AnalogWave

Many thanks for that lead, I'd never heard of it before. Researching now.

I was using Safari when I originally posted the above. The new 4.0 version is pretty cool but I still much prefer Firefox, which does indeed format properly inside this forum software. Lesson learned, lessee if I remember it. I went ahead and bought the bugger and so far have it up and running on my plasma display. I've the EyeTV 250 Plus on order and am just now going through all my external hard drives to shuffle data around so I can dedicate one to the Mini. They run at 7200 RPM vs. 5400 RPM so booting and access times will be faster, a plus as well as the additional storage. Wireless keyboard, mouse and iNet are all up and running. Will start ripping music from disc tonight. Fun stuff! Oddly enough, I've been wanting to do this for some years now but didn't want to run a full-size tower to get the capability. The new Intel chips and overall better specs of the Mini are now pretty much at a sweet spot I think. AND, several magazine articles have just come out outlining the process. I'd love to stash a Mac Mini in my car some day too, but the interface software is open-source, a LONG way out and moving slowly.

Man, I can't edit fer poop with this forum software. I had the above all laid out in paragraphs using Word.

I’m a Mac Head from the early days and am thinking of purchasing a current model 2.0GHz/120GB/1GB Mac Mini with the idea of making a Media PC out of it. Just wondering if anyone else has done the same and what their experiences have been. My two primary interests are: Music Server I plan on attaching an external Firewire drive and ripping all my music to it, so some type of USB DAC is in my future. Benchmark seems to be the way to go but I may look at something less expensive like Firestone Audio’s Fubar II. DVR I’ve never been one for Tivo. My understanding is the Elgato EyeTV 250 will allow me to record anything that comes down my cable line, and with the included software, I’ll be able to schedule future events for unattended recording. Once recorded, I can edit out commercials (not sure which software I’ll use for that yet) and then burn the content to DVD for archiving (F1 races mostly).

Have a Blessed day... Edited to remove political comment. You sir, are definitely the type who will break before they bend. I’m smiling and chuckling as I type this because I respect and admire that. As I’ve stated before, it takes all kinds to keep society functioning and while I may be the ant that leaves the hill to find food, you’re without question the one guarding the entrance against intruders. Bravo. I do, however, get the impression you think you’re in argument and possibly being persecuted for your beliefs. Not true. Not from me or from anyone else that I can tell. The Jokers & Aces was simply an analogy - I’m fulluv ‘em. I take gun ownership SO seriously in fact that I choose not to carry one, as paradoxical as that thinking is to you. Even Dirty Harry once said, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” Just so happens yours are much further out than mine. And that's cool. I think I'll exit stage left now and put my nose back into the 2 CH forum where it belongs doing research.

I don’t know Dave… I think the operative word here is ‘very’. I personally know people who’ve had accidents with firearms. If you choose to involve yourself in the culture of guns (as I have, just not to the level of others), those around you are more likely to be armed. Sadly, discipline and experience with weapons doesn’t come quickly or easily. I’ve been to indoor ranges where the SIDE WALLS are peppered with bullet strikes and the lane shelf where you rest your weapon et al is pierced from (A)ccidental (D)ischarges. On the flip-side, without even seeking them out I’ve been exposed to video clips of law enforcement officers accidentally discharging their weapons and doing bodily injury. Not only is it their job to serve the public armed, they have to qualify with their weapon(s) every year. In other words, you’ll never be injured or die sky diving if you never sky dive (I’m talking gun ownership, not being victimized).

DeanG did an excellent job taking the keys right from under my fingertips - thank you (though I don’t have the stones to call BS on someone who carries half his weight in armaments). To fill in… Mr. McKown, I understand exactly where you're coming from, and even though I disagree with you on some points, I don't feel it’s my mission to attempt to convert you, nor should you me. I like to think such diversity is what helps make America such a great place. That said, some of the best advice I’ve ever received is to keep an open mind and to rotate a problem or issue so as to view, discuss and understand it from all sides. I’ve learned many important things applying that guidance. I was being facetious when I mentioned exchanging gunfire from inside an automobile. If someone approaches your car with no visible weapon they could simply be lost and seeking directions or homeless and seeking change.. BUT….. I BELIEVE the Castle Doctrine CAN apply to you in your vehicle, so pulling a weapon under such circumstances (no visible threat) MAY be okay. However, if traffic has you boxed in (or ANY scenario for that matter ) and a legitimate threat presents itself, by pulling your weapon (assuming you’ve the chance) you escalate the situation and in an instant you’re both committed - it’s him or me. If there is more than one perpetrator, you’re holding Jacks and they’re holding Aces. I know the variables are virtually infinite and that I tend to err on the side of caution but that’s just the way I’m wired, which is again why I don’t carry. To my way of thinking, carrying a weapon creates a sort of internal tension, like walking around with a grenade in your hand, pin pulled. Losing that tension over time is the equivalent of complacency, which breeds carelessness, until one day you drop the grenade. That’s the problem with being Human – we’re HUMAN. OP, on your stated topic I wish you nothing more than many happy hours of range time (double up on hearing protection, plugs AND muffs, especially indoors). May your God go with you.

Extremely difficult topic to give advice upon simply because I believe it involves one’s abilities, both mental and physical, more so than a legal right. I too choose not to carry, but come down firmly on the side of ownership and concealed carry for those that prove their ability to do so. It’s such a huge responsibility however, one I can only equate with bringing a child into this world, oddly enough. If you doubt your will, even the slightest bit, it’s my opinion you have no business carrying a weapon. The shear number of possible scenarios, anyone of which could leave you in legal jeopardy let alone physical, are staggering. Basically, it comes down to the element of surprise, which is almost always with the criminals. You can’t pull (legally) a concealed weapon until a threat is posed to you. So suddenly, everyone becomes a possible threat whose intent you must determine. I don’t know stats, but my guess is street crime is more likely to come at you in numbers of individuals vs. just one these days. And even if a lone criminal comes out of the shadows, weapon pointed, you are immediately at a critical disadvantage. You can try the old “Your shoe is untied…” and go for yours but you better be supremely confident and fast. My thinking is, most criminals want something from you other than your life, which they can take but can’t have, so it has no value. Personally, I’m more than happy to give up whatever it is they want, compliment their matching hoodie and kicks, and let them be on their way. My wallet, watch, car… none of those things are worth taking a life over, which I’d have to live with for the rest of my life. As for all this talk of shooting through automobile glass (from the inside out I assume unless you’re an assassin), letting loose a hot .38 , 9 or God forbid a .357 from inside a vehicle with no hearing protection… you might as well box up your gear and post it in the Garage cuz you’ll be deaf as a stone. If a CC weapon is in your future, as stated previously, visit a dealer with a range and try a wide variety of weapons for fit, then heat a few up to see what naturally suits you. IMHO, don’t get hung up in the Caliber War. No one I know would volunteer to catch a .22 in the chest at 50 yds. let alone five feet. Modern self-defense ammo is nasty stuff designed to ruin someone’s day. 9mm is immensely popular because of it’s price and increased round capacity given similar frame sizes. Price should be NO OBJECT. If the one you feel most comfortable with is the most expensive, BUY IT. Another $xxx means nothing when it comes down to your life. My only other suggestion here would be not to acquire other brands/models with different manuals of arms as it can lead to hesitation when you can least afford it. Post-purchase, lots of practice of course as mentioned but also with its limitations, as mentioned. The thing about honest-to-God training, my impression is a very small # of gun owners actually go through with it. It’s expensive, a little over-the-top for most and not something you do just once like a drivers license test. What I didn’t see quickly looking over this thread is the need to know your State and Local gun laws, inside and out. In your home the balance beam leans in your favor. Outside your home, it can be argued the beam leans in favor of the criminal. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

I looked around before posting to be sure I didn't miss this, but I couldn't find anything. http://www.stereophile.com/news/aragon_acurus_reviced/ I've always read these are very good amps. It'll be interesting to see what they offer and at what price.

Thanks guys! I'll make some phone calls today.

I’m the second owner of a Luxman LV-105u hybrid integrated amp which runs two 6CG7 tubes. The amp is 15 – 20 years old and the tubes are factory originals. I really like the amp’s sound through my Forte II but can’t help thinking it would sound even better with new tubes. I’ve not opened it up yet, but I found this interesting (if somewhat over my head) bit of info from the aforementioned link... The tubes are original NEC, which are well known for their long life, and measure at 87-90%, however they could be replaced with a pair of Ei 6FQ7 tubes. Although not the highest in gain, being the only maker of actual NEW 6FQ7s in an ex-military facility with very accurate equipment, their tubes have a slightly higher plate current rating, and more importantly, near perfect matching between the two triodes, a most desirable characteristic for this amplifier. Triodes have predominantly second order distortion, and the differential arrangement used in this amp has the ability to cancel out this type of distortion, as long as the two triodes in the differential circuit are well matched. The better the match, the lower the distortion. Ei tubes also tend to be reasonably priced which certainly helps! I don’t have much to compare the amp to but the general opinion is the bass could be tighter. I haven’t found a great selection of 6CG7 tubes so basically I’m looking at these two RCAs and one Ei as replacements… http://www.tubedepot.com/nos-6cg7-rca.html http://www.tubedepot.com/bsct-6cg7-rca-ct.html http://www.tubedepot.com/ei-6fq7eg.html The amp is a bit of an oddball, so I’m just looking for input on tube characteristics from those who’ve run these. $150/pair is no biggie if they truly are superior but I'm leaning against buying/rolling all three since that would amount to more than what I paid for the amp. With regard to my Fortes, they are 1996 factory-stock and I plan on upgrading the x-overs and possibly the tweeters to Ti diaphragms in the future when funds allow. Thx for your time & help.

I’m actually part of the Oppo BDP-83 EAP and it is a really nice player. I don’t have all the various media types to test it to its limits but Blu-ray and standard DVD playback are exceptional. Its menu system is very well laid out and even the packaging is first-rate. I’m not a Gamer so I’ve no experience with the PS3 but I did own a Denon 2500BTCI for about a month. The Denon is literally built like a tank with all the metal plating inside to isolate the various internal components and outside influences. But while Blu-ray discs looked great it was sub-par on upconverting standard DVDs – it just didn’t have the guts when it came down to it. The BDP-83 is a Universal player and while there are still firmware updates coming, by the time it’s released it should be at or near the top of the feature/performance pile for only $500.

Quite the Completist, but his Interior Decorator is fengin' up his shui - reminds me of the H.O.G. in Rochester.

Doood! That is the coolest, most affordable stuff I've come across so far! If it sounds half as good as 10x its cost (?!?) I'm loadin' the boat! I was getting depressed at how much the low-production, custom-cottage-industry gear is goin' for.

..who was that Masked Man?...

Wow. That's a blast to the package. I just found his site, too. I was hoping to acquire some of his gear, though admittedly no time soon. Economy...

You could tell one or two... [] I think it depends upon the local crew. I use Big Brown for most everything I get (always sent to my office). In fact, the local route driver and I have become pretty good pals. Admittedly, I've never shipped something as large/heavy and at the same time delicate as speakers.

Anyone else hear anything? We should be close. I signed up on their site for updates back on 12/12 but haven't heard a peep.

D.O.B. tag reads: P/N 09000231111 KG4 Oak Oil S/N 64114 W/O 12616 So, 1986, early October, #14? I know they were manufactured between 1985 and 1992 but looking at the references I have for serials there doesn't seem to be enough #s in the serial I have (working from photo, haven't inspected yet). Using the DOY description from 1990 on makes even less sense. Thanks for your patience.

I'm wreckless! [] Seriously, looking back I wasn't very clear. All the Klipsch gear I'm considering is used off the iNet, so while there's a lot out there, it's hit and miss when it comes to matching series or eras for that matter. The H IIs are $325 and the C5 is $95. My thinking was maybe bag the Def Tech setup and start 'small' with Klipsch. I've always liked the Klipsch sound, just never really budgeted for it new. I've a lot of passions and regretfully none of them come cheap. And while I'm something of a Gear Geek I suppose I enjoy the music more so than the process of its production. Minutia is money in the world of audio. The stand I have my panel on doesn't allow for something as large as a Heresy for a center channel and parking one in front would be the equivalent of a linebacker - totally mess up the feng shui [] It's the weekend and I've the time, so at the very least I'll check the speakers out. Worst case, I can always resell them.

Excellent news. Would you feel comfortable posting the contents? If not, did they give any further guidance on a release date?

Subjective, I know, but is there enough familial resemblance between the aforementioned speakers to consider them in a home theatre setup? I'm not what you'd call a 'critical' listener but I do appreciate accuracy and dynamics in my pursuit of aural pleasure. My dilemma is I've already purchased (still boxed) a Def Tech Procinema 600 system, which I really liked in the showroom. I'm contemplating its return and starting out 3.0 with my Denon 2808CI and building from there as $ allows since there seems to be no shortage of audio booty to pillage off the iNet these days. Am I off my Barcalounger?

Phunny you should mention not liking the Denon sound. I've been poking around another forum where the general consensus is all electronics sound the same. That flies briskly in the face of what I read going back to my formative years in this passion but never had the budget to fully investigate. My ears tend more toward lead than gold these days thanks to decades of live concerts so I'm not even sure I'd hear a difference. I've got some old Adcom gear about that I can try as well. So you have to enter your own HTML, eh? Funky.

Thanks guys. Was just reading about the upgrade kit (H II to H III) but I'm guessing because this set is from '85 they most likely have the round terminal cups and thus aren't compatible with the kit. Bummer. On a side note, this forum software seems a little funky. I constructed my first post (& this one) with paragraphs but didn't get 'em. What am I missing?...

Hey Guys- Searching for reviews, I came across this forum and figured this would be the crowd to get some straight answers from. Heresy II, WO finish, serials 8537269 & 8537270. Further research here tells me these were manufactured in mid September, 1985, the first year for this model. I haven't seen or heard them yet but the asking price is $325 for the pr. Owner claims the cabinets are mint since they were recessed into a wall and that the drivers are OEM and lightly exercised. My thoughts are, hey... they're still 23 yrs old. So first off, is the price reasonable assuming the above? Second. what should I look/listen for when I inspect them? I own a Denon 2808CI AVR that I plan on running them with though I also have an Onkyo TX-31 (45x2, circa '82). Finally, I gather it's a sealed design, yet I've read a couple posts where people are replacing 'caps' (capacitors I'm guessing). Is the X-over easily reached by pulling a driver and is it worth doing on this vintage speaker? Thx for your time and help.