[jed (Unverified) Posted Feb 18th 2010 11:20AM]

Thanks,
That substantiates what others whom've listened to both have said.

If isolation from leakage & ambient noise is imperative, get the 170, otherwise the 180 is better SQ for everything.

Some go as far as saying that simulated surround & bass boost are a "wank", & for SS one should use a 3rd party device, but even then don't expect wonders.

[athome Posted Feb 18th 2010 5:56PM]

@(Unverified)
Did you ever get a sure answer on whether the DH1 preamp decoder would work with the RS 170? I think nfusion said that when he used a dolby base plugged into the 170 based it worked. But has anyone said they have tried to use the DH1?
Just to add to comments already made: I tried the RS180 for a couple of weeks and then the RS170. Recent comments I think are correct, the 180 has better sound, more natural sound, because it is open. The "spread" of the sound is a kind of SS, which is not the same, but at least equally acceptable to what the 170 SS produces. Everyone else has apparently come to the same conclusion I have: if you don't need to be insulated from the listening environment then the RS180 is definitely better sound and easier on the ears. I needed to be able to watch HT with my girlfriend listening to the speakers at the same time, so I had to go for the 170 which are more than acceptable but more tiring to the ears. I could use a little more effect than 170 SS produces, thus my interest in trying to hook up dolby.

[jed (Unverified) Posted Feb 19th 2010 1:31AM]

@athome

Try it, that's what I intend to do with my RS180.
I'm going to get the Astro Mixamp or the JVC SU-DH1.
I'll also try it with DH via my PC....
But that's all at least 2wks away, I have other priorities.