so how do i collect my winnings?
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so how do i collect my winnings?
That's easy. First you have to be dressed for the occasion. Strip down to your underwear, then go and put that ski hat with the bobble on that is hiding in the back of the closet, then go and put on a pair of oven mits. Next run out into the middle of the road, close your eyes and spread your arms wide.Quote:
Originally Posted by xtraz
Your prize will be along shortly.......
First off, I've got a full set of Polk Monitors (which I got from Newegg- a REALLY good place to get deals on them) an like them quite a bit. If the ones you found are in good shape, $125 is a nice deal (still try for less, though :sly: ). http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290208Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz
That said, you will probably end up throwing out what you've got if you went this route. From what I can see of the speaker system/surround system https://docs.sony.com/release/SAVA15.PDF , the power and processing is in the mains, and the small satellites (those might be usable as long as they have a standard speaker connection AND they do not get overpowered by a new amp) attach out of the mains. However, a fully matched system will provide a much more continuous effect than underpowered, mismatched surrounds.
Ultimately, you would be starting a home theater system from scratch. I'd happily recommend a mid- to upper- level Onkyo receiver (I have two) for this purpose. Cheaper receivers are usually not overly satisfying long-term, and with the number of devices that can be connected if the unit has enough digital and analog inputs (optical is good sometimes, too) it can save trouble down the road, perhaps getting 10 years out of the receiver vs 5 before an upgrade is "needed".
I'd consider watching Newegg and purchase the rest of the needed Monitor line as they come on sale. I'd expect over the next 3 months they will cycle through various options of center, surrounds, etc. sometimes they will offer cherry on time then black the next. The will eventually offer what you need, though. Even if you started with a good deal on those 70's (I have 60's in my living room), then purchased the others at Newegg's regular prices, you'd still be doing pretty good price-wise. Just be aware that they do offer very frequent discounts on those. Don't forget, you will likely be inclined to add a subwoofer to your new theater.
As for what you've got, you could probably find some sort of digital-to-analog converter to the speakers system you've got, but it would probably just end up being tossed later when you did decide to upgrade your home theater. Finding a Blu-ray player with the outputs you need should not be that difficult, or expensive. Going out from digital, converting to 2-channel analog, then having your current stereo separate that back out to your speakers probably would not be ideal, anyway.
Let me know what your expected budget would be if you decided to go the direction of the new home theater. I can be more specific in helping you out then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snee
I bought this Blu-Ray player. You can see the audio connector in the pic below. The specs call it "digital coaxial audio output" (:idunno:) There are adapters you can buy called a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) but they're bricks and also need external power. It's a cheap solution but somehow that just seems like a bit much to stay in the analog age. I figured if could pick up a decent alternative/upgrade, I'd just go ahead and do that instead.
Spoiler: Show
That looks like it fits an RCA connector.
Looks exactly like the one on the back of my parents' new TV. The TV manual said digital audio out, rca, iirc. The sound bar manual said SPDIF in. Used some random RCA old cable between them at first, before I got them a proper coaxial spdif super duper hifi cable.
edit: Buying new stuff sounds cool, though, and Onkyo, as suggested above, makes really good stuff.
In my current speaker system I used the satellite speaker years ago but these days all I use are the two mains. I don't really need or even want anything else for now. I also like having no receiver and an all internal system. It's so simple I don't know why it isn't more popular.Quote:
Originally Posted by megabyteme
If I got the Polk m70's, that would be it. I'd just listen to stuffs out of those two without any additional speakers.
And back to receivers, I wouldn't need much. The only two things I'd need to plug in right now are:
Blu-Ray player
HTPC which runs it's audio with a 3.5mm cable
TV (various audio options there)
I think it would fit an RCA but not sure it would produce any sound.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snee
Best Buy has this thing. Says "Enhance your surround sound experience with this coaxial audio cable that sends digital signals through digital (SPDIF)...." What, so now the toslink plugs/cables aren't good enough? :wacko:
But again, I'd need the DAC.
Really trying to avoid buying new stuff. Already this year I've bought a new GoPro, new PC, new Blu-Ray player amongst other items. If I can find a cheap Craigslist receiver, I might go ahead and grab that and the speakers, but I really don't want to spend much this issue.
Looking at prices for receivers on Craigslist, I think the DAC is the way to go. $600 for used speakers and receiver vs $20 adapter. :mellow:
I have to put my hand up for Onkyo as well, and I just recently upgraded too, to the TX-NR828 receiver and it is stunning, my SR607 was good, the NR828 makes it look like a very poor cousin, and there is even an IOS/Android app for controlling the NR (Network Receiver) range of Onkyo receivers, and I personally love being able to play digital content from my phone directly via DLNA using the app.
But back to Skiz.... you keep on asking about the coax digital connector when there is an HDMI connector glaring you in the face? a coax spdif connection is a poor cousin to a modern HDMI 1.4 connection. A modern receiver (another plug for Onkyo) with decent HDMI switching is going to be far superior to a SPDIF connection, and even base models give a surprising amount of functionality including internet radio integration through services like spotify and tune-in.
Probably wouldn't. Thing is though, just to be clear, RCA is a standard of connector that is used for a bunch of stuff. My intial gripe was that you seemed to use RCA as a stand-in for analog, while you can run a variety of signals through cables with RCA connectors. Such cables can also be coaxial, or not.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz
Also, wrt toslink/optical plugs, I always thought optical would have less noise and just be better, but some people seem to swear by coaxial/copper. Not quite sure if the interface is supposed to have an impact on fidelity, or what. I find audiophiles confusing.
The HDMI has to go to the TV tho.Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis
I just learned a bunch with all that info but, I'm going adapter shopping.
The new system and speakers sounds nice and I'd prob enjoy it, but the price/trade off just isn't there for me. If I'd known this was going to be an issue at all, I'd prob have just gone with a 'home theater in a box'. :pinch:
One thing wrt adapters: Make sure whatever you get handles DTS/Surround properly. I was shopping for one (toslink -> rca spdif) for the parents before I realised that they also had the same plugs on both units, and when I did, I found that a couple of the cheapest, most commonly available adapters had major issues with anything but stereo. So, uh, check reviews, or something.
Ultimately, it sounds like skiz has decided to skip the receiver/ht for now.
Using his integrated stereo/main speakers unit without concern for surround sound, he can:
1. Use hdmi to the television and come out of the television via rca to his stereo/speakers. That would probably require (for consistency) connecting all of his equipment to the inputs on the television.
or
2. Use a digital to analog converter. Make sure it does coaxial digital in; rca (again, coax stereo R/L) out. This should be just fine considering you do not need surround sound. DO NOT worry about getting any kind of "special" digital coax. Any rca stereo cable is perfectly fine. Even the ones that come with vcrs, etc.
or
3. What about a possible hdmi input or coax on the back of your htpc? Do you have one? Is this a set-up you'd want (would require htpc to be on any time you would use Blu-ray)? Check for a digital input before buying a cable, of course. There are also hdmi switches which would work as an active-on input to your htpc. I've got this one, and like it (used for a set-up prior to purchasing new receiver).
or
4. Just get a blu-ray player that has the outputs you need.
or
5. Return Blu-ray player, and buy an internal one for your htpc.
Some of these units can offer quite a bit of bang-for-the-buck. Just make sure it will offer the ability to grow with you a bit. Otherwise, you'll end up back in this same boat...Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz
Exactly what I'd recommend. Sweeeeet unit. Congrats, you won't regret it for a moment. :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis
I might just go that route and return my current unit. I'm currently shopping for something on Newegg just based on reviews. Open to suggestions... Needs t include a Blu-Ray player and be under about $250.Quote:
Originally Posted by megabyteme
I'm only going to be living out of state for a few years and then I'll be moving back to my house in Texas, so I don't really mind if I just have something ample in the meantime; not worried about growing with it.
Meh. There's a bunch of junk out there it seems.
Modern receivers have multiple HDMI inputs i.e. the Onkyo TX NR828 has 8 HDMI 1.4 inputs and two simultaneous outputs and it can upscale to 4k. The two outputs are so you can have both a TV and if you are a total addict a projector as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by SkizThe HDMI has to go to the TV tho.Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis
With HDMI 1.4 there is far more digital information being processed, and a modern receiver is going to process that information far more accurately, the TV in effect just becomes the monitor output, but then a receiver has far more processing ability than your TV could ever hope to have.
At $250, you are asking for a bit too much, but this is quite popular on Amazon. Keep the player you have, and add it. For the money, I believe you will be pleased. In a small-ish room, there is no reason it should not be enjoyable with your HTPC, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3500.../ref=pd_cp_e_3
The next step up would be the full-out theater I was describing earlier. You'd be around $1700 all said and done. Proportionally, this offers good bang-for-the-buck. You'd be very likely to sell the small system on CraigsList for 1/2 to 2/3 what you spent when you decided to step up. Let's say $125 for 2+ years of use...
Here's a thought. Whenever some nzb crackwhore makes a thread that's nothing but a list of one word replies by window lickers, move the fucker to the word game section. It's essentially the same anyway.
The trash section is filled with that shit right now.
Not a bad idea. I'll sleep on it. Out of curiosity, would that receiver push those two m70s?Quote:
Originally Posted by megabytemeAt $250, you are asking for a bit too much, but this is quite popular on Amazon. Keep the player you have, and add it. For the money, I believe you will be pleased. In a small-ish room, there is no reason it should not be enjoyable with your HTPC, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3500.../ref=pd_cp_e_3
The next step up would be the full-out theater I was describing earlier. You'd be around $1700 all said and done. Proportionally, this offers good bang-for-the-buck. You'd be very likely to sell the small system on CraigsList for 1/2 to 2/3 what you spent when you decided to step up. Let's say $125 for 2+ years of use...
One of the reviewers on Amazon mentions using a pair of these as his mains. I have little doubt the receiver included in the package would be able to drive the Polks. I can see why you'd be tempted to grab them, as well. The downside to doing that is that you really should add a matching center channel (on sale frequently at Newegg) to go with the mains. This is like the main plane of sound behind the screen at a movie theater- mismatching here is a bigger problem than cheating on the surrounds.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz
However, you then end up invested more than you initially expected:
HTiB- $250
M70's- $125
Center- $120
Now, you have an "incomplete" system based on an entry-level receiver. At the $500 price point, you may have better options to begin with.
The package should be rather nice in a small room. You aren't going to wake the neighbors, nor rattle anyone's teeth with the sub. You will, though, have an enjoyable system that works for your budget, allows you to add new items, and is all fully matched. About the only items to consider are small speaker mounts (somewhat optional).
I'd do that until you are ready to take a bigger plunge, honestly. Sad to miss out on a good deal on those M70's, but they are quite large and you are moving again in the foreseeable future. When you are ready, grab a receiver like Art just purchased, fill your room with Polks, and add a moderately priced sub and you'll be set for 10+ years. Nicely.
Dawgs, I've got a scumbag torrent request, its for some real life serious business - can anyone hook-a-mutha-up with an eBook of "Endometriosis: A Key to Healing And Fertility Through Nutrition"
Fertility, huh?
HMMMMM.
"Let's move in together, it'll save money on paying two separate rents. We can try it for a while..."Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Mulder
Attachment 139771
BTW, isn't endometriosis just another name for, "got nailed sooo many times before I met you that I've got calluses on my uterus"?
Quote:
Originally Posted by megabyteme
So it's more "Endometriosis: A Key to Fertility through frequent and severe spiking? :blink:
This thread is still up ? Well then I win .... right ?
Not while I can still strike a key. :01:Quote:
Originally Posted by peat moss
Yes, it was his spa that caught fire, not his keyboard. Now that would be serious, wouldn't it?Quote:
Originally Posted by megabytemeNot while I can still strike a key. :01:Quote:
Originally Posted by peat moss
FFS... the g/f bought me a new GoPro Hero3+ Black for Xmas and I've gone and lost it on the mountain a month later. Now I have to fork over the monies for a new one since that's less painful than actually telling her I lost it. :dabs:
I'm an egotist and of questionable intelligence and I still think somebody strapping a camera to their head so they can record "life's most meaning experiences" as they hurtle down a hill is taking it a bit far.
Btw if I got one for a present I would lie and say it was the "best gift ever!!!" and that "I can't wait to use it" .
Then I'd run out the door and go just out of sight and smash the fuck out of it with a rock and come back crying crocodile tears about it being broken and pray to God that the warranty didn't cover that.
Where as I, being a pervert of questionable intelligence, would be thrilled if someone bought me this: http://www.bladehelis.com/Products/D...ProdID=BLH7900 so I can record other peoples most meaningful experiences. This little UAV can be programmed for 21 way points on a 2 hour flight, and then download the footage to a router via the onboard AP when it is in range. All in glorious 1080p.
By the way Skiz, we badly need a pussywhipped posting icon added to the gallery. :yup:
it would be less painful to dump her then buy loads of cool shit :smilie4: :smilie4: :smilie4:Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz
They're just fun. We've had too many road trips and hikes where I would have much preferred to have something smaller and more versatile for a certain situation than my bulky 6D. I considered buying a compact, but if I'm going to spend a few hundred bucks I'd much rather have the GoPro. With a protective frame/housing, you really don't have to worry at all about droppage and such.Quote:
Originally Posted by IdolEyes787
We've used burst mode (30 pics in 1 sec) on several occasions with nice results. Toss it in the air and smile. Do that at a nice overlook or sunrise somewhere with a wide angle selected and you end up with great results as you're bound to get some shots with you and the nice background. We also did a good hike in St. Vrain Canyon and used burst mode while tossing it back and forth across the rushing water and got some excellent shots.
I had held out on buying one for a long time but after she bought it and I had some time to play with it, I'm sold. It's a great addition to the camera bag.
So, idle, and any of you other ladies with experience in such matters:
What's your stance on kettlebells? I picked one up to see what they're like, and for working out biceps or something in a controlled fashion, I think they work (almost) as well as dumbells, but I've looked at recommended exercises, and all I can say is holy future back- and rotator cuff problems, batman.
Am I missing something here? Does swinging them around like you mean your windows harm make sense?
Contrary to words or appearances,I'm for anything that makes you happy as long as it doesn't detrimentally effect other stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skiz