Recent content by Michael Hartwig

In regards to buying something abroad, I've had some experience with this in an Outlaw reciever purchase (great sounding reciever). After I got over all the added costs to get it to me from the US to Canada, I had the unfortunate costs to have warranty repair. Shipping one way and again border...

I had the same problem. What I came up with and worked quite well was flat black latex water based paint. I thinned it down with water (experiment on scrap wood to get the right consistency). The results were very good on oak. The grain was still very visable. I think I used tung (pseudo tung...

I built the following using the CSS FR125S and the MiniOnken design posted on their site. I really like their sound. But I think a subwoofer is required to get the bottom end. I use a Tempest that you see in the background. I have a complete 5 speaker system using these. The center and rear...

The woods used are Red Oak on the body cabinets (3/4 MDF with 1/4" oak veneered plywood) and the stands and trim (for the 45 deg. chamfer) are from solid mahogany. I like working with mahogany. Shapes very well. I use it quite a bit in my furniture builds.

For all you diy'ers out there. To me, the beauty of the diy route is you have a lot of control. So let the ideas flow. I made these for my brother-in-law. He wants to finish them. I usually like to do that process myself, it can make or break the final look. He's pretty competent guy so I feel...

Those are certainly outstanding!!! I myself have done some radical designs. I think the beauty of DIY is the ability to allow your imagination to be created. I also build a lot of furniture for friends and family. The advantage of being retired early.

Have a look at full range speakers. I just finished a set of three (2 mains and a center). Integrated with my 15" Tempest sub I think they sound really good. There is no need to design crossovers. This a good site if you're interested in the full range route...

Those are certainly a labour of love. Now coupled with your other speaker creations you could have an astounding look to a dedicated listening room. Just speakers, chair, some green plants; all other equipment not visiable. great work!

From my understanding the Pioneer DV-285 is the same as the DV-588 in the video aspect. It only lacks SACD/DVD-A support. I just bought it and am using it with the Optoma 27. The picture seems to be very nice. I'm comparing it to the Panasonic S-77 (3X the cost). I really can't see that much...

I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss your idea. I think you may be surprised on the sound you could get. If they are 4ohms, I'd try using both of them wired in series for a 8 ohm final. If you're thinking of using the center channel in 5.1 surround sound music like SACD, DVD-A etc. then this may...

I used to have a turntable suspended from the ceiling via a shelf hung by a brass chain. There are floating shelf systems that can hold a lot of weight. The problem I see with the number of components you have, is the nightmare of ugly wires hanging down. Some things are just not practical...

Try Solen.ca. Canadian outlet.

I've had great success with Benjamin Moore's Impervo enamel. I brush and finish roll with a sponge roller (using a very light touch). I sand in between coats to flatten the paint. If you do about 6 coats or more, you end up with a pretty smooth and sexy feeling finish. The only problems are the...

The thing I would check out is the vibration of the tempest effecting the tv electronics. The DLP colour wheel maybe effected by the excessive bass vibrations. Something to checkout before you commit to this plan.

If you listen to 5.1 channel music; like SACD or DVD-A you'll appreciate having all the speakers the same.