whell

---------------- On 6/2/2004 2:47:33 PM Pistol Pete wrote: ---------------- On 6/2/2004 2:26:04 PM whell wrote: I'm saying goodbye to HT, How do you say goodbye to HT? Are you commiting suicide or something? I see a post like yours every few weeks on an HT board and it always seems odd. HT is life for me, there is no end , ever. ---------------- Pete: I hear you, and I've seen these posts, too. Fact of the matter is that the novelty of the multi-channel movie experience is wearing off. Sure, its cool. But, I'm now looking at other priorities for my funds, and the $$$ that the sale of the Marantz might bring will go a long way to helping with some immediate $$$ needs. The other thing I've realized in the 3 years I've spend on the HT journey is that I'm much happier as a 2 channel guy. The multi channel music experience is less than gratifying. So, I'm happy with stereo. Don't know if all that makes sense, but that's what driving my decision.

Here is the Marantz Press Release on the SR-19 EX: MARANTZ INTRODUCES SR-19EX HOME THEATER RECEIVER WITH ENHANCED FEATURES AND PERFORMANCE<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> ROSELLE, IL, January 6, 2001Marantz America today announced the introduction of its Reference Series SR-19EX Digital Surround Receiver. Upgraded from the company's SR-19, the new receiver is now THX Ultra certified, and includes THX Surround EX and DTS 6.1 decoding plus a host of additional refinements. The SR-19EX delivers high-end receiver performance in every respect, and its stunning Reference Series styling makes it the perfect complement to the most elegant homes and decors. Thanks to its THX Surround EX and DTS matrix 6.1-channel decoding, the SR-19EX provides a dramatic new level of sonic realism. These new surround-sound formats decode an additional back surround channel from THX Surround EX and DTS matrix 6.1-encoded DVD discs, providing a more realistic surround sound environment by allowing smoother 360-degree sound effects with more precise localization behind and beside the viewer. The SR-19EX also offers state-of-the-art Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel decoding performance, plus Dolby Pro Logic decoding and a variety of additional surround modes. The SR-19EX's upgraded DSP processing circuitry utilizes 192kHz/24-bit audio decoding on all seven channels for the highest possible fidelity and bandwidth, and high-resolution playback. The SR-19EX delivers no less than 130 watts (into 8 ohms) of high-current amplification into each of its five main channels, for clear, powerful and dynamic reproduction of movie soundtracks and music. If desired, the left and right front channel amplifiers can be switched to power the back surround loudspeakers in a 7.1-channel system for THX surround EX, enabling the use of an external stereo power amplifier for the front left and right loudspeakers. Heavy-duty banana-plug-compatible speaker terminals are used for all five main speaker outputs, facilitating the use of high-quality speaker cables. The SR-19EX is built to the absolute highest standards, with an ultra-heavy duty chassis highlighted by an elegant metal alloy faceplate accented by gracefully curved side panels. The SR-19EX features Marantz Reference Series parts and construction for extraordinary audio quality, with refinements including premium-grade passive components in critical signal path applications for ultimate sonic purity. Along with its extraordinary surround sound audio quality, the Marantz Reference Series SR-19EX includes an unusually comprehensive array of performance and convenience features. It offers a wide variety of video and audio inputs, outputs and switching facilities, including three sets of component video inputs, front-panel A/V inputs, six digital inputs and many additional analog connections. Reflecting its status as a high-end Marantz receiver, the SR-19EX features Gyro-Touch tuning, providing precision AM/FM tuning via a large-diameter weighted and balanced tuning wheel, operating in conjunction with a sophisticated digital tuner section with 50-station preset memory. Other versatile features include an improved on-screen menu that controls both the main room and second room audio/video system, a Source Direct function that bypasses the tone controls for purest sound quality, six-channel direct inputs to accommodate future surround sound formats or an external digital decoder and much more. The SR-19EX comes supplied with the RC-18SR, a special version of the Marantz RC-2000 Mark II Programmable Universal Remote Control that can be programmed to control every component in a home entertainment system. The Marantz SR-19EX carries a suggested retail price of $2299.99 and will be available January 2001.

Picture of the Marantz:

This was Marantz's 2rd from the top of the line in 2001 & 2002, behind the SR-14 EX and SR-18 EX. This is an HT recevier that is built like an absolute tank. 5 channels of amplification built in, but it can do DTS ES and DD EX with the addition of an outboard amp. High quality 24-192 processors on each channel. Video switching capabilities, very flexible preamp, great sound and THX Ultra certification to boot. I have a PDF brochure of all the unit's features if you're interested. THe unit was 2000 new. Looking for $1100. I'm saying goodbye to HT, but want to give this unit a good home. Posting it here for the HT forum members before it heads for EBay.

Anyone in or around the Detroit area and who is way more competent than I am with a soldering iron, please let me know if you wouldn't mind doing a 963SA owner a favor?

Yes. They are attached via screws, and are easily removable. In fact, they come from the factory w/o the feet attached.

I'm kinda confused here. Based on the buzz I'm seeing/hearing about this, I did a search on Yahoo, and also Ebay. I found out the hard way that I was looking in the wrong place - this Panasonic thing is a "receiver", right? Its not an amp. I'm having trouble getting "great" when associated with a tuner, multi-channel preamp, etc., all for under $200. True, I've not listened to one, and I'm not trying to position myself as an audio-snob, etc. But I'm wondering how and amp section that is associated with a "less than great" pre/processing section can make great music or HT on normally upstream-equipment-sensitive Klipsch?

At age 9, my dad bought me a little kit electronics "workshop". Among other things, it allowed me to build a cryrstal AM radio. At age 10, I received a Sears Reel to Reel prortable deck. Started taping any and all music I could find. At age 11, I garbage picked an old mono tuner, and was able to hook it up to my reel deck and listen record my favorite tunes. At age 12, received a GE "Wildcat" portable record player. Started to buy my own records with paper route money. At age 15, I bought my first receiver at Tech Hifi Bargain Center on 8 Mile Rd in Detroit. An old Technics receiver that ate up all the paper route money I had saved up for 2 years. Age 16, my friend and I got the bright idea to pool our equipment and start a mobile DJ service. The DJ service, at first, did little more that to fund our record and equipment purchases. Later, it helped put me through college. Age 21, by now, (circa 1984) I've graduated from college, and own a bunch of gear - large receivers that did double duty as mobile DJ amps (can you imagine using today's receivers for that??), my main speakers are Infinity QA's, and my TT is a Dual 500 series. Age 32, am getting married soon. My wife to be wants me out of the DJ business, and I regretably comply. I walk away wity a nice stash or records and gear, that will get turned over gradually over the next 10 years. I'm starting to look at the HT craze on the horizon. Age 42, the infatuation with HT has run its course. I've got a bunch of HT equipment that I've been trying to make sound like 2 channel gear. I've got a daughter, and she loves her educational video's and DVD's, so it looks like the "main" system will remain HT for some time. So, the music "bug" had bitten with full force at quite an early age. The ability to "acquire the right equipment" is a matter of taste, and no more. I know many folks who are still humming along with the receiver and speakers that they boought in the 70's, and are still quite happy with that set up. My ability to fill my house with Klpisch gear has more to do with the results of hard work and blessings that my family and I enjoy.

I don't think separates are out of your range at all if 5.1 fills your needs, and you're willing to look at the used gear market. An Acurus Act III with upgraded bass management can be had for around $500 these days, if you're patient. Prices on used HT gear will likely drop like a stone over the summer months. You can probably find one for that or possibly less. Its a GREAT unit for HT and for 2 channel listening. That leaves $500 left over for a 5 channel amp. Since Klipsch don't need much power to operate, you can likely find a Parasound amp (model number escapes me right now) that is 5 channels for less than $500. Or, you can pick up a couple of older Adcom 535 or 545's, and run separate amps for front, center and rear channels. You could easilty bag 3 Adcom 535's for less than $500. I use a 535 to bi amp my center channel, and its great. I've got a 555 running the front channels, and the receiver drives the rear channels. I may look to swap out my receiver at some point for a separate pre/pro. If I do, I'll seach out another 535 or 545 for the rears.

Hey Picky (Glenn) - as a fellow Detroiter, I gotta say that I love your set up, especially the Yzerman jersey on the wall behind you!

A bit more risky, but could stretch your budget: RF-5's and RF-7's pop up regularly on E-Bay and Audiogon. You might be able to buy used RF-5's for what you'd spend on new RF-35's for example. Also, when you listened to the RF-3II's in the "controlled environment", what electronics were driving them. One challenge is that the Reference Speaker Line favors better upstream electronics. So, if in the controlled environment, they were connected to high $$$ seperate components, or even a high end receiver, it might not be a fair comparison to how they would sound on your Onkyo. Which is not to say that the Onkyo is a poor piece of equipment by any means, but higher $$$ electronics usually yield improved results.

Its very pretty. However, if I wanted to upgrade my RF-7's, I'd like to see the Reference Series come out with a horn midrange. That might get my attention.

You have a PM

Dean - do you have "replacement" crossovers for RF-7's that have already been upgraded? (In lieu of doing without my RF-7's while you're upgrading the crossvers).

If you want something with remote capability - here is my suggestion. Adcom Tuner/Preamp Combo - a GTP 500 or 500 II can be found on Ebay for $140 - $160, with remote, if memory serves. Adcom GFA 535 amp - either 535 or 535 II - can be had on Ebay for under $200, and the 535 usually goes for around $150. With this pair of components, you would have the flexibility of separates, and 2 channel sound that would blow away many modern 2 channel receivers, even some that would cost many times more than what you'd pay for the Adcom set up. The 535 is a VERY well respected little amp. The primary difference between the 535 and the 535 II is the addition of binding posts to accomodate more types of speak wire and speaker connectors (spades, bananas, etc.). If you don't care about that, the 535 is an excellent choice. The Adcom tuner/pre combos are very nice and neutral sounding, and pair well with Klipsch. On many of these units, you also get a pretty nice phono section built in, if you ever decide to experiment with vinyl. And as an added bonus, your total outlay could come in for less than $350 if you're patient. Prices on Ebay for audio gear will start to drop over the summer, so that might be the best time to buy.

Any of the HK x30 (430, 630, 730, or 930)line will be a nice fit, and a real bargain. Most prefer the 430 or the 730, and the 730 only of there is a need for more than one "Aux" input. These receivers were produced in the early 1970's, and are known as Harman Kardon's "Twin Powered" series of receivers, as each receiver sports dula power supplies - one for each channel. They are gutsy little units, with a warm solid sound that mates well with vintage Klipsch. You can find them regularly on Ebay. There are both a 430 and a 730 up for bid right now. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&socolumnlayout=3&lotr=1&from=R10&catref=C3&satitle=kardon&sacategory=39785%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&sapricelo=&sapricehi=&=&sosortproperty=1%26sosortorder%3D1

Happy Birthday, Craig!

Helpful to SACD will be future new releases in SACD only or Hybrid formats. Diana Krall's newest album is available in SACD, but most places I've checked show that it is back-ordered or a special or der item. That, of course, is NOT helpful.

Super Audio CD Unit Shipments: 2003 - 1.3 Million copies and $26.3 Million in dollar value Vinyl LP Unit Shipments 2003 - 1.5 Million copies and $21.7 Million in dollar value I'm sitting here trying to figure out whether or not I should be surprised by the close horse race between old technology and the newest technology.

Why would you want to date a Cornwall? I'd much rather date a Belle. At least, its a much more feminine name.

---------------- On 4/30/2004 12:38:32 AM avman wrote: whell- LMAO!! right when i'm going to 'bail' from this topic you come up w/that.. as far as the 'mids' ?...have you tried 'weed'? j/k avman. ---------------- I've not tried weed. I'd be a bit concerned about that. The mids tend to be just that: middle of the road, moderate, temperate. I'd be concerned that I might offend some of them with the weed suggestion. It does give me another thought, however. Mids also tend to be easliy influenced, as in, bending with the breeze. If I can ventilate my speaker cables somehow, and do it correctly, it might do the trick. I would have to get them up off the floor to vent them correctly, and we all know the benefits of doing that!

---------------- On 4/30/2004 3:06:10 AM triceratops wrote: whell: did you specifically select the HK 730 over the various other HK X30 models for any particular reason? I think the cosmetics on this unit I'm looking at are good, but not perfect. We'll see about the sound when I get it home. ---------------- I picked the 730 because it has 2 Aux inputs as opposed to one, which I use. It also has the sonic characteristics associated with the other receivers in the line. Triceratops: You have a PM.

You guys are all wet on this one: bi wiring works if you do it right. It does take some time, but I've trained the "high" electrons to travel the correct bi-wiring path to get to the high cable connections on my RF-7's. I've also trained the "low" electrons to do the same. The hardest part of this whole arrangement is to KEEP the high electrons high and the low electrons low. I go through enough blow on a weekly basis to satisfy the Rolling Stones in their prime, but it keeps my highs clear as a bell. The lows are satisfied with little doggie downers. I've not found a good solutions for the mids, however. Any suggestions?

Separate amps will typically have an advantage over receivers, since the amp will have "unshared" access to the power supply. I use my Marantz receiver as a "processor", and connect outboard amps to run the center and fronts. The advantages of this set up are readily apparent, especially for music. When I first started running with an outboard amp, it was a 5 channel amp. There was a noticable performance gain. I then went to separate amps, and noticed a 2nd performance gain from my system. I'm wondering, then, if simply upgrading your amplification for your front L/R channels with a separate amp was responsible for the increased performance you're noticing, rather than the quality of the amp itself (which, I'm sure, certainly helps the equasion!).

$150 is a bit stiff for a 30 year old 40 watt receiver. However, if in excellent cosmetic and operational condition, it could fetch upwards of $100. Especially with your "trial period", which I think should add something to the bottom line cost. My 730 does not dissappoint, and I'm using it with RF-3's.