How much is your main home audio system worth? [Archive]

Clint DeBoer

04-30-2003, 05:39 PM

We at Audioholics would like to take brief poll to see where the viewers of this website are in terms of their home audio investments.

For this poll, include all electronics gear which exists in your PRIMARY listening area. Include TVs/monitors, VCRs, receivers, speakers, power conditioning, interconnects and the like... Use the purchase price for all gear (unless you have a REALLY old, overpriced piece of equipment [think LCD projector], then estimate fair replacement value.)

From time to time we may present these polls in order to get a better idea of our demographic and enable us to present more relevant information to you in an effort to improve our website.

Thanks for participating!

[Edit: clarified instructions]

Yamahaluver

05-01-2003, 12:44 AM

Let me be the first:

SONY KIRRARA BASSO 53" Rear Projection TV for $4800
Yamaha DSP-AZ1 for $2200
Yamaha NS-300 speaker for front main $750
Yamaha NS-C300 for center $300
Yamaha NS-100 pair for $350 NS-C 100 for $90
Yamaha YST-SW800 pair for $1600 plus Yamaha YST-SW320 for rear for $500
Yamaha MX-1 amp for $1200 and MX-1000U amp for $1200.
Yamaha NS-1000x speakers for $2500.
Accuphase DP70 CD player for $6500
Canton Ergo 120 speakers for $3800
Technics SL-DD33 Turntable for $120
Monster cables and interconects for a total of $250
Three constant voltage transformers for apprx. $500
Tripp Lite and APC surge protection for $300 apprx.

Account in balance in the bank.................$0.000

05-01-2003, 01:15 AM

Pioneer Elite 520HD: 3,000
Sony-777ES: 1,500.00
Monster Power HTS 5000: 400.00
MIT 2, & 5: ~400.00
Defintive Tech 2006TL: 1,200
Defintive Tech CLR 2300: 600.00
Defintive Tech BP-8: 800.00
Sunfire Mark IV: 1,300
Sony-7700s: 1,500
Samsung DTV HDTV Tuner:600.00
Terk Dish: 100.00
Terk-55:100.00
Cobalt Cable RGB for HDTV: ~89.00
Cobalt Cable: Componet Video Cable: ~89.00/each(2)
XBOX: 200.00
XBOX Games: 300.00

I am now considering adding a Sherbourn 5 Channel Amp.

Clint DeBoer

05-01-2003, 09:08 AM

Hehe, I forgot about adding video game consoles to the picture - a valid HT expenditure as far as I'm concerned.

Yamahaluver - I was wondering about your system. Nice. Do you have all those speakers in your main room? I lost count after 12... <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

mustang_steve

05-01-2003, 01:17 PM

Well here it goes for my system, its a bargain end system, but sounds quite nice.

Yamaha RX-v430 reciever
Yamaha CDC-585 5-disc CD changer
Dayton audio interlink (rca type)
monster xp/hp speaker wire
parts express/dayton audio BR-1 speakers
set of cheap speaker stands - 30" tall
Some kind of terk antenna for am/fm tuning

If you can solder well, and don't mind a 2-3 hour assembly time, these speakers cannot be beat on bang for the buck. I'd say they would be about on par with a set of Klipsch SB-3s just not as bright and with a bit better bass response. There is also a bit more warmth than the Klipsch, which to me is a good thing.  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

No tv vcr or anything, I havent watched TV at my place in years.  But I do rent a bedrrom form an apartment so I have to fit so much stuff in a tiny space.  Plus I'd rather be playing computer games <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

On an unrelated note, my computer system is:

Teac  LS-MC90 speakers
monster xp/hp speaker cables.
pioneer sx-205 reciever  (it was from my college days, was collecting dust so i decided to use it)
monster standard rca interconects (the purple ones, was left over form a car install)
rat shack 1/8" to rca adapter plug.  They are about hte only place i know of to fine one too.
c-media  sound card.  Came as an onboard feature of ym motherboard, amazingly its about equal to a soundblaster live.

--edited due to forgetting things--

Clint DeBoer

05-01-2003, 01:39 PM

Haha cool. My PC has a Yamaha RX-385 receiver, a pair of B&W 601s, and a Velodyne SPL-800 subwoofer (BOOM!) [plus an old Yamaha CDX-470 and a cassete deck...]

Unreal Tournament never sounded so good!

Yamahaluver

05-01-2003, 02:55 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>hawke : Hehe, I forgot about adding video game consoles to the picture - a valid HT expenditure as far as I'm concerned.

Yamahaluver - I was wondering about your system. Nice. Do you have all those speakers in your main room? I lost count after 12... <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>
Thanks for the compliment hawke. I built a recatangular room ( 22 feet by 14 feet ) and the HT system sits on one side and the NS1000x sits on the other side attached to the MX-1000U and Accuphase CDP. No pre-amp is used for this as the Accuphase CDP has very accurate and matched volume control. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Clint DeBoer

05-01-2003, 03:26 PM

Our rooms are almost the same dimension... Mine's 20x14. I only have the one system, however!

Yamahaluver

05-01-2003, 03:33 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>hawke : Our rooms are almost the same dimension... Mine's 20x14. I only have the one system, however!
I have little choice in this case as I have hogged enough real estate for my systems. The Accuphase CDP and NS-1000x are used occasionaly for real high end critical listening. The on board D/A on the AZ-1 does a very good job most of the times.

The NS-1000x have a small footprint in between a tower and a bookshelf so it doesnt occupy that much space.

20x14 hmm........looks like like minds think alike. I know you like Yamaha too.

mustang_steve

05-01-2003, 05:03 PM

well, my computer system was about 90% recycled parts.

I used to have a set of cambridge soundworks on the thing until something went bad in the amp stage and fried, then went to a set of TDK tremors...was not until i got my main system (the refurbed teac shelf unit ate one of my beastie boys albums...3 disc try loaders are NOT a good thing).

Once i listened to the new system, i noticed how bad the TDKs really sounded, and decided to try to build something decent, but I was done broke from buying hte main system, so off to the leftovers from systems past.  Only thing i bought for it new was the monster cable.  Not too bad for a pc system, given the reciever is really messing up the sound.  Next upgrade will probably be an older yamaha or sansui integrated amp for it.

05-02-2003, 12:14 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Guest : Pioneer Elite 520HD: 3,000
Sony-777ES: 1,500.00
Monster Power HTS 5000: 400.00
MIT 2, & 5: ~400.00
Defintive Tech 2006TL: 2@1,200
Defintive Tech CLR 2300: 1@500.00
Defintive Tech BP-8: 2@800.00
Sunfire Mark IV Subwoofer: 1,300
Sony-7700S: 1,500
Samsung SIR-TS160 DTV HDTV Tuner:600.00
Terk Dish: 100.00
Terk-55:100.00
Cobalt Cable RGB for HDTV: ~89.00
Cobalt Cable: Componet Video Cable: ~89.00/each(2)
XBOX: 200.00
XBOX Games: 300.00

I am now considering adding a Sherbourn 5 Channel Amp.
In the event someone was asking I only have 5 speakers and one Sub in my main listening room.  The XBOX game HALO is the best game I evr played on my system.  It has true Dolby Digital sound and the direction of the sound effects correpsond to what you see on the screen.  It is the utlimate experience in console gaming.

Yamahaluver

05-02-2003, 12:46 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>mustang_steve : *Next upgrade will probably be an older yamaha or sansui integrated amp for it.
Hi,

If you are looking for a good Yamaha integerated amp then I suggest you look into the AX series amps like the 592-596-896 etc. These have class A amplification and sound very good. You can get good deals on them used or new on the net. The AX-496 is a good deal too if true 85wpc is enough power for you. You can get a new one for less than $300. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Bprest0n

05-02-2003, 03:56 PM

Yamahaluver;

I doubt they are class A up to 85watts, else the would consume over (150x2)/.75= 400 watts power to deliver this based on a 25% max efficiency of amps and 75% of the power supply.  Maybe they are Class A for a few watts and then switch to Class AB.

Yamahaluver

05-02-2003, 11:48 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Bprest0n : Yamahaluver;

I doubt they are class A up to 85watts, else the would consume over (150x2)/.75= 400 watts power to deliver this based on a 25% max efficiency of amps and 75% of the power supply.  Maybe they are Class A for a few watts and then switch to Class AB.
The Yamaha MX- series amps have been tested by various magazines as well as myself and they are class A all the way with their HCA design. I have the copy of the plottings of the power graphs.

Only their high end receivers and amps like the DSP-AZ1 are class A and therefore can't break the 140W max barrier like others. The DSP-AZ1 for instance has a 260VA transformer and the MX-1 has two 750VA transfomers.

http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi.exe/DsplyModel/?gSEP00010MX-1

This link explains Yamaha's classification of class A operation.

Eric

05-03-2003, 07:15 PM

Here’s my JUST finished system:

Denon AVR-3803 $1300
Denon CDR-W1500: $600
Denon DCM-380: $300
Paradigm Legend V3 (mains): $749
Paradigm CC-270 V3 (center): $279
Paradigm PDR-10 (sub): $349
Klipsch SS (surrounds): $450
Panasonic RSPTV ~$2000
Mits DD-8020 (DVD) $300
Mits HS-U760 (SVHS deck) ~$500
Monster EMI/RFI power strip ~$100
Monster interconnects: ~$300.00
Bottle of snake oil to rub on my speaker cables: FREE! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

05-04-2003, 07:34 PM

My system is vintage, purchased off ebay.  I have KLH model 5 speakers (very good music makers).  $550cdn
I have pioneer sx 980 reciever (very big supply with large 1800uf ELNA caps).  Cambridge audio cd4 $500cdn.
Transparent music wave interconnect $240cdn.  
audioquest type 4 (and cb-4 but I don't use it) $200cdn.
I am also building electrostats- final 0.3 replica and a solid state amp from scratch. I am familar with lots of high end modern equipment, I have studied intently and found that a superior system can be obtained for substantialy less by buying vintage (at least in the mid fi levels).

peeps1980

05-05-2003, 10:35 AM

Sorry its in £ but here goes:

b&w DM602.5 S3 @ £500
b&w DM601 S3 @ £400
b&w LCR60 S3 @ £200
Yamaha YST SW80 @ £150
Sony STRDB940 @ £500
Toshiba SD100-E @ £175
Atacama Stands @ £70
QED Silver Anniversary Cable @ 30feet x £5
QED Coax @ £25
PS2 @ £200 (Neccessary Piece of kit)
Sofa from Ikea @ £100 (Need this)

I think thats every thing. TV not included cos I'm getting a new one cos the one I've got is crap. I'm looking at getting a 36" Philips Flat screen with Natural Motion Technology - Very nice set.

All prices at time of purchase.

05-05-2003, 01:03 PM

ACK! Never really added it all up.  This is a sickness

Toshiba 50H81 - 1999.99
Toshiba DST-3000 - 599.99
Denon DVD-2900 - 999.99
Denon AVR-2802 - 599.99
Atlantic Technology 350THX Subwoofer  - 900.00
Atlantic Technology 350THX Surrounds - 449.00
Atlantic Technology 270THX Front - 699.00
Atlantic Technology 270THX Center - 549.00
Audioquest Sidewinders - 3pr - 120.00
Monster Video 3 Component (2m) - 3pr - 270.00
Monster Cable Subwoofer Interlink - 40.00
Monster Cable Digital Interconnect (coaxial) - 2pr - 80.00
Monster Speaker Cable - ~150.00
Monster Powercenter HTS 2500 - 299.99
XBOX - 299.99
DirectTV Oval Dish - 150.00
Radio Shack Antenna - 75.00

Bprest0n

05-05-2003, 08:17 PM

Yamahaluver;

I mean no disrespect, but the RX-Z1/AZ1 is not Class A at full power.  Take a look at the pushpull complementary design and you will see this.  In order for it to be Class A at full power, would require a power transformer > 2KVA, which no Receiver, and only a few dedicated power amps have.  You would never be able to cool the amp given the internal heatsink area.  You may wish to verify your assumptions with Yamaha at (800) 292-2982.  Ask for Chuck, he is very knowledgeable about their products.

Yamahaluver

05-05-2003, 10:33 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Bprest0n : Yamahaluver;

I mean no disrespect, but the RX-Z1/AZ1 is not Class A at full power.  Take a look at the pushpull complementary design and you will see this.  In order for it to be Class A at full power, would require a power transformer > 2KVA, which no Receiver, and only a few dedicated power amps have.  You would never be able to cool the amp given the internal heatsink area.  You may wish to verify your assumptions with Yamaha at (800) 292-2982.  Ask for Chuck, he is very knowledgeable about their products.
No problems, according to John Lim, who is a Yamaha tech in Singapore, the high end RX-Z1, AZ-1 and AX-1092 follow the same HCA design used in Yamaha's flagship MX series amps like MX-1, MX-2000, MX-10000 etc. and these are class A amps. If you read the link I have posted you will understand it better.

Yamaha's propieratary class A HCA design was a subject of comprehensive study in Wireless World magazine in the eighites. As I mentioned before, I have put both the MX-1 and MX-1000U in the test bench and their graph plots out to pure class A. Since you mention the AZ-1 I will take it to the lab next month and check out the power curve to clear any doubts. The MX amps are class A as per my tests and Yamaha brochure. There is no doubting that but for AZ-1 and RXZ-1 I certainly would have to check to clear any doubts.

Class A in Yamaha's design is not acheived at the cost of heat although the MX- amps use massive twin 750VA power transformers and massive amounts of capacitance. The idiling current unlike conventional class A operation is kept low thereby not generating heat. I also have a class A Krell KS-150A for comparison and can tell you that not only the Yamaha runs cooler but outperforms the Krell in every sense.

Since you mentioned receivers, Yamaha RX-950 was also class A and among the few in the market to be so. It was a non HT receiver so Yamaha discontinued it in today's world of HT domination.

gene

05-06-2003, 06:15 PM

Yamahaluver/All;

I have been monitoring this forum with much interest and rather than adding my own 2cents, I sent a quick email to Yamaha USA Products Director Bruce Bernstein. *He has given me permission to reprint this in this forum.

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The RX-Z1 is a Class AB amp, and does not use HCA circuitry. It does have a beefy power transformer and filter caps, but the amps are all Class AB.
The MX-1 and MX-2 and MX-1000 were Class A amps, and utilized the HCA circuitry. The transistors used a sliding scale bias circuit, and they were always on, regardless of power output...</td></tr></table>

I hope this helps add usefulness to your debate.

This is not a knock on the fabulous RX-Z1, just meant as a point of clarification. *I trust Bruce as a very reliable source and I haven't been able to prove him wrong yet since my initial dealings with Yamaha over four years ago!

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">HCA (HYPERBOLIC CONVERSION AMPLIFICATION)The Yamaha developed HCA circuit goes a step beyond the conventional Class A amplification generally used in a high performance amplifier. In a Class A amp, when output exceeds a limit determined by the idling current, operation degrades to Class AB, resulting in increased crossover and switching distortion. With the HCA there's less distortion and less heat generation. </td></tr></table>

Please note also that Yamaha does not explicitly state that their HCA designs remain in Class A at full power.  They just state that the crossover distortion due to switching over to Class AB is less than most amps due to their proprietary circuit.  I seriously doubt the amp remains at true Class A at full power.  It would be too inefficient.  Very few high end amplifier vendors produce fully class A amplifiers, and they are usually quite heavy, big, expensive, and produce 100watts rms per channel or less.

Yamahaluver

05-06-2003, 11:32 PM

Many thanks Gene,

Saved me a trip to the lab. I had some doubts on the AZ-1 amp section but then I use a MX-1 for mains out. Yamaha's class A design is on the same level as Musical Fidelity amps and when I tested them at the labs, they delivered class A till clipping point. The HCA circuitry works in a different way from conventional class A amps. Ask Bruce to send you the power graph from the Yamaha MX amps. Also the integrated AX-892 and 1092 are HCA class amps as per Yamaha Japan site.

Even then Yamaha HT amps like the AZ-1 and RXZ-1 sound pretty close to the MX-1 amps and are the most musical when matched with right speakers.

Bprest0n.............many thanks for rectifying my mistake. I owe you one. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Orcinus

05-15-2003, 02:41 AM

Sanyo 27" TV (hopefully replacing soon) - $520
Marantz SR4200 receiver - $600
Marantz DV4300 DVD - $400
Pioneer CLD-990 laserdisc - $600
Sony SLV-700HF VHS VCR - $? (if anyone knows the original MSRP, or has a manual, PLEASE let me know!)
Sony MDS-JE440 minidisc - $250
SCE SP-218 5-speaker system - $500 (I know, I know)
Audiosphere Prelude 1.2 subwoofer - $240
RCA RCU-1000 universal LCD remote - $180
Ixos cables all around - $950 (ouch)

All prices are in Canadian dollars, eh. *<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Clint DeBoer

05-15-2003, 09:59 AM

So your most expensive component is your cables... hmmm. Might want to rethink that on the next go-around!  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

duff

05-15-2003, 12:32 PM

So when is the ultimate system guide (http://www.audioholics.com/showcase/systemguide/index.php) going to be finished? *I'd love to see the rest of those.

Orcinus

05-16-2003, 04:16 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>hawke : So your most expensive component is your cables... hmmm. Might want to rethink that on the next go-around! *<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>
that's actually the retail price for all the cables in my system. I don't recall how much I actually spent on them and I can't even check, because I lost most of the receipts. But it's a -lot- of cabling. If you want, I can post a full breakdown of the cables I have...

Clint DeBoer

05-16-2003, 10:22 AM

You don't need to, I just thought that using cheaper cables and upgrading components would have been a better choice - BUT - for all I know you coudl have gotten them at 1/3 price and have 50' runs for the surrounds...

Buying expensive cables isn't a sin - you have the right to do so. I just noticed that the retail value of the cables exceeded all other (individual) components.

Yamahaluver

05-17-2003, 11:56 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>hawke : You don't need to, I just thought that using cheaper cables and upgrading components would have been a better choice - BUT - for all I know you coudl have gotten them at 1/3 price and have 50' runs for the surrounds...

Buying expensive cables isn't a sin - you have the right to do so. I just noticed that the retail value of the cables exceeded all other (individual) components.
One of the reasons I appreciate the value offered by Radio Shack Gold interconnect cables. They do the job quite good at a price which makes you and your pockets happy. This way you can invest that money in a component rather than cables. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Eric

05-18-2003, 06:16 PM

Just added a Denon DVD-2900 so I go up by a grand. Is that anything like passing GO?

Must say that this new player is awesome. The difference to my old Mits DD-8020 is shocking. I can see all these little details that I never saw before. The increased detail in people’s faces is very noticeable. Can’t wait to try out a SACD  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

gene

05-19-2003, 02:04 PM

Eric;

Please report back on your 2900 when you have the time.  I am very interested in this player as it does not downconvert SACD to pcm, and has full bass management and digital delay compensation out of its analog outputs for DVD-A & SACD, and supposedly has an excellent video section.  I requested a sample from Denon but we will see.

gene

05-19-2003, 03:08 PM

Good news for all fellow Audioholics!  My wife just informed me that two boxes from Denon showed up today at our front door:
1) Denon AVR-5803
2) Denon DVD-2900

We have been waiting quite some time to review these products and are looking forward  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Given the complexity of these products and the detail we like to review them in, please be patient on the review.  I expect a review print date sometime in August/September.

Eric

05-19-2003, 11:30 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>gene : Eric;

Please report back on your 2900 when you have the time. *I am very interested in this player as it does not downconvert SACD to pcm, and has full bass management and digital delay compensation out of its analog outputs for DVD-A & SACD, and supposedly has an excellent video section. *I requested a sample from Denon but we will see.
Will do. Yes, I was excited about the DSD as well. I need to get some interconnects before I can play an SACD. Should be very nice. So far no complaints only praise. Be sure to watch StarWars Episode II again <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

05-21-2003, 08:28 PM

Heres what I have so far:
Mains:Martin Logan Odyssey's $7000
Surrounds:Martin Logan Aeon's $3300
Pre/Pro: Sunfire TGIII $3500
Amp:   Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature $4000
Cd: Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000w/upgrades: $700
DVD: Sony NS900 $500
TV: Toshiba 36"(can't remember model#)$1000
Projector:Panasonic AE100 $1500
Monster HTPS 7000 Signature edition $1400
Monster AVS2000 Signature edition $1700
Monster HTPS 2600 $400
Cables: $700
Speaker wire: Analysis Plus Oval 9:$300
Speaker wire: Analysis Plus Oval 12 $150

gene

05-24-2003, 02:55 AM

****************Quick Update ************

So far  I am more than impressed with the Denon AVR-5803 and DVD 2900 combo.  This is about the best sounding receiver I ever had the fortune of reviewing and the best sounding and highest quality DVD player in my experience as well.  I am amazed by the DVD 2900's performance to say the least!  More on this later.

BTech

05-25-2003, 02:21 AM

YamahaLuver, are all amps rated by class and if so , Where is the rating, this is the first ive heard about class ratings of Amplifiers.

BTech

05-25-2003, 02:46 AM

My Home Theatre...

Mitsubishi 55"HD  WS-55411
Harman Kardon AVR525 Receiver
Harman Kardon DVD25 Single Disc DVD Player
RCA DTC100 SAT Receiver
SONY TiVo DVR
JVC 200 Disc CD Changer
Russound 4.6 CA Whole Home Audio
Lutron Grafik Eye Lighting Control
DrapeBoss Motorized Drape Control
Philips TSU6000 Remote and Dock
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound1 Stereo (just for kicks)
All Interconnects by NXG
All Speakerwire 14/4-14/2 by Genesis
All Coax RG6u-quad by Genesis
Ditek Surge Protection

SPEAKERS:
Center/Left/Right - Phase Technology CI-110 II
Surrounds- RBH Towers
Rears- Jamo
SUB- JBL PB15 (discontinued)

Yamahaluver

05-30-2003, 10:06 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>BTech : YamahaLuver, are all amps rated by class and if so , Where is the rating, this is the first ive heard about class ratings of Amplifiers.
Hi B.Tech,

It was very popular in the past to indicate the type of amplifier and class A indicates the type of power output of the amp. It is debatable but the non switching class A was considered to be superior with more linear output curve than the common class AB. With the proliferance of HT and DSP, amp classification are a thing of the past and I guess only companies like Krell are making class A HT amps. I know Marantz does and Yamaha have withdrawn theirs from the international market, selling ther amps only in Japan.

rlaakso

06-02-2003, 10:41 PM

I agree with Btech in listing his set-up with no prices. The winner, when it comes to price/quality, is the person who bought the best quality system for the least cost!! Cost of what you paid for your system is not a true indicator of a quality system.
For example:
My system Home theater
Onkyo TX-SR-700 receiver. $425. 2003 New. Corner slightly damaged.
Toshiba DVD SD-2200 $199 New 1999 (internet)
Pioneer SX-1280 receiver $575 new 1978
Infinity Overture 2 front speakers new (1999) $365 Returnbuy.com
My only point is that money is not so important as quality. I agree that the original post is to see what people have paid for their systems, but what quality/ price ratio have they received.
 It would be very interesting to see a response to a question posed in this fashion.

Khellandros66

06-04-2003, 02:02 PM

Consider the fact that I am in college so it'll be a while before I can improve it.

Equipment:
Yamaha RX-V1300 - $610
Toshiba SD4800 - $200
Definitive ProMonitor200s x 3 (Left, Center, Right) - $685
Yamaha YST-SW305 - $200 (Servo is what sold me)
Polk RT25i (Pair for Rears) - $280=> soon two become PM200s
Harman/Kardon FL8380 HDCD Changer - $200
RCA 20in TV=> Gonna Replace w. new 26in Samsung HDTV
Admiral 4Head Hi-Fi - $free

Cables:
Monster Z1 for Front L/R - $75
Monster Original (5ft) - $? Can't remember
Radioshack 18AWG for rears => Soon will be replaced w/ Monster Original
Monster Data 200 Coaxial

Reference: Movies/Music
Gladiator (DVD)
Saving Private Ryan (DVD)
Band Of Brothers (DVD)
Lord Of The Rings:FOTR Extended Cut (DVD)
Stevie Ray Vaughn: Best Of Vol.2 CD
Linkin Park: Meteora CD
Star Wars: ROJ (remasterd for rerelease) CD
Princess Mononoke (CD)

I like to think I am doing pretty well and I am very happy w/ this sytem. but I will be perfectly happy once I upgrade some things.

;)~

Bob

Yamahaluver

06-04-2003, 02:45 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Khellandros66 : Consider the fact that I am in college so it'll be a while before I can improve it.

Equipment:
Yamaha RX-V1300 - $610
Toshiba SD4800 - $200
Definitive ProMonitor200s x 3 (Left, Center, Right) - $685
Yamaha YST-SW305 - $200 (Servo is what sold me)
Polk RT25i (Pair for Rears) - $280=> soon two become PM200s
Harman/Kardon FL8380 HDCD Changer - $200
RCA 20in TV=> Gonna Replace w. new 26in Samsung HDTV
Admiral 4Head Hi-Fi - $free

Cables:
Monster Z1 for Front L/R - $75
Monster Original (5ft) - $? Can't remember
Radioshack 18AWG for rears => Soon will be replaced w/ Monster Original
Monster Data 200 Coaxial

Reference: Movies/Music
Gladiator
Saving Private Ryan
Band Of Brothers
Lord Of The Rings:FOTR Extended Cut
Stevie Ray Vaughn: Best Of Vol.2 CD
Linkin Park: Meteora CD
Stara Wars: ROJ (remasterd 1993) CD
The Who: Who's Next (LP)

I like to think I am doing pretty well and I am very happy w/ this sytem. but I will be perfectly happy once I upgrade some things.
Wish I had your system when I was in college. I would only add a bigger Yamaha sub like the YST-SW800/1500 and a rear projection or plasma TV. Rest of the system is just fine. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

06-04-2003, 03:13 PM

Thanks Yamahaluver,
Believe me if I could afford a projector or Plasma or LCD I would definitely get one (prefebly LCD or CRT projector), but since I can't work more than part time, things like the Samsung 26in will just have to do.

PS:
The SW800/1500 would be overkill in my room which is 14ftx16ft w/ 8ft ceilings.
Primarily the reason why I can afford this equipment is because I am going to a tech school and it would be a waste of money to move out and live in a dorm when school is 15-20mins away.
I don't think I would have half the stuff if, I was in a dorm/apartment.  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

06-04-2003, 03:18 PM

Bruce's Music and HT System
Last Update: September 26, 2002 at 22:33:32 *

MUSIC SYSTEM

Amplifier:
Parasound 1205A 5 Channel amp (200wpc @4 Ohms) *

Preamplifier: *
Parasound 1100-D Direct Stereo Pre-amp

Marchand XM9L Deluxe 2way electronic xover
with 24dB slope Linkwitz-Riley symmetrical crossover at 60Hz.

-This is inserted between the L&R analog out of the Parasound 1100D pre-amp and the L&R main analog input of the Parasound 1205A amp and the powered sub.

-The L&R high-pass out from the xover is sent to the L&R inputs of the Parasound 1205A amp.

-The L&R low-pass out from the xover is summed (with a sum switch) and sent to a BFD 1100P Parametric EQ.

-Output from the BFD is sent to the subwoofer's analog mono input.

Speakers: *
Main L&R are Dynaudio Contour 2.8 towers.

-These are 2-way systems with the Confidence series tweeter and a 20cm (7.8 in) passive radiator to go with a 20cm (7.8 in) mid-bass driver.

-These are rated at -3dB to 32Hz, so I tested the Marchand xover and found the best match with the sub at 60Hz, about an octave above 32Hz.
Subwoofer is an M&K MX-700 powered sub.

Sources: *
CD Player/DAC: *Parasound 1500-C 5 Disc CD player

Turntable/Phono Stage: *Technics SL-D2 with Grado Blue
Radio Shack phono preamp

Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
*
Speaker Cables/Interconnects: *
Kimber Cable 4TC speaker cable for Mains and Radio Shack Gold for interconnects *

Tweaks:
Marchand XM9-L electronic crossover (mains-sub)

Behringer BFD 1100P Parametric EQ (sub only)

ETF5 acoustic measurement software with calibrated mic and mic-preamp

Room Size (LxWxH): *
13 x 19 x 8-12 cathedral ceiling *

Music Preferences and Comments: *
Jazz (FourPlay, David Benoit, Boney James), Female vocals, instrumentals *

System Goals/Comments: *
This integration of 2-channel music and HT is pretty good, but 2-channel soundstage does suffer some because of TV cabinet.

System Strengths: *
Dynaudio main speakers present that vocal realism from female vocalists that really stirs my emotions. Also on many of my favorite jazz pieces my foot can't stop moving to the beat. *

System Weaknesses: *
At this time I am very happy with my setup, only soundstaging is a bit less than optimal. *

HT SYSTEM: Integrated
Video *
TV: *Toshiba TN36 36" Direct view 4x3 *

Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers: *
Technics SH500D DD/DTS processor

Main L&R analog out --> Aux L&R analog in on Parasound 1100D stereo pre-amp

Center analog out --> Parasound 1205A amp

L&R surr. analog out --> Parasound 1205A amp

Subwoofer out --> nothing

Technics SH500D Subwoofer output turned off in software and re-routed to L&R mains

Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub): *
Center is the Dynaudio Contour center.

Surrounds are Dynaudio Contour 1.1 mini-monitors.

Subwoofer is an M&K MX-700 powered sub.

Sources (DVD/VCR): *
Toshiba 3108 DVD player with digital optical in to the Technics SH500D

Khellandros66

06-04-2003, 09:25 PM

Oh and I almost forgot, my DIY computer that me and my dad built is hooked ut to my rig too...
It has a;
MSI KT7Pro Mother Board
AMD Athlon T-Bird 850MHz
ASUS AGP 6800 Geforce256 w/ 32MB DDR AGP
IBM Deskstar 30GB HDD
768MB Micron PC133
Hercules Fotissimo II
HP CD Burner

Diablo II & D2:Lord Of Destruction Never sounded better
Never got into Unreal but I can't wait to play Doom 3 due out 3rd/4th Quarter of this year  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

06-04-2003, 11:54 PM

Hey Gene,
I'd like to see a comparison/review two things
Receivers:
Yamaha RX-V3300
Sony STR-DA7ES
Denon AVR 4802R

and

DVD Players:
Denon DVD2900
Yamaha DVD-S2300
Marantz DV8400

Yamahaluver

06-05-2003, 12:36 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Guest : Hey Gene,
I'd like to see a comparison/review two things
Receivers:
Yamaha RX-V3300
Sony STR-DA7ES
Denon AVR 4802R

and

DVD Players:
Denon DVD2900
Yamaha DVD-S2300
Marantz DV8400
I am in the process of getting the Yamaha DVD-S2300 next week and will keep you updated on the results.

Khellandros66

06-10-2003, 03:23 PM

I'd dont own this but a sweet system that someone who is starting out would consist of these;

Lexicon MC-8 $6,000
Yamaha MSP10 Studio (L,C,R,LS,RS,BL,BR) $750+ea (pends on finish)
Bag End InfraSub12 $1,200+
Denon DVD2900 $1,000
Cardas Interconnects $ varies on preferences
JVC D-ILA Projector $15,000
JVC HM-DH40000 DVHS (New w/ DTS & DTS:ES support! Yeah Baby) $1000
Stewart FireHawk 80in WallScreen w/ Microperf

One can dream right? *:)~

Bob

Yamahaluver

06-10-2003, 11:01 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Khellandros66 : I'd dont own this but a sweet system that someone who is starting out would consist of these;

Lexicon MC-8 $6,000
Yamaha MSP10 Studio (L,C,R,LS,RS,BL,BR) $750+ea (pends on finish)
Bag End InfraSub12 $1,200+
Denon DVD2900 $1,000
Cardas Interconnects $ varies on preferences
JVC D-ILA Projector $15,000
JVC HM-DH40000 DVHS (New w/ DTS & DTS:ES support! Yeah Baby) $1000
Stewart FireHawk 80in WallScreen w/ Microperf

One can dream right? *<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>~

Bob
Hi Bob,

Can you send me the link to the Yamaha MSP-10? Never seen or heard about them. Would be interested in checking out the specs.

thanks.

tburg

06-11-2003, 11:04 PM

Aragon Stage One * * * $3,800.00
Marantz MA-6100 x 2 *$560.00
Marantz MA-500 * x 5 *$1300.00
Marantz DV-8300 * * * *$1350.00
Sony DVP-S7700 * * * * $750.00
Sony 36XBR-250 * * * * $1800.00
Sony PS2 * * * * * * * * * *$200.00
B&W CDM 7NT * * * * * * $1800.00
B&W CDM 1NT * * * * * * $850.00
B&W CDM CNT * * * * * * $534.00
Velodyne HGS-12 II * * $995.00
Sanus Systems Rack * *$200.00
Monster & TaraLabs * * *$500.00

Khellandros66

07-01-2003, 03:18 PM

Heres a pic of my system

http://www.audioreview.com/GALPhoto_59793crx.aspx

:)~

Bob

Clint DeBoer

07-01-2003, 04:06 PM

Somebody needs a wireless keyboard and mouse!

Khellandros66

07-01-2003, 07:27 PM

Hawke~

My friend gave me his old RF optical mouse, which is all i need when i listen to MP3s, AAC, WAV and watch AVI files. Though if I can (hard on cash these days) I want to build a new computer, which will obviously be faster, but also have the ability to be hooked up to the tv. *Maybe then both mouse and a new keyboard can be put to real use.

:)~

Bob

gene

07-03-2003, 02:37 PM

Bob;

Your proposed comparison would involve a lot of work on my part, thanks a bunch  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

It is difficult to do face offs and I usually try to avoid them because of time and living space constraints.  However, everyone here is welcome to share their experience.  Perhaps we can turn it into a mini face off article on these forums.  What do you think?

paulc35

07-13-2003, 04:06 PM

Panasonic TV 32"-700
N.E.W. P-3 tube preamp-1500
Cary CD-308-1500
Toshiba DVD A-4700-300
Sony VHS hifi-400
Anthem Amp 2 SE Tube-Hybrid  Amp -1900
AR 310 H.O. Speakers-1100
Cardas,Alpha-Core, Zu Cable, Virtual dynamics, Coincedent,
Audioquest, Power Cords and Interconnect- $ ??
Micromega Stage 2-CD player 1000
Nakamichi RX-202

whitese

07-13-2003, 10:43 PM

2 Musical Design D75 amps= 700.00 used.

Musical Design SP-2B tubed preamp=350.00 used.

Parasound CDP2000 Ultra belt driven top loading CD=600.00 used.

Pinnacle Classic Gold Aerogel speakers = 600.00 used

MIT T2 cables all around,,,found them cheap

petermwilson

07-16-2003, 10:51 AM

Hi,

First of all BIG thanks to my wife who gave up the Master Bedroom in our condo for the HT.

Compared to some of the HT's I've been in at the homes of our small HT Club here in Toronto I would equate the size of mine as being in a very large car. Most of it is 10'w x 15'deep x8'high.
It opens up a bit at the seating position to 15'.

RPTV Tosh65h80 completely ISF'd including removing reflective screen by Michael TLV (Calgary)
HD signals provided by Rogers Cable Toronto (most feeds come from Detroit and include Major US ntworks as well as PBS plus CITY TV HD Toronto)

DVD viewing: SDI Modded Panny rp82 used with Immersive's HOLO3D vid scaler pci computer card, (all dvd's are scaled to 1920x1080i)
DVD-AUDIO: JVC 7disc FA92SL
SACD: Sony 5 disc DVP-NC650v
HDCD: Windows Media Player 9 (2ch analog out from snd card to reciever)
LZR disc:Panny lx200 with s/vid and optical out (also scaled through HOLO
Reciever: Denon upgraded 5800 (2 sets of analog in's for dvd-a and sacd)
Speakers: Totem acoustics Model 1 front l/r are signatures as is the center rear pair not signature but bi-wire/ampable. Surround B, AXIOM QS4 Dipoles. *
Effects speakers Monitor Audio Bronze 4si.
Sub Paradigm PDR8
Monster power hst 1000 conditioner
Monster speaker cable and AR and Tributary interconnects.

The PC is in the office next door but is connected to the RPTV using the ATI8500dv vid card and component dongle through a hole in the baseboard 4" wide.
I generally use a 720x480 desktop. There is a regular monitor in the office which I use when working. *I have logitech rf controlled wireless keyboard and mouse which works through the wall.

Living room system
Toshiba 27" 4x3 direct view tv
Onkyo 575
toshiba sd5109 progscan dvd/hdcd player
RadioShack black metal l/r speakers
Paradigm cc370 center
Monster cable speaker wire and AR interconnects

Software (since I've never actually owned a cd player) 70cds mostly hdcds

DVDs about 150

Combination DVD-A and SACD about 150 and growing fast
I have about 120 lp's from 1972 to 1982 which I may convert to digital with some help from someone with a good turntable who would like todo the same thing but perhaps doesn't have a computer with the right stuff or just wants some company for this project as well (any members in Toronto keen on this please PM)

Peter m.

Khellandros66

07-20-2003, 01:38 AM

Hey Pete,

Can you give me a site to where you got ur Panny modified, and the HOLO3D site too.

;)~

Bob

petermwilson

07-20-2003, 10:25 AM

Hi,
Immersive.com had both. now there is a new version of the card, but if you check out that site you'll get all the info you need.

Peter m.

whitese

07-24-2003, 04:49 PM

I like good return for dollar,,,and always buy used,,,My next system will be:

Platinum Audio Solo monitors,,,900.00 with stands.
Musical Design D140i amp.....450.00
Musical Design SP-2B tubed preamp...300.00
CD player I am not sure...a used Rega, Parasound CDP-2000 with HDCD, or the new Music Hall with HDCD...650.00

for about 2500.00 I think that is a killer setup...

imkennyg2

07-27-2003, 01:18 PM

Yamaha RX-V2095 Digital Reciever
   (100wpc center,rear channels)
Adcom GFA-555
    (200wpc main speakers)
SVS 16-46PC+ Subwoofer
     (525watt)
Vandersteen Model 3
      (Main Spk-bi wired)
Vandersteen VCC-1
      (Center)
Vandersteen VSM-1
       (Rear Spks)
DVD (Upgrading soon)
Panasonic HiFi VCR
Hughes DirecTV Satellite System
Mitsubishi 50" TV
Misc cabels & interconnects:
        Canare (speakers)
        BetterCable Silver Serpent (Sub)
        Homegrown Audio Super Silver Interconnects
        (Adcom/Yamaha)
        Monster Cable Digital Video Cables
Secondary Listening Room
        Vandersteen Model 2 Spk

This isn't the greatest system around, but it sure rocks my (and the nieghbors) house! My current DVD player is a cheapie and doesn't even belong in this system, but I'm waiting for a good universal progressive scan player to upgrade to. Also I bought the Vandy Model 2's new years ago and like them so much I dicided to use all Vandersteen for my home theater. I bought the other Vandys used and saved a bundle!

whitese

07-28-2003, 05:56 PM

Good choice on the ADCOM amps,,,i used to have the GFA-5500 and thought it was great!

Etcetera

08-05-2003, 03:54 PM

New to this site, here's my current lineup. *

Sony XBR Wega 36" non HD ($1000 used a couple years ago)
Pioneer VSX 55TXi Elite  $1000 *($1700 Retail)
Pioneer DV-525 Next to go (thinking of the Elite DV-47ai at $550)
Klipsch RF-35 ($660 per pair)
Klipsch RC-35 ($280)
Klipsch RS-35 x 4 ($750 for 4)
Klipsch RW-10 ($400)
Digital Cable box Motorolla

I use bettercables.com cables for signal level stuff, and 12 gauge speaker cable from Home Depot. *Probably $350 worth of connections

My room is about 15 x 20 and is 75% carpeted. *Plaster walls and ceiling.

Clint DeBoer

08-08-2003, 05:32 PM

Those XBRs just look great.

petermwilson

08-08-2003, 05:51 PM

Hi,
I've never owned an XBR but have many friends with them.
Sony found the secret with regard to direct view and the XBR's.

Peter m.

Etcetera

08-12-2003, 03:45 PM

I love it.  It's pretty darn good, espescially when playing anamorphic dvd's.   My wife was a little miffed when I first brought it home, but she has come around since then.  I always forget the model number, but it's something like

xbr-36250  

I know it has 36 and 250 in it anyways.

Eric

nd4040

09-17-2003, 06:55 AM

* Rx-v2400 Yamaha Receiver  
* booze 901 fronts(2)
* Polk rm 6700 surrounds(4)/center(1)
* JBL 12" Subwoofer/Techniques 8" sub
* RCA 52 in HDTV
* Yamaha 45A elite dvd/cd player

JoeE SP9

09-26-2003, 08:24 PM

I'm new here and quite enthusiastic about all things audio so here goes my rig as it currently exists.
ARC SP9 MKII preamp
VPI HW19jr
Rega RB300 with new counterweight and easy riser
Marcof PPA1 head amp (modified)
various cartridges Shure V15, Sumiko Blue Point Special, Ortofon MC20
Marantz CD63SE CD
MSB DtoA
Sony DVP-NS500V DVD/SACD/CD
Accuphase T101 tuner (Analog!!!)
Nakamichi LX-3 Cassette
Nakamachi ZX-7 Cassette
Lexicon CP1 (surround processor)
Scratch built AC line conditioners/surge supressors
A bunch of other stuff: ie VCR, web TV (Not my primary web access, I get it free for doing consumer surveys) video switch box etc.
Cheap 31"GE TV (my Christmas present will be a 42" Plasma)
2 modified Hafler DH200's for subs (fully POOGED ala The Audio Amateur)
2 radically modified Dynaco MK3's for mains. Only the output tubes and transformers are original.
1 Adcom GFA545 (drives all rears)
2 Paradigm electronic crossovers
2 12" Subs in sealed 3 cubic foot cabinets (dual voice coils)
1pr Acoustat Spectra 2200SW electrostatics (fronts)
1pr Acoustat Model 1 electrostatics (rears)
The woofer cabinet from the 2SW's is connected with the Model 1's for my rears
Speaker cables are braided CAT5 ultra, hand crafted by yours truly.
IC's Belden 9259 with Deltron RCA's (I make my own cables)
My PC is integrated with all this. Unreal and Halflife are a blast.
Room treatments include echo busters, bass busters, diffusors, throw rugs and other stuff.
Philly row home with solid brick and plaster walls. My listening room used to be my dining and living room. I knocked down the wall between them. I'm a batchelor now so I have no higher authority to answer to.
Room dimensions 15'x29'x9'
Lots of Vinyl 3K+
RBCD 1K+
SACD 25
Cassettes 100 or so
I'm primarily audio oriented. I bought most of this stuff used. All the mods were done by me. I am very happy with the sound. Everything is subject to change at any time. My audiobuddies complain that my sweet spot isn't large enough. I am thinking of some OTL tubes for the mains. When I'm home I smile a lot.
<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':cool:'>

JoeE SP9

09-27-2003, 02:04 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Guest : Bruce's Music and HT System
Last Update: September 26, 2002 at 22:33:32 *

MUSIC SYSTEM

Amplifier:
Parasound 1205A 5 Channel amp (200wpc @4 Ohms) *

Preamplifier: *
Parasound 1100-D Direct Stereo Pre-amp

Marchand XM9L Deluxe 2way electronic xover
with 24dB slope Linkwitz-Riley symmetrical crossover at 60Hz.

-This is inserted between the L&R analog out of the Parasound 1100D pre-amp and the L&R main analog input of the Parasound 1205A amp and the powered sub.

-The L&R high-pass out from the xover is sent to the L&R inputs of the Parasound 1205A amp.

-The L&R low-pass out from the xover is summed (with a sum switch) and sent to a BFD 1100P Parametric EQ.

-Output from the BFD is sent to the subwoofer's analog mono input.

Speakers: *
Main L&R are Dynaudio Contour 2.8 towers.

-These are 2-way systems with the Confidence series tweeter and a 20cm (7.8 in) passive radiator to go with a 20cm (7.8 in) mid-bass driver.

-These are rated at -3dB to 32Hz, so I tested the Marchand xover and found the best match with the sub at 60Hz, about an octave above 32Hz.
Subwoofer is an M&K MX-700 powered sub.

Sources: *
CD Player/DAC: *Parasound 1500-C 5 Disc CD player

Turntable/Phono Stage: *Technics SL-D2 with Grado Blue
Radio Shack phono preamp

Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
*
Speaker Cables/Interconnects: *
Kimber Cable 4TC speaker cable for Mains and Radio Shack Gold for interconnects *

Tweaks:
Marchand XM9-L electronic crossover (mains-sub)

Behringer BFD 1100P Parametric EQ (sub only)

ETF5 acoustic measurement software with calibrated mic and mic-preamp

Room Size (LxWxH): *
13 x 19 x 8-12 cathedral ceiling *

Music Preferences and Comments: *
Jazz (FourPlay, David Benoit, Boney James), Female vocals, instrumentals *

System Goals/Comments: *
This integration of 2-channel music and HT is pretty good, but 2-channel soundstage does suffer some because of TV cabinet.

System Strengths: *
Dynaudio main speakers present that vocal realism from female vocalists that really stirs my emotions. Also on many of my favorite jazz pieces my foot can't stop moving to the beat. *

System Weaknesses: *
At this time I am very happy with my setup, only soundstaging is a bit less than optimal. *

HT SYSTEM: Integrated
Video *
TV: *Toshiba TN36 36" Direct view 4x3 *

Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers: *
Technics SH500D DD/DTS processor

Main L&R analog out --> Aux L&R analog in on Parasound 1100D stereo pre-amp

Center analog out --> Parasound 1205A amp

L&R surr. analog out --> Parasound 1205A amp

Subwoofer out --> nothing

Technics SH500D Subwoofer output turned off in software and re-routed to L&R mains

Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub): *
Center is the Dynaudio Contour center.

Surrounds are Dynaudio Contour 1.1 mini-monitors.

Subwoofer is an M&K MX-700 powered sub.

Sources (DVD/VCR): *
Toshiba 3108 DVD player with digital optical in to the Technics SH500D
.[QUOTE]
Just throw a blanket over the TV for serious listening

09-28-2003, 11:20 PM

My system began as an two channel system in one room and homtheater system in another room.

I have begun the process of turning this system into one large multichannel music/hometheater/two channel music system..thus it is still under change as I add and subtrack some gear.

I will still maintain a somewhat smaller two channel system in the old room but will leave it off this system list.

My new room: 26'wide/23' deep/9' high

Projector: Infocus X1

Dvd player: Technics Dvd-A10 (Movies and multichannel Dvd audio)

Sacd player: Sony XA777es multichannel sacd player

Main speakers: Vmps Supertower/se...These are large 220lb multidriver system (4 0hms/91db/-3db@17hz)

Main speaker amp: Krell Ksa-250...This is a large class A amp that can really control the bottom end of the supertowers with ease. (150lbs and 2000 watts@1 ohm)

Center/side/rear speakers: Vmps Qso-626's...These are large bookshelf types (50 lb. each, 4 ohms/91db/-3db@45 hz)

Amp for center/side/rears: Krell Kav-500...This is a 5 channel amp (200 watts each channel)

Sub: Vmps large sub: This is a passive sub which is pretty much the bottom half of the Supertowers (15 inch active/12 inch active/15 inch passive, 4 ohm/91db/-3 db@17 hz)

Sub amp: Onkyo integra M-504..This amp drives the sub with 330 watts for each voice coil.

Pre/pro: Sunfire theatergrand II..This is used for movies and multichannel music..The Krell amps are balanced design and this feed them from it's balanced outputs.

Two channel Preamp: Bent Audio transformer volume control...This is not really a preamp, it is a passive volume control of very high quality. (I use it between the Sunfire theatergrand and the Krell Ksa-250 for two channel sacd's and redbook cd's. The two channel analog outs from the Sony XA777es player by-pass the Sunfire for two channel listening and allow the Sony to drive the amp with only control of volume at the Bent unit. For multichannel music and movies the Bent is set to unity gain so as to allow the front L+R channel from the Sunfire pass through..works very well.

Speaker stands are: Osiris

Cables are somewhat in a state of flux at this time but are of good quality. Cobalt/Vampire wire/Acoustic Zen/Monster/Harmonic Tech/Better cables.

This is a new Room/System so room treatments are still a work in progress. Also the Infocus X1 is still in the box as I have just moved the RPTV out of the room this week...I still need to order a screen for the Projector next week.

Dave

daboma

10-04-2003, 11:19 PM

amplifiers:
denon avr2800                                         $600
marantz pm700                                        hand me down

source componets:
yamaha cdc-505                                      200
sony dvp-s360                                         250
hitachi 61" hdtv                                       3000
direct tv receiver with digital out

speakers:
cerwin vega E-312, front                           200
cerwin vega HT series center and surrounds  200

cables:
tributaries, acoustic research monster          175

the marantz drives the fronts, the denon drives the center and surrounds

the speakers are the weakest link in this set up,
i am in the process of DIYing my own speaker system with Vifa drivers all around, custom xovers and cabnets.
i have done my homework and hope to get it right the first time!

11-22-2003, 03:52 AM

my system is currently only consists of following:

SONY DVD 5 disc changer * * * * * * * * * * * ** $179 (CircuitCity!)
SONY 32" TV (11 yrs old) * * * * * * * * * * * * * ----

Yamaha RX-V496 receiver * * * * * * * * * * * ** $399

Cardas Neutral Ref. speaker cable * * * * * * ** $375

Dynaudio Contour Special 25 Main speakers * $4000 (pair)
Dunlavy AV-1 *Center speaker * * * * * * * * * * $370
PSB Alpha Mini Rear speakers * * * * * * * * * * *$170 (pair)
PSB Image SubSonic subwoofer * * * * * * * * * $650

---------------------------------------------------------
upgrade in mind:

receiver: * RX-Z1
sub: * * * * REL Strata III or Yamaha
center speaker: *Dynaudio Contour SC ($2100)
---------------------------------------------------------

Further future upgrade: * front projector + screen

Abe

Jeff Aguilar

11-26-2003, 04:36 PM

Here is my system

Sony KP-57WS500 - $2,000
Outlaw 950 - $899
Parasound HCA855 - $899
Parasound HCA855 - $899
Martin Logan Aerius i's - $2,900
Energy Veritas 2.0Center - $800
Energy Veriats 2.0Rear - $1000
2 - SVS 16/46pci - $1,500
HTD inwall speakers - $150
Outlaw interconnects - $300
CatCables interconnects - $350
Denon 1600 DVD player - $499
Phillips Pronto - $400
X-Box - $299
Sony 200 CD player - $200

Of course this is not what I PAID for everything.  I did get some good deals, like the speakers were used.  I love those Martin Logans.  I should also say that I have spent way more than this on upgrades!!!  My wife always tells me if I would have just waited, I could have saved a LOT of money.  But then I would not be able to know why I needed nicer stuff.

I am also looking to invest in a tube amp for 2 channel music.

Jeff Aguilar

abe

12-01-2003, 08:35 PM

current system:

SONY DVD 5 disc changer * * * * * * * * * * * * *$179
Yamaha RX-V1400 receiver * * * * * * * * * * * *$799
Cardas Neutral Ref. speaker cable * * * * * * * *$750
Dynaudio Contour Special 25 Main speakers * $4800
Dynaudio Contour SC Center speaker * * * * * *$2100
PSB Alpha Mini Rear speakers * * * * * * * * * * *$170
REL Strata III *subwoofer * * * * * * * * * * * * * $1400
---------------------------------------------------------

Very very happy! will stay with the system for a while.

Abe

Rip Van Woofer

12-11-2003, 10:55 PM

Let's do the time warp; or, old and cheap as a point of departure:

Speakers: DIY Linkwitz-designed dipole minimonitors.
(completed 12/22/04), replacing Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble 3 sub/satellite system.
Dynaco PAT-4 preamp, noisy pots and all...original owner.
Dynaco FM-5 tuner, built from kit, original owner.
Thorens TD-160 turntable purchased new in the vinyl era.
Adcom GFA 545ii power amp (an eBay replacement for recently deceased Dynaco Stereo 120)
Arcam Alpha 8 cdp (another secondhand purchase)
Pioneer 6-cd changer from the '80s for background music
Cables: I confess, I tried some magic wire at the urging of a 'phile friend (also the source of the Arcam) who passed on her hand-me downs to me. Still had her low-end Kimbers hooked up to the Cambridge Soundworks satellites (she thought they were "harsh". Whatever...), and her Maestro Silvers (I think) from the pre to the power amp. Well, they are kinda pretty when I look back there and don't do any harm. But now the speakers are connected to the finest 16 ga. zipcord money can buy! * Othewise, it's various short-as-possible IC's from Parts Express.

As my handle and current system attest I've been away from audio for a lo-o-o-ong time. No wisecracks from you young whippersnappers!

Other changes to follow. Considering 5.1 strictly for music. Would like to try larger Linkwitz designs with active crossovers & biamping eventually. Might eventually use the Cambridges for a small home theater setup. I'm not real big on home theater, since the plot- and character-driven movies my wife and I prefer don't rely much on SFX.

Nowhere to go but up.

pam

12-15-2003, 04:48 AM

Another one

RPTV: Hitachi 57s500
Receiver: Kenwood VR-509
Power: Monster HTS-5000 MKII
Front: NHT 2.5i
Center: NHT AC2
Sub: Mirage BPS-100
Rear: NHT 2.5i (no side)
DVD: Sony DVP-C660 and Daewoo 5800
Cables, Interconnect: Tributaries, Cobalt and Monster

Next steps:
- New receiver: Denon 5803, Yamaha Rx-Z9, Pioneer 49 or 55
- Two side effects speaker: Axiom QS8;
- A universal player with i-link (like DVD-2900 with i.link or 47Ai)
- Satellite/Cable: when a PVR (100 GB) and HD deocder will cost 500-700$.

12-16-2003, 02:21 PM

HERE IS MY SYSTEM......
Pioneer PRO-1000HDi
Sony KP61HS30
Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai
Pioneer Elite VSX-49TXi
Pioneer DVR-510-H
B&W CM6 X 2PAIR
B&W CM CENTER
B&W ASW CM SUB
MONSTER CABLE HTS-5000
ALL MONSTER CABLE AND WIRE

01-01-2004, 01:09 PM

Heres mine.

Pioneer Elite PRO-1000HD Plasma
Yamaha RX-z9 reciever
Denon DVD-9000
Monster Power Auto Voltage Stabilizer AVS-2000
Monster Power Center Stage 4v2.0 HTS-5100 (System)
Monster Power High DEfinition Video HTFS-1000 (Plasma)
Martin Logan Depth SubWoofer
Martin Logan Cinema-I Center Speaker
Boston Acoustics VRi553 Presence Front Speakers
ML Clarity-I (2)Front Left and Right Towers
ML Clarity-I (2)Rear Surround Back Tower Speakers
Boston Acoustics VRi553 Surround wall Speakers

RX-Z9 <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':cool:'>

01-06-2004, 03:11 PM

Here is my HT system todate. *I will be adding a 200 watt per channel amp this spring.

Sony 43" HD RPTV
Toshiba DVD(low end model)

Yamaha RX-V1300
Rotel RMB 1075
HK PA2200 ( Looking to purchase a second for Mono BLK)
Ultralink cables

Mirage OM-5 Mains
Mirage OM C3 Centre
Energy AS-90 Sub
Energy RVSS Rears & RC

Monster Power Voltage Regulator *AVS2000
Monster Power Conditioner HTS5000 *MKII

I can't wait until LCD TV's go down in price. *70 inch screen will be a great addition!!

Cheers

Plop

01-13-2004, 01:08 AM

Well I know it's not the best thing you've ever heard of, but I work at BestBuy, and got a grand discount on it.

Klipsch KSW-12
Klipsch Quintet II
Yamaha HTR-5660
Pioneer SACD/DVD/DVD-Audio Combo
Monster Cables to wrap it up.
And the TV? Lets just say my ears wear the pants in the relationship.

I plan on moving up the scale once I get out of BestBuy. (And my parents house for that matter) But it works for me for now, and I'll take it over the old Sony Dream System anyday.

01-29-2004, 10:00 PM

I have a pretty non conventional system but it works good for what I do..

M-audio Firewire 410
2.66 Ghz Intel computer
Harmon Kardon AVR 125 reciever
Polk Audio RTi38 speakers
Alesis M1 Active reference monitors

Basically I've got all my analogue devices such as my
turntables, CD changer and Virus synthesizer routed into the Firewire 410 which is then routed into my computer via firewire. If im using my Polk Audio speakers I have my firewire 410 connected to the Harmon Kardon reciever via digital optical cable, other wise I connect my Alesis M1s directly to the 410 for monitoring. I mainly use this system for using software synthesizers and recording mixes. I know many of you are thinking...digital, yuk!!! ..but I value having a super clean signal almost as much as the sonic quality.

zumbo

01-31-2004, 11:53 AM

Soundesign all-in-one complete with 8-track.
<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>
Yamaha RX-V1400 ($581.50)
Adcom GFA-7605 ($809.17)
Adcom ACE-315 ($229.95)
Yamaha DVDS840 ($339.31)
Yamaha CDC645 ($206.95)
MB Quart QLS-830's front ($999.00pair)
MB Quart QLS-830's surround ($999.00pair)
MB Quart QLS-330 center ($329.00)
NHT SW-12 ($560.00)
Tara Labs cables, IXOS banana plugs & 128ft of IXOS 2.6mm 13AWG Gamma Shimmer speaker cable ($304.80)
AR cables ($34.14)
Old Sony TV (will upgrade at a later date)

goodman

02-02-2004, 03:21 PM

Here's my system:

Sharp XV-9000 DLP projector
Dalite screen, 96" wide, 1.3 gain
Salamander cabinets (2)
Denon AVR-5803
Sony DVP-775
Technics turntable
Sony VCR
Pioneer laser disc player
Mirage BPS-400 subwoofer
Axiom M-60s, VP-150, QS-8s
Monster bi-wire cable for fronts

In the near future, I intend to upgrade the dvd player, probably to a Denon DVD-5900 (waiting for Gene's review), and biamp the main speakers with multi-zone 2 amps in the AVR-5803).  Down the road, I am thinking about upgrading my mains to Vandersteens, but I need to audition them first.  Anyone have experience with Vandersteen speakers?

02-05-2004, 11:45 PM

Pre/Pro.... B&K Ref.50.................$1900.
Amp........ Sherbourn 7/2100........$1875.
DVD........ Denon DVD-2900......... $ 800.
CD.......... Sony CDP-CX455.........$ 250.
TV.......... Hitachi 51swx20b.........$ 2200.
Power...... Panamax Max 5300.......$ 500.
Game....... XBOX.........................$200.
Sub......... Paradigm PW2200.........$800.
Mains....... Paradigm Studio Ref.100...$1800./pair
Center...... Paradigm Studio Ref.CC....$400.
Surrounds.. Paradigm Studio Ref.20....$800./pair
Cables &
Innerconnects.... assorted, monster, AR, KnKonceptz wire
                                                   $600.

Total........................................$12,2 50.

racer4551

02-08-2004, 03:28 PM

****My system*** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PRE-AMP.....Rotel rsp1066 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *AM-FM TUNER.....Rotel 940ax * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *DVD-CD PLAYER.....Denon dvd-2200 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *DTV SAT. REC.......Hughes htl-hd & hdvr-2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

racer4551

02-08-2004, 03:55 PM

God i dont know what happened on that post,sorry will try to correct! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

02-10-2004, 10:57 PM

Most is now two years old.
PREPRO- B&K REF 30
AMP- B&K 7250
DVD/CD- Denon2900 (New)
PHONO- B&O TX2 (Old)
PHONO PRE- Parasound PPH 100
SPKRS: VANDERSTEEN 3A SIGN FRONTS, VCC1 SIGN center, VSM1 rears, and two 2Wq subs
TV PANASONIC 50" PLASMA (New)
CASSETTE HARMON KARDON CD 191 (22 years old and still kickin)

Cables are AR (Nuthin fancy)

radicon

02-14-2004, 08:03 PM

Here is my system;

TV: * * * * * * * * * * *RCA F38310 38" Direct View (great for HDTV or DVD)
Receiver: * * * * * * Onkyo NR900 (latest addition)
Front speakers: * * RBH Sound 1044SE
Center speaker: * *RBH Sound 414SE
Sub: * * * * * * * * * * RBH Sound 1010SEP
Surrounds: * * * * **RBH Sound 61SE
DVD: * * * * * * * * * *Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai
DVD/CD Changer: Onkyo DV-M301
Surge Protecter: * *Monster Power HTS-5100
Speaker cables: * *BetterCable premium speaker cables
Video cables: * * * *BetterCable silver serpents (HDTV & S-video)
Audio rack: * * * * * Sanus Euro Tech

tuomla

02-15-2004, 05:16 AM

5 channels: Genelec 1029A (active, biamp.)
subwoofer: Genelec 7070A (active)
receiver: Harman/Kardon AVR-330 (pre-outs utilised)
DVD: Harman/Kardon DVD-506LE (component/optical utilised)
cable-MHP-digibox (component/optical utilised)
projector: Optoma H56 (component/VGA-RGB utilised)
screen: Draper Luma HCG widescreen 108" (manual op.)
tv-monitor: Bang@Olufsen MX4002 21"
music: Fujitsu-Siemens-laptop (Athlon2600+, DVD+RW) + Maxtor 250 Gb ext.storage + Sound Blaster Audigy2 NX (optical utilised, DVD-audio), format mostly MP3@192k.

Mudcat

02-24-2004, 03:51 PM

A\V receiver Yamaha RX-V1400
AMP * * * * * * Alesis RA-300 2
AMP * * * * * * Alesis RA-150 4
Crossover Behringer SUPER-X PRO 3400 2
DVDR * * * * * * Sony RDR-GX7
DVD * * * * * * Panasonic DV-45A
CDR * * * * * * Sony RCD-W500C
Tape * * * * * * Tascam 122 MkIII
Tape * * * * * * Tascam 414 * *4-Track
Tape * * * * * * Vestax MR-66 6-Track
HD Recorder Vestax HDR-6 6-Track
Equalizer * * * * * * * Art 351 * *2
Equalizer * * * * * * BSR EQ3000
VCR * * * * * * JVC HRS5902U
Power Conditioner Tripplite LCR2400
Power Conditioner Monster HTS5000
Power Bar ART 403
Head Phone Amp Alto HP4A
TV * * * * * * Hitachi NA
Main Speakers DBX Soundfield V 2
Main Speakers Mirage OM-7 * * * * * * 2
Main Speakers Sapphire BS * * * * * * 2
Sub Woofers Yamaha YST-SW315 2
Center Speaker Mirage Omni CC
Surround * * * * * * Yamaha NS-10MMT 2
Surround Back Yamaha NS-10MMT 2
Presence * * * * * * Yamaha NS-10MMT 2
Mic * * * * * * Audio Technica 2
Mic * * * * * * Sampson * * * * * * 5
Head Phones Koss
Head Phones Sennheiser 4
Cables &Connectors Monster/AR

Stbean

03-01-2004, 07:22 PM

just upgraded to a totally new system:

Axiom M50Ti speaker mains($620)
Polk Audio subwoofer(ehhh..forget the model #, works ok though)$200
Anthem PVA 2 amplifier($699)
Anthem TLP 1 preamp($649)
Panasonic DVD F85K cd/dvd player.($125)

This time I made sure I got the most bang for the buck
and I'm totally happy with the sound. May replace the subwoofer with one from a more specialized subwoofer
company.

Fidelity4Me

03-31-2004, 07:06 PM

I think we ought to start a travelling review committee to check out all these systems first-hand. *I volunteer! *There are a lot of great components and clever combinations out there. *For my part:

Rotel 1065 AV Receiver
Denon 2200 Universal DVD-A, SACD player
B&W CDM-9NTs, SNTs and CNT
Velodyne DD-15 (brand new and less than 1/2 price on eBay!)
Sony 36" XBR HD-ready (thinking about an InFocus 5700)
10-yr-old Sony 5 disc changer (for longer-duration listening from other rooms)
10-yr-old Sony VCR and dual tape deck (they fill out my custom AV rack nicely)
Audioquest interconnects: G-Snake analog (9), YIQ-X component, VDM-XR digital (for future 7.1 and the variable crossover bass management on the Rotel vs. fixed at 80Hz on the Denon)
Avia HT disc and Radio Shack SPL meter *<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

I can't wait for my next home with a dedicated AV room. *The motorized screen, projector, dedicated seating, and tighter light/acoustics control will be fun, but I have no complaints currently.

nm2285

04-03-2004, 04:26 PM

Just a stereo setup. *I'm in college and do much more music listening than movie watching. *Love it though, and it was a bargain!  (All prices are what I paid incl shipping, all from authorized retailers)

NHT SB2s: $210
Harman/Kardon DVD101: $130
NAD C370: $490
Pinnacle Digital Sub 350: $450
Sherwood AM/FM Tuner: used from zumbo (thanks!) $30
Monster Interlink Audio Interconnect: $7
Signal Cable Interconnect: $65
Audioquest G-Snake Sub Cable: $50 (for 6 meters)

Total: $1432
Retail: Over $2700

dabobbert

04-06-2004, 08:30 PM

I'm in college, but I think I have a pretty good system so far, here it is...

Reciever: Pioneer Elite 55TXi
DVD: Panasonic RV-32
TV: Sony 27" WEGA
Mains: Klipsch RF-5s
Center: Infinity IL-25c
Surrounds: Infinify RS-3s
Sub: Velodyne CT-100
Games: XBox with 24 games
Power: Monster HTS-1000 MKII

I also have my computer hooked up to the whole system so I can watch movies and listen to music from my computer.

Upgrades in the near future...
Pioneer Elite 47Ai
Klipsch RC-7
Klipsch RS-35

Possibly a rear projection in a few months.  I love paid internships!

Unregistered

05-28-2004, 02:54 PM

mains : polk rti4 w/ DIY jumpers (12awg) 399$
centre : polk csi3 249$
rears : polk r (something) 200$
sub : polk psw202 349$
tv : RCA 27"
cables : AR over 200$
speaker cables : HD 12awg cheap
receiver : yammie rxv540 699$
dvd : marantz dv4200 500$
vcr : sony unsure

joelincoln

05-28-2004, 04:06 PM

Paradigm Studio 60v3
Paradigm Studio Center and Rears
Paradigm PW2200 sub
Yamaha RXV2400
Yamaha CD Changer
Yamaha K1020 Cassette
JVC SVHS VCR
Toshiba VCR
Sony CRT
Panasonic El-cheap-o DVD (for now)
Old Technics turntable (just in case)
Monster Cable HTS2000 Power Center
Sundry Monster Cable cables w/ a few R/S Gold thrown in
Monster Cable OMC speaker cable (~200ft)

Clint DeBoer

06-04-2004, 01:21 PM

how about posting your rigs (with pics) in our member Systems Forum? you can use "Manage Attachments" to upload images form your PC.

saguppy

06-18-2004, 02:51 PM

I'm still in college as well, but I've worked a good bit the last year and a half and I have accumulated way too much:) Workin again this summer in fact and I am in the process of upgrading and kicking some stuff to the bedroom. Feel free to make some suggestions. The values are what I paid, most of it I bought used.

Main System:
$600 Denon AVR-3803
$410 mains - Polk rt800i
$300 center - cs400i
$350 rears - rt600i
$400 orig. sub - Polk PSW650 (soon to be SVS PB2-isd!)
$180 DVD - Panasonic CV50 (soon will probably be replaced - Denon dvd910)
$120 CD - Yamaha CDM-900
$85 Sony AV3000 universal rem.
$110 main speaker cables and center - Signal Cable single run biwires
$180 in component cables - SC as well
$400 at least in other various used MC wires
$1600 for my roommate's tv - Panasonic PT53WX53
$80 rack (need a new, cheap component rack)
also soon to add: hdtv (voom?), surge/power conditioner (panamax?monster?)

Bedroom System so far:
Yamaha htr-5460 receiver
jbl s26 speakers

vektro

06-22-2004, 10:02 PM

My system for HT/2-channel is:
RBH 1044se l/r
RBH 441se center/surrounds
RBH 1010sep powered sub $3500
Odyssey Stratos Extreme Monoblocks l/r $2650
Odyssey HT-3 center/surrounds $1450
Denon 3803 used as a pre-amp $ 700
Panasonic RP-91 DVD $ 200
Denon DP-45f turntable $ 175
Groneberg Quattro interconnects and speaker cables for mains $ 420
Soundking 12ga with bananas for surrounds $ 85
Hitachi 57s500 rptv $1700
total $10880

Unregistered

06-27-2004, 06:53 AM

im in college, and just do 2 channel since 90% of my listening is music. Im also in the home theater business so I got good deals on all my stuff brand new from the manufacturers except for the transport and DAC which I got used:

Speakers: B&W Nautilus 804's ($3500)
Amp: Rotel RB-1090 ($2000)
Preamp: Rotel RC-1070 ($500)
DAC: California Audio Labs Alpha (I think it was $1500 new, who knows?)
Transport: California Audio Labs Delta (I think $1000 new, again not sure)
Wires: Kimber Kable 4TC Biwire and PBJ interconnects (about $500)

Total: $9000

Unregistered

06-27-2004, 08:39 AM

hiya im 17 yrs and just wondering what mines worth, i'll tell you wot ive got and maybe you can tell me what its worth, here we are: -

Rotel RA-300
Yamaha natural sound KX-393
Technics MASH CD player
Realistic 10 band IMX expander and equaliser

Spkrs:
2x Akai SW-MX92
1x Kef Concerto (from long long ago, still working great)
2x JAMO D 265

probably worth much 2 u audio effienado's but i like it, wot do u reckon??

Khorn

07-14-2004, 01:05 PM

This is my Audio System. I have a separate room for my Tosh 50HDX82 RPTV.

SACD Listening System:

Sony SCD-1 Stereo SACD/Redbook CD Player

Accustic Arts Pre-1 Solid State Pre-Amplifier

Highly upgraded Nirvana Electronics Works (N.E.W.) A-60 60 wpc @ (8 ohms) Solid State 'Pure class A' Power Amplifier

Klipsch "Klipschorn" Corner Horn Speaker Systems 104db/w/m

Cardas Golden Cross Interconnects

'AEON 8'... 35' Speaker Cable runs

Cardas Golden, Hex and Quad Power Cables.

Target Stand mounted on custom 2" thick MDF platform with adjustable "feet".

BDR cones under pre-amp and amp

Rycher

08-04-2004, 12:48 PM

KRELL Showcase Pre/pro - $4500.00

DENON DVD-2900 DVD/SACD - $1000.00

(2) DENON POA-S10 mono amplifiers (not available in U.S.) - $$2000.00 ea ($4000.00)

(1) DENON POA-8300 3 channel amplifier for center and rear - $1500.00

Monster Cable HTS-5100 power conditioner - $800.00

TIVO - $200.00

CARVER AL-III ribbon speakers for main - $3500.00

B&W CD1-NT surround - $2000.00

Boston Acoustics VR-12 center speaker - $600.00

M&K MX125 subwoofer (not shown in picture, sits behind sofa) - 1200.00

Monster Cable M-series cables all around - approx. $1500.00

Monster Cable Z-series speaker cables

AMX touch panel remote system - $8000.00

Mitsubishi WS-65819 HD projection T.V. - $4500.00

JohnA

08-07-2004, 05:14 PM

Hey Rycher care to share the wealth? :D Or how about the scraps ;)

JohnA

08-07-2004, 05:18 PM

Here is my system....hope you like it:

The LIST with pricing:

TV: SONY 32" (FREE)
Reciever: Kenwood KR-V8080 ($199)
SAT: Hughes Direct TV TiVo (FREE)
VCR: SONY SLV-M20HF ($150)
CD/Music: MAC *3 DT ($175)
Game: PS2 ($132) Atari 7800 (FREE)
EQ: DOD 31 Band R-321 (FREE)
DVD: Yamakawa DVD-218 ($53)
Tape: JVC TD-W106 (FREE)
AMP 1: Yamaha M-45 (FREE)
AMP 2: Yamaha M-85 (FREE)
Front Speakers: Vandersteen Model 1 (FREE)
Rear Speakers: DIY Infinity SL ($50)
Center Speaker: Yet to be made
Sub: 2 10" Passive MTX in an Isobaric Chamber ($150)

Total:$759 not too bad...total "retail" cost about 2 to 3 grand

burningrooster

08-13-2004, 07:18 AM

Well my system started out as collected scraps over the years from my dad and step-father

Luxman L410 amp (from dad) with a pair of Cerwin Vega HED speakers w/12.5 subs (from step dad) this was my first true stereo. Had an old sony amp from the late eighties and some cheapo speakers from a yard sale before that. However i should mention that my step-father still uses the old sony in his cabinet shop, which gets used daily for at least 12 hours.

The home theatre started when the Cerwin's went and well needless to say the stereo system has been a great journey, a credit hog and a pain to my wife ever since :D

I started by replacing the cerwin with a pair of energy C7's retail for about
$1200Can paid 950+tax

Bought a pair of energy C1's for $300 retailed for $400 at the time

I used these with the luxman for about 4 months until i came across a RXV-2300 new in the box for $999 and talked the guy down to $799 +tax

Used the luxman to power a bass cannon from a car (not the best solution but given the fact i blew the budget on the amp it will have to do for now)

Found a Technics centre channel for 59 bucks on an open box deal

Had a sony ncp-600 5 disc DVD player $349 (junk went in year and half) replaced it with a panasonic F-65 5 disc $169

Currently use a JVC I-ART 27' flat screen for the video $799 - wish i had of wated on that one could have bought a 32' for the same price but oh well.

Sony PS2 and N64

I love the system as it is but as with all things it is a work in progress. I am holding out for the energy centre chanel speaker and matching sub. should have most of current equipment paid off by christmas...so mabe i'll just have to buy myself something nice then :rolleyes: In the next year or so the T.V will be going into the bedroom and i will most likely replace it with a front screen projection. The rear C1's will go into a formal living room with the luxman when we move into our home next year and well I will most likely use that as an excuse to buy the C9's for the front and move the C7's to the back HEHE.

mickster1972

08-23-2004, 09:05 PM

My system:

Onkyo TX-NR900 Receiver
Onkyo DV-CP802 Universal Player
Samsung HDTV Tuner (and TERK antenna)
Mitsubishi 55" Widescreen RPTV (Model 55411)
Various Monster Cable/Blue Jeans cables
Monster Power MP HTS 1000 MkII
Infinity Alpha 40/37c/25es/1200s speakers
Dishnetwork receiver PVR 502

theprodigalson

09-09-2004, 01:14 PM

i can't believe all ye fine a/v enthusiasts let this jackass have the last word in this discussion....shame onto you people. Dude, whoever the hell you are, you suck. you are like some ******* moral police of the world. you sound like a preacher in some insane cult. know what dufus? sometimes, people don't care. i am gonna be PRETTY old by the time I own a house. I'm only 19 now. And if "owning a subwoofer" is a luxury(???) that only homeowners enjoy, i will step right off your path so you can go jump off the cliff and crash into some rusted, heated, molten aluminium shards that will take the coroner atleast 65 hours to get out of your balls.

Khorn

09-09-2004, 01:38 PM

I think the post was purposly left there to display the ignorance of the poster. Responding to posts like that is exactly what the poster desired as they are the type that likes to "push buttons" so to speak. Ignoring people like that probably bothers them more than anything else. He could have made his opinions known in a civilized manner but obviously he wasn't capable of doing so.

slmcdonald7

09-09-2004, 06:04 PM

Resident Loser

09-10-2004, 10:47 AM

...his(or her) point...

If you live in an apartment(a decent one at least), a blaring, sub-equipped stereo is rude to the other tenants...and I believe that is what the poster said, or tried to...

The second point is misplaced priorities...I'm sorry, a roof over my head is more important than listening to music IMHO...most folks seem to live hand to mouth, got a big, shiny, useless SUV, the latest cell-phone with the latest ring-tones, a five-digit debt and think nothing of droppin' a five-spot(or better) on a cup of friggin' coffee...but don't have a pot to p!$$ in...

jimHJJ(...just another POV...)

Rip Van Woofer

09-10-2004, 12:38 PM

I believe that is called "trolling". :rolleyes:

Khorn

09-10-2004, 01:36 PM

...his(or her) point...

If you live in an apartment(a decent one at least), a blaring, sub-equipped stereo is rude to the other tenants...and I believe that is what the poster said, or tried to...

That's only common sense. Any overly loud noise under those conditions is unacceptable.

The second point is misplaced priorities...I'm sorry, a roof over my head is more important than listening to music IMHO...most folks seem to live hand to mouth, got a big, shiny, useless SUV, the latest cell-phone with the latest ring-tones, a five-digit debt and think nothing of droppin' a five-spot(or better) on a cup of friggin' coffee...but don't have a pot to p!$$ in...

jimHJJ(...just another POV...)

Sure many people live "over their heads" but I haven't seen too many "street people" with $20K plus Audio systems set up in the cardboard boxes that they sleep in have you? If so tell me where 'cause I'd like to see that for mysef!!

Thing is, it seems as if it bothers some people that there are others who can actually afford things like high priced sound systems and they can't. That's what I think is coming through here.

I agree though that if you want to reproduce A/V at high SPL's you should live in a detached single family dwelling. If not then have consideration for your neighbours.

Resident Loser

09-10-2004, 02:32 PM

"...I haven't seen too many "street people" with $20K plus Audio systems set up in the cardboard boxes that they sleep in have you?..."

Dontcha' think?...I didn't think "street people" were the subject matter...misplaced priorities, in light of the thread's content, was...However, since the possibilty was addressed, in beautiful, downtown NYC, there are more than a few folks who have $200 sneakers, a cell-phone and an ear(or nose)full of gold who are on the dole, whose children have a Coke and a bag of chips for breakfast...maybe...priorities...

I don't think it's too early for folks like our 19 year old friend to come to grips with reality...some day, someone's gonna' "cut the cord" and free-fall isn't all it's cracked up to be.

While I agree there are those who are "jealous" and take every chance to criticize others spending habits, there are others who simply provide the much-needed shock of a "wake-up call" to those who may have the cash(or think they do or ACT like they do) but have little or no common sense...

And then, of course, we are all wage slaves to one degree or another...it all depends on your degree of participation...

jimHJJ(...and so it goes...)

Khorn

09-10-2004, 04:36 PM

Why does this "kid in the apartment with a subwoofer" bother you so much? You must have had a real bad experience with one.

As far as the topic how much is your system worth? I'll agree it may have been better had they asked what does your system consist of ? as this might relate to posted opinions concerning recorded sound quality. People are only responding to the question posted so if it bothers you so much, maybe you should ask the thread starter what was the reasoning behind the "value of system" question in the first place.

Gatorchong

09-10-2004, 07:44 PM

There must be some kind of chip on your soldier. I for one think anybody has the right to have pride in what they own, and even show it off if they want to. I'm pretty sure you wrote your thread just to start an argument, but I'm bored so what the hell. You or I really have no business telling other people what to spend their money on, and this is definitely the wrong place give advice on priorities considering this hobby is not essential to our lives, but let's put some questions to you. If you really own the home theater system you claim to:
Is your mortgage and your automobile paid off?
If you have children, is their college paid for?
Is your retirement taken care of?
Unless you answered yes to all of these questions, then by your way of thinking you have no more business owning an audio system than some 20 year old living in an apartment. I just bought my first home at 23, and I don't see my spending a couple grand on electronics having made it much more difficult for me. I think most of these guys have the sense to buy groceries before they buy speakers. As for your idea of what a home theater should consist of, I'd imagine there's plenty of people on this site who could sit down in front of yours and find it mediocre at best. So jump off your horse and be thankful for what you own, and lay off the college kids.

Khorn

09-10-2004, 08:08 PM

There seems to be an overabundance of "thread Hijackers" on this web site. Maybe it's because they get the quick boot if they try the same on other forums.

IMHO we should get back to the intended purpose of these forums, A/V.

The stated reason for this particular thread is:

From time to time we may present these polls in order to get a better idea of our demographic and enable us to present more relevant information to you in an effort to improve our website.

If it's not too much trouble could somebody please explain exactly what this particular pole accomplishes other than ad support considerations?

Rip Van Woofer

09-10-2004, 08:52 PM

Since our self-proclaimed responsible adult seems to have a rather large bee in his/her bonnet about irresposible HT-owning youth I have excercised my adult judgement and deleted his/her posts.

While the points about courtesy were well taken, the overall intemperate tone strongly suggests either trolling or some social maladjustment.

I spent quite a bit of money foolishly in my youth on my stereo (as we called them then) and other things. From time to time I still do, though I am held in check by the raised eyebrow of Mrs. Van Woofer. We mortals often learn by our mistakes. Fiscal probity at an early age is a fine thing but one needn't be smug about it.

And besides, you can get good sound even on a Wal-Mart employee's budget with some careful shopping and knowledge. That, it seems, is part of the raison d'etre of Audioholics.

Now, let's all play nice.

Markus

09-15-2004, 04:56 AM

I am new to the forum and have read alot of useful info so far, I figured the best way to jump in was to let you guys know what I am working with that way you can know if I need help in the future. All prices are in Canadian Funds and reflect MSRP. after the / will be what I ended up paying for each component.

Sony KF60WE610 HDTV = $5999.99 / $4999.99
Sony SU-GW1 Stand = $999.99 / $399.99
Scientific Atlanta 8000HD = $699.99 / $599.99
JVC DVD Player = $229.99 / $199.99
Yamaha RX-Z9 Receiver = $5999.99 / $5000.00
Monster AVS2000 = $2499.99 / $1499.99
Def Tech BP7000sc Towers= $6999.99 / $5200.00
Def Tech CLR3000 Center = $1499.99 / $1200.00
Def Tech BPVX/P Rears = $1999.99 / $1600.00
Velodyne CHT-15 x2 = $2298.98 / $1799.98
Philips iPronto Remote = $2499.99 / $1700.00
Xbox - HD Pack & Live = $329.99 / $329.99
Center Wall mount&Stands= $250.00 / $250.00
Leather Seating = $5000.00 / $5000.00
Monster THX Ultra Wires = $1500.00 / $500.00

Grand Total MSRP = $38,808.87
Price Actually Paid = $30,279.92

Total Saved = $8528.95

I think I did well, and I couldn't be happier with the PQ and Sound... Now you now how I started out, hopefully we will become closer friends because I still have lots to learn.

Markus...

nibhaz

09-16-2004, 11:21 PM

What about A/v furniture...where does that factor in... my rack cost more than my sub...

Unregistered

09-19-2004, 01:08 AM

Moth RB-250 tonearm, Origin Live counterweight, Incognito wiring $450
NAD 533 turntable, acrylic platter, Rega P25 motor,
Nonefelt mat $750
Shelter 501 II cartridge $850
Verion Mk1 stepup transformer $350
Dynaco PAS-4 preamp $450
Odyssey Xtreme monoblock amplifiers $2500
Pioneer DV-45A DVD with Modwright mods $700
Pioneer CLD-D604 LD player $450
Nakamichi CR-1A cassette deck $300
Marchand XM-9 crossover $500
Audiocontrol Bijou equalizer $500
Velodyne HGS-10 subwoofers (2) $1700
Joseph RM33Si speakers $4500
Cables Cableplex, Monster, Audioquest, custom RG6 coax, AR, Transparent $800
RCA VR721HF VCR SVHS $200
JVC 27" monitor $450

Nearly all of this was acquired on eBay or Audiogon at huge discounts. The best system in Gray, GA, I'll bet!

Colonel_Tomb

10-11-2004, 03:59 PM

Here's mine. All prices are what I actually paid (minus taxes), and I got a discount on everything. Take note that I really don't have a TV to speak of -- it's just a 27-inch Sony from seven years ago. I still include the VCR because it was a good piece back in the day.

Adcom GTP-880 A/V preamp, $2,160
Adcom GFA-7605S five-channel amplifier, $990

DVD-2900 universal DVD player, $875
Denon DCM-380 CD changer, $270
Denon CDR-W1500 CD recorder, $570

B&W 703 main speakers, $2,585
B&W CM C center-channel speaker, $485
B&W 705 surround speakers, $1,335
B&W ASW700 subwoofer, $1,155

Sony KV-27S22 television, $500
Yamaha YV-810 VCR, $700

Cobalt and Monster interconnects and speaker cables, ~$1,200

TOTAL: $12,825

eleiko

10-19-2004, 09:59 AM

It's a 2-channel vintage system. I'll post what the goods cost when new:

speakers: ADS 1230s, $1500 - 1983
power amp: Quad 405, $410 - 1978
pre-amp: Nakamichi 410, $330 - 1978
tuner: Yamaha T-1, $350 - 1978
table: Thorens mk 166 mk2, $350 - 1885
cartridge: Sumiko Blue Point, $200 - 2004
CD: NAD, $300 - 1987
deck: Denon, $400 - 1987
headphones: Byer Dynamic, $75 - 1985
equipment rack: $400 (got it on sale at Tweeter for $250) - 1997

MagMan

02-07-2005, 03:22 PM

Pioneer Elite 720HD $8000
Pioneer Elite DV37 $700
Denon AV5800 $3400
Adcom GFA 555 $1000
Magnepan 2.7R $2000
Magnepan CC3 $800
Klipsch RS-3 $500
JBL S312 $525
Paradigm PS1000 $500
Grado SR125 cans $150
Misc Cable and conn $500
Panamax 5100 $300

BuzzedHornet

02-09-2005, 08:56 PM

Living Room
Loewe Calida 32" TV $3800.00 (in 1999)
California Audio Labs SL 2500 MCA Amp $7000.00
California Audio Labs SL 2500 SSP Pre Processor $4800.00
California Audio Labs SL 2500 DVD $2500.00
California Audio Labs SL 2500 VSW Video Switcher $1700.00
Martin Logan Sequel 2's $2800.00 (used in 1992ish)
AMX Control $10,000.00 (whole house)
Gran Prix Audio Isolation Monaco (component stand) $3000.00
Gran Prix Audio Isolation (amp stand) $1800.00 (custom size for my amp)
Transparent Audio Reference cables through out $6000.00 (estimate)

I am only using this as a two channel system now. The wife wont let me run rears until we buy the next house. I am looking to move to Wilson or B&W speakers in the very near future.

Bedroom
LG 30" LCD Panel $2500.00
Linn Classik Movie $3000.00
(5) Meridian M33's $6000.00
Velodyne 10" Sub $1800.00
AMX Control 5" LCD RF Remote
The kids love this system.

Distributed Audio
(12) B&W CCM80's through out
(2) Sonamp 1250 amps
(4) Tannoy i5's outside
AMX Control Pads in each room
These speakers and amps came with the home, I only added the AMX Control to the system.

If my wife reads this post I will be very single, very fast. She knows we have nice stuff, but has no idea what it is worth.

jtgwinatl

02-16-2005, 02:55 AM

some really nice systems here...mine is below (signature)...My favorite component is my television...(old 32xbr100) every time i go to hifibuys, and look at the newer hdtv's and think to myself...the picture quality difference is nonexistent (marginal)..(i'm not exagerating either) if you can pick up a 32xbr100 do so..trust me you'll be watching movies like this :D :D :D :D...Originally cost $3500 dollars///picked mine up for about 900 with a 5 yr warranty.

Be warned though this tv weighs over 200 lbs..the only tv i'd replace this tv with would be a 40xbr800 or a vidikron projector (if i sold one of my kidneys/ and 1/2 of my liver on ebay ...i could be able to afford it that is).

soniceuphoria

02-27-2005, 12:19 PM

I have only one question for the the guy saying subs don't have a place in an apartment. What are you smoking? I beg to differ. I believe that you have a right to listen to whatever the heck you want and as loud as you want as long as it is at an appropriate time (like not at 4 in the morning) I live in an apartment and have
a very obnoxious stereo using 2 powered subs. I gave everyone in the building a fair warning that I like my music loud and told everyone that if it is ever too loud to just come and knock and (if I can hear them) I will turn it down. Suprisingly enough they have only asked me to turn it down twice since I've lived here (8 months) and it was during very spirited bass heavy listening sesions. This goes to show that being a friendly neighbor has its advantages and that not everyone out there are @$$holes
Since the topic is our systems and what they cost here I go

Reciever Yamaha Rx-v620 $200 5 channel stereo kicks @$$
Front amp Crest Audio Vs450 $300
Rear amp Carver Pxm450 $450
Front speakers Magnepan MGIIIa's and Magnepan MGI improved $900 for both pairs
Rear speakers Carver ALIII's $400
Center (the weak link) Cerwin Vega HT1MDC $100
TV Toshiba 65H84 65" RPTV $2100
DVD Toshiba SD5970 $150
Subs JBL PB12 $200
Velodyne Cht-8 $150