hooligan

I have mentioned this once before - I think to Boa. I have somewhat clarified the problem. When playing a CD on 5 channel stereo or using the Matrix, etc surround effects, the center channel sounds terrible with a lot of distortion. Sounds like the horn is "vibrating" with the highs. The mains (rb-5) and rears (rb-5) remain sounding great. With four rb-5's, you can imagine why I prefer 5 channel stereo. So I thought the problem was with the RC-3. However, when I switch to Dolby or Neo 6, the center channel "comes to life." What gives? Defective amp in the 3801? Or does the 5th channel just sound bad due to its creation by the receiver, and so live with it? Anyone else toggle the two (5ch and Dolby) with a CD and notice a difference? Most prevalent on less than stellar recordings.

I looked around and ended up with some cement outdoor statuary columns. They come in a variety of colors and finishes - not just the gray cement. Maybe $30.00/each with a nice weathered green finish to match my paint. I cut and placed a piece of cork board between my rb-5's and the cement for finish protection with sound deadening. Sounds great, looks good (a female friend saw them and called me "shi-shi" - whatever) and you really can't get a more acoustically dead substance than solid cement.

I noticed a thread or two a while back about the rc-3 getting a little scratchy when people yell. I'm having the same experience, but it seems to happen mostly on older DVD's (ie. hunt for red october - I hear it; gladiator - I don't). music sounds fine. boa12 or anyone with similar concern: did you ever figure out the cause? I've thought about inappropriate support (it's just sitting on a shelf below TV) or possibly cabinet resonance? thanks