CB's Setups

[Crackerballer]

Hey everyone, I realized the other day it's been a LONG time since I have posted any pics of my setup. My first sweet setup I posted here a long time ago when my girlfriend and I moved into her new apartment together.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/pros-joes-systems-gallery/31705-gfs-tv-apartment-plus-my-setup.html

The TV in that setup was a 42" Samsung Plasma that was still kicking strong this spring when I sold it to a friend. Since then we bought a town home in June 2010, I graduated with my Masters, I started a new job, and I got married all this past May. This is the current setup that is about to get an overhaul.

I bought the VT30 in May, best purchase ever. The TV kicks ***. The surround system is the same from the apartment:

Denon AVR-887
JBL E30 mains
JBL E20 Surrounds
JBL EC25 Center
APC Power conditioner
PS3 60 gig
Xbox 360
Wii

I just ordered a few things arriving soon.
Onkyo TX-NR708
JBL ES10s
Jamo S426 HCS3 Surround package.

The JBLs will probably move downstairs. I'll take some pics of the downstairs setup shortly.

 

[its phillip]

Looks great!

 

[darien87]

.

Now get me a juice box!!!

 

[Crackerballer]

The new Onkyo came and I installed it, updated the firmware, and it's running like a champion. I still need to reprogram my Harmony remote. I had to order a longer HDMI cord as well as some speaker wire for my ES10s before I finish everything up.

Also, does anyone know what setting I should put the Onkyo on to enjoy the full HD audio the PS3 is kicking out? I know I have to set up the rear surrounds once I hook them up and then do the audyssey calibration, but I also need to know the receiver "mode" to have it in for best performance. Thanks everyone. More pics to follow this week when the Jamos arrive. They should be here today assuming UPS leaves them without me signing, otherwise I'll have them tomorrow.

 

[westcott]

Congratulations are in order. I am sure you are happy to be out of school and in the working world full time. Getting married is also a big step into the world of supreme compromise. Hope you enjoy your new townhome and your new setup. Thanks for sharing.

 

[westcott]

The new Onkyo came and I installed it, updated the firmware, and it's running like a champion. I still need to reprogram my Harmony remote. I had to order a longer HDMI cord as well as some speaker wire for my ES10s before I finish everything up.

Also, does anyone know what setting I should put the Onkyo on to enjoy the full HD audio the PS3 is kicking out? I know I have to set up the rear surrounds once I hook them up and then do the audyssey calibration, but I also need to know the receiver "mode" to have it in for best performance. Thanks everyone. More pics to follow this week when the Jamos arrive. They should be here today assuming UPS leaves them without me signing, otherwise I'll have them tomorrow.

I am no expert on Onkyo but if there is an auto function, that is what I would recommend. It will run DTS or Dolby Digital if that signal is provided, it will default to Pro Logic II Cinema for most everything else you watch.

 

[baniels]

PS3's don't bitstream HD audio, do they? I believe the PS3 will decode the audio and pass PCM to the Onkyo. In this case the Onkyo will display "MULTI-CH" or some such.

 

[darien87]

PS3's don't bitstream HD audio, do they? I believe the PS3 will decode the audio and pass PCM to the Onkyo. In this case the Onkyo will display "MULTI-CH" or some such.

The old ones don't. The newer "Slim" ones do.

 

[Crackerballer]

PS3's don't bitstream HD audio, do they? I believe the PS3 will decode the audio and pass PCM to the Onkyo. In this case the Onkyo will display "MULTI-CH" or some such.

I did more research and this is correct, they do decode and pass PCM Linear 7.1 out to the Onkyo, even the old ones. And yes, Multichannel is the setting.

Updated pics coming soon, got the rear speakers mounted for 7.1 and moved the furniture just a tad to let the E20s sit in a better location

 

[afterlife2]

That's a beautiful setup. How do you like the E30/E20's as Front and surrounds? Oh and where did you get the stands?

 

[Crackerballer]

That's a beautiful setup. How do you like the E30/E20's as Front and surrounds? Oh and where did you get the stands?

Afterlife just saw your post. I got the stands a while ago when I bought my Paradigm studio 20s. Love them. The rear stands and center stand are all wood tech.

The E series does the job well for my room size, at least until I find a set of P363s on sale again.

 

[Crackerballer]

Updates coming. First, bought a pair of Polk Monitor 70s from Newegg since they were on sale for $149 each. Had to order the matching CS2 center and the 40s for surrounds I also wanted a nice 2 channel amp to power them, so I ordered a Crown XLS1000 that shipped today.

Well then today I see the post about the EMPtek E55Tis on sale for less than $200 each, so I ordered them and the matching large center, the E56Ci. I'll use them as my main setup and set the Polks up on our second floor. I'll get updated pics when everything arrives and is setup. I also finally have my shades up in the blue room, so no more huge glare on the VT30.

 

[Compadre]

Very nice and I applause to ones whom get away w/ no compaints by neighbors for cranking HT movies / music in apartment living.

We just moved into an apartment for short term lease. Theres only two levels where we live and we're on the 1st floor and these are suppose to be very isolated from neighbors walls. So I said why not and I attempted to just do a 2.1 setup (def tech SM350s and kids gameroom VX11 sub) and my wife said don't even think about it.!!
Auwww crap!!!!!!!!!1 to that

So now I have to suffer for 6-months w/ the speakers on my plasma (yea it stinks)

 

[Crackerballer]

We are in a townhome, and the build quality is a bit better than most apartments so the double insulation between our end unit and the middle is a big plus.

I got my Polks up and running (minus my cables from Nezff) last night on the middle level. They sound great and extend pretty low, so I feel better about not using a sub on that level. Eventually I will move my X-sub down there and upgrade the one in my main system to a SVS or Hsu.

My Crown XLS1000 also arrived yesterday but I haven't messed with it since my EmpTeks won't come until tomorrow. Pics to come over the next few days!

 

[monsterman]

looks like you have a little X-Sub to the left of the TV? I got the same one next to my pc. The fit and finish is really good considering the price.

 

[Crackerballer]

looks like you have a little X-Sub to the left of the TV? I got the same one next to my pc. The fit and finish is really good considering the price.

Yes love it. I am watching a movie right now and my buddy and I were just commenting on how great it is for the size and price.

 

[afterlife2]

Need new pics for the NEWER setup.

 

[Crackerballer]

Damnit I keep forgetting! I have spent so much time watching the new setup I never remember to take pics!

Joe, just order the freakin' E5ti and be done with it!

 

[timoteo]

Pics!!! Before i crack your balls....

 

[adwilk]

Pics!!! Before i crack your balls....

I see what ya did there...