The best system for $4K? Any help?

[Tone Deaf]

Thanks again for all earlier replies. very helpful. I've determined that I want to spend $3-5k max for a system. Can anyone suggest one that I ought to take a listen to?

Also, I will be putting in six ornamental columns in the room (for the theater look and feel) 2 beside the stage/screen and 2 on each wall. Ideally I'd love to put the speakers in the column if possible but it is not a requirement at all.
Thanks for the help

 

[ParadigmDawg]

are you talking audio and video for this budget? How big is your room? What do you want to do with this system?

Thanks again for all earlier replies. very helpful. I've determined that I want to spend $3-5k max for a system. Can anyone suggest one that I ought to take a listen to?

Also, I will be putting in six ornamental columns in the room (for the theater look and feel) 2 beside the stage/screen and 2 on each wall. Ideally I'd love to put the speakers in the column if possible but it is not a requirement at all.
Thanks for the help

 

[Warpdrv]

Agreed, what components are you looking for here...

Speakers in columns are do-able, just make sure they are front ported... only..

There are a few brands, but for sure I know Paradigms are....

 

[Gimpy Ric]

How Big is your room? Need that info to recommend a sub(s). On that subject, consider the Emotiva DRS-1 Subwoofer/Amplifier System (Emotiva Digital reference Sub-1) $999.00.

Also consider a big amp from Emotiva to power everything, leaving your receiver to be used as a pre amp/processor.

Speakers are up to your ears.

Good Luck, and Have Fun!

 

[Davemcc]

It makes a huge difference whether you need to include the display in the budget, as well as any high def sources, etc. A good display or projector could easily run $2-3K by itself.

 

[Tone Deaf]

Guys,I am so sorry. Irealized last night while I was just about asleep that I did not give you the details. Here it goes:

- This is for just the audio portion I believe I am going with the Epson 1080 Hime Cinema, stewart Firehawk G3 screen (not sure about the wires). I will also need to get a high def dvd but have not decided on that yet
- The room is 17LX 12Wx8H
There is one window that I plan to totally cover with a custom panel.
- There will be 6 recliners with butt shakers and decorative columns
I have no idea what I should seek out to listen to before purchasing. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

 

[AVRat]

For starters I'd pick up an SVS PB12-Plus with oak/maple/rosenut finish for $900 shipped while they still have the overstock pricing!

You could probably also save some $$ by going with a Carada Criterion Brilliant White screen instead of the Stewart.

How deep are the columns? They'll eat up valuable floorspace if they're too big. Their design should take the speaker into account if it is mounted inside.

Would you prefer mono- or multi-polar surrounds?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Like the Rat said; get the SVS sub while you can at the price point.

If you go in-walls look at speakercraft, Sonance, Niles, Triad.

If you go conventional look at B&W, Paradigm, Swan, AV123, Totem, PSB and Def Tech. You have to go listen to these and see what you like.

The new Onks will provide everything you need in an AVR.

 

[Gasman]

I am going with the Epson 1080 Hime Cinema, stewart Firehawk G3 screen (not sure about the wires).
- The room is 17LX 12Wx8H
- There will be 6 recliners with butt shakers and decorative columns

What size screen are you planning on, I would think no larger than 90" for size constraints.
12 wide, is not very wide, specially when you look at 2 rows of 3 recliners (is that even possible, I guess depends on the recliners)
Or 3 rows of 2 recliners = NO leg room Plenty of arm room.
I know that it is cutting it close, and most certainly will have surround sound issues (with the 3 wide recliners).
Specially when you factor in, a fairly large sub (that the fellows are recommending) and 2 front floorstanders, and the center (all should fit in the outer contstraints of the screen)
Screen (90") is apprx. 80 inches wide then add for the front speakers (about 10"~12" each side). And I am guessing the sub would be on the inside of the mains (not the outside).

Maybe it is me, but looks tight with 6 recliners.????? (possibly I am doing an incorrect mental piucture, which is quite likely)

Anyhow, I will second or third that sub (should be plenty for that room).

EDIT; If finish is not an issue, and you have no problem with matte black.
I would personally step up with a little more depth, with THIS
(specially when you look at Craig's ratings.. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768150

 

[Tone Deaf]

For starters I'd pick up an SVS PB12-Plus with oak/maple/rosenut finish for $900 shipped while they still have the overstock pricing!

You could probably also save some $$ by going with a Carada Criterion Brilliant White screen instead of the Stewart.

How deep are the columns? They'll eat up valuable floorspace if they're too big. Their design should take the speaker into account if it is mounted inside.

Would you prefer mono- or multi-polar surrounds?

I don't know what the difference between mono and multi polar although I suppose I can hazard adecent guess

 

[AVRat]

Are you planning 5/7.1 for this room? Mono-poles are like a direct firing bookshelf. Multi-poles have drivers firing in different directions for a more diffuse sound. http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/...e-S50-Surround

Gasman makes some good points about the layout. And by my guesstimation the side-surrounds would be located about where you might place the rear-side columns.


Aperion Audio, Ascend Acoustics, Athena Tech, Atlantic Tech, Axiom, B&W, Definitive Technology, Energy, HSU, Infinity, Jamo, JBL, KEF, Klipsch, Monitor Audio, NHT, Paradigm, Phase Technology, Pinnacle, Polk Audio, PSB, RBH, Rocket, SVS

 

[Tone Deaf]

Are you planning 5/7.1 for this room? Mono-poles are like a direct firing bookshelf. Multi-poles have drivers firing in different directions for a more diffuse sound. http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/...e-S50-Surround

Gasman makes some good points about the layout. And by my guesstimation the side-surrounds would be located about where you might place the rear-side columns.


Aperion Audio, Ascend Acoustics, Athena Tech, Atlantic Tech, Axiom, B&W, Definitive Technology, Energy, HSU, Infinity, Jamo, JBL, KEF, Klipsch, Monitor Audio, NHT, Paradigm, Phase Technology, Pinnacle, Polk Audio, PSB, RBH, Rocket, SVS

You boys are totally nuts....in a good good way. I'll try to digest all of this stuff but in the mean time you guys should think about starting your own convention or something to get togther and crank on this stuff.

BTW, The chairs I have in mind are about 105" or so wide.
The room is about 12' at the back at which point it angles a bit b/c of a windo. the rest of the room is 14 1/2' wide. 2 rows of 3 chairs with the back 3 on a platform shouldn't be a problem. My family is in the construction remodeling business. The only part of this crazy process I can take care of is the lay out and the build.

 

[Gasman]

the rest of the room is 14 1/2' wide.

Ah, then that makes much more sense.
So it will not be as tight as I mentally pictured. Cool.

 

[kiwiaudionut]

Instead of "ornamental" columns, why not make or buy acoustic absorption columns. I'll wager this is an area you had not thought to address yet. The acoustic guys would have you spend about a third of your budget on treatment, and the more I read on the subject, the more I'm thinkin the same !!

 

[Tone Deaf]

Instead of "ornamental" columns, why not make or buy acoustic absorption columns. I'll wager this is an area you had not thought to address yet. The acoustic guys would have you spend about a third of your budget on treatment, and the more I read on the subject, the more I'm thinkin the same !!

Great. Where can I go to see more?

 

[Gimpy Ric]

You boys are totally nuts....in a good good way. I'll try to digest all of this stuff but in the mean time you guys should think about starting your own convention or something to get togther and crank on this stuff.

Audioholics does have an annual convention! I've never been, but its jam up from what I've read.

And of course we are all nuts. My friends love my setup and the sound quality, but would flip out if they knew that it cost +/- $7000.00. Damn, come to think of it, I'm flipping out

 

[kiwiaudionut]

Check out these links;
http://www.readyacoustics.com/index.php?go=products.products&cat=10

There is a wealth of info and useful video on this site:
http://www.realtraps.com/index.htm

Some aesthetic ideas here:
http://www.acoustimac.com/default.asp

or there are several helpful ideas from guys in the "Room acoustics, system design and setup" Forum. A lot of folks make their own traps and with some research, can attain close results to what the big boys get. This is what I'll do, as I just have to do it myself you know !!

 

[kiwiaudionut]

Here is a video of a guy cutting OC 703 panels to make a corner stack Bass absorber. With a creative template, you could make anyshape you want.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3067566258802658704

 

[ParadigmDawg]

http://www.musiciansbuy.com/auralex_sfs_112_sfs112.html

Expensive but awesome.

Great. Where can I go to see more?

 

[KINGS TREASURE]

Thanks again for all earlier replies. very helpful. I've determined that I want to spend $3-5k max for a system. Can anyone suggest one that I ought to take a listen to?

Also, I will be putting in six ornamental columns in the room (for the theater look and feel) 2 beside the stage/screen and 2 on each wall. Ideally I'd love to put the speakers in the column if possible but it is not a requirement at all.
Thanks for the help

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OPPO DV981 HD 1080P up-converting universal dvd player with HDMI output $229.00. http://www.oppodigital.com

JBL SPEAKERS you can try bhphotovideo.com. free shipping on JBL SPEAKERS.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&ci=0&sb=bs,upper(ds)&sq=asc&ac=&bsi=&shs=jbl+speakers&ci=9650&fakeSubmitButton=Submit+Query

http://outlawaudio.com subwoofer you can get the LFM-1EX FOR $649.00 OR TWO FOR $1198.00. They also sell a y adapter to hook up both subs for $25.00

BLUE JEANS CABLE. for all your cables. http://www.bluejeanscable.com

Acoustic panels try. http://www.audimutesoundproofing.com