Hello.
We are refinishing our basement from scratch and look to begin framing by the end of January. So, this is yet another request for opinion and feedback as I’m just not sure of a few things as I have read many, and like most of you, many forum posts in trying to get a more learned overview of all of this.
A few questions then some answers/statements to help with the suggestions:
Any recommendations for also including a dedicated 20amp circuit for either my plasma or the power amp?
Based on the diagram, any idea on rears? On-walls? In-walls?
I have heard some Klipsch speakers and not a huge fan of the horn tweeters. Love the GET Heil/AMT/HVFR tweeter sound though.
Not opposed, in fact appreciate $$$ saved, to going the pre-owned route ala accessories4less.com, audiogon.com, and audioclassics.com
Viewing area for LP is estimated to be between 12.6” – 14.6” depending if we elect to have a small barstool/table behind the multi-piece couch for eating while viewing
The wall with a distance of 7’ 3” on the drawing will not be at an angle as we will be squaring that off for better on-wall or in-wall rear surrounds
Expecting to start off with 5.1 and eventually move to 5.2.4 setup
Coming from a Zvox 770 soundbase in the family room so we really don’t know ‘great sound’
Not looking to get into 4k or UHD just yet as I’m still loving my Panny VT65!
Budget is somewhat fluid and flexible but nothing crazy – est. of ~ $3k for L/C/R and sub? Like most - best bang for the buck
Our listening interests: 60% movies/30% music/10% gaming
Our existing equipment for this soon to be built HT area consists of the following:
Panasonic TC-P65VT65 plasma
Marantz AV8802 – recently purchased from audioclassics.com for a great price
Plasma fan for PQ, besides VT65 we also own a
Room size is included in drawing with no placement restrictions or no aesthetic or size concerns
Music liked by the Mrs and I at decent levels but not loud:
Me – from Arc Angels to ZZ Top (Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, SRV, Dio, Last in Line, AIC)
Wife – Boston, Collective Soul, Journey, Bon Jovi
Basically 80s hair bands, classic rock, 90s grunge and newer country thrown in
Only speaker I’ve listened to with my own music at a local authorized reseller:
GoldenEar Triton 2’s – loved the staging and blending of the L/R
Multi-channel amp I've considered:
Marantz MM7055, Outlaw Audio 7140, Emotiva XPA Gen 3
Blu-Ray/SACD/DVDA player I've considered:
Oppo Digital BDP-103D
L/C/R (bookshelves) I've considered but not yet listened too (plan too if possible) - comparison by price:
Kef R300 / R600C vs Revel Performa3 M105/106 / C208 / C206 vs BMR Philharmonitor / MTM
Kef Q300 / Q600C vs Revel Concerta2 M16 / C25
SVS Ultra bookshelves / Ultra Center vs GoldenEar Aon 2 or 3 / SuperCenter X or XL vs Philharmonitor vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 with RAAL / Sierra Horizon
Elac Uni-Fi UB5 / UC5 vs SVS Prime bookshelves / Prime Center
Philharmonic AA / AA or MTM vs EmpTek/RBH R5Bi / R5Ci or R56Ci
Others considere or read about - Power Sound Audio, Chane, HTD, other ID sellers
Subs: SVS, Hsu, Rythmic, PSA – not sure of ported or sealed for this room size with it being so open to right and back
Cables: Blue Jeans Cable, Pangea Audio (from AudioAdvisor.com)
Power conditioner/surge protector: Panamax 5300, etc - others?
Outlets: Panamax, Pangea Audio
If floorstanders make sense for this area, I'd like to start with the GoldenEar Triton 3+ as I've heard the Triton 2 with my own music at a local authorized reseller.
Thanks very much for your help!
PurpleHaze