There has been a lot of good advice so far in this thread. The biggest problem I see is in the system design and installation. Ground loops are an issue that can be difficult to get around, and you will probaly need an electrician to help out (dedicated circuits). Hopefully your dealer should be able to refer a good one.

The other problem, which is much more disturbing, is poor system design. Why was a receiver used in place of a proper pre/pro? Slightly higer cost, but avoids many of these problems. Why was an inappropriate microscopic power center used? I am absolutley not a fan of munster suck, but they do have suitable power centers for this application. I would recomend discussing an upgrade to a five channel amp and a true pre/pro. It sounds as if your dealer has been resonable in trying to resolve this so hopefuly they will continue to work with you. Let your dealer know you want to do this right and are willing to pay more to get it right and you should be in good shape.

The MC HTS3600 is no POS! I've sold dozens and dozens of them, and never had a problem. They've saved equipment that was plugged in to them during power events, and they've also made a difference in sound quality that is both noticeable and significant.

I understand that everyone hates them here, but stop picking on them if you don't know what is what.

Sorry, I'm tired of feeling like a second class citizen every time someone refers to MC as the anti-christ... I work for a very reputable and (some would say) high-end shop, and we use boatloads of MC product. We don't shove anything down our customer's throat, and we certainly don't support everything they sell, but they make a lot of very good cables, and have a very VERY low failure rate... I can say this from personal experience, not anecdotal evidence.

I understand if you guys have had trouble with their product, or with the tactics at BB/CC, but not everyone who sells this is an idiot or a criminal...

Sorry, this is off topic, and I will start a new thread.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I didn't expect to open up such a can of worms.

A few things...
This system was designed from scratch. All electrical is on a single dedicated 20A circuit.

Everything feeds through the "POS" HTS3600.

All prewiring was done using good practice. No runs parallel or near to AC - crosses at right angles only, etc.

The CI is not a hack. My 22k-ish system is small for them. They are very prominent and respected in this area.

I posted here to try to save them another trip. After the response I got here, I called the owner. He's coming out to look things over and ensure we get things taken care of to my satisfaction. They are very standup about making sure I'm pleased. I have no doubts that these relatively minor issues will be cleared up.

Equipment selections were made with an eye on budget. Originally, I was looking at spending no more than 15k. My budget was opened up as much as I could to make things work better.

I believe SOME of you who install only high/ultra high end systems have lost touch with the reality of those of us looking for a mid range system. I sure sense quite a bit of "attitude" towards those of us who can't or won't afford the system you would choose.

Yes, I know to turn the amp on last. No one has answered the question of WHICH amp to turn on last.
Should it be equipment, Earthquake, Speakers or equipment, speakers, Earthquake?

Thanks,
Sail

Sail

Ever stop the thump?

Hear Hear DJNORM! also sell MC. thanx for your input ...mine is same
TJG

equiptment, speakers, earthquake. you may get a thump either way. but if everything is on dedicated breaker then you should not have a hum. make sure all of the plugs are inserted propely and if any of them are not polarised ie 1 wide blade try reversing them.