Moved this question here from the Entry thread... you'll still think me an idiot for asking this, but: What the heck does a step-up transformer do? Why use the step-up trannie in addition to phono stage? Can somebody explain to me what might be the optimal situation in which step-up transformer is used? I'm trying to tread through the dark waters of vinyl (Got my Fremer DVD in the mail, hooray!) and it's fun & confusing at the same time.

So, if you don't have a phono stage already, you can't use step-up transformers at all, right?

I am looking for a quality FM tuner in the $1,000 or less price range. Having HD & satellite radio capabilities are important since I live in an area with limited FM stations. I am amenable to either SS or tubes. Which brands/models would be on your short list? Thank you kindly.

Right lads, 568.1 from ebay will be here very soon ! i am relegating the 596 and primare A30.2 to a second system and have a question for you.

I will only ever be using it for CD playback purposes, so where should the D/A conversation take place:

option 1: d/a in 596 and then use 2XRCA (nordost red dawn) to drive 568 and then two ecosse the director balanced XLRs feeding the A30.2... is this uncesessary complicated? we have an unbalanced > balanced signal path and this might add noise.

OK- this is a little related to AlexO's post about the Hydra 8, but mostly just about how weird electricity can be, and how difficult it is to ever completely isolate your audio system from the rest of your house. This a longish post but I think will be instructive if you stay with me.

I have a onkyo 805 and mainly
used for music cds and dvds.
At this time i have a set
of polk RTi8.
Not very happy with them.
Looking to spend about $500.00
for a new pair of speakers
but have no idea on what to
buy.
Mainly listen to rock and heavy metal.
Help!