RangerSix

Joe, I have Video Essentials, but rarely used it. I prefer the Avia disk better (I like the chapter design - makes for easier navigation and video test patterns). However, VE is more than adequate for calibrating your audio system. In fact, I've read in many home theater forums of people prefering the VE disk over Avia for audio. I think it may have something to do with the audio tones (pink noise) being at different reference levels (85 vs 75 decibles). Right now I am not sure. I'll have to pop in the disks to verify. ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

HornEd, Thank you for the kind words. "honesta mors turpi vita potior" an honorable death is better than a disgraceful life - Tacitus ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

quote: Out with the BOSE Acoustimass 10 in with RF-7s,RC-7,RS-7s, and SVS CS-Ultra with 1000 watt sampson amp. Should sound a little better. Should sound a little better? Ooooui ... that's an understatement!!! Like you, I had the Bose AM-10 for about six months. Probably one of the only high-dollar purchasing decisions I have truly regretted. Once you get those news puppies barking, especially the SVS, I can guarantee that you will have a guilty "keeping the neighbors up" grin from ear to ear. Going from Bose to Klipsch/SVS is like going from Little League to the Majors. quote: what I should set my speakers to Large or small and what I should set the sub crossover to Initially set your speakers to small and sub to 80Hz. This is the safe route to take until you get familiar with your new system. quote: ... should I invest in a sound level meter if so what should I be setting the DB at for each of the speakers? IMO a sound level meter is a MUST! Get the analog (floating needle) sound meter from Radio Shack. They are pretty cheap ~$35. You have already dropped a significant amount of cash in purchasing your audio equipment, spending $35 more is a drop in the bucket considering that piece of equipment will optimize your system to peak performance. In regards to the decibel level, standard reference is 85 decibels, but for most home theaters that level is simply way too loud. Many folks typically set their standard at 75 or 70 decibels. ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

There is no need to sell your speakers. I was stationed in Germany back in the early nineties. There are voltage regulators (can't remember if that is the correct name for the device) that will convert the voltage to US specs. It's about the size of a shoe box, but vary in size based on number of outputs. You may want to stop by a local US military installation (PX - Post Exchange) or military thrift store for a used one. Considering that there have literally been hundreds of thousands of service members and their families stationed in Germany for the last fifty years you should be able to come across one pretty cheap. Viel Spass ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

Dan, You could be right about digital tapes. I was thinking analog tapes rather than digital when I made that comment. Quite honestly, I don't know. However, something tells me that repeat usage of HD-VHS tapes will eventually degrade the picture. What that degredation would look like I haven't a clue. Pixelation of image perhaps? I guess I'll have to do my homework to find an answer. Thanks for the azimuth check ... ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

quote: "A Tab is a Tab, but the scroll is a way of life." Bold statement. You sound like a former 75th Ranger. I went through that infernal course with a broken toe and a sprained ankle (jumping into Desert Phase) getting that tab. I agree with your assessment on the three war movies. I have a strong bias towards Black Hawk Down and We Were Soldiers because of my association with many of the actual participants in both battles, but Saving Private Ryan is still king regarding bringing the viewer emotionally into the action. However regarding DVD transfer ... Video: SPR, BHD, WWS Audio: WWS, SPR, BHD (all were excellent) ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

The High-Def VHS has been on the market about six or so months. From my perspective, it's a intermediate solution until HD-DVD arrives. Even though prices will undoubtably drop from its $1300 price tag, still I think most folks are not going to pay such a steep cost for a VCR. VCR tapes simply have too many disadvantages for it to gain widespread acceptance with consumers AGAIN. Specifically: 1) VCRS tapes are bulky, 2) quality of tapes degrades with repeat viewing, 3) limited selection of titles, 4) Rewind/FF versus chapter skip w/DVD, 5) Expensive I am not sure of the JVS model, but the Mitsubishi VHS version (when integrated with their NetCommand(?)) has the ability of recording (time-shift) Hi-Def programing for later or archival viewing (i.e PGA Masters). This ability to time-shift HD OTA programing would be the only advantage for me to even consider going back to VHS. ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

Just saw We Were Soldiers and Pulp Fiction: Collector's Edition this evening on DVD. Outstanding presentations in both video and audio quality. The new version of Pulp Fiction is leaps and bounds much better than its previous non-anomorphic predecessor. It also has DTS sound. We Were Soldiers does not have DTS, but is in DD Surround EX. Very impressive. This movie will definitely give your sub(s) an excellent workout. If you have children, a tempermental wife and/or girlfriend hee hee or neighbors in the immediate vicinity then I recommend having the volume control close by. Otherwise, put on the flak vest, low crawl to the couch and hunker down for the inevitable sonic barrage. ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

quote: I have some left over Acoustis Research Performance Series 16 gauge wire, is that ok to use, or should I go get some 12 gauge Monster Cable XP wire or something? I am not some speaker wire guru, but 16 gauge should be adequate. However, I think it is safe to say that most folks would recommend the 12 gauge. I also would think 12 gauge would be better because of the typically longer wire lengths required for surround speakers. As far as recommending Monster XP or some other esoteric brand of wire, I personally use for my home setup 12 gauge speaker wire I bought from Home Depot. I originally had the Monster XP 16, but replaced it with the previously mentioned wire. You can get a 250 ft spool of wire (12 gauge) for about the same price (~$65) as a 150 ft spool of 16 gauge Monster XP. It may not be as fancy, but the sound performance is just as good (if not better). ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

Yes, it is frustrating isnt it? IMO the entertainment industry (MPAA/RIAA) and their supporters have done more to thwart and harm the progression of digital technology than any other protagonist out there. These knuckleheads have thrown so many roadblocks in front of the consumer electronics manufacturers that we are arguably years behind the power curve where technology could have/should have been. This is sad, because they are the very ones that have so much to profit by this new technology. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. The entertainment community, for over a century, has raised the red flag and proclaimed the sky is falling every time something new came to market. Case in point; many of us are well aware of how much negative impact the VCR was going to create with Hollywood dollar bottom lines, but in fact quite the opposite happened. Enormous profits have accumulated by movies long after their theatrical run. Movies that were sleepers at the box office now became over night successes with rental and consumer purchases. So much for the sky falling. So why the paranoia and shortsightedness? Obviously content protection is a factor, but my feeling is that its more about control than the protection of intellectual property. With the relatively new arrival of digital technology into mainstream consumers homes, the entertainment industry is trying to position itself with substantially more control over how, where, and when we as consumers use our electronic devices, whether DVDs, HD-DVDs, VCRs, CD/SACD/DVD-Audio and even computers. Like those consumers with DVD-Audio and SACDs, these controls are already painfully evident by the lack of digital connects and inclusion of multiple analog cables which bypass basic receiver processing functions (specifically bass management). Personally, I conceptually support any industries right to protect their property, intellectual or otherwise, from theft, however what I have a problem with is the manner in how they are going about it. Somewhere the movie/recording studios have lost sight in who/what drives the market. Instead of the industry needing the consumers for their economic livelihood, quite the contrary, these arrogant schmucks are convinced that the consumers needs them more than they needing us. To substantiate their arrogant beliefs these unscrupulous individuals/industries resort to threats and coercion toward consumer electronic manufacturers and Congressional legislation to forcefully steer consumer demand in the direction of their choosing. To get back on point regarding HD-DVDs, Fall 2003 may very well be the timeline for the first generation players, but I dont think it will become economically viable to the average consumer until around 2006. From what Ive read blue-ray technology is expensive and will take time for companies to retool existing DVD production methods. Not to mention, as I have previously discussed, it may take some time for all parties involved to come to a consensus on a standard acceptable to all. Until that time, it will be a product reserved exclusively for a very select and niche community. However, hope is eternal. You never know, the entertainment/studio execs may come down off their high horse and realize the sky will not fall. Ummm probably not. ------------------ Ranger "honesta mors turpi vita potior" Mitsubishi WS65819 Denon AVR 4802 Denon DVD-1600 Denon DCM-370 Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Klipsch RF3II (Mains) Klipsch RC3II (Center) Klipsch RS3II (Surround) SVS 20-39 PCi (Sub) ProntoPro TSU6000

Moon, Be careful with the Denons. The 2800/2800 MkII, 3800 and 9000 DVD players have what is commonly referred to as the chroma bug (Chroma Upsampling Error). Now Ive read reports that they (Denon) have cracked the code and gotten this bug fixed, either via Firmware fix or newer components for those players that havent left the factory, but IMO before I shell any money in excess of $500 2500 I would want to ensure that the player I bought has the newer fixes implemented. Other website forums address this is much more detail, but I felt you need to be aware. I love the Denons. With the exception of the bug, they make excellent players. However, I chose to go down the middle of the road and bought the Denon 1600. This particular player has the excellent video performance of the Panasonics (Sage/Fourqua chip no chroma bug) with the outstanding audio quality that Denons specialize in. I feel this is an excellent interim player until the HD-DVD players come out in the next two to five years. ------------------ "honesta mors turpi vita potior"

"Would spending the extra money on a Klipsch RSW sub be worth it compared to an SVS sub?" IMO No it would not be worth it. Several people have already suggested the SVS and I strongly concur with their recommendations. I own the 20-39 PCi and couldn't be happier. Like you, I have the Reference III Center, Mains, and Surrounds and the SVS complements them perfectly. I really believe you get more bang for the buck with these monsters not to mention the quality of the LFE is excellent. Let's look at it in terms of cost. RSW 10 - $1000 MSRP RSW 12 - $1400 MSRP SVS 20-39 PCi - $549 SVS 16-46 PCi - $599 SVS 20-39 PC-Plus - $749 SVS 16-46 PC-Plus - $799 SVS Single CS Ultra Package - $1249 Other factors: * Low overhead (internet direct sales) * Summer sale * 45 day trial period * Excellent customer service (often dealing with Tom and Ron directly should have questions/concerns) Trust us, you won't go wrong with these puppies. ------------------ "honesta mors turpi vita potior"

The old saying "let the buyer beware" applies to this company. They may be a reputable company, but I question some of their business practices. In my case, about four months ago I had placed an order for a CD player that was listed as being "in stock". About two days after placing the order I got an email reply stating that they were currently out of stock but was expecting a new shipment within the week. I cancelled the order and went with a B/M instead. However, about two days later, I noticed they had nevertheless charged me for a CD player of an order that was promptly cancelled for an item that was out of stock and hence never shipped. Perhaps it might have been an oversight and an innocent mistake on their part, but then again? Other reputable companies like SVS do not charge the customer until the order has been shipped. However, I will say that Reliable did credit the money back into the bank once it was brought to their attention. ------------------ "honesta mors turpi vita potior" This message has been edited by RangerSix on 08-04-2002 at 01:50 AM

"I'll end up buying a sub and amp next more than likely. By the way, I need to replace my cd player. I've heard that the Denon 370 has great sound, but a lot of people end up having problems with it. Are there any decent cd players around $300?" NYRAGE I would suggest that you go with a sub next. With the high efficiency of the RF3IIs coupled with the Denon 3802, there will be more than enough power to run those puppies. An amplifier IMO is a "nice to have" component and since your budget, at this point, is a bit tight, your money would be better spent into a nice sub instead. The sonic differences gained by an amp would be marginal in most cases. In regards to the 370 CD player, I have owned the 370 for about four months and have been totally pleased with its performance. I too have read problems others have experienced with the player, but as of yet have no complaints thus far. I recommend that you go through a local retailer if you decide to purchase this particular model. I picked one up for $235. You can find cheaper prices online, but the additional few dollars I spent at a B/M gives me the satisfaction that my warranty will be honored in the event I do run into problems. ------------------ "honesta mors turpi vita potior"

Matt0013, I have the Reference 3IIs (RF3II, RC3II, RS3II). You might want to consider SVS. I bought a 20-39 PCi from them about a month ago. Couldn't be happier with my purchase. Additionally, this company just started a summer sale. These subs are worth every penny in the price-versus-performance category. Even more so now with the summer markdown in prices. I'm not sure how many or what type of sub(s) you would need, but I am sure a few folks on this forum can help you out in that department. With that, it might be helpful to know what your dimensions are in this basement. Also, where is your focus placed - music or movies. It will help others gauge your requirements. Ranger ------------------ "honesta mors turpi vita potior"