HT_Andy

Thanks for all the good info on maintaining the speaker finishes. I have a pair of birch lascalas that I'd like to leave in their natural state. However, I'm guessing there is something I could apply that would preserve the wood, and keep it clean, without affecting their color? Any suggestions appreciated.

John, Don't know if you've purchased the AV-8's yet. I considered them for some time, but ended up buying the MGSI15DT from ASL. Its an integrated amp with 5w/15w output switch - although I leave it on the 5w setting. I use this amp for 2-channel listening with LaScala fronts. Sound is phenomenal. Costs a little more - but I don't think you'd be disappointed.

I'm setting up a 5.1 home theater using a pair of RS-3's as surrounds. Thanks for all the helpful placement information. What do you think about haning the RS-3's vertically on the wall? If I can do that, then I can place them perfectly from listening position, i.e. slightly above & behind. Thanks!

Thanks for the comments. The TV is a Sony 42" flat-screen gas plasma, HD capable. The only thing I've tried that is somewhat hi-def is my progressive scan dvd player. The best dvd's that show off the TV are Fantasia/Fantasia2000. BTW - I live in Colorado & have heard that altitude can have negative effects on plasma TV's. The match between the KLF-C7 and LaScalas is ideal (to me). Even with the distance between the speakers, you just get a "wall of sound".

I'm attaching (hopefully) some pics of my home theater. The speaker positions aren't ideal, but the room wasn't designed for home theater (next house maybe). Anyway - I've relied on the advice of several smart people here & its much appreciated. Fronts: LaScalas Rears: Heresy II Center: KLF-C7 Sub: KSW-12 Sony PFM500-A3W Plasma TV JVC XV-D721 DVD Audio/Video player Yamaha RX-V596 Receiver Technic turntable (20yrs old - I forget the model no.)

What's a Jubilee? I'll take two.

I recently picked up the JVC723 DVD player off of ebay. They can now be had for $399 at Best Buy. It has DVD Audio capabilities and 480p progressive scan output. The DVD Audio, to me, is a huge step up in sound quality - & is immediately noticeable. DVD Audio discs are hard to come by, I've tried ELP Brain Salad Surgery and Foreigner. Yes, you have to use the DVD player decoders & run analog cables to the external decoder jacks on your receiver. I've seen a Technics receiver that will decode DVD Audio digital input. The progressive scan output is underwhelming on the other hand. Maybe because this is such a cheap unit? I'm using a Sony 42" plasma TV with Monster 3 component video cables. I'm hard-pressed to tell the difference over 480i input. For the money, the DVD Audio alone is worth it.

I have a Yamaha RXV-596 a/v receiver. It will do everything you want (bass management, 2-channel, 5.0, 5.1). It also has external decoder inputs in case you want to upgrade to something like DVD Audio someday (its awesome btw). They're relatively cheap - Soundtrack occasionally has them on sale for around $450, cheaper if you do a little surfing. It was recommended to me by someone who actually knows something about electronics. Don't give up on the sub. I felt the same way originally, but it does help both 2 and 5 channel music and movies. I set the volume & frequency both fairly low.

I meant to say I'm looking for less brightness. That's what I get for doing this late at nite. gto6 - thanks for the info. I don't know much about monoblocks. Do you use a preamp? Can you use phono input? Interesting that the tubes make that much difference. I'm looking forward to catching the fever!

Gents, thanks for your help. I am very happy with my LaScala/Heresy home theater setup with Yamaha receiver. In two channel mode, the LaScala's are fatiguing to listen to after awhile (course I play 'em kinda loud). I guess what I'm looking for is "brightness" or "aggresiveness". If the Jolida wasn't that different, are there others you have tried and/or recommend? I've been trying to find information on the Dynaco - are they still in business? Antique Sound Labs appears to have a wide selection for reasonable dollars - has anyone out there tried them? Thanks!!

Here's my suggestion - keep the LaScala's & buy some Heresy's for the rear channel. The KSW-12 would be a nice addition, as would a KLF-C7 center. The LS's will still give you a good 2-channel system. Once you have all that in place, who needs the TV??

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.