So, after much deliberation, I am finally ready to plunge ahead and put together my 1st system (thanks to all of you for your input, especially KBK & AlexO!) At first, I was leaning toward used European solid state integrateds like Creeks and Atolls, then toward Japanese vintage ones... but a last minute serendipitous turn has me going tube amp: Yaqin MC 10L.

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampstube&1202066389

Hi,

I'm a complete newcomer into the audiophile scene, and would like to get a very basic but decent turntable to listen to some records I have. As a college student I can't justify a whole lot of $$ on it, but I've found a Technics SL-1300 that looks to be in good shape (just needs a new stylus) for around $100. All I want to do is listen to some records at home so I'm not even really sure what my needs are exactly. I just want to be able to start using my vinyl soon! Also this has a YM 10VE cartridge. Is this good/bad? Please advise.

The appearance of the Boulder 810/860 review on the main page brought to my attention that Manufacturer Comments are not provided, at least they aren't in this case as I'm aware there was a rather strongly worded comment from the Manufacturer.

Is this (omission) a policy, and if so why?

Personally I'd like to see the Manufacturer comments posted with the full review.

I purchased an oppo 970HD universal player to play DVD's with my new 42" LCD HDTV. Wow! What a great DVD player. And after reading a review a couple of months ago in Stereophile about it's sonic capabilities I was hoping to condense my system and have it double as my cd player as well. WRONG!!

I do not profess to be an audiophile but it was immediately appearant my 14 year old Denon carousel changer sounds better. I even double checked everything including setting up the oppo via the graphic interface on the television.

My HT/audio gear if fairly common. Yet the room I am working with might be rather unusual in regard to the application of audio. I really have no understanding of room treatments or what they look like. I included a drawing of my current setup as relates to factors that should be important to room dynamics and the possible application of room treatments. If you have time, take a look, and tell me what might help.

Have a Linn Kairn pre-amp - using it in a triamp system w/ electronic X-over, Bozak Concert Grands - problem is the Linn does not have a switched power jack, so I have to turn on/off several components to start (or stop) the system - any suggestions for a solution?

Have a Linn Kairn pre-amp - using it in a triamp system w/ electronic X-over, Bozak Concert Grands - problem is the Linn does not have a switched power jack, so I have to turn on/off several components to start (or stop) the system - any suggestions for a solution?

My Rotel-1072 CD player will ready to be picked up in a day or two. Its my first player to be considered of audiofile quality. As I prepare my brain for it, I still have some foggy areas. The player will be connected to an AVR for now, this AVR is a capable piece, although not high end. Here are some questions.

and found them useless, getting up on your nerves, boring you stiff??

Well, before selling them on Audiogon at a 50% loss, like for the turntable you have been staring at for months, try them in your stereo system. CD needs help with the bass. DVD doesn't need any help, assuming you have full range speakers in your home theater; DVD bass is always exagerated and over the top.