Search found 332 matches

by harland
Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any audiophiles on this forum?
Replies: 321
Views: 40866

Re: Any audiophiles on this forum?

I would get the WiiM Amp ($300). If you can stretch your budget and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'd pair it with the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 V2 ($999). Unfortunately, this means that a sub is out of the picture but my suggestion is to save up for an SVS SB-1000 Pro. The WiiM Amp lets you connect to your TV either through HDMI audio return channel (ARC) or optical digital. You can control it remotely through a phone app. It also functions as a streamer. Judging by the Sierra-1's measurements, it should give you excellent results. Plus the company seems committed to offering upgrades to existing models. I search for used audio gear on HifiShark and use the filters to limit the results to North America. It indexes classifie...
by harland
Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any audiophiles on this forum?
Replies: 321
Views: 40866

Re: Any audiophiles on this forum?

HawkeyePierce wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2024 5:22 pm I love Ascend speakers. I currently have a 3.1 setup, all three speakers are Ascend Sierra 1's.
By the way - I just found out you can upgrade your speakers. See https://ascendacoustics.com/collections ... 3649145910
by harland
Mon Jan 15, 2024 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any audiophiles on this forum?
Replies: 321
Views: 40866

Re: Any audiophiles on this forum?

I currently use a pair of Cambridge Model Six speakers and they're fine, but they seem a bit undersized for the Mac amp — but it's been a long time since I gave audio equipment much thought, so I'm kind of a noob (or at least relearning this stuff). One key bit of info is that I don't really have a space that's great for a big "altar to hifi" setup. Something small is probably best for now. TIA for any suggestions! I'd consider the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX ($1548 / pair, https://ascendacoustics.com/collections/sierra-series/products/sierra-lx-pair?variant=40080757260342 ) or Sierra-1 V2 ($998 / pair, https://ascendacoustics.com/collections/sierra-series/products/sierra-1-v2-pair?variant=41419225038902 ). Both are two-way monito...
by harland
Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 9927

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

Outer Marker wrote: Sun Dec 17, 2023 9:32 am I need to be able to wash a King comfortor semi regularly as we have bad dogs.
Yeah - the Miele will most likely be too small for that.
by harland
Sun Dec 17, 2023 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 9927

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

Does that model have the automatic detergent and softner dispenser feature? It looks like you have to move up to the WKEX300HBA for that feature, which includes a slightly larger tub as well. I really like the idea of not having to measure and pour supplies for every load. If you want your laundry machines to last longer, use fabric softener sparingly or not at all. https://www.bhg.com/is-fabric-softener-bad-for-washing-machines-7110153 Using too much detergent will also lead to similar problems. Automatic dispensing should help with some of these issues, so I think you're on track by looking at units with that feature. We have a Miele washer and dryer. They're stackable but as you mentioned, the controls are inconveniently placed if you'r...
by harland
Sat Dec 09, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for a strange Macbook/mouse issue?
Replies: 22
Views: 1903

Re: Suggestions for a strange Macbook/mouse issue?

Phew! Excellent suggestion. I thought you were going to be one of *those* people who reverses the scrolling direction. 'Reverse scrolling' used to be the norm when gestures first appeared. Sometime (probably around the time of the iPhone) the default flipped to 'natural'. I always set it to 'reverse' since that's what I'm used to. 'Natural' scrolling has always felt... unnatural. ----- To the OP, seems like this is a common issue - whether using a wired mouse or the built-in trackpad. I've had an M2 MacBook Air for a little over a year now with no issues but only use the trackpad. The only thing i can suggest is to try booting into safe mode and see if the problem persists - https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-saf...
by harland
Thu Nov 02, 2023 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soundproof home gym in new house
Replies: 74
Views: 5950

Re: Soundproof home gym in new house

ScubaHogg wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2023 8:52 pm If I lower at a somewhat reasonable speed my existing platform absorbs the sound off deadlifts from the garage pretty well, which is immediately below our existing master bed

Why do you think the floor (and walls?) will get damaged?
The vibrations from the deadlifts will take their toll on the walls. Eventually the wood will probably sag too.

I've lifted in a gym with a raised floor and I could tell where people were deadlifting because the floor panels were warped and felt spongy to walk on.

Personally, I wouldn't risk it.
by harland
Thu Nov 02, 2023 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soundproof home gym in new house
Replies: 74
Views: 5950

Re: Soundproof home gym in new house

I wouldn't lift heavy weights on the second floor of a house. Damage to the walls and floor from deadlifts is almost a given. Even if you have a platform I wouldn't risk it.

I deadlift in the basement of my townhome and my wife could hear it on the second floor when I was lowering the bar on bare concrete. I've since gotten the Rogue rubber flooring tiles to absorb the shock. My wife says it's better, but by no means silent.

Put it in the garage.
by harland
Sat Aug 05, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help understanding Solar quotes
Replies: 41
Views: 3656

Re: Help understanding Solar quotes

Here's a link to the rules governing net metering in OK - https://oklahoma.gov/occ/divisions/publ ... ering.html

And the relevant excerpt:
The new rules requires that the excess energy be purchased by the utility at the utility’s avoided energy cost.
I did a quick search and this link showed the 'avoided energy cost' for July - https://www.wfec.com/avoided-cost-ok

You can take a reading from your meter at 2 pm and another at 7 pm to gauge your usage during those hours. Since your roof isn't shaded, your production may be able to keep with demand during that time except in the winter / early spring / late fall (though judging by your annual usage it seems you have fossil fuel heat, so you may be good).
by harland
Wed Jul 26, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar in MA - realistic coverage expectations?
Replies: 47
Views: 4618

Re: Solar in MA - realistic coverage expectations?

This YouTuber lives in MA and posts updates on his solar system's performance about every year. Here's his latest video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxj8mNzv8PI


You can also use the PVwatts tool to estimate how much electricity a system would generate. If you have a lot of tall trees around your house, make sure to adjust the loss calculation for shading.

https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php
by harland
Mon Jul 03, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Birds nest under solar panels
Replies: 11
Views: 1550

Re: Birds nest under solar panels

We have a critter guard installed around the perimeter of our solar panels. We live in an area with a lot of birds and squirrels so I figured it was a good idea from the start. So far, so good.
by harland
Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor CO2 levels above 1650 at night!
Replies: 51
Views: 7436

Re: Indoor CO2 levels above 1650 at night!

Our CO2 levels are also high - sometimes around 2200 ppm if the whole family is in a room. This is measured with a Temtop M2000 2nd gen, which according to reviews is pretty accurate. Otherwise with just two adults and a dog, the level hovers around 1700 ppm. It's pretty consistent over the whole house since we have the air handler running on low continuously. There are also some houseplants in the dining area. Measuring the immediate space around them doesn't really bring down the level all that much, maybe 10 - 20 ppm if that. Just as a comparison, the air outside measures around 375 - 400 ppm CO2. Our house has had new doors and new windows installed. We also sealed up the attic and added extra insulation. When we had an energy audit bef...
by harland
Mon May 29, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 16-17 inch laptop and traveling
Replies: 72
Views: 6920

Re: 16-17 inch laptop and traveling

I think thermal throttling will be an issue if you plan on doing anything workload intensive on the LG Gram. I had a thin and light 'gaming' laptop (MSI Stealth) and it made sense to undervolt the CPU so that throtting wouldn't occur. This design also had a discrete GPU which shared the same heatpipes and made the problem somewhat worse. It's possible this would be the case with the Gram as well. If you want something that will handle heavy workloads, you need to look at the desktop replacement form factor like Alienware and Dell Precision (which I think you're already familiar with). These models have more robust cooling solutions that are capable of drawing max performance out of the hardware. I recently traveled with my Dell Precision 77...
by harland
Thu Apr 20, 2023 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oled Vs Qled or UHD TV
Replies: 21
Views: 2586

Re: Oled Vs Qled or UHD TV

I suggest watching some videos from the HDTVTest YouTube channel. The guy knows what he's talking about.
by harland
Sun Apr 16, 2023 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Select an "Induction" Stovetop
Replies: 67
Views: 6457

Re: How to Select an "Induction" Stovetop

We needed to buy a new range and went with a Frigidaire Gallery (GCRI3058AF). It replaced a fairly basic electric glasstop Kenmore so we didn't need to install a new branch circuit to power it. We don't use our range to do anything fancy so advanced features like combining burners weren't necessary. The burners automatically sense the diameter cookware you put on it. If there's a pan sensing error when you attempt to use the burner, the display will flash and the burner won't turn on. Most likely any induction range will have this feature. I also wouldn't get caught up too much in power ratings. Even our Frigidaire has enough juice to boil a big pot of water fast and heat up a cast iron dutch oven quickly. The biggest change was that the Fr...
by harland
Tue Apr 11, 2023 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Miele Heat Pump Dryers - Feedback?
Replies: 22
Views: 2338

Re: New Miele Heat Pump Dryers - Feedback?

I'd only get a heat pump dryer if that was my only option. I much prefer a traditional vented dryer, especially with pets and pet hair. Well that's an interesting comment about pets and pet hair. We have three cats, two that are long haired and one that has a thick coat that sheds year-round in the worst way so we are always dealing with pet hair. Do the heat pump dryers not do a good job at catching the pet hair in the lint filters? We have a short haired dog that sheds and haven't had a problem yet with the dryer. Miele dryers have three filters - two lint filters made of very fine mesh and a foam plinth filter. The two mesh lint filters capture most of the hair, fur, and lint. These need to be cleaned after every load - a quick sweep wi...
by harland
Mon Apr 10, 2023 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Miele Heat Pump Dryers - Feedback?
Replies: 22
Views: 2338

Re: New Miele Heat Pump Dryers - Feedback?

I worried about the same thing. Here's a video that shows some temperature and humidity measurements in a fairly small laundry room while the dryer is running:

https://youtu.be/6nSGdcK1bqs?t=703

Personally, I haven't felt humidity or temperature to be a problem though our laundry room is in the basement and we have a dehumidifier running most of the time as well as a heat pump water heater in the same room. I think the most loads we sometimes do in a single day is three, so there's that too.
by harland
Sun Apr 09, 2023 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Miele Heat Pump Dryers - Feedback?
Replies: 22
Views: 2338

Re: New Miele Heat Pump Dryers - Feedback?

We've owned a Miele TXD160WP for a few months now. It works great. Estimated electricity savings based on how often we do laundry (family of four) is going to be in the neighborhood of 1 MW, so it will probably pay for itself in savings over a standard electric dryer in about 10 years. You can also check on rebates with your utility company. Ours offered a $100 rebate on Energy Star models. One bonus that's not frequently mentioned is that Miele heat pump dryers can use a normal 120 V outlet. That means if you have a circuit for a standard electric dryer (typically 30 A, 240 V), a Miele washer and dryer can be powered from that circuit using an adapter. That's how ours are set up. We mostly use the 'Extra' setting to get the laundry complet...
by harland
Thu Apr 06, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ventless dryers
Replies: 17
Views: 2538

Re: Ventless dryers

We've had a Miele TXD160WP for a few months now. It works well. The clothes aren't over-dried and the cycle time is reasonable. For most mixed loads, we use the 'Extra' dry setting. Otherwise 'Normal' works just fine for us. Note that most of the heat pump dryers are compact in size. For example, the Miele is meant to be paired with a washer that's capable of handling about 18 lbs. of laundry. This equates to around 3.2 - 3.5 cu ft. of capacity for a top load washer with agitator. Also, each program may have their own max loads for best results. On the Miele, the bed linens program limit is 4 kg. This equates to about a king + one twin size sheet set (two fitted sheets + two flat sheets + four pillowcases). This limit along with the reversi...
by harland
Thu Apr 06, 2023 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen appliance questions
Replies: 20
Views: 2528

Re: Kitchen appliance questions

I'm going to go against the grain and say that a dedicated appliance store won't necessarily net you better service. You have to ask upfront if they service what they sell. If they don't, then they're no better than a big box store in my opinion.

One other consideration - and the Yale Appliance YouTube videos have mentioned this - inspect your appliances during delivery, preferably before they take it off the truck. Don't be persuaded to take anything that's been damaged in transit, even if they or you think it's only cosmetic. Once it's installed, it's your problem. This comes from firsthand experience.
by harland
Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help - I know Nothing About New Windows
Replies: 12
Views: 1609

Re: Help - I know Nothing About New Windows

Since you're in the DC / Baltimore area, I would pay for a Checkbook subscription (https://www.checkbook.org). They have articles on how to choose new windows, replacement window installation techniques, tips on hiring window installers and ratings for local businesses.

We used it ourselves when we needed to understand our options on replacement windows.

EDIT - also wanted to add the Efficient Windows Collaborative as another good resource for understanding windows in general - https://efficientwindows.org/
by harland
Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips?
Replies: 108
Views: 63896

Re: Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips?

My low-confidence understanding of this is that the “efficiency” has to do with thermal efficiency, and that non HE detergents simply arent effective at the lower temperatures the machines favor. Eg they might not even fully dissolve. According to Consumer Reports, the main difference with HE detergent is that it's low sudsing vs. regular detergent. Otherwise, you'd need more cycles to completely rinse the laundry. I believe our washing machine (Miele W1) has a sensor in the suds tank so that if it detects too much suds in the rinse water, it will automatically add an additional rinse cycle until the clothes are rinsed well. It might be same with your Bosch. My gripe with modern machines is the bias towards programs rather than manual cont...
by harland
Mon Feb 27, 2023 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12885

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

Did Miele stop making uprights? Don’t see them on their website. https://www.mieleusa.com/c/discover-vacuum-cleaners-4016.htm Miele discontinued the uprights. I think they're going all in on cordless stick vacs if you like that type of cleaner. We had an S7 Twist that we traded in for a canister not too long ago. It was heavier than the canister, less maneuverable, and a pain to balance on a flight of stairs. Having said that, the bag had a much larger capacity than the C1 we currently use and the power cord was super long - the equivalent length of what you'd find on the C3 canister line. I feel the canister cleans better and the floorhead/wand can get into spaces that you wouldn't be able to reach with an upright like underneath beds / s...
by harland
Thu Feb 23, 2023 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 12885

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

I watched this YouTube channel for vacuum reviews and teardowns - https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceReviews The guy behind the channel is a vacuum repair technician. The best vacuum (in his opinion) is a whole house central vacuum. I think he uses an MD central vacuum in his home. Otherwise he suggests a bagged vacuum cleaner from brands like Sebo, Miele, Lindhaus, Henry, Hoover and Oreck. Bagless vacuums tend to eject the dust back into the home when you empty the canister. When you change out a bag, you basically return the vacuum to peak performance. The bag also can also help protect the motor from dust and particles that otherwise would get through a sub-optimal bagless design. We own a Miele canister with a power brush floorhead tha...
by harland
Tue Feb 21, 2023 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any audiophiles on this forum?
Replies: 321
Views: 40866

Re: Any audiophiles on this forum?

So, are you saying that the Bluetooth signal going into the HK Adapt is the weak point in that setup? Bluetooth typically uses a lossy codec to compress the audio and send it to an output device. This is like listening to MP3 or AAC audio. If most of your music comes from Spotify / YouTube, then this option may not be so bad. If you have a lot of ripped CD's, music downloads or subscribe to a lossless streaming service (like Qobuz) and you want to preserve the audio data as-is, then you should find a device that supports UPnP. The WiiM and WiiM Pro are devices (typically called streamers) that support that protocol. This sends the audio data across network without the need for lossy compression (i.e., bit-perfect). Streamers also usually h...
by harland
Fri Feb 17, 2023 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miele washer/dryer
Replies: 14
Views: 2728

Re: Miele washer/dryer

We've had the WXI860 WCS washing machine and the TXD160WP dryer for over a month now. They replaced an old school Kenmore top loader and GE vented electric dryer. Note that the different wash programs have different load capacities. For example, the QuickIntenseWash cycle full load is 5 kg vs. 8 kg on Normal. The machine senses the weight and adjusts accordingly, so a light load might finish faster than a full load. Extra options such as AllergyWash lengthen the cycle time. If you use the Sanitize cycle + Allergy Wash on a full load, prepare to wait around two hours for it to complete. The dryer is great. The clothes aren't over dry and synthetics don't have static buildup. Most likely you'll want to use the 'Extra' setting to get the job d...
by harland
Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestion for a cheap but decent headpones
Replies: 33
Views: 2935

Re: Suggestion for a cheap but decent headpones

cacophony wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:07 am I've never heard a closed back pair of headphones that sounded remotely as good as open back for music.
I would've agreed with you up until the AKG K371's and the Dan Clark Audio Stealth hit the market. Both of them are light-years ahead of any closed back (or open back) headphone out there.
by harland
Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestion for a cheap but decent headpones
Replies: 33
Views: 2935

Re: Suggestion for a cheap but decent headpones

To the OP - you're definitely in the right neighborhood. I suggest the AKG K371 instead of the K361. The sound is comparable to my Revel Ultima Studios and I listen to them daily. EDIT - I'd like to add that I've had my K371's for almost two years now and haven't had a problem with them. I've accidentally yanked them out of a headphone socket a few times and run over the cord with the casters on my chair and they still sound good as new. The construction of the earcups and the headband seems to be quite sturdy and the materials used feel upscale. As you noted, the low impedance makes them suitable to be driven from virtually any headphone socket. The impedance also doesn't vary widely with frequency so even if the output impedance of the am...
by harland
Thu Nov 03, 2022 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Specific reasons *not* to switch to Android?
Replies: 105
Views: 8301

Re: Specific reasons *not* to switch to Android?

Apple AirPlay I use AirPlay routinely to stream audio (e.g. YouTube) from iPhone/iPad to my Sonos network. This has become essential to me and I’m not aware of an Android equivalent. I have a Google Pixel 7 Pro and use BubbleUPnP to stream audio to my stereo through a Raspberry Pi. Seems to work with Sonos as well according to some posts I've read online. The protocol is also known as DLNA. One note - AirPlay is locked to streaming at 44.1 kHz / 16 bit, while UPnP has no such restriction. Our household has a Macbook and two iPads but our phones have always been Android. We were going to wait another year to get iPhones with a USB-C port. Then I Iooked at the Google Store after the latest Pixels were up for sale. The trade-in offer for our ...
by harland
Thu Sep 15, 2022 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any audiophiles on this forum?
Replies: 321
Views: 40866

Re: Any audiophiles on this forum?

Harumph. Can anyone explain how and why high resolution recordings are superior? Most recorded music is CD resolution or worse. Does up sampling achieve better sound? Upsampling mostly occurs after recording at 44 or 48k. Think about 50s jazz. Monty at Xiph.org has developed audio codecs in the past, so he knows all things digital audio. Here are two links that hopefully clear up what upsampling / oversampling is about and why it's used. Other digital audio concepts such as bit depth and dither are covered in the second link. 24/192 Music Downloads... and why they make no sense Digital Show & Tell Usually 'remastered' releases sound louder, not necessarily better. This is known as dynamic range compression - there's less difference bet...
by harland
Sat Nov 06, 2021 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 140226

Re: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!

Running X570 + 5800X but with an AMD GPU. Haven't noticed any USB issues at all, but I also bought all the peripherals around the same time I put together the computer, which was about two years ago.

Also read some of the posts on the Noctua NH-D15. It can be a pain to work with since it's so large. I went with the asymmetrical version (NH-D15S) to shift the heatsink away from the PCIe slot. It gives me access to the release tab if I use a tool to extend my reach. The downside is there's even less room between the top of the case and the cooler. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably go with the NH-U14S. Competitive cooling performance but a lot less hassle.
by harland
Fri Oct 22, 2021 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 140226

Re: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!

madbrain wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 2:59 pm I don't know what it will take for GPU prices to come back to earth. Bitcoin crash ? One can only hope.
I think the supply chain issues are here through 2022. Intel's CEO thinks 2023 is when things will return to 'normal'. Given that, maybe you'll be able to buy a used RTX 30 series at MSRP when the RTX 40 series launches Q4 2022.
by harland
Fri Oct 22, 2021 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 140226

Re: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!

madbrain wrote: Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:52 pm Is there a trick to getting a decent GPU price ? Waiting list ? Anything ?
You'll probably have to go the prebuilt route if you want a GPU at a somewhat reasonable price. Might as well get a computer along with the video card! :D
by harland
Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 140226

Re: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!

LadyGeek wrote: Thu Oct 21, 2021 6:38 pm The RAM stickers were marked as (4 x 8GB), but there's no way they should be packaged as independent sets of 2. I'm wondering if they were repacked or counterfeit. Has anyone received a set of 4 RAM sticks like this?
Judging by the images on Newegg, looks like they'll come in two separate packages. Not sure why. Maybe it's a cost saving move.
by harland
Wed Apr 28, 2021 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose a piano for my 10-year old
Replies: 75
Views: 11941

Re: Help me choose a piano for my 10-year old

My kids took piano lessons at a music store for a little while. I got to try out a Yamaha Arius (YDP-184, I think) which I thought felt very close to real. I think there were Roland digital pianos in the practice rooms.

We currently have a Kawai upright (UST-7) that I practiced on as a kid. It's survived two moves and still plays and sounds nice. I think I read somewhere that this particular model is in the 'Insitutional' series so was meant to be a workhorse. Might be a model to consider if you want to go the non-digital route.

If we didn't already have an acoustic piano available, I think we would've bought a good digital one. More convenient and less expensive.
by harland
Wed Feb 24, 2021 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer memory lane
Replies: 43
Views: 2306

Re: Computer memory lane

If you want some more nostalgia, just type 'computer chronicles' in YouTube. Jackpot!
by harland
Fri Nov 13, 2020 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gaming PC Build: Newbie questions and feedback!
Replies: 120
Views: 9082

Re: Gaming PC Build: Newbie questions and feedback!

All the other posters made great points. Here are my thoughts. - Definitely consider a better power supply. My friend likes the EVGA SuperNOVA G3 series and I prefer the Seasonic GX series. Both are great choices from reputable makers. Think about paying more for the 750 W models if your son will upgrade to the Ryzen 5000 series CPUs or NVIDIA RTX 30 series / AMD 6000 series GPUs in the future. - RAM is definitely an area where it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay a premium. The lights don't make the computer crunch numbers any faster. Also, 32 GB is overkill. 16 GB is more than enough for gaming. - Why a SATA III SSD? The motherboard supports two NVMe SSDs. Just buy two 1 TB WD Black series. Or heck, a single 2 TB NVMe SSD if the cost is ...
by harland
Fri Oct 09, 2020 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PC Build Thread - 2020... and beyond!!!
Replies: 1358
Views: 140226

Re: PC Build Thread 2020

I would wait for the benchmarks before deciding on Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series. The previous gen will lower in price once the new stuff is on store shelves. No point in buying now.

[Comment removed by Moderator Misenplace.]
by harland
Thu Jul 09, 2020 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need advice for raspberry pi
Replies: 39
Views: 3481

Re: Need advice for raspberry pi

I bought my RPi from Adafruit. This is the latest model - https://www.adafruit.com/product/3775

At the very least, you'll need a power supply, a memory card for the operating system, and a case for it.

You'll also need another computer with an SD card reader to install the OS on the memory card. If your son ever wants to interact directly with the RPi, he'll need a display with HDMI input, and a USB keyboard / mouse.

I use mine as a music streamer. Installed a decent add-on digital to analog converter and hooked it up to my stereo. Loaded OSMC onto the SD card. Now I can cast music on YouTube from my phone to the RPi and listen on my stereo. I can also stream files on my music server that's located on a different floor.
by harland
Tue Apr 14, 2020 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Estimate on a new hvac system. Is it reasonable?
Replies: 60
Views: 10373

Re: Estimate on a new hvac system. Is it reasonable?

We just had a nine year old Carrier Infinity compressor die on us. A few years after the install, the blower motor in the air handler seized and was replaced. The part was covered under warranty, but labor was not. This past summer, the communications board in the compressor failed. Luckily we didn't need to pay for the board (a $1k part) but again needed to pay a few hundred for labor. Though the compressor is covered under warranty, replacement still runs in the thousands, and since it apparently takes double the amount of refrigerant than 'normal' units, is much more expensive labor-wise to install. So needless to say, we're in the market. After having lived with with one of these systems for its lifetime, I think these new variable spee...
by harland
Tue Dec 03, 2019 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soundbar for TV vs. bluetooth receiver connected to old stereo?
Replies: 27
Views: 3040

Re: Soundbar for TV vs. bluetooth receiver connected to old stereo?

protagonist wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:37 pm Also the Vandersteen speakers are positioned near the corners of the room so dialogue does not appear to be coming from the source, as with the sound bar.
If you're sitting in the sweet spot, dialogue should be playing in the center during a movie through your Vandersteens. The manual should have a really good setup guide to help you position your speakers. If it doesn't, download a manual for the newer model (2Ce Signature II) and check out the 'Speaker Placement' section starting on p.5. This would help with reproducing music as well.
by harland
Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soundbar for TV vs. bluetooth receiver connected to old stereo?
Replies: 27
Views: 3040

Re: Soundbar for TV vs. bluetooth receiver connected to old stereo?

protagonist wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2019 9:03 am
22twain wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2019 11:00 pm Does the TV have RCA audio output jacks?
yes.
Soundbars won't hold a candle to your stereo. I routinely use the ARC feature to feed an Oppo Blu-ray player that's connected to my setup (Ayre integrated amp, Vandersteen 3A Sigs).

In your case, you can use the analog output from the TV and connect it to one of your preamp inputs.
by harland
Fri Jul 13, 2018 7:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: COMING SOON: BOGLEHEADS PODCASTS
Replies: 368
Views: 31231

Re: COMING SOON: BOGLEHEADS PODCASTS

My wife suggested:

Get ahead with the Bogleheads
by harland
Mon Sep 18, 2017 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Super Nintendo Classic edition
Replies: 21
Views: 3107

Re: Super Nintendo Classic edition

Nate79 wrote: Mon Sep 18, 2017 10:37 am Anybody remember how much these cost when new back in the day?
Yes. $199. Came with Super Mario World and two controllers. I saved up for it.
by harland
Wed Sep 06, 2017 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wine in laptop
Replies: 33
Views: 3754

Re: Wine in laptop

by harland
Sun Aug 20, 2017 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Weightlifting Equipment for Home Gym
Replies: 54
Views: 12950

Re: Weightlifting Equipment for Home Gym

+1 on the bumper plates if you plan on deadlifting / cleaning / snatching on concrete slab. These will be pretty smelly at first so you might want to air them outdoors for a few days before bringing them indoors. I bought a set from FringeSport and they seem to be comparable to the ones from Rogue while being a little cheaper. You might also consider some fractional metal weights (1, 0.5, 0.25 lb) for micro loading. They might come in handy on the overhead press.

You also need spotter arms / rack for bench pressing. This is non-negotiable. There's no reason to lose your life over an exercise.
by harland
Sun Mar 05, 2017 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net worth milestone reached: $100,000!
Replies: 53
Views: 7164

Re: Net worth milestone reached: $100,000!

:sharebeer

What a great story - congrats! Keep it up!
by harland
Fri Nov 04, 2016 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any recs for a Linux-compatible laptop?
Replies: 62
Views: 10177

Re: Any recs for a Linux-compatible laptop?

In a perfect world, I'd be 100% Linux. But for the few Windows programs I use, I'd need either a dual-boot option or a VM. Or, I'd need to find a ChromeOS or Mac (at appropriate price point) that supports the one or two types of programs I need and dual-boot/VM with them. That said, I suppose I could just use Wine. That hasn't been an option on my current computer since it has only 512 MB. Wine would become doable on a modern system. On a modern system, you usually can boot from an external hard drive connected to USB. USB 3 is fast enough that you don't really see much of a performance hit. For VMs, I prefer using QEMU from the command line, but VirtualBox is free and has a user-friendly GUI along with handy extras (such as drag and drop ...
by harland
Thu Nov 03, 2016 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any recs for a Linux-compatible laptop?
Replies: 62
Views: 10177

Re: Any recs for a Linux-compatible laptop?

I've always had an eye on System76 laptops. They're made for Linux. Dell is fine too. Currently running Slackware64 14.2 on a Dell Precision M 4700.
by harland
Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Virginia Tech vs. NC State [choosing a school]
Replies: 52
Views: 10437

Re: Virginia Tech vs. NC State [choosing a school]

I work for a research lab for the Federal government in the DC region and I can tell you that VT has a top notch CS department. Some of the faculty are at the pinnacle of research in spatial data mining and machine learning. I know we compete with all the big tech companies out West as well as other government agencies in attracting their top grads. If he does well then he won't have a problem finding a job and paying off student loans.

If his academic record is strong and he is interested in serving his country as a government civilian, I recommend he also look into the SMART scholarship program. It's a wonderful opportunity for undergrad and graduate students.