[MonkeyK]

futuresng,
I'm new here too, AVS forum maintains a list of digital receivers
List of Digital Home Theater Recievers

Another one that is not on your list is the Kenwood 7100.  There are general guidelines for conditions under which each excels compared to the other, however in the end you have to consider how these affect you and even if you agree.  

Since I forsee my whole home sytem being digital (CD player and an MP3 Client), I'm still holding out for an XR45, but if I can't do something soon, my wife is going to buy a receiver herself (at target   ).

-Mike

[futuresng]

I do not believe the Motorla boxes that Comcast use have HDMI output.

Called comcast and u r right. I think it still would make sense to get the XR70 then since it should have better output due to its HDMI compatability....

The HDMI feature was added to the SA-XR70 so you could use their DVD-97S player with just one cable.

As far as the panny DVD player, if you think that is compatable with my Panny CT-WX53 tv and allows for greater hd resolution and better performance then i will take your advice and purchase this DVD.

REcommendations on conditioners and surge protectors anyone? id like to think i get get something for around $200.

[Vinnie R.]

Wayne, I noticed you specify a much higher storage capacity SLA for your Tripath project than Vinnies...4.4 vs. 1.3 aH. Would not your larger storage SLA have greater and deeper long and short term capability (dynamic peaks) and, thus, affect sound most positively?
.

TCG,

I have experimented with a 7Ah SLA and with the Clari-T amp have found that there is no difference in sound quality between 1.3Ah or a larger battery.  

IMO, for dynamics, it is much more important to have a short, low resistive and inductive path to the power pins of the Tripath chip, and to have storage capacitors as close to the power pins of the chip as possible.  This is why I wire both the 12V line, filter capacitors, and bypass capacitors directly to the input power pins of the Tripath chip.  It is very tedious and time consuming soldering work, but the result speaks for itself  

The 1.3Ah provides all the needed power for the Tripath 2024 chip.  Using a larger battery lets you play for a longer time before recharging.  

Happy New Year!

Vinnie