$7,500 budget for new home theater

[streetglowtyler]

Hello, I’m putting in a new home theater system and I’m fairly new to this so I though I would get the opinion of people who actually know what they are doing. First off, I’m debating on which type of TV to get, LCD or DLP. I’ve heard good and bad things about both. I’m not going to get a plasma due to the altitude in which I live in (Colorado). I had friend which bought a reasonably high-end plasma TV and it made a humming sound because of the high altitude. I want a TV at least 60in, maybe even 70in. If anyone has suggestions on a good TVs, I would be very appreciative. My budget for the TV is around $5000. For the audio part, I’m looking for something that actually sounds like I’m at the movies. I currently have a home theater with Energy speakers (Encore 8 ). They are great speakers but they don’t have the power I’m looking for. Right now I’m leaning towards the Klipsch Synergy Series. The front floor standing speakers are maximum 600w each (model F-3), while the center speaker is 400w (model C-2). The surround speakers are 400w each (model S-2) and the subwoofer has a 650w maximum (12in sub). I’m thinking about powering these speakers with a THX certified Yamaha HTR-5890 980w receiver. Bestbuy has this audio package for $2,439.93. I've also been informed that Athena makes excellent speakers. If I go that route, I am thinking about AS-f2 for the front speakers, AS-c1 for the center amd AS-r1 for the surround speakers. If anyone has other suggestions for an audio system, I would again be very appreciative. I would like to keep the price for the audio system at $2,500 or less.

Thanks in advanced!

 

[jaxvon]

Well, there are a lot of possibilities in that price range. With a TV budget like that, have you though of going for a projector? You can get over 100" of screen that way.

As for the audio, have you browsed the Recommended Systems?

Have you also thought about Axiom? They sell direct to the consumer and have lots of excellent values. Check out these pics of a user here (mrnomas) and his Axiom system:

Your reciever seems like a good price. I think you could find an excellent DLP projector and screen for under $5000 and use the difference to put towards your Audio budget. For instance, an InFocus Screen Play 5700 is $3000 from an authorized dealer (Crutchfield). Add a nice 100" fixed screen from Carada for $803.90 shipped. This still puts you $1000 under you TV budget and leaves you more money to spend on speakers.

A decent 5.0 Axiom system will run you $1,429.75 shipped (M22Ti bookshelves, stands, VP150 center, QS8 surrounds). Best buy is advertising the HTR 5890 for $759. You can get it from J&R for $599 plus $30.84 for shipping. so that's $629.84 for the receiver. Now, as another option, you could get the RX-V1500 from Ubid for $539 plus $40 shipping. I'm not sure how the RX-V1500 compares to the HTR-5890 though.

Lets say you go for the 5890 and the Axioms. That's 2059.59, leaving a budget of under $500 for a subwoofer. In this price catagory, you could go afford a Hsu STF-2, an SVS-PB10, among other subs. Of course, this is working with the original budget. If your room can accommodate a projector (and you go for the option I threw out), then that leaves you with approximately another $1100 to put into the Audio realm. If you look hard, you can find some awesome prices on the Denon 3805 receiver and the Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver. Even if you spring for these nicer recievers, that still leaves you more money to put into speakers and a subwoofer.

Whew. That was a lot.

Oh and regarding the projector, it's a great option...BUT...it's only viable if you can control the light in your intended room. If it's filled with windows (and you can't kill the light with big curtians or blinds), then it's a no-go.


Edit: If you like the Klipsch horn-tweeter sound, you might want to check out the Bic Acoustech system. It's very highly rated. And the whole system comes in for under $1000, with a subwoofer. Keep in mind though, this isn't a monster sub. However, you could buy another BIC sub and still come in around $1300 for all the speakers.

 

[Spiffyfast]

You may want to rethink the Klipsch Synergy speakers, decent sound and will put to shame a HTIB system, but way to overpriced for the quality in my opinion, for not much more money you can step up the the Klipsch Reference series and get a lot better sound, if the really bright and loud sound of a klipsch speaker is what your after. Axiom is a great choice and has an excellent following anywhere you go to get opinions about and the return policy is great if you decide they aren't for you. I agree with the projector idea, can't beat it for the money as long as the room isnt too bright.

 

[Nomo]

With that budget I'd suggest stepping up the reciever a bit and going with the an RX-V2500. It's a step up from the 5890/1500 models. I own the 1500 and am very happy with it, but the 2500 gives much more video and audio flexibility for future additions.
Also, and this has been in the past a well beaten dead horse, Yamaha and Klipsch IMHO don't mix. Both are on the bright end of the sound spectrum.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I would definitely take a look at your setup and consider front projection.

The room requires (!!!) near total light control. If this is a dedicated theater room though and not just your family room, then this should not be much of an issue. Good blackout blinds w/curtains can do a great job and then closing off the room. Really, not sure at all of the room design.

But, you can setup front projection for under $3000.00 and have a 106" diagonal image no problem. That opens up more budget for audio and things like a good sub and a $1,000ish receiver with some good speakers will really hammer home the stunning image you will already have.

Rear projection DLP & LCD are way overpriced in my opinion.

 

[bpape]

Just a clarification.

The power rating on the speakers is the max they'll handle - has nothing to do with how much power they have - they don't have any - the receiver/amp controls that.

Look at your whole budget. Decide what's most important to you. Divide it up maybe something like this.

TV - 40-45%
Audio - 40-45%
Cables, mounts, treatments, etc. - 10-15%

Those aren't hard numbers - just an idea. If you want to spend more on one than the other, that's up to you. It depends on your priorities.

 

[chicagomd]

I was faced with a similar "problem" a few months ago. Having just set them up, I have to recommend the Axiom for speakers. They sound wonderful, are great construction, and look fantastic. The customer service is also fantastic: Every e-mail I send them with qustions gets a response within 24 hours, if not before. Call their "Ask an expert" line and talk to someone about what system they would recommend for your space.

I did not look at front projectors due to size limitations and the fact that the room is open, but is sounds like a real option for you if you are looking to go that big. Do they even make LCDs that big? I know there is new DLP technology out this summer that does up to 1080p, so look for a price drop in Mitsubishi/Samsung brands that "only" do 720p. I went with a Mitsubishi 52" DLP that I got today and am in the process of tweaking.

I am still working on the receiver...

 

[streetglowtyler]

Hey guys, I went and listened to speakers today. First I listened to the Klipsch speakers and I loved them. Then the guy who was helping me out suggested that I listen to the Definitive Technology speakers. So I agreed and we compared the Definitive speakers to Klipsch. He first played a song using Klipsch speakers. I was of course pleased with the results. Then he switched over and played the same exact song using the same amp at the same volume. I was just plainly astounded by the sound that came out the Definitive Technology Speakers!!! The Klipsch can’t even come close the sound quality that the Definitive reproduced. It was amazing! The Klipsch speakers were about $500 each. The Definitive speakers were about $1,100 each. That price difference made a HUGE difference in sound quality. I compared the Definitive speakers to some other speakers but nothing even came remotely close to how they sound. What does everyone else think about Definitive??? I am definitely considering getting theses speakers for my new home theater. By the way the model number is BP7002. They claim to have an outstanding frequency range (15Hz – 30 kHz). I don’t doubt those statistics at all because of the number speakers they have inside of each tower. If you’re wondering, each tower contains four 5-1/4” midrange drives. Two 1” aluminum tweeters with silk surrounds. And one 12” long-throw subwoofer coupled to two 12” radiators. These speakers are huge weighing in at 84lbs each! Thanks for any feedback

 

[bpape]

The DefTechs are a personal preference thing. Some people love them, some don't. Personally, in your price range, I'd be looking at Paradigm.

As for the specs, watch out for 'specsmanship.' I'm sure that speaker will do 15-30kHz (-20db@15Hz or worse, who knows what at 30kHz). A frequency response spec is totally meaningless unless is has a +/- #db rating to go with it. I'd suspect those are more like 35-20kHz +/-3db if you're lucky.

Not trying to dis them, just point out facts. Also, be aware that by their very nature and design, they're going to need a LOT off room behind them and beside them (inside and outside) to perform as they are capable of. If your room is one where you're going to have them up against a wall (back, side, or both), look elsewhere. If not and you like the sound, go for it.

 

[jaxvon]

What other brands have you auditioned? I would suggest that you look for dealers in your area that carry:

Paradigm
PSB
Energy
Monitor Audio
RBH

and others.

You may also want to find someone in your area that has Axiom speakers and give them a try. You can find the list here.

You should also consider the Rocket and Onix speakers from AV123. They represent a very high value.

Good luck with your search!

 

[nm2285]

If you're looking solely for that home theater impact, definitive is certainly a great choice. However, remember that you heard $500 klipsch vs $1100 definitives. I bet if you heard similarly priced Klipsch, you would be equally amazed with them. I agree with what was said about reference vs synergy series. reference all the way.

If you're looking for great home theater speakers and great music speakers, many people disagree with the choice of Definitive. You have a great brand already (Energy). Look at they're higher end models. I think they'll really blow you away. Also see Mirage: they create a really large soundstage which can be good for HT. Remember: great music speakers also make great HT speakers. Just add an awesome sub such as SVS.

Good luck!

 

[rgriffin25]

For those interested, LG has a high altitude plasma. It is supposed to eliminate the buzzing sound mentioned earlier.
I too would spend less on a TV and more on the audio side, especially if you want the "real" theater sound.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Of course the Def-Techs sound better, they cost more than double what the Klipsches did! I'd move uptoa higher line in Klipsch before you compare them with pricier speakers. Try the refrence line, they should be in the same price class.

That salesman is seriously good (bad for you), imagine the same guy selling cars.

Customer: I have $9000 to spend on a car.
Salesman: Heres a Hyundai Accent (test drive ensues)
Customer: That was OK I guess
Salesman: Now test drive this Mazda MX-5 (test drive ensues)
Customer: Wow! That car was way better!
Salesman: And the car paymentr is ony $65 more a month!*
Customer: Sweet, I shall purchase the higher priced car, because it is a deal!


*Salesman knows to only give customers the monthly price, knowing many of them are far too gullible to ask how many months its for. The Hyundai would have been X amount of dollars for 36 months, the Mazda would have been X+65 for more than 72!

 

[streetglowtyler]

They actually did not have the Synergy line. All they had were the Reference line so thats what I compared the Def-Tech speakers to. The price was about double but the sound difference IMO was about 4x better. That's just me though. I like the bipolar floorstanding speakers but I know people who hate it. I never mentioned to the salesman my budget so he had now clue. Some other speakers he compared the Definitive to were JBL, Sony, Yamaha, KEF, Infinity, and Bose (which did not even sound close to the quality of the Def-Techs). He compared them all to about the same price range to make things fair. I also listend to a 1500 watt subwoofer by Definitive. This was amazing, but I don't think I'll get a subwoofer if I buy the BP7002 becuase they each have their own 12inch woofer. If I find that I'm not getting enough low end sound then I will add a subwoofer.

 

[nm2285]

If you like that bipolar sound of the def techs, check out the omni polar sound of mirage. You may love it.

 

[AVRat]

Obviously you were at Soundtrack/Ultimate Electronics when you were drooling. The store also carries quality displays from Sony, Samsung, & Mitsubishi. Current 720p models in the 60" to 65" run about $3400. I agree the Def Techs are awesome! But they are crimping the audio budget a little. The 7004s are equally nice, would save about $600, but you'ld have to special order them. Look around, check out the other options. But be forewarned, your head will go into meltdown trying to make a decision.

 

[streetglowtyler]

Yes, I was at Soundtrack. It's interesting how it's called Soundtrack in Colorado and Ultimate Electronics everywhere else. I was unaware of this untill I had to do some research at Soundtrack's website (ultimateelectronics.com). I looked at the TV's also. The one that impressed me the most was the new 70in Sony. It's 1080p but it's also $12,000-$13,000, so thats out of the question. The 720p TVs were really nice too. Out of Sony, Samsung, and Mitsubishi, which one do you like best? Thanks for the feedback!

 

[AVRat]

I've have 20" & 27" Sony sets that I've had for over 20 years. I also have a 60" Mitsubishi I've had for 10 years. Personally, I'ld go with Mitsubishi again which I may do shortly, say around Christmas. Check out the displays forum, there have been some ??? lately similar to your situation.