Hey guys,

Since the posts have been a little light lately, I thought I'd share the beginnings of what will be future posts with a new location/setup.  Just bought a condo here in Chicago.  It's new construction, so I don't really have any pictures yet, but there will be some to follow when I finally close and move in.

I did myself absolutely NO favors on the HT front.  Floor-to-ceiling windows, concrete ceiling/construction, no dedicated room.  Too much of it was great to pass the deal up, so I'll make due.  I'll be able to integrate my acoustic panels, and the living area is considerably bigger than before, so that should help tame the issues.

More to come!

Congrats PJ....I live in California now, but was born and raised in Chicago. Moved to Cali in 1996, after 31 years in Chi Town.

Where is this new condo located? If I recall correctly, you are currently in the downtown area? Gold Coast maybe?

-Scottiemon

Thanks!

Currently in the South Loop...practically downtown.  New place is North/Clybourn.  Technically a Lincoln Park zip, but I think it's more "Near North."  With all the real estate BS, who knows.  LOL

Interesting article popped up today: http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/apple-will-spend-4-million-to-renovate-chicagos-north-halsted/

This is about 50 feet from my new place.  Close in a couple of weeks.  Probably won't move in for a couple of months.  Got painting, electrical, etc to do, and that's a LOT easier with no crap in the place.  My lease doesn't run out until March.

Nice location, been there many times.  Do you happen to know the name of the Italian place mentioned in the article?

Cheers 

ha...I don't.  But after reading that article, it made me actually say, "Hmm...need to find out what restaurant he's referring to..."

LOL

If I figure it out, I'll report back.

I believe he may have been talking about Mangia Roma, thanks Google Earth.  I actually have not been in that area of Halsted much, we always use to go farther north to eat at one of our favorite Italian restaurants.  It was called Carlucci, on North Halsted.  Alas, it is no longer there.  There is still one out in Rosemont.  Have eaten there as well but the atmosphere was much different and with a different menu.  Of course Chicago has no shortage of great food.  Looks like you are going to be in a nice location.

Cheers 

Congrats PJ!  Since your living area will be significantly larger than your current place, it was excellent planning on your part to get the XPA-3 (much to the chagrin of your neighbors).

-Nick

@Jason - Thanks!  Look for an email or PM from me soon re: a little upgrade. 

@Nick - Thanks!  The XPA-3 has been amazing.  SO happy I bought it.  Depending on the timing, I might sell it and go XPA-5.  My goal is to upgrade my 4B's to 6B's and shift the 5B's to the rear (and 5C to 6C of course).  The 5B's definitely benefit from the extra juice, hence the XPA-5 idea.  However, the lack of load on my Onkyo 876 with the 3 will probably be enough oomph for them as well.  I thought about just adding an XPA-2 for L-R and having the 3 power the C and surrounds, but as you've seen so far, I like to keep things as simple/minimalist as possible, and don't plan on having a 10-foot-high rack full of gear.

I'm really chompin' at the bit to get it closed.  I'm ready to get in there and get some work done!  Looking forward to sharing pictures as I go.