whell

Well...here goes: I don't have much to offer on the visual part, but for audio, the following would be my suggestions: Klipsch Reference 7 series all around: RC-7 center, RF-7 front and Rear, or RS-7 if the RF-7 are not practical due to space limitations. For speaker cables: Monster 2.4 bi-wire is a good choice. For amplification, the Monarchy Audio SM-70 Pro's, used as balanced monoblocks, will give you as much amplification as you need with the RF-7's, plus headroom to spare. Its a fine amp for music reprorduction as well, if your system will see dual use. You will need balanced interconnects: a solid silver interconnect would be a good match between the pre/pro and the Monarchy's, and your choices here are many. For pre/pro - the Carver Theater Grand, in its most recent incarnation, is hard to beat, and should meet all your needs for mutliple formats.

My first attempt at the post cut off the picture and about 2/3 of my text. I just revised and recaputured most of what I originally posted. Actually Mobile, I think it was your mention of the Monarchy in a previous post that prompted me to investigate the product. So...thanks for steering me in the right direction on this.

<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> A pair of these little amps found their way into my system over the weekend. For those of you with aesthetic concerns, I'm pleased to report that mine did not come with the goofy looking handles. I set up a pair of these bridged mono (unfortunately I'm not able to run them balanced with my current set up), and connected to the pre-outs of my Marantz SR-19 EX receiver. My goal was to see if there was a way to add more punch to my music, while still preserving my HT system. Regretably, if I keep these, I'll need to clear out some other equipment, so my KG-4's and my old Yamaha T-85 tuner are going out the door! Set up: Some possible hiccups here. This amp has a very sensitive input, making it apparently ideal for use with a variety of low output preamps. I don't think that my Marantz is in the category of low output. I first tried running in stereo mode, and with a pair of Nordost Solar Wind interconnects, got good results. However, bridging to unbalanced mono, this interconnect seemed to be the cause of ALOT of noise. Switched to a pair of Monster M1000 1/2 meter, the noise dropped substantially. The amps still have a very faint electronic hum (don't think its a mechanical hum, anyway). I've tried lifting the grounds using cheater plugs, and that helps a bit. The good news is that I've been corresponding with Mr Poon of Monarchy, and he has volunteered to send me some resistors that I can configure at the inputs and it might help with the hum. I must say that if I pull back from the speakers to about 5 feet, the hum is barely audible, and it certainly does not show up while listening to music. Keeping these amps ventilated will be key, since they are heavily biased to class A, so I have placed these units by themselves on top of my entertainment center. Listening: These amp are a great bargain, and a great match with Klipsch. Over the past few weeks, I've corresponded with folks who have used them with everything from K-horns to LaScalas to Cornwalls to Reference Series. They seem to nullify the sonic anomalies that normally give horns heartburn when they are paired with solid state. Test CD's included Jane Monheit: Dream with Me; ZZ Top: Deguello; Allision Krause: Forget about It; Paul McCartney: Run Devil Run. I think I can now understand some of the adjectives used by some board members who refer to things like "liquid" midrange. I have to say that this is an adjective that applies here, for lack of any better descriptive term. Bass is not boomy, but tight, controlled and urgent. Highs are much more revealing, I hear the "detail" of a cymbal, where before I might have just heard a swish. All in all, my objective in improving the musical experience provided from my HT/music systsm has been acheived. Music is so much more alive and satisfying to listen to. However, I've found that these amps do need a little warm up time to really shine. About 5 - 6 minutes of use is needed before the bass, midrange and treble catch up with each other. The Monster M1000i will stay in place for now as interconnects. Don't really know how to account for the extremely loud noise issues with the Nordost (really, I thought I blew my speakers!), but I don't know if there is necessarily a "better" interconnect for this application anyway. If you are looking for a great amp at a great price from a price/performance standpoint, and get a chance and can find a dealer in your area that will allow you a propper audition, I suspect you'll be quite taken with these.

It is set for remote. Also, the unit does not power on and off using the on/off switches on the front of the unit. Sounds like a call to the mfg is in order.

I own an HTS 3500. I've come to find that the remote switchable outlets no longer power on/off with my receiver. All the lights on the front of the unit are lit, and stay illuminated when I switch the receiver off. I have the receiver's switchable outlet connected to the back of the 3500, and the swtich on the back of the 3500 is set for "remote". What I've tried to troubleshoot the issue so far: Unplugged the 3500, and plugged it back in again Checked the functionality of the switchable plug on my receiver (its fine) Checked the ground on all electronics - checked out OK. Checked the wall plug - its fine. And by the way, the power on/off on the 3500 used to work fine. When I power the receiver off, I can hear something inside the 3500 click, but nothing powers off (my main amplifier). Any ideas for whats wrong?

Earlier this week I was at a local music store that sells used CD's and vinyl. I came across a used copy of Coltrane's "Lush Life" on CD. It was a remaster, and apparently used a remastering process with a JVC K20 at the heart of it....whatever that is (as you can tell, I'm not technically inclined). However, for $7.00, I thought I've give it a try. It really sounds wonderful, played back on my NAD T-550 CD/DVD player. Very smooth, vibrant and present. Some background hiss, which the manufacturer attributed to the source recording. But otherwise, excellent, and a great performance.

Bob: you've got a private message.

Dean: An RC-7 doesn't stand much of a chance due to WAF issues. There is just no room for it in my setup. My RF-3 and RF-7 are both black. I'm leaning toward keeping the RF-3's as rears, moving the RB-5 into th e2 channel set up to replace the KG-4's and selling the KG-4's: this based on my audition of the RF-5's in my 2 channel set up.

By the way Craig (NOSValves), if you're still interested in acquiring an RC-3, I've decided to let go of one or the other RB-5 or RF-3, and keep the RC-3 center. I had toyed with the idea of using the RB-5's for a center channel, but one of the local Klipsch retailers talked me out of that.

Now that the RF-7's are in the house and singing, I have a decision to make. Before the RF-7's arrived, I used my RF-3's for fronts and RB-5's for rears. I now have moved my RF-3's to the rear, and the RB-5's are sitting downstairs unused. I also have a pair of KG-4's, which I really like, on a small 2 channel system with a TT downstairs. I've not experimented with either of the Reference speakers on that system in place of the KG-4's, but I guess selling the KG-4's is another option. I just have more speakers than I need, and would like some thoughts on which would be best to part with. Having the RF-3's on the rears seem like a waste, but they do sound OK back there. However, RB-5's might make a good substitute for the KG-4's (haven't tried this yet), though I'd probably give up some bass. What do you all think?

For what its worth, I enjoy my 5.1 system, but could live without it if I had to. I could not live without a 2 channel rig. With only one room to build a high quality system in, I decided on a 5.1 system that also allowed me to get good results with 2 channel. While the system is still a work in progress, I do enjoy movies on the weekends, and good music in between. The RF7's sound fine w/o the sub, but I do find that my sub adds the extra oomf when desired. However, I still can't get comfortable with multi channel music. It still has yet to sound "right" to me. I've got several DTS recordings, and with few exceptions, they sound terrible. The DTS version of Eric Clapton's "Repile" disc just left me wanting to turn it off. So, 2 channel for music, in my estimation, is still the way to go. 2 channel for movies I could probably live just fine with if I had to.

If the model comes with the cable, they've got a sale here.

Does anyone currently use, or have used, the Monarchy SM-70 Pro? Might be a good combo with Klipsch.

What do you all make of this? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3045368948&category=33205 Obvioulsy the verbage in the ad is designed to intrigue. But is the idea behind this sound?

For what I ask my system to do, HT and 2 channel co-exist nicely in my living room. I can't attest that I have achived state of the art music reproduction, and my system would likely not satisfy the most anal audiophile, but no one that meets that description lives here, and I'm not in a race with anyone for the best sounding 2 channel system on the planet. My system is capable of producing room-shaking HT, and very enjoyable 2 channel music that satisfies my wife and I when we want to sit down and unwind. That's all I ask it to do, and I'm very pleased with the results. Incidentally, I've found that Klipsch and Marantz HT gear make for a nice combo.

For what I ask my system to do, HT and 2 channel co-exist nicely in my living room. I can't attest that I have achived state of the art music reproduction, and my system would likely not satisfy the most anal audiophile, but no one that meets that description lives here, and I'm not in a race with anyone for the best sounding 2 channel system on the planet. My system is capable of producing room-shaking HT, and very enjoyable 2 channel music that satisfies my wife and I when we want to sit down and unwind. That's all I ask it to do, and I'm very pleased with the results. Incidentally, I've found that Klipsch and Marantz HT gear make for a nice combo.

Merk: Before you give up on the Marantz, I suggest that our systems have similar capabilities, and the bass that eminates from my system is quite agreeable. Unfortunately, we might be looking for different things from our systems that may influence our expectations, including what we desire in bass response. Still, when I want to rock, as I did last night, I got my Marantz to make my speakers rumble with authority. I usually listen to my system with the "source direct" setting engaged, bypassing the tone controls and other preamp functions. Therefore, I'd make sure all else is equal before drawing any conclusions. My Klipsch sounded fair on bass before I aquainted them with the corners of the room. Since then, bass heaven. Therefore, take a look at your room, and see what if anything is necessary to improve accoustics. You might do well describing the layout of your system/room to the forum members here, and see what feedback you get that might be helpful. It might be a simple fix.

Painful Reality: What in the world are those?

I've been trying to follow this topic myself, and at the end of the day, I ended up back in vinyl! I still hold out hope for one of the digital formats, but its just too bloody early to tell which way the pendulum is going to swing. As far as players, I know of NO universal changers. A couple of manufacturers, including Marantz, have released players that are fluent in all formats, but they are quite pricey.

The Sr-19 does have pre-outs. I think an amp for 2 channel, run through the SR-19 will be my next splurge. No rush, but I'm open for suggestions. By the way, the Rf-7's soound absolutely awesome. I expected an upgrade from the RF-3's, but nothing this dramatic. My first demo disc was Lyle Lovett's "Joshua Judges Ruth". Simply a great disc, not only for the music, but for the great recording/mixing job. I've never heard this disc sound so good. Earlier this evening, we put on some old Van Morrison and my wife, daughter and I were dancing around the living room. Both my girls seem to love music, and the daughter just laughed and lauged as we danced her all over the place. But, Van sounded great, too. Thanks to all for the encouragement to spend the duckets. We're on a bit of a tight budget, but, hell, its only money!

Can only speak from my own experience. I don't think Yammy makes a bad product, I just didn't find it to be the best match for my Klipsch (RB-5/RC-3). Sonically, it left alot to be desired. Opting for Marantz seemed to make for a much more pleasing match. Yammy offered more features (though I found I didn't make much use of alot of the various surround options). You milage, as the saying goes, may vary.

I'm pleased to report that the RF-7's have assumed their approprite place in my lving room, where my RF-3's used be. I'm excited so far about, since the upgrade in performance is pretty apparent. Even my wife noticed that the vocalist now seems like she/he is right in the room with us. The improvement in clarity and authority in the bass is stunning. These, so far, appear to be everything I had heard about them, and heard when I auditioned them. Now trying to decide if I want to keep the RC-3 center, or try the RB-5's as center, or sell the RF-3's and return the RB-5's to their previous role as surrounds. Decisions, decisions!

_____________________________ "Careful. That's how I got started on this quest for sound too. My mom says I could sit and listen to the old radio for long periods of time without moving. Made a great babysitter. My wife still blames my mom for my quest for sonic nirvana....lol" _____________________________ If she's really, really a good little girl, I just might give her my KG-4's as "hand me downs".

The Tone Poems CD is the first time I was introduced to Rice & Grisman's music. I'd love to check out more, its really great stuff. Is "Pizza Tapes" on CD or LP?

List of priorities, probably in order: - Catch and hold my < 2 year old daughter's attention when she is fussy. For reason's we can't explain but are eternally thankful for, Nora Jones can transform my little girl from fussy one minute to captivated and quiet the next. Has worked like a charm since she was 6 month old. Also, when I put a record on downstairs, she will sometimes sit quietly at the top of the stairs and just listen. Sometimes she will pull herself up on the protective gate and sway to the music. Chip off the old block, that little princess! - Since my wife and I don't get out much these days, give us a place to escape and watch a good DVD and cuddle. - It must also competently play childrens music. "Old McDonald" and "This Old Man" through Klispch are taken to a whole new level! - Provide "music to live your life by" - i.e., elevate the enjoyment of being indoors by providing enjoyable music in the background. - Bring me "music to have a midlife crisis by", as I pass through the early stages of my 4th decade and pull out the music I enjoyed in my teens to enjoy and experience all over again. - Give my wife something to have on in the background during the day the she can enjoy, and a system/remote that she can easily operate. - Hey, its a hobby, so I also play and experiment with new equipment when I can afford it, try new placement with speakers, etc. - Not too often, but every once in a while, I can steal away and put on music I want to listen to at volume levels that I designate, and allow myself to just enjoy! At these times, Mr. Songer's comments come front and center. I want the instruments to sound like one would expect them to sound. Not too much to ask, is it?