jwatkin

I don't have the speakers yet, but others claim that they get a satisfying phantom center channel effect from the 4.1s. If that's not enough for you though, they recommend using an entire extra ProMedia 2.1 system as your center channel.

What do you know about Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding support in this future card? I've been told that the current SoundBlaster Live 5.1 doesn't support the decoding of external sources such as a consumer DVD player. It can only decode sources via software. What's the timeline for this card?

Here are some more sound card reviews: http://www.zdnet.com/gshw/filters/0,12822,6018751,00.html

Is the CP-1 upgrade already incorporated into newly manufactured ProMedia 4.1 systems? If this is true, then what serial number cutoff or packaging label identifies the new system? Has the ProMedia v.2-400 been officially renamed to Promedia 4.1? The following was taken from http://www.3dsoundsurge.com/reviews/klipsch/pmv2-400.html "Update: Klipsch has officially stopped production of the original v.2-400 and has shifted to an updated 4.1 system that uses the updated crossover network found in their new 2.1 system and the new CP-1 pre-amp they are selling seperately to v.2-400 users for $50 along with a new price of $300. The new crossover network offers significantly better midrange, the major flaw of the original v.2-400 system. The CP-1 pre-amp that are included in the new system offers the following features: Enhanced Direct Path amplifier interface for lower noise, crosstalk distortion, and amplifier compression. Headphone jack for private 2-channel listening. MP3/Portable Music Player input jack, with front L/R channel soundcard mixing function. Speaker Engagement switch with two-color LED status indication (green/red). It's worth noting that upgrading the original v.2-400 with the new CP-1 preamp will NOT upgrade the crossover network. That is the midrange will not be improved. End of update"

Thanks for the reply. Unless it was a typo, you say you have a 4.2 ProMedia System (2 x 2.1) but you recommend I get the 4.1 System. Is this what you really meant? If so, why do you prefer the 4.1 over the 4.2?

I haven't heard the ProMedia v.2-400 or the Monsoon MM-2000. The Monsoon's use a planar technology for the satellites rather than cones. Has anyone heard both and can compare? http://www.monsoonpower.com/index_mmedia.htm Monsoon MM-2000 is a five-piece surround-sound system that couples PFT? Planar Focus Technology with the awesome power of a 340-watt amplifier to deliver amazing 3D audio at astonishing output levels. Comes with one powered subwoofer with two passive radiators, four flat-panel satellite speakers with adjustable stands, and one surround-sound control module. Just U.S. $299.00. Optional floor stands available separately for U.S. $99.00. Click "Get Technical" for picture of stands. MM-2000 System Specifications: Satellites: 4 x 8 inch dipole-radiating planar magnetic transducer* Satellite enclosure: None Amplifer power: 340 Watts total system power: 4 x 60 Watts, satellite transducers;* 100 Watts, subwoofer Crossover: 24 dB/oct high-pass @ 200 Hz for satellites; 18 dB/oct low-pass @ 200 Hz for subwoofer Subwoofer drive unit: 6.5 inch cone, magnetically shielded; Xmax = +/- 6mm Passive radiator units: 2 x 6.5 inch cone Subwoofer cabinet: 16-liter, tuned to 45 Hz; 10" H x 14" W x 12" D Controls on subwoofer: Power on/off Controls on surround-sound control module: Master volume, bass volume, fader control, headphone jack and mute System frequency response: 35 Hz to 20kHz (in workstation environment) Maximum SPL at .5 m: 108 dB using EIA 426B noise

I'm not absolutely sure, but I belive the Sony V6 has been renamed to Sony MDR-7506.

It's funny that you mention this. I really only started paying attention to NASCAR after Fox began broadcasting it recently. I'm currently speakerless and have been for years, but the idea of watching NASCAR with good speakers is motivating me to go out and buy. If any Klipsch marketing people are reading this, you ought to consider some advertising tied to NASCAR. You could picture a famous NASCAR driver watching and listening to the race from home with Klipsch speakers. He could say, "It's the next best thing to being there."

Given that I live in earthquake country, what's the best way to anchor the speaker to the top of the stand? Would a strap around the speaker interfere with the speaker's ability to vibrate? Perhaps there are adhesive foam pads that can be removed without leaving a residue?

Your cement/cinder block ideas are very creative. However, I live in earthquake country and want something I can bolt to the floor. Are the telescoping tubular metal stands vulnerable to the hum that you speak of?

What's the rule for matching a speaker's power handling spec with an amplifier's rated output spec? Is the Synergy System 6 a good match for the Denon AVR-1601 for a 12' x 12' room?