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[Oni Jazar]

There have been lots of threads on HDTVs but since the next gen consoles aren't due for at least another 6 months or so I figure to look at something which will provide immediate improvement: Surround Sound.

Now that Ive got a little more discretionary income I'd like to see what's a good home theather system that's great for gaming. This of course means the more inputs the better and DPLII, DTS, DD5.1 standard.

Best Buy has one that interests me here which would give you an idea of what I'm looking for and around what I'm willing to spend. There's some leeway in terms of spending but I know there's an onkyo brand out there with two HDMI inputs that sells for $5000 which is a bit steep imo. I'm not looking to have the ultimate experience as I'm still in a rental and dont want to move around a million huge speakers. I'd like something that's affordable and yet still packs a punch if possible.

 

[Jeff-DSA]

Get an Onkyo or Yamaha theatre in a box set for a good deal and pretty good quality. I'm assuming you don't want to spend $1,000 on audio, right?

Sony really, really, really, really, REALLY sucks in comparison for quality and price.

 

[Flo_Evans]

generaly those 'home theater in a box' with included speakers are junk. (the speakers)

Speakers are pretty subjective though.. I would go to the store with your favorite DVD and listen to the diffrent systems - there is a definate point where sound quality vs. cost gets insane. Where that point is depends on your ears and your wallet. Alot of people can't tell the diffrence between 320kbps MP3s and 128kbps. Most people associate an increase in volume as an increase in quality.

Are you just looking for something that rattles your windows? or are you more concerned with unmolested hi-fi sound reproduction with minamal distortion?

Onkyo is a good brand - they have models that range from ultra high end to el cheapo. The diffrence is thier el cheapo is usually still a good peice of gear. I bought a onkyo stereo reciever when I got my 1st job @ 16 - it was about $250 and probably the best audio investment I have ever made. Still kicks out enough smooth power to piss off my neighbors over 10 years later.

edit: personaly this is the receiver I would buy if I was suddenly rich^^;

Sale: $4,999.99 before $500 savings! ummm ouch...

 

[Jeff-DSA]

generaly those 'home theater in a box' with included speakers are junk. (the speakers)

Speakers are pretty subjective though.. I would go to the store with your favorite DVD and listen to the diffrent systems - there is a definate point where sound quality vs. cost gets insane. Where that point is depends on your ears and your wallet. Alot of people can't tell the diffrence between 320kbps MP3s and 128kbps. Most people associate an increase in volume as an increase in quality.

Are you just looking for something that rattles your windows? or are you more concerned with unmolested hi-fi sound reproduction with minamal distortion?

Onkyo is a good brand - they have models that range from ultra high end to el cheapo. The diffrence is thier el cheapo is usually still a good peice of gear. I bought a onkyo stereo reciever when I got my 1st job @ 16 - it was about $250 and probably the best audio investment I have ever made. Still kicks out enough smooth power to piss off my neighbors over 10 years later.

edit: personaly this is the receiver I would buy if I was suddenly rich^^;

Sale: $4,999.99 before $500 savings! ummm ouch...

Yep, Onkyo offers a GREAT product at a decent price. Make sure to at least check them out before making a decision.

 

[manji]

if we're talkin' pie in the sky, then here ya go:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-UvYjUW...d=morephotos&pi=2&i=033AV5805B&display=XL#Tab

Anyway...
"Home Theater in a Box" sets are *usually* a joke...I've seen bunches around w/ weird stuff like 1 component out, 0 component in. 9/10 times, it's better to piece together your own.

I've been doing a lil' research into this, and it's definitely gonna be difficult to find the PERFECT reciever. Things to consider:

- next gen systems, of course (do you need DVI & HDMI? Just Component?)
- older systems (luckily, even high-end receivers keep a few S-Video connections around)
- switching (even though I sprung for that Pelican component switcher, I've been able to wire up w/out a switchbox...doubt it'll be possible next gen, what with the need for at least 3-4 optical audio and component connections.) There's a component auto-signal-sensing switchbox floating around, I've heard great things about that.
- Price. Between new systems, new components, cables, and *then* media...watch your wallet. It's easy to paint yourself into a corner where you've suddenly made it necessary to spend an additional $150-$200 on proper wires and accessories to get your shit working.

as a temporary solution, I picked this up:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7040533&type=product&id=1099396102345

Not perfect, but it's got 3 component inputs, 2 optical inputs, a mic for auto-calibration of the speakers, and I got a screaming deal on it ($162 out the door).

Brand-wise, I've had Yamaha recommended to me by pretty much everyone (unless you're going $1k+). If not Yamaha, then it's been "Anything but Sony".

My suggestion is to find the best Yamaha, Onkyo, JVC, or Pioneer receiver you can, without spending more than $400. Check www.techbargains.com for occasional home audio deals, as well. I scored a great set of high-end speakers for about 60% off.

Hope this helps a lil'...

 

[Dilbert]

You people wire your VIDEO through your receiver???

 

[Ristamar]

You people wire your VIDEO through your receiver???

Er... is that unusual? I don't own a home theater system, but a friend of mine always ran his consoles through his receiver. It certainly made switching from system to system much less of a hassle.

 

[manji]

You people wire your VIDEO through your receiver???

Hey, there's something to be said for ease-of-use...hitting one button on one remote to switch A/V between DVD, Gamecube, Xbox, Ps2, and Cable is awesome...especially when coupled w/ a wavebird and two Logitech wireless controllers.

I'm just suggesting ways to get the most out of your money & systems, w/out breaking the bank or giving up comfort.

.oO( If only I could train a monkey to swap games & dvd's for me...I could sell my legs on the black market for media money...)

 

[truffleshuffle83]

onkyo is the best system you can buy for your money

 

[golem]

well of course budget is the most important thing regarding HT, and since you didnt mention one its hard to recommend a system.

if are buying from bestbuy, try to see if they have any Athena speakers in stock, really great bang for the buck.

if $5k is only 'a bit steep', then you need to consult avsforum / start auditioning everything you can get your hands on.

 

[Dilbert]

Er... is that unusual? I don't own a home theater system, but a friend of mine always ran his consoles through his receiver. It certainly made switching from system to system much less of a hassle.

It seems like you'd run the risk of dropping video quality with the receiver in the chain.

 

[Oracle Dragon]

Well, there are a few choices here.

Honestly, I wouldn't buy a "in a box" setup. They are at best adequate (especially the subwoofer), although in some cases the receiver is acceptable. The problem is you are spending money on something you know you are going to replace at some point. I would rather purchase a good system that I know can be upgraded. Here are my recommendations:

Speakers:
Get yourself a set of Energy "Encore" series. This is the complete set, 5 speakers and a subwoofer (active). These are VERY high quality speakers, and give you a great return on your investment. You should be using these speakers for years. The last thing you want is to spend hundreds of dollars on speakers that don't sound the way you want them to, like the "in a box" ones.



The other speaker set you can look at is the Athena Micra 6. Really great performance/price ratio, its hard to do better for your money. I still prefer the Energy speakers, but the Athena would also be a great choice.



Receiver:
My personal preference for receivers in this range is Yamaha. They are pretty much top of the heap when it comes to consumer level products, and are generally considered good enough to be entry level audiophile components. The RXV-657 is a really good deal for the features that you get. Don't be scared of the MSRP on Yamahas page ($500), you should be able to find it a lot cheaper anywhere else. Its not the kind of thing you go and get at Best Buy, you would be heading to an audio shop for one of these. But thats a GOOD thing, because they would almost certainly cut you a deal if you buy the Encore speakers at the same shop.

This receiver has every audio standard you would be looking for. It is a 7.1 channel amp, so later when you have some more money you bump the Encore mains to rear surround, and buy some nice Energy tower speakers; BAM you got a full 7.1 setup for a very small premium, since you bought a great amp the first time. It also has a host of inputs, and offers high quality component video switching as well... so when you make the move to HDTV, your not looking at another $100-$150 for a good quality A/V switcher for all your consoles/DVD/Satellite, etc.



Both of those combined are an excellent choice, and will give you many, many years of happy listening, and at a fraction of the cost of more premium equipment.

That being said, you may feel they are still out of your price range for all the parts. I would urge you just to save your money, and then take the plunge. However, you might want something in the more immediate future

Enter the Logitech Z-5500 speakers. 505W RMS, THX certified, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS 96/24. Very small, packs a lot of power, and good quality. The speakers could be a bit better on the high end of things, but they are certainly better than those in the Yamaha "in a box" setup. On the low end, the speakers perform very well, and the huge subwoofer packs a heck of a wallop.

As for experience with this hardware? My main setup upstairs (mostly for movies, although it has some gaming use as well) is a Yamaha receiver (although a much older RX-V992) and the predecessors to the Encore, the Energy Take 5 system. Downstairs in the much smaller computer room (where I do most of my gaming) I have the Z-5500, so I know they perform great, especially for the price.

 

[Lil' Dice]

I bought an Onkyo during a "Day After X-Mas Sale", and it fucking ROCKS!

 

[AB 101]

I currently have a Sony STR-DA7ES receiver.

This is a pic of a 4ES which is pretty much the same. Practically the same front end.

The 7ES came with a nice touch screen remote. Got it like 18 months ago new for $750. Was $2300 retail.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Great info guys. I'm definately on the lower end of the budget here (< $700?) as I'm still renting an apt and don't want to commit (ha!) to any super serious $5k+ piece of electronics and lug it around everywhere I go. I was hoping there'd a small, affordable and easy to setup but relatively good quality system to bring my games and movies to life. This combination is probably laughable I know but as close a match as can be gotten.

Those Athena Micra 6 speakers look good. I'll keep an eye out for those and a good receiver hopefully I'll find a sweet price/perfomance spot soon! Thanks also for the Sony tip and for http://www.techbargains.com/.

 

[Ristamar]

It seems like you'd run the risk of dropping video quality with the receiver in the chain.

Nothing was running through component, so it wasn't much of an issue for him. I can see why that might be a concern, though.

 

[newsguy]

I don't know what they're new model is, but the Onkyo S-760 is the best HTIB around. You get good quality speakers and one badass sub for what you pay. Any HT site will tell you if you don't have much money and you weant big sound, go with this system.

 

[AB 101]

I am partial to Paradigm speakers.

Not super easy to find though. They are Canadian made.

I have 4 Paradigm Titans, 1 CC-170 center and a PDR-10 subwoofer.

With 4 floor stands, price was right at $900.


Just recently bought a NeuNeo DVD player which does upconversion. Works really nice. Price is decent.

Also have a Zektor component video switcher. A tad pricey but works great.

 

[Shompola]

Everything suggested here have been very good. But I would recommend the Yamaha RX-V657 as someone suggested as I have the one year earlier model RX-V650. They have almost everything you can think off in a big box. Yah the receiver is quite big.,, The amount of current it can generate is not very much though, it is no near the heavy weighters in terms of current like Harmon/Kardon. Just remember that when you buy a Yamaha receiver. This is especially true for Denon as they are current wise even weaker than Yamaha. The Yamaha is still good in that field though, but I think it is worth mentioning anyway. Also the Yamaha has auto calibration with a microphone that comes with it. Auto calibration will save a lot of head aches and time. It is super easy to use and does everything by itself. The Yamaha display can also be displayed on your tv wich is another great thing. And if you want a pure sound you can disable the entire digital signal processor for cleanest possible sound if you are anal about a clean non distorted sound.

And wiring video thru the receiver is not a real problem, the switch in these receivers are top notch. Btw the Yamah also has component, s-video, composite in, no hdmi or dvi though.

Another thing, do not trust the amount wattage the receivers can produce. It is the amount of current that is important when you want to know how much power it can produce. And that is measured by professionals.

Last but not least, the speakers are the most important part of your sound system. And buy a set that are good sounding in YOUR room.

 

[vatstep]

I have a modest surround setup that's been sitting in my parents basement for three years. Sony STR-DE945 receiver with DTS/DD 5.1, a set of Klipsch Quintets, and a Klipsch KSW-12 subwoofer (440-something watts; total overkill compared to the little speakers). I just stopped using it; it was just "too much". I sort of prefer the simplicity of stereo sound through a pair of Klipsch Pro-Medias. I'm not a big sound person at all anyways, video is more my thing.

The whole thing is one of the bigger mistakes I've made, money-wise. I've actually been thinking about hooking it all up at my new place, since surround sound's standards haven't really changed much in the past few years, but it would be a process. I'm not too enthralled with buying new cables and stringing them all over my little apartment. I'd really just love one of those Yamaha things that does virtual surround, but they're pretty expensive.

Klipsch makes great speakers. I can definitely recommend them, from the experiences I've had. Sony receivers, on the other hand, aren't worth the extra cash. And they run really, really hot. Looking through the grates on mine, I swear it had melted.

 

[quin]

if you don't mind used: audiogon is a great place to look for equipment and you can save lots of money on speakers and receivers. I upgraded all my speakers just recently from there and saved lots of money.

 

[Apharmd Battler]

Good info here...but no mention of Marantz or Denon?! For shame!!

 

[Cooper]

You people wire your VIDEO through your receiver???

We send video through the receivers. However, they are high quality receivers (Sunfire Ultimate Receiver and Denon AVR-3805), with plenty of bandwidth for high definition video.

 

[Miroku]

forget high end recievers.. go separates if youre spending over $3000.

 

[Shompola]

forget high end recievers.. go separates if youre spending over $3000.

The Yamaha I mentioned has Pre-out and would do great with an awesome expensive preamp

 

[HokieJoe]

There have been lots of threads on HDTVs but since the next gen consoles aren't due for at least another 6 months or so I figure to look at something which will provide immediate improvement: Surround Sound.

Now that Ive got a little more discretionary income I'd like to see what's a good home theather system that's great for gaming. This of course means the more inputs the better and DPLII, DTS, DD5.1 standard.

Best Buy has one that interests me here which would give you an idea of what I'm looking for and around what I'm willing to spend. There's some leeway in terms of spending but I know there's an onkyo brand out there with two HDMI inputs that sells for $5000 which is a bit steep imo. I'm not looking to have the ultimate experience as I'm still in a rental and dont want to move around a million huge speakers. I'd like something that's affordable and yet still packs a punch if possible.

For receivers, I would recommend you take a look at Marantz, Denon, or Onkyo. You can find pretty good prices on factory refurb'ed Marantz's at accessories4less.com

I ordered one from them a couple of years ago, and they're pretty nice to work with. Some of the best "bang-for-the-buck" speakers are Paradigm. Excellent quality, they make and test their own drivers. Their range includes everything from budget to pretty high end. Another great manufacturer is KEF, they're a British company, and you shouldn't have much problem finding a dealer if you live near a mid-size city. Their Uni-Q technology is very intriguing, and technically solves quite a few problems.

Honestly though, there are so many speakers out there that it's hard to give you suggestions without a price target. My best suggestion is to find a reputable dealer who has a liberal return/exchange policy. Then, take some movie and music selections you are very familiar with and demo as many multichannel speaker setups as you can.

Always remember this though, the center channel is the most important speaker selection you will make. The center channel handles ~ 70% of the sound duties in DD 5.1/DTS soundtrack. As such, the center channel should guide what speakers you buy.

A couple of ways to gauge a good center channel are dialog intelligibility, and off-axis intelligibility. You don't want a CC that only sounds good smack-dab in the center of the listening space. You want one that has broad even horizontal response.

One other caveat, is that in-room response will very likely vary between the hifi salon and your home. Thus the suggestion to shop only dealers with a good return policy. As well, every speaker is the result of design compromises. Some just compromise more than others.

Good luck.

 

[joe250]

For receivers, I would recommend you take a look at Marantz, Denon, or Onkyo. You can find pretty good prices on factory refurb'ed Marantz's at accessories4less.com

You can also check out ubid.com for some great deals as well. I recently won a brand new $1300 Marantz SR-8400 with full 3 year warranty for about $500. I have this running some Athena AS-F2s in the front, a C1 in the center and a pair of R1s in the rears (all purchased on clearance from Best Buy). For the total price I paid, it sounds WAY better than it has any right to.

 

[HokieJoe]

You can also check out ubid.com for some great deals as well. I recently won a brand new $1300 Marantz SR-8400 with full 3 year warranty for about $500. I have this running some Athena AS-F2s in the front, a C1 in the center and a pair of R1s in the rears (all purchased on clearance from Best Buy). For the total price I paid, it sounds WAY better than it has any right to.

Yep, those Athena's are pretty nice sounding speakers. Good night, it's been years since I've been on Ubid. I need to check them out again. That's a pretty good warranty on the SR8400.

Just to clarify, accessories4less is certified as a Marantz dealer.

 

[FacelessSamurai]

I've been thinking about investing in a good sound setup before 1080p HDTVs drop in price. I would be willing to spend around 1000$ (Canadian though). Something from a well known company if possible. I kind of like what Denon does though I'm not sure I could buy one of their setups with only 1000$.

I had heard about 5.1 headphones that apparently reproduce surround sound quite well and really give you the impression you're listening to a real 5.1 setup. Since I mostly play alone (and live in an apartment) I thought it might have been a good alternative so I'd like to know if anyone has tried any of those and if you would recommend it.

 

[bob_arctor]

Get a start-up Yamaha, about $200, and build around it. I did that and used Polk speakers for everything else and still kept everything at a sane price.

 

[FacelessSamurai]

Would this be a good setup:

I'd buy the Yamaha HTR5840S as my receiver and then the Yamaha NSP436 as my speaker package. This is a 6.1 setup and from the specs it looks kinda good thoug I'm not a pro so their might be a few things that I don't know about it but overall it seems like it would be a good setup. What do you guys think?

 

[Kleegamefan]

So If you are looking to get a bang for the buck HT system, here is a little breakdown from yours truly


$150

Onkyo HT-S570S

http://www.shoponkyo.com/#


Next step up from this, I would get a set of Athena Micra speakers:

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/micra6tech.htm

If you go over to AVSforum, you will see that these are often categorized as the best speaker system under $300...

You can find them for around $200 on eBay or bestbuy.com (they are sold out @ best buy for the moment)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...7950&skuId=6376628&type=product&ref=06&loc=01


So after spending $200 on the speakers all you need is a reciever....here are some good/cheap options, such as:

Kenwood VR 806-S ($153)

100Watts X 6 channels
Dolby Digital 5.1
dts 5.1
Dolby Digital EX 6.1
dts ES discrete 6.1
Dolby Prologic 2x (7.1 processing)
Room EQ

http://www.erwincomputers.com/kevr6x100waa2.html


Panasonic SA-XR25S($145)

Digital Amps
100Watts X 6 channels
Dolby Digital 5.1
dts 5.1
Dolby Digital EX 6.1
dts ES discrete 6.1
Dolby Prologic 2(5.1 processing)

http://store.yahoo.com/discountsonline/pasahothre.html

JVC RX-6020VBK($132)
100Watts X 5 channels
Dolby Digital 5.1
dts 5.1
Dolby Prologic 2(5.1 processing)

http://store.yahoo.com/discountsonline/jvcrx10homth.html


JVC RX D202B($175)

Digital Amps
7.1 channel x 100W
Dolby Digital 5.1
dts 5.1
dts 96/24
Dolby Digital EX 6.1
dts ES discrete 6.1
Dolby Prologic 2x (7.1 processing)

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid=4118&stk_code=jvcrxd202b&svbname=403

Pioneer VSX-815-K($228)
7.1 channel x 100W
Dolby Digital 5.1
dts 5.1
dts 96/24
Dolby Digital EX 6.1
dts ES discrete 6.1
Dolby Prologic 2x (7.1 processing)

http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=15714&c=0506Froogle&b=Pioneer_VSX-815K

Any of these recievers with the Athena speakers would be a great surround system....

One thing I should let you know.....if you are planning on getting a PS3 and are intrested in getting a reciever with HDMI switching, you may want to know about the JVC RX-D401S coming in August:

http://www.jvc.com/press/index.jsp?item=437&pageID=1

The RX-D401S (110W x 7) offers a similar feature set as the RX-D301S/302B, but adds an HDMI interface – two inputs and one output. HDMI, increasingly available on source components and displays, converts all incoming signals to digital and allows the use of a single cable from the receiver to the display. It also offers a wired version of JVC’s USB-PC link for music file playback. In addition to HDMI, connections include four assignable audio analog inputs and two outputs, one assignable optical audio input and an assignable coaxial input. The video side features S-Video (three inputs, three outputs), composite (three inputs, three outputs), and component (two inputs, one output). The RX-D401S/402B will be available in August at a nationally advertised value of $549.95.

The RX-401S will probably be a little more expensive than the other recievers (prolly around $325 street price when it arrives) but it is the cheapest HDMI reciever on the market and it is also digitally amplified, which is a plus in my book...

Anyway, happy hunting....

P.S. I was thinking about including my gear in this post but then thought the better of it

 

[op_ivy]

i got the onkyo 6.1 and love it

 

[FacelessSamurai]

Oh my god, a reply from the almighty Klee!!!! Will bookmark this for later use.

Looks like a good speaker setup, and if you're recomending it then it must be good!

As for the receiver, the JVC RX D202B interests me. Have you heard good things about it?

Seems like it will cost me even less than I thought thanks to you!

EDIT: Just noticed, the speaker setup you recommended seems to be a 5.1 setup. Do you know of another cheap one that's 6.1 instead?

 

[manji]

P.S. I was thinking about including my gear in this post but then thought the better of it

Aw, c'mon...post it, make the rest of us cry...

...Actually, klee, what're your plans next-gen? do you have an all-in-one Gaming/Movie solution in mind, or are you gonna have seperate set-ups?

 

[Silkworm]

Within the past month I got the Onkyo HTS-770. Sure I know it's a home theater-in-a-box and if I had spent more money (it was on sale for ~$425 at Circuit City down from $499 and doesn't have to be paid off for a year with no interest) and pieced together a system I could have gotten a better setup. However I live in an apartment so I can't really use any sort of home theater setup to it's max capacity anyway, so I lowballed it (besides after buying an SPL meter, Digital Video Essential DVD, a tripod for setting up the meter, speaker wiring, digital coaxial cable, speaker stands, probably a new entertainment center for the receiver, DVD player, TV, GameCube, that'll have added another $200-300 in my investement). Anyway, I haven't set it up yet (doh!) as I still need to get speaker stands, speaker wiring (better quality type than included with the setup), and a digital coaxial cable, but from everything I've read the HTS-770 offers the best bang for the buck in the home-theater-in-a-box variety of setups. Too bad I can't offer you first hand experience recommendation but at least it's something.

 

[manji]

Pioneer VSX-815-K($228)
7.1 channel x 100W
Dolby Digital 5.1
dts 5.1
dts 96/24
Dolby Digital EX 6.1
dts ES discrete 6.1
Dolby Prologic 2x (7.1 processing)

http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=15714&c=0506Froogle&b=Pioneer_VSX-815K

This is what I picked up a few days ago. 3 component in's, 2 optical in's, 7.1 for you freaks, all at a very decent price. I'm happy with it.

 

[TheDiave]

I have a Yamaha a/v receiver, and I love it. Great piece of hardware.

 

[Kleegamefan]

evildede, I have heard tons of praises (and a little compliants concerting build quality) about the D202B, particularly concerning sound quality...

The thing I like about it is it is a digitally amplified reciever....as you may/may not know, digital amps are very efficient......~80-95% efficiency, depending on the design of the digital amp compared to ~55% efficiency of even the best analog amps(bipolar transistors in a Class A topology) and because of this they are often cool to the touch and are very small…that’s why digital receivers not named sony :lol are very thin and sleek...

With some of the better class D(igital) amps, input audio is amplified via a simple Pulse Width Modulation or duty cycle variation of a square wave. From here, Phase Modulation uses two switches operating at the same frequency. By controlling the phase angle or time difference between the two waveforms and processing them differentially, the output varies from full off (0 phase shift) to full on (180°)....this is a perfect sound waveform (in theory) and is one of the big pros of a pure digital amp.....other than the final gain stage(+/- D/A conversion), the audio signal has a pure digital path from input to the speaker!!!!

Also, Digital amps have a theoretically perfect noise floor and do not "feature" even ordered harmonics, ala analog amps....

In short, Digital amps roxx mah soxx


manji, my main H/T is a constant work in progress....

Some things you may find impressive,(speakers) others you may find to be a weak link (Projector)

At any rate, here is my Home Theater gear


Marantz - VP12S1 DLP front projector(first gen HD1 DLP chip and the weak link in my system....I am praying Sony will introduce a cheaper version of the Qualia 004 R2 SXRD front projector to replace it, or perhaps JVC will release a better/cheaper HD2K D-ILA successor.....need to replace this badly)

144 inch diagonal Stewart Filmscreen GrayHawk RS screen(the Marantz is hanging from the ceiling and projects on to the GreyHawk...BTW, 144 inches sounds more impressive than it actually is because it is measured diagonally on a 16:9 aspect ratio screen....believe me, its not as big as it sounds and I could even do with a bigger screen exept my wife would kill me)

CenterStage CS2 video processor (need to upgrate to an Algolith Dragonfly when funds permit.....2006???)

Sammy SIR-TS360 DirecTV/HDTV tuner(need to upgrade to HD Tivo when Direct TVs MPEG 4 service comes online)

JVC HM-DH40000U D-theater VCR(got a library of 27 D-theater movies....unbelievable picture quality....probably ~80% as good as the Blu-ray demos I've seen IMO)

THX Ultra2 certified Aragon Stage One pre/pro and matching 7 channel Aragon 2007 amp(this will be upgraded to an Anthem D1 with digital amps at some point in the future)

Remote=Philips ProntoPro TSU6000(supposedly, Phillips is working on a next gen remote that uses Electo-Luminescence touch screen technology....we will see what they come up with before replacing this remote)

DVD Player=Marantz DV9500 Universal player(kinda dissapointed with this part...should've gotten a Denon DVD-5910 instead....what can I say....I'm a sucker for Marantz gear)

Super Audio CD=Modified Sony SCD-XA777ES multichannel SACD/CD player (EARGASM TO THE MAX!!!)

(My Babies) Dual SVS CS-Ultras subwoofer/w Sampson 1000 Watt digital amplifier:

The results of my personal measurements of the dual SC-Ultra SPLs at Dolby Referance levels??
113 dB @ 16 Hz!!!!!(no bullshit) These are the subs that made my cat run up (and piss on) my living room curtains (this is 2 rooms away from the subs, mind you) while at the same time scaring my 110lb Female Samoyed to run *UNDER* my couch :lol :lol :lol .....worth their weight in GOLD, IMO...

SPEAKERS

L/R mains and L/R Surrounds=Four B&W Nautilus 802s

Center=B&W Nautilus HTM1

Back Surrounds=Pair of B&W Nautilus 805s

All my gear sits on liquid-damped Italian Bell'o AV Furnature and I have 2 rows of triple Garrick Microfiber Lounger-recliners (6 seats in all) which used to have dual wireless ButtKicker tactile tranducers installed but I had them removed because the tactile feedback never did sync up to my CS-Ultras enough to my liking....

I also have various film-themed paintings and nicknacks scattared around my Home Theater and I have my PS2/XBOX/GCN/Dreamcast hooked up there, too....

In the back corner I also have a Pop-a-Lot Popcorn maker, which comes in handy for the more heated threads on GAF....no joke

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

I bought this card with the laptop. It supports up to 7.1. Alienware was trying to rob me, so I just left it at the PCMCIA card

This shit quakes!

 

[Kleegamefan]

Nice system Ice

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

Nice system Ice

Thanks, this is what they are in case anybody wondered

Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 Speaker System

 

[teh_pwn]

Klipsch Heritage line. Only costs a fortune.

 

[Kleegamefan]

Klipsch Heritage line. Only costs a fortune.

DAMN, pwn, do you have Klipsch Heritage speakers??(La Scala? Klipschorn? Heresy?)

Yeah....that would be even more expensive than my B&Ws, for sure......

Of course, you know Katsura owns a set of Wilson Audio WATT Puppys at $22K a pair (owns six of them, IIRC)......the bastard :lol

They are powered by some Accuphase DSD gear with Cary Audio tube amps.....mmmmmmmmm....can you say silky smooth???

Damn, what I wouldn't give for a setup like his *sigh*

 

[pxleyes]

Klipsch speakers are beautiful and sound amazing. You really cant go wrong with that name. For computer speakers, I prefer them well above Logitech speakers. They have a much better mid-range and they aren't overpowered by bass like I find logitech's to be.

Promedia for the PC, and you can even get a simple convertor to use it for home theater.

 

[Ryudo]

Klipsch ? eeeewww... talk about harsh sounding :lol

Kleegamefan nice setup man, i heard the newer nautilis range with the diamond tweeters and even though they look like a fat space man, they sound like an angel. Powered by a moon amp no less.

 

[Kleegamefan]

Yeah, that is the new N800 series.....

I just have the regular Nautilus speakers (they are a couple of years old)...so no fancy diamond tweeters for me


I am not a fan of horns either.....if I were to go with something bright, I would prefer a nice set of Martin Logan Electrostatics instead....

OK.....I need to stop now :lol

 

[pxleyes]

Klipsch ? eeeewww... talk about harsh sounding :lol

Kleegamefan nice setup man, i heard the newer nautilis range with the diamond tweeters and even though they look like a fat space man, they sound like an angel. Powered by a moon amp no less.

LOL, you think Klispch sound harsh? you need to stop blowing your ass out with bass and hear what the media is SUPPOSED to sound like.

 

[Ryudo]

LOL, you think Klispch sound harsh? you need to stop blowing your ass out with bass and hear what the media is SUPPOSED to sound like.

Thats funny, my duntech speakers sound nice and warm and detailed. Go look up duntech then come back and apologize.

 

[pxleyes]

Thats funny, my duntech speakers sound nice and warm and detailed. Go look up duntech then come back and apologize.

I dont care about how good your speakers are because that doesn't change the fact that Klipsch speakers are top quality.