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It depends on the piece of equipment. Recently purchased a McIntosh MX-132, I am still reading its manual! I have most of it figured out, but there are questions where I still find myself refering to the manual. Now, the manual that came with the Rega Turntable is about the equivialant of 3/4 page. Yes, I read it, I knew there would not be a movie. The Linn Ikemi CD player's manual is one you have to read, if you ever want to proram it. The McIntosh amps, what's to read? Somebody took the time and effort to write about 20 pages, but I winged it. Yeah, I guess I read most of 'em. It's part of the excitment of the new equipment wxperience. I do enjoy the Japenese translations but haven't been buying much out of Japan lately.

manuals rule

It all depends on the type of equipment and how logical it works the first time I use it. You know how it is with some remotes and the labling.

What manual? Much of my stuff is custom built minimalistic gear. I cringe when I see the 100+ page manuals that come with those surround-sound receivers and programmable remotes.

manuals are shit

Aloways, but not always before I use the new equipment. In most cases I read it, when the new amp. or what ever it is is running.

Ummmm. Hey, they put those things in the box for a reason. Even if it is a "well-duhh" item. RTFM! You might gain an extra tweak idea for your system.

Manuals come in handy for those little hidden settings and for back-panel layout for when you can't see the back panel easily.

Grown men don't need that!

Da!

Like lots of people only when I got problems !

IF YOU TRY TO USE YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT W/O READING THE MANUAL FIRST YOU'LL NEVER USE IT TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL

I buy a lot of stuff used, so there isn't any manual. Amps, pre-amps, and speakers are pretty easy to figure out, but my new HK CDR30 CDRW machine would probably still be cranking out coasters without a (really complex) manual.

Aren't owner's manuals only used for re-sale? I do read owner's manuals for new equipment, but it really depends on how well the manuals are written, or, in some cases, translated.

Just looking for truth in all the wrong places.

I usully read enough of the manual to operate the equipment.

My answer was "always," though I'm often not sure why I waste my time. It seems that the more I pay for equipment, the more rudimentary and useless the manual that comes with it. Mass consumer level products come with books, but most of my present gear came with single sheets or small pamphlets. Not "small" named manufacturers, either.

It is a good idea even if you think you know what you are doing.

Specially with complicated AV gear, I feel I have to read the manual to make sure I know about all the features.

I rarely consult the malual because its rarely needed. But when the item of purchase has only one button one has no choise.

Sounds like a remedial reading course might be in order, John.

Buying a piece of equipment and not reading the manual is like going to a new restaurant and not reading the menu. There are some basic things that you can expect to be pretty consistant from one to the next, but how do you know about any unique or unusual offerings if you don't read the manual?

I buy lots of tube gear so reading the manual is almost a necessity.

Yes! I want to know everything about the Product I have just purchased.

The only manuals I ever refer to are those for home theater receivers or preamp/processors. I am convinced the people writing them are the same people who write your company's IT manuals.

i think it's always a good idea to scan through the manual. You never know what you may discover about your new piece of equipment.

Most of the time. It depends on what product it is. Things that might be tricky-I always read the manual first. A CD player, listen while reading the manual.

If you will take the time to read it you might find your equipment does some things that you never knew it would do.

I always set up first according to any suggestions by the manufacturer. Then I tweak.

To not read a manufacturer's manual before using a new component is the height of ignorance.