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Brandon Eli

Home Theater reviewed the RF-83 and RTi A9, but the reviews were conducted by different people, so no direct comparison can be made that way. Each reviewer liked the corresponding speakers very much, though Tom Norton thought the Polks were a bit bright. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but it would be a huge benefit if you could audition both before buying. At least read both reviews to see if either one has some characteristic you would prefer—or prefer to avoid.

Hit the Switch!
My Gefen Home Theater Scaler Plus, vintage December 2007, has finally died and I am not going to send it back to the manufacturer for repairs—again. I need an HDMI switcher with a minimum of four inputs, and I'm not sure if I really need upscaling any more. I have a Sony PS3 for Blu-Ray, an HDMI VCR/DVD burner, and an AppleTV to send to one available HDMI input on my Panasonic TH-58PZ700U plasma TV.

I have a great Parasound power pmp (HCA-1206), so I don’t need a receiver, but I am looking to replace my old Parasound preamplifiers (PSP-1500 and PDD-1500) and surround processor (PSP-1500 THX Surround Processor) connected by a SCSI cable! My budget is pretty flexible, and I expect to spend $1000 or thereabouts.

Warren Tripp, MD

I agree that you don't need a scaler in the switcher. We've been using an Accell 4-in/8-out HDMI switcher/distribution amp in the studio, which has worked very well. That company also makes a 4x1 switcher.

However, if you're going to replace the preamp and surround processor, you probably don't even need an HDMI switcher. Everyone around here really likes the Integra DHC-9.9 pre/pro ($2000); see the review here. The Integra provides four HDMI inputs and full surround processing, which would solve both of your problems.

Best in Class
I've been ready to finish my media room for some time, and I've always wanted a Pioneer Elite PRO-151FD plasma TV. With Pioneer getting out of the TV business and newer technology hitting the market (Panasonic, Samsung), what is the best large flat-screen TV (55 inches and above) available today? Does the Elite still rule, or has the competition caught up with or even surpassed Pioneer?

Wallace Johnsboen

In my opinion, the Pioneer Elite Kuro is still the best flat-panel picture you can get. Panasonic is getting close, and Samsung TVs are normally great as well, but I still think that neither beats a Pioneer Kuro. I'm very sad that they will soon be unavailable.

If you have a home-theater question, please send it to scott.wilkinson@sorc.com.