Saturn5

I don't know - the Ares V looks like a larger lifter than Shuttle. As sad as I am to see Shuttle go, I am very excited about the potential of the Contellation program. I just hope it's allowed to realize it's potential.

Vacuuming is fine, but you don't want to use a hand held, etc. There's a danger of static damage to the electronics, but that's primarily associated with the vacuum cleaner motor. If you have an attachement on a hose, you're fine. We have a special vacuum at work designed specifically for computers and electronics. It's basically a portable canister vac with special filtering, etc. (printer toner dust is too fine for regular vacuums to pick up - it blows right through the bag) Canned air is also good. If it's really bad, you'll need to open them up to clean it out properly.

I worked down there from 92' - '96 when I was in college. I remember some of the Apollo-era engineers telling me about the downtime between Skylab and Shuttle. What I wouldn't give to be able to work on Constellation. But, it might be a good opportunity to relocate to the area during the downtime if I find a job down there. I'll have to keep an eye on real estate in the area. [^o)] Hey, how hard are launch passes to come by these days? I worked on Endeavour's first flight and really want to come down and watch her final launch in 2010. (STS-133, if the schedule doesn't change)

Cool pics. [Y] Man, I miss that job.

Bose Wave Radio ....and a gun. []

I did a "cat scan" on my home theater once. I had everything hooked up and was playing a demo CD (Digital Dimensions) that has a track that is recorded racket ball play - so it sounds like you're inside the court with the ball bouncing all over the room. The cat was walking across the room and when one hit played, she ducked. [H]

Without even looking at the video I can say without a doubt, if you have the money to spend and it makes you smile - it's worth it. Edit; And after watching the video, only one thing comes to mind - for a $1M, I better not have to see letterboxing on my screen. Holy crap! Other than that, I think it is absolutely worth it. If you've got millions laying around, why not?

With Google's financial resources, they don't need government funds.

I'm sorry for your loss, Stew. I was there when my Father passed, but I was a few minutes late getting to the hospital when my Mother passed. You're right, it doesn't get any easier. In a way, I think that's a good thing. Interesting you mentioned the song on the radio. I had a similar experience when my Mom passed. After leaving the hospital, still in a state of shock, I got in my car and the song playing on the radio when I started the car was "Don't Fear the Reaper."

I don't think most people truly appreciate "real" sound. They're so used to over sampled remixed, compressed, sound that it's what they judge by. After many years, I finally have what I consider a high end system. Well, at least as high end as my budget will allow. [] My best friend thinks I'm insane for spending as much as I have, but there are those times when I'm sitting and listening, close my eyes and for a moment I forget how good my "system" sounds and I actually hear just the music. In my mind's eye I can see where each instrument is playing. I have a recording of Amazing Grace done as a trumpet and piano duet. The trumpet sounds just like the musician was standing 10 feet away playing his heart out. There is so much emotion in music, and I think most people miss it. It just doesn't come across in poor quality recordings.

Heck yes! I'm interested. I'd be even more interested if you decided to offer them in veneer to match my Cherry RF-7s. I'd go over a dollar for that. []

Yeah, they've got some really great deals, and you can sign up for their mailing list to be notified of any new sales. With the purchase of a new 970, you get $200 off the price of the 997 when it comes out, if you buy one in the first six months. Considering the 970 retails for $599, that's a screaming good deal. I got mine last Nov. on their Black Friday sale. Just added the 7500 amp during their President's Day sale - $200 off, I think. I see used stuff on Audiogon all the time and most of the time it's people selling due to upgrades. I've rarely heard any bad reviews of Outlaw equipment, and the 1 or 2 I have heard sound like they just got a bad unit. It happens. I also love their 30 day in home trial. Buy it, and try it for 30 days. If you don't like it, you get your money back. Can't go wrong there.

I have an Outlaw 970, which is basically the pre-amp only version of the 1070. I use mine both for 2 channel and home theater listening. It's a good setup, especially for the price. 65wpc on the Outlaw is with ALL channels driven, so it'll probably compare quite favorably with other receivers in the 100wpc range. No HDMI, but it does have DVI switching, optical inputs, and 7.1 analog inputs so you can use it with any source, Blu-Ray etc., that has 7.1 out. I'm using mine with an HDMI cable straight from the DVD player to my TV, and optical audio to the 970. I could also just an HDMI to DVI cable to the Outlaw, and then a DVI to HDMI (or regular DVI cable) to my TV. I'm looking forward to the introduction of the new Model 997 later this year that will have True HD 7.1 and HDMI built in, as well as balanced outputs, but until then I'm quite enjoying my 970. If it's a good price on the 1070, it would be hard to go wrong with it. My current setup: Outlaw 970 pre/pro Outlaw 7500 amp RF-7, RC-7, RS-62 speakers No sub - yet.

Survey completed. [] Will it be graded on the curve?

I'm in. []

We got about 2"-3" here in Raleigh-wood. All of it on my car, or so it seemed. [:S] http://www.skidubai.com/ [H]

I was debating on the 7500 or the 7700, but for the extra cost, I could just keep the RF-7s on my QSC or buy a pair of monoblocks for the rear speakers if/when I go 7.1. Right now I'm running 3 channel stereo, and it sounds fantastic. I've got the Outlaw 970 preamp as well. It's taken me a while to build the system up a bit at a time, but then I guess that's half the fun of it. [] It's also nice reading about other people's proven setups, so I don't have to make expensive mistakes. This forum is where I found out about QSC and Outlaw to begin with. My wallet hates you guys, buy my ears are in love. I can live with that. [H]

I put my tax return to good use and bought a new Outlaw Audio 7500 amp so I can finally move up from 2 channel stereo and use all 5 of my speakers that have been sitting here collecting dust. I'm running RF-7 and RC-7 front speakers, and as soon as I can get the wiring ran, I'll have some RS-62 surrounds. No sub yet, but to be honest, with the RF-7, I don't really miss it. (I'm sure I'll change my mind AFTER I get one, of course) [] I'm looking forward to doing some A/B comparisons between the Outlaw and QSC amps. No pics, yet. Just getting everything installed and had to share my excitement. []

Tonight was budget night - drank a 2006 Ravens Wood Merlot. Quite tasty considering it's bargain price. Now, I've got a couple of special bottles set aside for this Saturday, in honor of the 10th Annual Open That Bottle Night. http://openthatbottlenight.com/

Try a QSC pro-audio amp for your RF-7s. I'm driving mine with one and it's impressive. The RF-7 has an impedance dip that can challenge some amps. If you get a 2 ohm stable amp, it should be able to keep both your RF-7s and you quite happy. I don't know what an audiophile is - I just know I love good sound and know what I like when I hear it. I've got an Outlaw 7500 amp on order. I can't wait to get it installed and do an A-B comparison between it and my QSC.

I'm a network engineer at a bank datacenter, and while there's no immediate plans for layoffs, it hangs like a spectre over the entire department. I'm fortunate that my job is hands on, so it can't be outsourced, but who's to say they won't decide to tighten the belt and cut me out and spread my workload over the rest of the team? My home value hasn't gone down too much, if any. I've been lucky to live in an area that missed most of the real estate bubble inflated prices, so the down side has been more gentle as well. My 401k took a pounding, but with my employer match, I really haven't lost any of "my" money - but the employer match was pretty much gone. (I have to rationalize it that way when I look at my statements) I've got about 20 years until retirement, and this latest economic turn has pretty much ruled out early retirement. It'll take 5-7 years just for the economy to recover. On the up side, I've been staying at home a lot and going out very little, so I used that as an excuse to invest in some more home theater equipment. [H]

I'm running a QSC PLX-2402 (425 W/ch) on my 7's. I also noticed more clarity and detail at all volumes compared to the old Pioneer 100 W/ch receiver I was using. The QSC is much higher quality than my old Pioneer, but it did make a big difference in sound quality. Loud passages are much more effortless and relaxed - and you don't get fatigued listening after a few hours like I did on the Pioneer. I doubt a 50 W difference would be noticeable. I would just buy the 3 channel amp if that's all you need. The RF-7 is efficient, but it has an impedance dip to around 3 ohms at lower frequencies (forget the specifics). An amp that is 2 ohm stable should have no problem. One that isn't might be stressed - regardless of power rating.

Texas Tech. It's Southen', y'all. []

The "lone biker" might have been faked, but the Chernobyl disaster area wasn't. I was interested in pics of the area.

The RF-7 is far superior to the RF-82. Of course, keep in mind I'm saying that as an RF-7 owner. [H] Seriously, though, the RF-83 is the replacement for the RF-7, and some people who've heard both prefer the RF-7 over the RF-83, so I can't imagine the 82 being in the same league. That said, going form an RB-5II to an RF-82 would be a nice upgrade. Just the RF-7 would be a bigger upgrade. Personally, I can imagine parting with my 7's unless I moved to Heritage.