LocknLoad

For those of you that listen to FM radio - what kids of antennas have you had success with? I know much depends on your equipment, location, etc. I get very good reception, but I thought I'd ask to see if I could improve it a bit with a new antenna. I can pull in plenty of stations, it's clarity or elimination of background noise I'm trying to achieve. Is that possible with a better antenna? It'll never be as clear as a CD, but I'd like to see if I can improve what I'm getting. Imagine this - when you switch your reception to FM mono - you know how the background hiss is eliminated? I'd like to get FM stereo the same way - I'm not sure that's even possible though. I've got a Pioneer TX 9500 II, I'm using a simple "T" wire and getting 5 out of 5 on most stations for strength. I get a ton of stations, I'm 35 miles outside of Chicago so I'm not too close, nor too far away. I've tried powered antennas like Terk - that worked well for my Luxman, but the Pioneer likes the T wire much better. The powered antennas boost signal strength - but in the process just increase the background noise. Hey thanks

I really like the sound of the mid 70's late 70's equipment the best - much fuller, and richer in reproduction. I have a couple Marantz receivers (2226B, 2252B and 2265B) that sound terrific and would work very well for you. I also have a few integrated amp - tuner combinations that I also love the sound of (Pioneer SA 9500 II, and Pioneer SA 7800) The corresponding tuners are TX 9500 II and TX 7800. I really like the sound of older Luxman equipment as well - they typically go for less $$ on ebay than Marantz or Pioneer. They aren't as good looking (IMO) Luxman R-1050 is a very nice receiver, but they make many integrated as well. Hope this helps

I've switched to an old integrated amp from a more current receiver - the number of inputs is substantially less. Anyone doing something similar, and how are you still connecting CD, TV, Tape, iPod, Computer, etc to equipment that only has an Aux, and 2 tape inputs? Thanks

Use this link for build dates and other info - LINK

Thanks David& Greg - just the info I was hoping for!

Sorry for the stupid question - but can anything else be plugged into the Tuner input on a receiver/integrated amp besides a tuner? Like a cassette, cd, or similar audio source? Thanks!

Listen to a pair of older Mirage M-1's (if you can find and afford them) M-3's, or M5's. Note that this is not the current line up of Mirage loudspeakers Probably have to find them on eBay or Audiogone now but well with the money, and fit the description you're looking for - with one exception, these are wider than they are deep which can make placement difficult, that and they need to be 3 feet or more from the side and rear walls - but you effort in placement will be rewarded. Conversely, Definitive Technology makes a thinner but deeper bipolar - but I can't speak for what they sound like.

Thanks guys - appreciate the information - I'll give em a listen and check em out. Nice to hear universal positive feedback.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/ Particularly with their amps and receivers?

I've got a Marantz 2252B driving a pair of Klipsch 2.2's in my work bench behind false doors. If I'm working on one of the cars and don't have a sweet spot, my ceiling mounted B&W Solid Monitors work well. The Marantz is fed by a PC/music server database of 6000+ songs, high speed internet access, and DirectTV. I'd stick with the 4.2's you have to build a system - if your work bench isn't tall enough to put them under, I'd try to mount them horizontally on shelving up near the ceiling. Radiating of the ceiling will generate more bass if that's what you're looking for, Plus this will give you a good spread of sound in the garage - rather than have speakers on the floor facing into a car. The downside of mounting them near the ceiling is the room above (if there is one) will also get plenty of bass

I recently drove a Prius (rented) from Chicago to Savannah in April - got 45 MPG round trip. Recently drove my purchased Honda Civic Hybrid from Chicago to Naples Florida. For those interested . . . Not a sales pitch, no intent to convince anyone of anything, just numbers to chew on. 2789 miles traveled in a week My wife, me and one of my teen aged kids with stuff for a week in Florida in the trunk. 62.10 gallons used round trip 44.9 MPG including in town MPG (3 different tankfuls of 440+ miles at 47MPG) $247.24 cost of gasoline round trip 62 MPH ave including stops 42.37 hours of driving ~460 miles between fill-ups no more than 9.5 gallons at any fill-up Leaving the SW Chicago suburbs (Orland Park IL) 1st fill up in Nashville TN, the second in Tifton GA, only two gas stops required to Naples FL. I got slightly better MPG in the hills of KY, TN & GA than the flat terrain of Florida and Indiana. In 2 months of driving 4950 miles I've achieved $493 in gas savings compared to the same miles driven in a 21MPG car/truck. (Assumes the same miles driven in a car/truck that averages 21MPG) From a stop the hybrid isn't fast, once underway, acceleration is at least average, if not better. Going through the hills in Chattanooga TN, I was able to maintain speed better than most cars and trucks. Would have been nice to have a pass through trunk (the Honda doesn't have one). No car in the Civic class has as much room as a SUV so spreading out and sleeping was a bit on the tight side. Speed for the trip was basically 5mph over the posted limit, so much of the trip was run at 75mph. Truthfully, it seemed like whatever our driving style or condition, it returned basically the same mileage. Exciting to drive? No. But consider the hybrid can drive all the way to Naples on the same amount of gas an SUV will run dry in Chattanooga on. TWO gas stops from SW Chicago to Naples Florida, and only a 9.5 gallon fill up when you do stop? Not bad. Like I said, not trying to save the planet, no sales pitch, just numbers to consider. Nice to be home and listening to my system. . .

The Honda Fit is a much better choice than a Smart car, in virtually every way

I have a chance to pick up a Denon DP-35F turn table really cheap, I know the guy thats selling it and it's in very good condition complete with cartridge - had a chance to audition it today. Cartirdge is in very good condition - can't tell what kind it is though - (it's black square with nothing written on it). Original Denon tone arm. Anyone have one of these? I assume they aren't as desirable as some of the ultra collectables from Denon, but is this a pretty respectable table from Denon or just another turntable? Did some Googling and didn't locate much of anything. Thanks

I've got one of those smokers - works very well, an excellent place to start without dropping big money on an egg or something. When you get it place a pan of water on the cooking grill next to the smoke vent from the fire box. Adds moisture for anything you'll be smoking for 7-8 or more hours. If you don't get a temp gauge with yours - pick one up, and keep the heat low ~250. Where you place your food is important on the grill - closer to the firebox vent is hotter, closer to the exhaust vent is cooler. When adding charcoal or wood to the fire box do it gently - or you'll stir up a mess of wood ash and it'll be all over your food. Give it a good cleaning once a year when the season starts and you'll be set for the next several years. I think you'll be happy with it. Nice dogs by the way - I have 2 GSD's myself

You beat me to the smoker by a day! - 2 pork shoulders going on tomorrow morning, after an over night of marinating. If it's pork - mustard vinegar sauce is a requirement - but you can use this and substitute some catsup - if you must - along with the mustard - this is a good base to start from - you can add or delete to your own taste. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil?1/2 cup minced onions?1 cup prepared yellow mustard?1/2 cup fresh lemon juice?1/4 cup brown sugar, packed?1/4 cup white vinegar?1 teaspoon celery seeds?1 teaspoon salt Heat the oil in a medium-size nonactive saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, and blend them well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. A couple of chickens on Monday 5 pounds heavier on Tuesday!

Has anyone actually SEEN reduced driving, buying smaller cars, taking less trips? I mean we talk about it because I think we BELIEVE it's happening - but is it really? I think as gas prices go up - we pay them and cut back someplace else, movie rentals, out to dinner, clothing, . . . something. We still have to get to work, we still have to pick up the kids, we still go to kids ball games, and practices. We're a driving society, I don't think we've seen a price of gas yet that will make us stop doing the things we believe are "regular" activities, we need to do. We just shift the expenditure to compensate for the increase gas prices and move on. I feel bad for the folks that don't have the ability to do that though

I like your idea of raising food costs on them - $4.12 for regular no lead in the SW Chicago suburbs

Another big Warren fan hear, and as it sounds for others - Excitable Boy got me started listening when I was in college. Sentimental Hygiene reference reminds me of another great artist on that track - Neil Young on accompanying guitar. Another true genius.

Try - Franciscan from the Napa Valley, the Cab is very good also Steltzner Vineyards in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley the Merlot is excellent (one of many good vineyards in the Stags Leap District) also Rutherford Hill in Napa Valley The Cab is outstanding, the Merlot is very very good Nothing like a good bottle of wine and some music on a Friday night after a week of work . . .

I have several Marantz "B" models - the lights are not difficult to change. I suggest you check out Bob at http://www.vintage-electronics.cc/index.html - not all lights all lights are the same - the wrong ones will run very hot and can melt/warp the plastic shroud. no affiliation, blah blah blah.

Sounds like a plan - thanks for the advice guys . . .

I've read that cables can be "warm" or "cool" sounding - but I've yet to find anything on the web that refers to the influence cables can have on your system. Anyone have any information - links, source information that I can use? I'm using Monster cables right now - with Monster banana plug ends as well. I guess I'm trying to determine if my cables are warm or cool and if I can pick up a pair of something to compare to them Thanks for your help.

My first post here, hello everybody . . . I'm relatively new to Klipsch, but I have a pair of KG 3.5's, I'm thinking of buying a pair of KG 5.5's - can someone with experience with both compare them for me? Not statistically, I've seen the stats on each, but will they sound better than the 3.5's or pretty similar? Does it make more sense to consider upgrading to something like a Chorus if I can find a nice pair for reasonable money? (this is a secondary system I have in the house, and are currently being driven by a Pioneer SA 8800 integrated amp if that helps) Thanks!