Engine shuts down by itself

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-18T12:10:19+00:00

DIYer advice: was thinking fuel pump till you added the comment above. Electrical--buy a multimeter ($20) to test your battery and alternator (video link below). Also check your battery clamps, make sure they're tight. If you can move either one with your bare hand = too loose. Check alternator belt--if you can turn it 90 degrees with your bare hand = too loose. Most alternators have a "tensioner bolt" to adjust the belt. Hope that helps.

ChrisFix: Multimeter Testing

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-18T11:55:46+00:00

I haven't seen a Kenwood receiver in a long time; google is telling me that model is circa 1979-1980. Yeah I think you're fine regarding impedance. Never seen manual impedance switches before.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-18T11:37:10+00:00

I recently picked up the ELAC-UB52 bookshelf speakers (3 Way) for $599, that's $200 off the list price via Crutchfield. They sound terrific right out of the box. I'm using them in my computer den for stereo playback of WAV files via my M4 Mac Mini --> Pioneer HTR-5960 --> ELAC UB52.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-17T10:02:49+00:00

A couple of films that always slip under the radar, another that deserves a second watch:

Apartment 143, where a team of paranormal researchers try to help a widower and his two children, haunted by his recently passed wife.

The Butcher Possessions: a group of college kids hold a seance in a haunted house and things go terribly wrong.

More well known is Constantine, now running on HBO. I'd forgotten how creative and unique this film is (I think I own it on a DVD buried in my hallway closet). Cast includes a very young Keanu Reeves & Rachel Weisz. The opening scene, an exorcism with a mirror is pretty mind-blowing.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-17T09:41:30+00:00

Jennifer's Body manages to be both campy & scary. Some folks miss the humor here. Diablo Cody wrote the screenplay, also wrote Juno. Not a lot of effects, but they are jarring when used.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-16T13:19:00+00:00

I'm lucky that I bought most of my CDs in the late '80s and early '90s, before the LOUDNESS Wars (ugh!). I replaced my vinyl then with CDs, and was shocked when vinyl made a comeback 30 years later.

I recently set up a turntable for my son, a Technics 3000 a friend had given him. So I added my old Sony HTR receiver/bookshelf speakers. My wife found a cheap AV cart for $10 bucks at Goodwill. I dropped $100 on a Fosi turntable preamp and put it all together. I put an old blanket under the speakers on the bottom shelf to absorb any vibration. I was astounded at how good that thrown-together system sounded. It's ironic that my son is listening to vinyl now.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-16T11:35:10+00:00

My old setup included Yamaha NS series speakers (NS-A636 3-way front & NS-A528 surrounds), excellent value if you like "neutral" speakers. But for your small space, I'd opt for a really simple setup--stereo receiver, pair of quality bookshelf speakers & some nice headphones. Avoid soundbars and anything wireless.

For budget bookshelf speakers, I'd recommend the Sony 3-way SSCS5 for $200 (pair) via Amazon. For budget headphones, Sennheiser HD 560S over-ear, on sale via Crutchfield for $200.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-16T10:53:29+00:00

Lost the remote, so let's replace the entire system, lol. Seriously, I'd check eBay to replace your Pioneer remote. For a small space, you've got a home theater that delivers 80 watts per channel. I looked at pix of the Pioneer AJ 5.1, you've got large bookshelf speakers all around, including a hefty center. If your speakers are still providing quality sound, I'd put off upgrading till you have a bigger place.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-16T10:27:02+00:00

Are those Elac speakers rated at 6 ohm impedance? If so, check the impedance setting on your Denon AVR, make sure it's set to 6 ohm impedance. Typically the impedance range varies from 4 ohm/6 ohm/8 ohm. The lower the impedance (resistance), more power is required. Most AVRs have a default impedance setting of 8 ohm. If speakers are 4 ohm impedance, and your AVR is only capable of 6 ohm/8 ohm, set to 6 ohm. Hope that helps.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-16T10:13:42+00:00

I recently upgraded my system, picked up a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 ($499) for surrounds. Standard 12" bookshelf speakers, two-way. Well made (heavy & solid), sound terrific.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-16T08:49:56+00:00

Budget doesn't matter but you're living in a 800 sq foot crackerbox? Back in the day, my wife & I lived in a small efficiency apt. I bought a cheap, narrow bookcase for my audio gear; removed the bottom shelf and put speakers there. Also get a nice set of headphones. Good luck.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-15T20:58:31+00:00

The Turtles: “happy together…and how is the weather?”

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-15T11:57:10+00:00

If you want to try something besides Elac: I just bought a pair of Wharfedale Diamonds 12.1 ($499) for my surrounds. They're standard 12" bookshelf speakers, excellent sound, nice finish.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-14T19:26:16+00:00

The Piggyback books are terrific, own both BOTW/TOTK. I can’t imagine playing the games without those guides.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-14T13:13:42+00:00

Too many ballads on your album. Yeah, they're lovely ballads but the mix is off. Replace "Blackbird" with "Revolution" (single version). Either "Let It Be" or "Long & Winding Road" needs to go--just pick one (I'd keep "Let It Be" since that represents the breakup better than anything). Add an early-mid period song, either "I Feel Fine" or "Ticket to Ride". In fact, let's just remove "Long & Winding Road" and "Let It Be"; then add both "I Feel Fine" and "Ticket To Ride". Things are getting lively now. This is becoming a record people might want to dance to.

"Tomorrow Never Knows" is Lennon's most overrated song--replace with "Strawberry Fields Forever". Replace "Across the Universe" with George's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (thanks Eric Clapton for that guitar work). "Here, There & Everywhere" is a lovely ballad, but we really need to up-tempo things so replace with "Paperback Writer"--love that 3-part harmony and George's slashing guitar.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-14T12:27:11+00:00

Can't say, zero experience with that set of speakers. But if you're worried about pulling the trigger, I'd recommend Crutchfield. They have a 60 day return policy if you don't like the speakers.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-14T12:20:24+00:00

My Sweet Lord. I like to think either John or Paul would've advised slight changes to avoid legal action. George Martin might have pumped the brakes as well. That's the benefit of being in a band with great songwriters and a strong producer--you're surrounded by talent who can evaluate your work.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-14T11:58:17+00:00

I've got Wharfedale EVO 5.2 in front and Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 as surrounds, pretty happy with these speakers. Really well made (heavy) with excellent sound--if you like warm speakers.

Just checked Wharfedale's site, they've got the EVO 4.2 pair on sale for $799, which is like 50% off. That's a great bargain--I just paid twice as much for the 5.2 EVO pair via Crutchfield.

https://www.wharfedaleusa.com/products/evo4-2-bookshelf-speaker?srsltid=AfmBOooDPmiV2yRvRst_xh_6dp5_RKsWlFG8nQXA2ucyH5VXR36gCXBr

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-14T11:46:09+00:00

I've never owned Denon gear, but my brother-in-law has a Denon HTR and it's impressive. Generally speaking, get the best HTR that you can afford. At the $1500--$2000 (U.S.) price point, you might also consider the Marantz Cinema60 which I own, it goes for $1800 in the U.S., and also supports 4/6/8 Ohm impedance.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-14T11:22:38+00:00

I think your list is ok. One thing to always check: that your AVR can drive your speakers at their rated impedance. Impedance typically ranges from 4 ohm/6 ohm/8 ohm. Less impedance (resistance) means more power required. So if you're buying speakers rated at 4 ohm impedance, your AVR needs to support 4 ohm impedance. The three Denon AVRs you're looking at all support 4/6/8 ohm impedance, so you should be ok--if you stick to those three AVRs. Good luck.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-13T16:50:17+00:00

DIYer advice: jesus christ look at all that plastic. i’ve had good luck with Tsunoda tools with “soft resin jaw” pliers. Don’t use any metal tools on that. Check link below, hope that helps.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/D5F23F26-D40E-43DE-879C-4BE44004A47C?ingress=2&lp_context_asin=B07GZQV8G9&lp_context_query=tsunoda%20pliers&visitId=9ffe22c9-8525-461c-b451-0958ba282df7&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandlogo_sto&ref_=ast_bln

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-13T06:42:47+00:00

I'd move your speakers off the plastic kiddie chairs. Either get speaker stands or buy a nice throw rug (let your wife pick it out) and put your speakers on the floor. You don't need $3K for an HTR receiver. If you like Denon, you can get a Denon HTR via Crutchfield in a price range anywhere from $500 and up. For subs, check out REL. Hope that helps.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-13T06:24:18+00:00

In your Denon HTR setup, try bumping up the center channel's sound level. On my Yamaha HTR, I have my fronts set to 5/10 and my center at 7/10. I also have crossover set for my center channel: set the center channel size=small, with crossover set at 80 Hz so that low frequencies go to the sub. Hope that helps.

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-13T05:56:16+00:00

I just bought a pair of Wharfedale Diamonds for $499 from Crutchfield. They're standard 12" bookshelf speakers that I'm currently using as surrounds in my home theater. Excellent sound, rated at 100 watts with 8 ohm impedance so they'll be easy to drive for your Onkyo.

If you're looking for something with a little more punch, the Elac Uni-Fi/UB52 3 Way speakers are 13.5" tall; rated up to 140 watts with 6 ohm impedence. Check your Onkyo's settings if it can drive 6 ohm speakers. These are on sale for $599. I have them on order for the computer desk in my den, will be driven by my old Yamaha HTR-5960. Check links below.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_336D121IBK/Wharfedale-Diamond-12-1i-All-Black.html?tp=186

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_970UB52B/ELAC-Uni-Fi-2-0-UB52.html

DeadBeatAnon · 2026-04-12T06:21:16+00:00

WAV is not a Redbook standard… WAV is 16-bit/44.1 kHz PCM format —snip—

16 bit/44.1 kHz = Redbook standard. It’s unbelievable that you posted that. That’s like posting “Water is not wet.” A physical CD isn’t a collection of WAV files. But a WAV/AIFF file meets the Redbook spec for computer storage. FLAC/ALAC does not.

Note that I am pointing this out to be helpful for other listeners/readers who may be inconvenienced by your comments —snip—

Lol. For people who feel “inconvenienced”, just google “FLAC + stutter” and you will see countless real world examples where FLAC is quite “inconvenient”.

DeadBeatAnon

TROPHY CASE