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  1. Mike Matheson

    $5,000 budget

    You might consider the Rocket 550's instead of the 750's. For HT use, some folks prefer their sound (seems to blend more seemlessly with the center speakers). There are postings on such either here or at AVS, if you feel like digging. . . Either way, looks like you're in for a heck of a...
  2. Mike Matheson

    New home theater suggestions

    Hi Kevin, After deciding which is more important to you (audio vs. video), it'd also help if you let us know which sources you're wanting to include in your system (DVDP, CDP, Sat, Cable, HD sources, SACD, DVD-A, etc.), if there are constraints in terms of looks and/or placement and mounting...
  3. Mike Matheson

    Sony Direct View vs Plasma

    Jeff, How much will your father be watching actual 16x9 material?
  4. Mike Matheson

    In-ceiling speaker suggestions needed

    A friend of mine is in the midst of having his house remodeled. His living room / HT room will be about 16' long by 13' wide with 8' ceilings. Windows wrap around two sides of the room. At one end of the room will be a built-in cabinet area with a video display, electronics, the front speakers...
  5. Mike Matheson

    Best 50" Plasma display under $6000

    At the $6K price point, you're probably best looking at the Pioneer 503CMX (the Fuji will be a couple $K more)
  6. Mike Matheson

    ISF's and Other experts: why is the mits so grainy?

    I was just working on a friend's HT system. He's got a Mits 65" Diamond RPTV and a Sony progressive scan DVD player. The image was terrible. The video signal was going from the DVD player to his receiver, then to the RPTV. Using el-cheapo S-vid cables. (the installers were connected with or...
  7. Mike Matheson

    Who has Magneplaner Speakers?

    I'm using 1.6QR's up front and MG-12's in the rear. Krell KAV amps. Theta Digital CB II processor. Went through a variety of processors and amps (more and more $$ each time. . . :frowning: ) before the maggie's really came across to me as not only "singing" but also rendering dynamics well...
  8. Mike Matheson

    Best System ? $5,000

    Hi Boris, Following on the heels of Scott's question, what are the other factors here? - room size? - any considerations in terms of placement? - you've budgeted for a sub, correct? (important for the room "vibrating") - what sources/processor/amplification are you using? - what...
  9. Mike Matheson

    Is there really difference in cd player sound?

    I've heard big differences when using a CDP's analog outputs into a high-quality 2 chn system. Subtle differences (to me) are more common when using the digital output from a CDP.
  10. Mike Matheson

    RPTV's, DLP, and Plasma flat panel

    Hi Bill, It can be tough to see a well-setup plasma. When something like the current Fujitsu 50" is calibrated, the blacks are handled pretty well--and the image as a whole is spellbinding. Doesn't negate the $4K+ factor though. When you do finally find a DLP TV, realize a couple points...
  11. Mike Matheson

    Component Rack

    Dug up some of the archived threads: Flexy Racks. Can we recreate the thread? DIY Flexy Rack: A Report & Procedure.(w/pics)
  12. Mike Matheson

    Component Rack

    If you haven't, try searching the forum for "flexy" or "flexi"--lots of ideas on a flexy rack. Probably something in the archive as well. You might need to run to several Home Depots before finding enough straight, clean all-thread rods. I used hose gaskets instead of neoprene washers for...
  13. Mike Matheson

    Please help me pick a projector

    Some basic Q's: - what's your budget or preferred price range? does this include the screen cost? - what size image do you desire? - what will the throw distance be? - what degree of control do you have in this room over ambient light? - you mention the unit will be mostly for...
  14. Mike Matheson

    B4-Plus finally arrived!! Very cool

    Adam, Are you using the box speakers the Rocket bookshelf speakers sitting on simply as stands or are they also wired? Congrats on your system--looks outstanding. Must be fun. :)
  15. Mike Matheson

    Help! Affordable power cord needed

    Inexpensive (like $8) powercord here: Volex Recommended by Jon Risch. Virtual Dynamics has a pretty cord for about $80:Power Series Power Three Link Removed offers their Clarity C-10 (10 gauge) cord for a list of $69. You can maybe do better than this by contacting "Underwoodwally" at...
  16. Mike Matheson

    Digital Cable Box --> Digital Coax output

    I setup two different inputs on my processor, one with audio from the digital coax out on the digital cable box, the other using the analog output. Both inputs are configured to use the same S-vid jack on the rear of my processor (from the dig cable box). Not elegant, but I can easily jump...
  17. Mike Matheson

    Great deal on Monster Cable- too good to be true?

    Tom, I second ChrissM's suggestion. . . Save your cash and go with Sound King.
  18. Mike Matheson

    HT Projector Basic Questions?

    Adam, Also spend some time going through back posts here at HTF (lots of folks have been in your position and posted questions).
  19. Mike Matheson

    Digital Coax Cables

    George, What the heck are you asking? I don't understand your question. Are you trying to compare analog audio against component video against digital cable? That would sort of be like comparing a BMW M3 against Dole bananas against current mortgage rates. . .
  20. Mike Matheson

    What projector should I buy ?

    Arno, I'd concentrate on selecting between the InFocus X1, Sanyo Z1, Sony HS10, or Panny 300. There are pluses and minuses to all of them. Lots of info available here at HTF, at www.projectorcentral.com, and at the other websites mentioned. Don't forget to consider the screen as well (that...
  21. Mike Matheson

    Plasma 'burnout'?

    While there are particular advantages and disadvantages to the plasma technology, the idea of a "two or three year" life expectancy is a best a misstatement of some potentially related truths. Plasmas are sensitive to "burn-in"--just like CRT-based RPTVs. You can see the effects of burn-in...
  22. Mike Matheson

    New or Used Plasma?

    Mike, Plasma TVs are particularly tricky to buy used because of the possibility of screen burn-in. Definitely NEVER buy a used plasma site unseen. . .
  23. Mike Matheson

    Plasma prices

    A Pioneer 503CMX can currently be picked up for around $6K. This is already less than some of the pricier RPTV's (Toshiba LCOS, for example).
  24. Mike Matheson

    Wanna keep a newbie from buying Bose?

    Hi Marissa, Here are some past threads at HTF that might give you some ideas: If not Bose, than what????? http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=113108 Is there any competition to bose AC 15? http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=117229 OK, not Bose -- tell me...
  25. Mike Matheson

    Accoustic Research or Monster Cables?

    Beau, How about some more info. Besides which actual wires/models, what you'll be connecting, etc. Component and Svid won't be that different for a 20" TV. Could be a big difference (depending upon quality of cables, etc.) on a FPTV. Thus why posting some info would help us help you.
  26. Mike Matheson

    Projection vs CRT

    John, I believe that to pull up the CR report at the website you may need to cough up some money, just FYI. Also, read their electronics reviews with a grain of salt. They aren't looking at sets from the perspective of most of the folks on these forums--but rather Joe-Schmoe consumer...
  27. Mike Matheson

    Equipment recommendations for a 'from scratch' setup

    Hi Chris, Some specifics you might explore (not necessarily the best options, but certainly good ones, and they'll extend Greg's thoughts a little further): Sub: SVS PC or PC+ series (25-31 or 20-39); HSU VTF-2 or VTF-3 (www.svsubwoofers.com ; www.hsuresearch.com ) Speakers: a Rocket...
  28. Mike Matheson

    Two Component Video cable Questions

    Dale, As you'll see in a variety of other posts here at HTF discussing component cables, there are a number of online cable makers (and retailers) who offer component cables reasonably inexpensively and using high-quality components. www.bluejeanscable.com www.markertek.com...
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