skonopa

Wow! That is one hell of an item to leave behind on purpose! I guess they decided they did not want to deal with them or did not have room at the new place and just decided to leave them behind. Well, looks like you are now the proud owner a new pair of Klipsch RP-5s. I would indeed definitly suggest you at least hook them up and give them a listen before trying to sell them.

How do you like your CA 640A? Came close to picking up an 840A to match my 840C. Bill It has been a really good unit. I like how it sounds - pretty smooth with a good amount of detail. I picked it up dirt cheap on liquidation when Tweeter went out of business (paid $300 for it). For the time being, it is used to power the outdoor speakers until I can get my basement back in order to setup a dedicated two-channel rig down there.

That is cool that you are doing that, and I would most likely be inclined to do the same (although, those speakers would at least have gotten a check-out via my Cambridage Audio Azure 640A integrated 2-channel amp. [H] ). Well, if the previous ownders of that house comes back and tells you to just keep them, it may be worth hanging onto and at least enjoying them for a little while. Beyond that,you may realistically get that $800 or so out of them.

I actually agree with this sentiment. If you at least have access to a decent reciever/amp as well as a playback source, it certainly would be worth to hook them up and try them out. I did a bit of searching around. Here is the Product Page from the Klipsch site on the speakers. Did a quick "google" on RP-5 review and found this piece on EnjoyTheMusic.com. Seems they indeed initially went for around $2K/pair. They are fairly rare (I've never actually seen/heard a pair myself), so I am guessing the $600 to $800 would be about right. Since the ones you found are brand-new and still in the original boxes, you may be able to get that upper $800 for the pair to the right buyer, perhaps even $900 if somebody is really willing to pay. Still, definitly at least hook them up and see if they indeed work (they should), and at least check them out and see/hear how they sound. You just may end up keeping them. [H]

There has been more than a few times when I "schooled" the guys at the local Best Buy. Sometimes, just for S&Gs I'll pop in the one here during lunch (it is friggan right next to my office building), and just play around in there. For the most part, the guys working at this one are actually pretty good and knowledgable, but every now and again, you get that one..... [8-|]

Well, my "overpriced non-standard PC" seems to be working quite well for things like this, including all the development that I do on it. Considering that OS/X is using a Unix kernel, it is way more standard than you think (such as Posix standard). Plus for those of us that DO have Macs, and want to play DSD, seems PureAudio works quite nicely for that., Anyway, hopefully the Foobar/DSD plug-in works out for you.

I found this on the Korg site, so I don't know if this meets your needs. As far as the Sony DSD Direct software, when I took a quick stab at it, seems that everything is "upgrade" and not an original, "full" download. Anyway, here is the Korg Link to thier AudioGate 2.0 software, which seems to claim to handle DSD files natively. http://www.korg.com/ClassDetail.aspx?ID=123 On the Mac side, seems good ol' PureAudio can handle playing back DSD files natively (if you have a DAC that will support it). Upon farther research, have you looked into FooBar2000 and the DSD plugin?

This is interesting read, and I even thought about it, as I tend to be more into the music itself instead of getting all caught up with the gear and/or the format I am just as happy to listening to something via an MP3 as I would be if it was on pristine 200 gram "audiophile" pressing. Admittedly, playing around with the gear can be fun, and it is always exciting to get a new toy to add to the rig, but ultimatly, I just want something decent to enjoy my music on. The only thing I can possibly think of would be something like musophile. It would not be perfect, but the closest I can think of.

That is correct. Considering a typical lightening strike could be as much as 5 million volts, and it will instantly heat up something 50,000 degrees. More than likely the sap in the tree pretty much flashed to steam in an instant and all that steam pressure all at once and we can see why a tree like that would explode apart. Several years ago, while hiking/swimming at the river here in town, got caught in a thunderstorm. Lightening struck a tree about 50 yards or so away from where I was standing. You'd think I was Jesus the way I got across that water as I was cought out on a small island and then hauled serious *** up that hill to get back to my vehicle! Had to check my shorts after that one!

I am not going to get into all the going back-n-forth but, from what I can see, it seems Klipsch is doing quite good. I've managed to sell a few folks on Klipsch as well. Anyway, this quote reminds of a funny little episode I had a few years back. I was attending a seminar that was taking place in a movie theater. During one of the breaks, the subject of home theater came up while chatting with the guy I was sitting next. I told him I had a really nice setup, so he asked me if it was Bose. I told him, "No, its Klipsch" while pointing up to one of the speakers mounted up on the wall, where you can clearly see the "flying V" logo and the "Klipsch" name. He just looked and his jaw dropped. I am guessing he was thinking "Man, if he has the same kind of speakers that are in this theater in his house, that must be one hell of a setup!" I went on to say that my rig will easily blow away anything that Bose has. Come to think of it, kinda wished I thought to ask that guy of how many theaters he knows that has Bose? [6]

Would love to go, but it is just such a major PITA for me to try to go out there. The last couple of times I tried to go out there ended up in complete disasters due to cancelled flights and crap like that. In fact, I ended up completely missing the one year thanks to Delta (nothing like a round-trip between D.C. the Detroit airport courtesy of Delta. [:|] ), not only that but I don't think there is such thing as a "cheap flight" to that area from here. Thus, I've decided to not even bother with any more Hope pilgramages. If it was in Indy, I'd be there as non-stop flights are friggan easy and much cheaper from here.

That was pretty cool. I remember seeing that (or something similiar) years ago. That Leroy Anderson did put out quite a few of those light or even "cutsie" pieces of orchestral music. They are fun to listen to and even watch, though. However, some pieces, such as this are quite amazing and beautiful to listen to!

Looking at that again, that did come off sounding a little harsh. Not my intention either (the problem with text-based communications). I was just trying to convey that when it comes to big purchases like that, I just simply feel more comfortable dealing locally and not always go online, regardless of what kind of savings I may ultimately realize. I know that some significant savings can be had, though. I did check out that site and looked tempting, but in this case, I am going to try the local dealer first. My apologies if I came off a bit harsh there. []

Have you checked Accesories4less ? http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARAV8801/Marantz-AV8801-11.2-channel-A/V-Pre-amp/Processor/1.html You wouldn't pay msrp right ? If I am about to pay that kind of money on something, I am NOT going to go online to some site that I am not familier with. I'd much rather get it locally at a dealer that I know and trust, in this case a very small, high-end "boutique" dealer that is right here in downtown Fredericksburg. There is something you just don't see much of anymore. Yeah, I could save some really good money, there, but I really don't want to deal with on-line and the shipping and all that crap, especially if something ends up going awry. I'll try to haggle with him a little bit though, and see what he could do.

I like my Marantz , it's a solid great sounding pre/pro . My AV8003 is however 5 year old technology and it doesn't do 4k or 3D for that matter . Can't really compare to the unit you are looking at . It is THX Ultra 2 certified and the new unit is not . Heck , that was why I went with the 8003 over the newer at the time 7005 . Seems Marantz is no longer concerned with THX certification . Does it make a difference , ehh who knows . Cool, thanks. I knew you had an older unit, but all the write-ups that I have been seeing is saying that this newer AV8801 really is nice. I am personally not concerned about THX certification. My B&K amp is, though, but 'S2' versions of the exact same amp don't have the ceritification. However, from what I was reading from the various reviews, I am pretty certain that the AV8801 could easily be THX certified, but I am willing to bet that Marantz just does not want to spend the money to go through the ceritification process, especially, if in the end, it really does not add anything special to the unit as is. Probably the same reason why B&K did not bother with certification on the 'S2' versions of my amp. Yeah, it looks cool to see that big THX logo there on the front panel, but in the end, I could care less. Everything that I've also read on the OPPO 105 indicates that thing is indeed quite the unit. Hell, from what I understand, it could more than likely be used stand-alone with an outboard amp! But yes, in my case, I already have a DAC that I am happy with, thus I don't feel the need for that extra expense for the 105, when the 103 will suit me just fine. First thing first is to get the new pre/pro - at $3,600 it is not going to be cheap, but heck, if I can get 10 years out of that one like I have out of my current Denon unit, I will be quite happy. Thanks for your input.

Nice on the OPPO, may consider getting the 103 as I don't need the DAC input and such of the 105. However, the reason I may not need the DAC is because I am seriously considering pulling the trigger on a Marantz AV8801 pre/pro, perhaps in the middle of July (at least after the 4th), to replace this aging Denon that I currently have. Not only that, but I also already have a really nice Pioneer N-50 DAC/network streamer, so the 105 would be redundant for that huge extra cost. Everything I've read and heard on the Marantz is that it is a friggan BEAST, fully capable of 4K upconversion, really high-end DACs and full support of all the latest surround formats. Basically everything but the kitchen sink on that thing, plus the reviews that I've seen says it sounds incredible! I am curious to how you been liking your Marantz pre/pro. Will be interesting also to hear your impressions on the OPPO player as well.

Very nice!! And speaking of headphones, this just arrived in the mail earlier today. I was out and about all day, so did not realize until much later in the evening when I got back to the house that this was sitting in the mail (was thinking that UPS was going to deliver, but turned out that this was arriving by regular US postal service mail). I bought myself a FiiO E07K 'Andes' headphone amp/DAC. This is actually a pretty impressive little unit and drives my Klipsch Custom-3 headphones beautifully. I am using my 160 gig iPod Classic as the source. Along with the amp itself, I also got the 'LOD' cable, which connects into the dock connector of the iPod, thus delivering a digital signal directly to the amp instead of going through the headphone port. This unit really sounds quite clean and detailed. It is a definite improvement over playing directly from the iPod itself. For only $90 for the package, I am really impressed. I've been wanting a small portable headphone amp/DAC ever since I've gotten the Custom-3s when THOSE were brand-new. Everything was either too big or to expensive. Finally found something that is perfect for my needs.

After all the hype this seemed to have been getting as of late, I went and checked it out. Well, to be frank, it is definitely not my cup of tea, so I decided to pass....

In addition to the Brahms performance back in May, I've also attended the All-Wagner performance as well as a Carmina Burana performance that took place just this past Thursday evening. First the All-Wagner performance. They played a very good cross-section of much of Wagner's better known works. Some of the highlights included the Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin, Prelude to Tannhauser, Die Walkure: "Ride of the Valkyries", and Gotterdammerung: "Siegfried's Funeral Music" amonsgt many others. To me, the highlight of the evening was hearing that Prelude to Tannhauser. My, what an absolutly beautiful and majestic piece that is! Of course, it was awesome to get to hear a really nice rousing performance of "Flight of the Valkyries". Figured no Wagner performance would be complete with out that! [H] Over all, it really was an excellent evening and the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Piotr Gajewski rendered these performances extremely well. That was actually a pretty long evening of performance as well, as they did cover quite a bit of material, probably one of the longer perfomances that I can recall (did not get out of there until nearly 11 PM and it started at 8). Then Thursday evening, I got to see a performance of Carmina Burana put on by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BTW, the National Philharmonic also was putting on a Carmina Burana performance this weekend the 8th and 9th). With the BSO performance, I got to sit up in the promonade section that we typically like to sit during performances, as it affords a really good view of the orchestra itself. It is really cool to watch the various instruments being played and how they interact with each other (in addition to just listening for it). Also, got an excellent view of the chorous itself as I was practically sitting right next to it. The evening started out with a couple of modern percussion pieces by one Christopher Rouse. Anything thast was composed within the span of my own lifetime is considered "modern" as far as I am concerned (in this case, 1972). I have to admit that they were really cool to see and hear being performed. That was followed by a performance of Sensemaya by Silvestre Revueltas. It was an interesting piece, but did not really blow me away, though. That was followed by intermission, and then the "main event", a complete performance of Orff's Carmina Burana! I've always loved this and when those opening lines of "O Fortuna" started, I can just feel the hairs on my back stand up! The Baltimore Symphonay Orchestra, under the hands of Marin Alsop, really did deliver. Not only that, but the chorus, the Morgan State University Choir under the direction of Eric Conway, and the Peobody Children's Chorus, under the direction of Doreen Felby, also delivered some stunning performances. The vocal soloists, Robin Johannse, Soprano, John Tessier, Tenor, and Brian Mulligan, Baritone also delivered some very strong and beautiful performances. That really was an awesome performance by everyone involved. It was quite a standing ovation at the end by the audience. I was also darn near tempted to want to go back up there again this weekend and see the National Philharmonic performance as well and see how they do. It if wasn't such a PITA go get up there (through the traffic and dealing with the trains and what-not), I probably would be more inclinded to go. Also, a side note. Right before the Carmina Burana performance itself started, this was the last performance of the BSO for this season. It turns out that both the 1st Violnist and the 1st Bassist are retiring, this was going to be thier very last performance as part of the orchestra proper. These two gentlemen were part of the orchestra for 42 and 50 years respectively (been in longer than I was alive!). They both got lifetime passes for all future performances, plus each got a large picture signed by everyone in the orchestra. Was pretty neat to see. Overall, two really good nights of performances and actually looking forward to The Planets in November.

That's the kicker here for me. In fact, my house is nearly paid for. Yeah, getting the tax deduction is nice, but in the end, I would rather be completely debt free, including the house mortgage. I would more than likely do better putting that money each month in an investiment account, even with the tax deduction, than having to send that money to Wells Fargo. []

Exactly! I thank God everytime that I jumped on the 401(k) and contributed at least enough to get the "free" company matching the moment I was elgible (I had to work at least a year at that job before being eligible). I looked into that NUA stuff, but since when I left that company (after 14 1/2 years), I was still only in my mid 30's, so I would've gotten beat-up on the 10% early distribution penalty. Since what that company was in thier stock, there is a lot of that company stock in that 401(k). So, I basically said "f-it!" and pretty much rolled the thing into an IRA. My current company does not have stock (it is a tiny, privatly-owned, firm, well, no so tiny now - when I started, it was only 9 of us, now we got some 50 or so employees - I am the most senior engineer on our flagship product). However, in order for my current company to match, an employee would have to contribute at least 4% before the company would would match its 4%. I have mine nearly maxed out, as well as my IRA maxed out. Sucks that I make too much money to take any tax benefits on the IRA contributions, though. [:S] Believe me, I tried (ANYTHING to reduce my tax load - hell, I even took on an HSA for my healthcare, and maxed that out as wel!!).

Several years ago, one of my friends asked me to DJ a wedding. I had a pair of RF-5s with a spare reciever. The audio was a laptop loaded with the MP3s. Also used the Mic-in to setup a microphone as well. That was fun, and I also had many of the guests compliment me on the sound and the quality of the music. Yeah, we were playing most of the "typical" wedding reception type songs like the electric slide, YMCA, etc, as well as I snuck a few 80's hard-rock classics that I wanted to hear myself (no, I did not play any power/prog metal - the wife-to-be made it very clear that she did not want that! [] [6] ). On the flipside, I was at another friend's wedding, and this time, it was ALL power/progressive heavy metal! (The guy is a guitarist in a prog metal band!). THAT was my kind of wedding! \m/[]\m/

You don't need to spend a bajillion dollars on equipment to be an "audiophile". I am with you in that even if I did win the lottery, I could not bring myself to spend that kind of money on audio gear myself, although I would not mind having a full Palladium 7.1 system, though. [] But, yeah, I am not one of those that will spend 5-digit figures on things like DACs, CD player/transports, etc, not to mention on sillier things like wire/cabling. I would have no trouble buying plenty more music though. Hell, if I won the lottery, I would be more inclinded to go overseas to some of those open air festivals, as well as see many of my favorite bands in the prog/power metal genre that typically don't play much, if at all, in the US. Why listen to CDs when I can get the actual thing live! []

I so agree. Heck, it is not just the internet make it easy to research and find the equipment. That is how I found out about the Pioneer Elite unit I have. After much reading and checking out reviews and comments, I came to the conclusion that was EXACTLY the device that I wanted, and so for I am really enjoying it! However, it was not easy to actually FIND one, as nobody in my immediate area sold them, not even the "Magnolia" section of the local best buy, nor the small, high-end "boutique" place downtown. Not only that, I could not order one online anywhere, not even through Pioneer's own website! I ended up having to drive up to Columbia, Maryland to a find a dealer that actually carried them. But also, I want to point out that the internet also makes it a lot easier to not only find and research equipment, but also to find and discover the new music itself! Yes, I have a nice big collection of CDs, and found that given a choice, I prefer to listen to the CD itself, but there is no denying the convience of finding out about a new band (or for that matter, finding out one of my favorite bands has just released a brand-new album), researching thier catalog, and finding it on a site like eMusic or Amazon MP3, or even HDTracks. A couple of clicks and a download later, I am already listening to it on my system! No waiting for mail delivery, plus not to mention it sure is a heck of a lot easier to search my collection if I want to listen to something in particular. Several times I've gone through my CD collection to look for a particular title only to give up and listen to something else because I could not find it. Granted, I do need to organize my collection a bit better though (another weekend project). I also would like to find an app on my iPhone that would let me scan the bar codes and catalog my CDs.

I forgot to mention I also have PureMusic on my MacBook Pro, which is probably partly responsible for the fine sound quality. Steve Silberman, Audioquest's chief honcho for the Dragonfly, recommended it. I knew you had that MacBook Pro, but had I'd known you also had that Dragonfly and PureMusic, I'd love to have listened to it while I was up there at your place this past Saturday. Oh well - simple enough for me to check out the 15-day trial of PureMusic on my own MacBook and run it through my Pioneer Elite DAC. And yes to answer that other post, at least on the MacBook, I use iTunes, plus I've never had any issues of it losing any of my files (plus I have them backed up on my file server), so it would be perfect, plus I could use my iPad and that "remote" app that Apple supplies to control it as well. Sounds like I got a nice little weekend project ahead of me to set all this up and try out.