PAR69

Cornwalled, Congratulations on the single La Scala. I wanted to bid on it and use it for a center, but it was too far away to drive to pick it up. If you decide to sell or find a pair to split let me know, I still want a center, but would prefer an split cabinet industrial. Enjoy! Paul

Guys, One thing to remember is to not to bend the fiber optic cable too tightly. Any time you need to change its direction, but a loop in it like it was going around a 6 inch pipe or larger. And alway check your connections, if they are loose you will have problems. Good luck, Paul

I'll be in Seattle the first week of June...if you bring it up to me, I'll do the mod for you. Paul

Although not recommended (read as "to be avoided at all possible costs")you can split a digital video signal with a splitter or a "T". The problem with doing this is that if you have a level difference of 1 between the digital 0 and 1 and you split the signal in half then the level difference drops to 0.5. The receiver will be expecting a signal change of 1 unit to signify the change from one to zero (or vice versa) but it if only senses a change of 0.5 it may dismiss it as not a valid change and thus ignore the change. Think about it like this...1010010001 is transmitted, but the receiver decodes 1000010001. In the video it should not pose a problem as each line of active video contains CRC error detection and it should correct for missed changes, but the audio I don't know about... But now I wonder - your HD STB has "digital output" on a coax that feeds your tv - does this mean you set your digital tv tuner to channel 3 (or something similar)? Usually the HD STBs have DVI or HDMI output connection and that connects to your monitor.

My best guess - based on the 60 Hz - is that it is a ground-loop hum. Are both devices plugged into the same outlet box or power strip? If your house has a good ground system you can try grounding your tube amp to Earth. Do your patch cords run parallel to a power cable? If they do, seperate them or have them cross each other at a right (90 degree) angle. Turn on the amp, but leave the cd player off...is the hum still there? Please give us some more information to work with. Thanks, Paul

Thebes: I don't have the answer on if your budget TT will work well or not but burn and disc with it as the source and then listen to it, are you happy with the results? As for the connections, that is very straight forward. Connect to turntable to the receiver using the phono jacks (like normal) then using an RCA>1/8 mini cable connect a tape out to the input on your computer's sound card. The levels will be automatically set. That's all there is to it. Good luck! Paul

Sorry about the wiring, but now you get to upgrade right? My buddy Stuart's labrador Denali in the course of 4 months ate: a baby sock, the drip can from the BBQ, and a few rocks (we don't know why and really weren't surprised). His vet told Stuart that maybe he needed to feed Denali a little more. So far Barney (4 1/2 month old Black Lab) only tasted my La Scalas - but I don't think he'll go back for more and I am keeping a close eye on him when he gets close. Happy Holidays, Paul

Jimmy, On one end of the cables connecting your tv sound source to the receiver swap it so that left goes to right and right goes to left, now check your speakers - any change, did the problem move to the other side. If the left channel is still not working, plug the source into another input of the receiver and see if you have both channels. If both channels now work it is your receiver. If the problem moved to the other channel, try new patch cords otherwise it is the source. Good luck, Paul

Hardhitter, You may also want to run a Coaxial cable (like for cable tv) rather than a regular RCA cable - it will probably be cheaper and it is less likely to pick up noise/interference. Buy one with BNC connectors and then buy to BNC>RCA adapters. Hope this helps, Paul

Gil, Thanks for sharing a very informative article. Paul

Thebes... Load the changer with: Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine AC/DC - Back in Black The Petshop Boys - Discography (I think that's it - its the greatest hits anyway) Beach Boys - Endless Summer Chris Isaak - Heart Shaped World (to get the twins in the mood for later)

I like the idea of a black polo with a pre-76 PWK logo that would be sweet! As for the T-shirt: how about a small logo on the front where the pocket would be and on the back a picture of a bose system and stamped with Paul's favorite saying (bull$#!*)

TPG: You really struck a chord with this lament. There is a lot of great advise in this thread...to which I will add what little I have learned in 35 years and 1 divorce: It only hurts so much because it felt so right - in other words, the higher you are the farther you fall. Enjoy college, don't look for a serious relationship (but don't run away from one either) but enjoy the opportunities that present themselves (Spring Breaks, working summers on the beach, lesbians, whatever) And enjoy the music! Hang in there Bro! Paul

In the Atlanta paper today, someone listed a pair of Cornwalls for $999. I almost choked on my coffee I guess people think the used speakers are worth as much as what new ones cost. I guess they don't know what cheapskates we are.

Would a lightsaber cut through a mirror? Wouldn't the mirror bend and dissipate the light and the superstrings of the blade? Ray: I love reading your answers, they are already informative! Paul

GT...well done but you were lucky I was buying a townhome that day otherwise you would have had some stiff competition. Those look beautiful and good luck repairing the xover. If you need help, I live in Smyrna. Paul

I LOVE Stevie Ray Vaughan. I have a live version of "Texas Flood" that is 11:30 long and recorded at the Toronto Jazz Fest just before the band broke into the big time. It is phenomenal - even though half the crowd is booing him, he is playing like he is on fire. It is available on "The Blues: Guitar" put out by Atlantic Records. it may be tough to find.

Not to sound like a smarta$$, but use your ears. Out of phase audio sounds tinny, no bass. With surrounds this may be difficult.

I am under 40, but I just pop in hear for the comic relief I find the 2-channel regulars more interesting. Garymd: good luck with the knees start walking - wearing comfortable shoes and not overdoing it and drink lots of water. Take your dog too, they will love it. If you have to give up audio for keep your knees from getting worse, can I have the free KHorns? It would be worth the drive

FWIW, I have had Cingular for the past 8 years and my only complaint is that my cell phone bill is supposed to come in every month with my home phone/dsl bill, if Cingular is late posting it, my phone bill is about $50 less than normal. No big deal, I just pay my normal amount and pay any difference the next month. This has only happened 3 times in the past 20 months. A few of my friends have Sprint and like it. One suggestion, make sure that the propective provider has good coverage where she lives and anyplace she travels regularly. And make sure somebody shows her how to use her phone - programming the phone, getting voicemail, voice activated dialing if she still drives all that sort of stuff. Paul

Shawn, Nice job! Let us know how the room sounds. FWIW, I am not sure I could cut my La Scalas - I'd be afraid of doing irrepairable damage Paul

I second the Benchmark DAC - its tops. I use alot of the Benchmark pro gear and am impressed with the quality of product. I also agree that the Burr Brown DAC are good, but outboard DACs sound better to me and my ears even on JBL studio monitors. Paul

SCP53, I am sorry for your loss...I have lost 2 Labs - the last one about 2.5 years ago. I am buying a townhouse on Wednesday and I will begin the search for my next puppy. Fortunately, I am a member of a K9 Search and Rescue team so in the meantime I get plenty of 'dog-time" . Another option for you when you begin your puppy search is a breed specific rescue group. Just google for the breed and your state and you should get a hit or two. Good luck. Paul www.atsar.org

Andy, My thoughts and prayers go with you (and several others I know serving 'somewhere'). I too salute you for serving your country. Let us know if you need things sent to you. Take care of yourself! Paul

Thanks for the help and a great explanation, I understood it all. Paul