Thanks for the help guys.

I guess a was a little vague in wording my situation. I am planning to dedicate a new circuit breaker for HT use and not touch my existing ones. But it seems like soundhound doesn't necessarily agree that is completely necessary...please let me know if I'm incorrect. My house is about 12 years old and I have no reason to suspect any electrical/wiring problems. Oh, by the way the lights dim when I power on my 755 by itself.

I am relatively new to the "higher end" HT equipment. I am tring to "optimize" my system (reduce noise, provide maximum protection, etc) but be reasonable about it. I do feel most of the expensive tweets that are available are very subjective in nature (cables, power conditioners, etc). I have read what seems to be most of the forums discussions here and elsewhere and have been trying to weed through facts from subjective crap, but it is tough.

Both of you seem quite reasonable regarding what seems necessary to provide optimal performance. If you don't mind could you comment on my proposed "upgrades" to my system:

1. get a dedicated 20amp breaker for HT

2. Get an isobar6dbs surge/noise protector for most of my HT equip...I wish they made an 8 outlet one with cable/sat connections. I will probably have to get another isobar soon for other stuff.

3. Not sure what to do with my 755 amp. Connect it directly into the receptacle or get a "basic" surge protector? I read soundhound's previous comments on not connecting it to a noise filtering system due to potential current limits. I'm scared to not have it connected to any surge protector though. Any recs on "basic" surge protectors for it (and my subwoofer). I thought about the isobar 2 or ultrablok428 2 outlet protector but they too supposedly filters noise.

4. Make sure my interconnets, power cables, and speaker wires are well spaced apart and not crossing when possible (I know 90 degrees). I'm using an in-wall capable monstercable speaker wire which is probably overkill but I got it free from a friend. This cable supposedly protects from interference. What do you guys think?

I think that covers it. My system is composed of a 950, 755, dvd, ps2, vcr, satellite receiver, an hdtv, an svs subwoofer, paradigm studio 100's LF/RF, studio cc, and 2 studio 20's as rears. I think I have optimized my speaker placement, so that is not an issue.

I'm usually not this long-winded. Thanks,

John



[This message has been edited by jdh (edited June 27, 2003).]