DLP or rear projection TV's. I want a flat planel TV that can be wall mounted because space is a factor. Here is what I have come up with so far and I would like to hear other members thoughts. Advantages of Plasma: 1) The chromatic range of plasma screens is much broader than for CRT television sets. 2) The viewing angles are very wide, especially compared to LCD displays. 3) The contrast is equivalent to the best CRT TVs. 4) Able to produce true Black. 5) Plamsa TV's use glass screens which are easy to clean and protect the plasma screen. Disadvantages of Plasma: 1) The flickering can be a cause of discomfort if you're too close to the panel. 2) Plasma pixels are also subject to burn-in. 3) Scintillators do age, and there isn't much that can be done about it. Advantages of LCD: 1) LCDs offer better brightness than CRT displays. 2) LCD TVs have exceptional image stability, meaning you can sit close and not experience eye fatigue. 3) The brightness is excellent and the image is perfectly sharp. Disadvantages of LCD: 1) Viewing angles are not yet able to match those of plasma displays, not to mention CRTs. 2) Contrast performance remains below that of CRT and plasma. 3) Latency is also still a problem with LCD panels. 4) Since the native resolution of LCDs is high, pixel interpolation has to be used with TV and video images. 5) No True Black 6) Screens are easily damaged and are hard to clean. 7) Defective pixels.

Nat, Thanks for the reply. I have purchased the EAD Encore and the 2-channel sound is simply amazing. The music has better depth and clarity especially the separation between different instruments. After listening to the Encore it is a great upgrade over the ACT-3.

I have an opportunity to purchase a used EAD Encore preamp and I'm wondering if members on this forum can give me their thoughts on this preamp. The Encore is an older TH preamp that only does DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 and Prologic, which is fine with me. I listen to 2-channel music 75% of the time, so I am looking for a multi-channel product that will give me very good 2-channel sound. I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

I live in Toronto and would be interested in your Corns. Please provide some pics or email me. Thanks

Depending on your budget you may want to look into separate pre-amp and amp combination. Many members on this forum like the Rotel gear with the RF-7's. Do a search for RF-7's and review some of the threads for more information. However, if budget is a concern that the Denon will work fine.

---------------- On 3/18/2005 8:32:58 AM gcoker wrote: Let's re-phrase that. If you are using the 6 channel inputs on your receiver then the DVD player is decoding the signal. Correct? ---------------- Yes, correct. If you are using the 6-channel outputs from a DVD player, then the DVD player is doing the decoding. If you use the digital output on the DVD player then the receive will need to do the decoding.

I would test both receivers first before buying one. The RF-7's have a very noticeable dip in ohms in the bass region and can draw a lot of current from the receiver. Some users have experience clipping or even receivers powering off because of this dip at higher volumes. Since not all 100 watt receivers are the same, I would be very careful in choosing a SS receiver with only 100 watts. Some have much better capacitors and power supplies with can handle the RF-7's even at high volumes. Others can't.

Does your DVD player have digital outs (Coax or tos). If so, that will bypass the DVD players decoder.

Hi mOOn, I think a SS amp with 200wpc would give your RF-7's more bottom end. I use a Acurus A250 amp and I get a lot of bass.

The seller lives in Toronto. From the Klipsch website I looked up all the authorized Klipsch dealers in the Toronto Area and I could find his store listed. In fact according to the Klipsch website there are only 2 authorized dealers in Toronto that sell the Heritage line (Audio Empire & Your Home Custom A/V). Not sure if Klipsch would honor a warranty on this item.

Chris, I would not advise the purchase of the RC-3. The RF-7's would be too much for this center. I know that you can roll back the dB level on the receiver for the fronts, but I would go for a RC-7 instead.