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Sam S.

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Everything posted by Sam S.

  1. Hey Joe: So frustrating when the stations make changes to their towers, which obviously affect reception. Happened to me many times, and when I contact them, typically they say "no, we haven't done anything". However, I did notice one local station that when I contacted them indicated they started another (second) broadcast from a tower about 40 miles away in the opposite direction -- and a re-scan found the station. Oddly, I was unable to pick up the signal from 10 miles away, but could easily pull in the one 40 miles out. Maybe trees? The TV Fool site is good in that it also gives you the idea whether or not the broadcast is in UHF or VHF. In my case, I can easily pull in Omaha stations that all broadcast in UHF. PBS is VHF in a slightly different location, and there's another ABC and FOX station the opposite direction (Fox - UHF, ABC - VHF). So I have 3 antennas and a combiner. I've had excellent results making my own antennas --- cost about $10 in parts from the home center -- see video below and other videos from Danny (he really knows what he's talking about). I used scrap wood for the main center panel and the part where he has plastic in the video. Also --- if you are feeding more than one TV, or splitting cable, I've found that a distribution amplifier is a must-have. I haven't had cable since 1992, and I have a OTA DVR. Works great.
  2. Hey Joe --- here's the best one I've seen -- check out the dudes walking in the background. It's all about the ratings...
  3. Sam S.

    B@O Beolab 90

    For watchers of Showtime's Billions (highly recommended - the show not the speakers), these appear in Ax's apartment. http://www.damian-lewis.com/new-gallery/bobby-axelrods-manhattan-apartment
  4. Question: How much of that drug research is subsidized by the government or taxpayers? I haven't looked at the data on that, but I'd venture to say quite a bit. However, data clearly supports the conclusion that pharmaceutical companies spend more on advertising/marketing than they do on R&D.
  5. Got the Galaxy S7 for about $120 used. Phone has been great! No complaints about battery, navigation actually works (as compared to the spotty S3), screen size seems to be in the sweet spot, and camera more than adequate.
  6. If you want simplicity, the Marantz might be a decent option. I have the SR6012 and Forte III's, and am happy with the set up and don't ever feel lacking in power. Albeit, I am only running a 3.1 set-up. Looks like the SR6013 is running a decent deal @ around $800 right now. I think these have pre-outs to add a separate amp if you'd want to add more power, but then there's another piece of equipment in the curve, which you indicated you didn't want. The other pre/pro options of course would have 2 pieces of equipment also.
  7. Thanks for all the suggestions -- Emile's reminds me of the one Gordon Gekko ("The most valuable commodity I know of is information.") used in Wall Street. Decided to go with the Galaxy S7. Can get refurb in good cond. for around $120. Seems like a decent deal.
  8. Thanks for the suggestions----I think he was suggesting a Google Pixel 3A (specifically). And something about how they aren't waterproof like the Galaxy S___. Unfortunately, with my prepaid plan I'm on, I can't activate a pixel 3A, but could do a 2. I think for about the same amount of refurb dollars I could do a Galaxy S7 or S8.
  9. Suggestions welcome and appreciated. As the title suggests, looking for new smartphone. Right now, I have a Galaxy S3 that has served fairly well but starting to have some issues, mostly with the battery charging/life, navigation system (location), and playing audio files (choppy/audio jittery). I don't need anything too complicated, but do like these features: Better battery life, decent navigation/maps, ability to download newer apps (son wants pokemon Go, and the S3 doesn't support that), decent camera, fast enough to occasionally stream HBO Go or Netflix content, and I like to load flac files on the storage (e.g. SD card) to play with headphones at work/gym/etc. I'm not a fan of Apple products. I was looking at a newer S7 or S8, but wonder if there are other suggestions anyone has. Thanks in advance! Budget is somewhat flexible, but refurb. under or around $150 would be preferred. I'm on Page Plus/Verizon network. Thanks!
  10. I got F3's in Cherry with lambswool from Cory @MetropolisLakeOutfitters. Cherry grills comes standard in black. Wasn't that much more (certainly not $450). It is, however, a special order and takes a bit more time. Contact Cory. He should be able to help you.
  11. Free bump for DizRotus, and a thank you for the Cyastat. I recently cooked up a batch of this cleaner/preserver. Following the TAA article directions, it was fairly simple. It took me about 45 minutes to cook up a batch. Early testing indicates it does a pretty good job -- but as others mention it won't help with scratches. I've only used it once thus far --- on a stubborn 45 that had a lot of cracking/popping due to some deeper scratches. It didn't help that, but I will say the thing emerged from the peel with no static whatsoever.
  12. Local pickup only. Might be a decent deal for someone close. Current bid is $102, with 5 days left. https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/65868026
  13. I think some of these sellers (especially if they might not be the original owners) do a simple web search and discover the MSRP for Forte III, and price their II's or I's similarly. Without any additional research, and they might not be digitally literate enough to actually find out what might be a fair price. I had a couple Forte II's come up locally in my area in the past year, and one seller was touting the "great" deal he was offering for Forte II's @ $1,100, because "new, these things go for over $3,000". The condition was average, with a binding post missing.
  14. Thanks, Jeff. Shipped to you today. Should arrive Wednesday. I PM'd you the tracking. Glad someone can use it. --
  15. Any potential copyright issues aside, couldn't one just 3D print something like this yourself, assuming you knew the font, and could play around with an STL file to get the dimensions correctly? If your community has a decent makerspace with the 3D printer - I'd imagine the cost would be fairly low. Addendum---took a look at the ebay listing and the guy is using a CNC router and aluminum. 3D printed would be ABS plastic. At either rate, whichever machine you used, I can't imagine the actual cost would be more than $5, assuming you had the STL / computer file.
  16. I've never heard or owned Cornwalls, but I do have chorus ii and forte iii. My vote is for the forte iii, primarily based on 2 reasons: (1) OP mentioned that used is very hard to find where he is at; and (2) the finish of the F3 being new but retro-looking gives it an edge IMO. Plus, OP didn't mention price being a super concern -- used Chorus ii or Forte ii wouldn't be a bad choice either, and would save some $$$, if he can find them. The finish of the Forte iii, in something light (e.g. Cherry) with the lambswool grill would look great in that room. For more boogie factor, toss on some Oliver Cheatham (Get Down Saturday Night).
  17. Caveat emptor. FYI - An image search of the first images posted hits on numerous Russian websites. The serial number listed in the current ad also showed up in this earlier post (likely not one owner).
  18. Thanks for the info! Appreciate it.
  19. I'm clueless here, so hoping someone might be able to help or maybe provide some more info. My dad passed away last year, and in going thru his stuff, we found this box of mostly GE and RCA tubes, the Conar tester, and other assorted things. The tubes are in a red RCA service kit that has 2 sides that open. I think in the 70's - he used to do TV repair on the side, so I'm guessing this was his repair kit. Any idea if anything here has value, or more info? Thanks in advance.
  20. Man, those are some great looking consoles. Ironic, my sister and I were cleaning up my dad's estate over the weekend, and I don't have a pic but we found an old console - turntable, radio with cool lights, and an 8-track player/recorder. Found a few blank 8-tracks, and maybe 50 or so pre-recorded ones. We tested it, and everything worked. The cabinet was pretty so-so, which was a downer.
  21. Thing that looks off to me is the Forte III badges on what is likely (or is it?) Forte II's. Seems like a bit of false advertising.
  22. One thing worth consideration if you have the room -- in order to improve the "music side of things", would be to consider something like Forte III up front. Something to think about. I'd venture to say that there likely isn't much that "can't cope" with your Marantz, especially in a room your size and with the efficiency of these speakers. I can relate to the "pretty happy" but "upgrade-itis". Good luck. FWIW - I'm running F3 fronts with an RC64iii center, larger room and lower (than yours) powered Marantz (SR6012).
  23. +1 to what Emile said, but the Yamaha would be a solid choice also. I have KG2's purchased new in 1985. For years, ran them with an HK 25 wpc receiver. Recently, I thought they sounded a bit dull, so replaced the tweeters (left the crossovers original) with the crites Titanium diaphragms. Made a huge difference in the crispness and clarity, IMO. Well worth the $62. Would recommend the mod. Easy to do. Good luck.
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