A good combination for 80% movies and 20% music.

[Luisd]

Hi,

Im looking for suggestions or advice about a combination of preamp/processor and amplifier that is known to be more oriented for movies than for music. The room to fill is 10'x17'x26' and the budget is about $5000.

My first option was the Rotel RSP-1570 with the RMB-1575 but in some review i have read they tend to emphasize the 2-channel stereo experience leaving just a cuple of lines for the home theater sorround movie experience.

I know i have to go out and listen until i find the sound im looking for but i want to read some experiences of Audiophiles to choose 3 or 4 combinations and then go out and hear them. For yor reference im thinking about the CM9 from B&W for the front speakers, the CM centre2, 2x ASW 10CM subwoofer and im not shure about the CM5 for the sorround since i need the speakers to be attached on the wall or maybe the ceiling.

I will apreciate all of your opinions and
knowledge in this matter.

 

[Knucklehead90]

I just took possession of an Integra DHC 40.1 today and I'm very impressed so far. Having internet radio is a plus - its kind of fun playing around with that and there are loads of free internet radio stations to listen to.

It seems to do 2 channel very well and of course does movies even better. The video switching is first rate - it takes only 3-4 seconds to switch sources - a sore spot with an Onkyo SC885 I had which took up to 20 seconds and some times I just had to shut everything off and start over.

The Integra is highly customizable and makes my sub eq electronics history - a Behringer FBD. I haven't run Audyssey yet but I already know what to expect from the MultEQ setup - I had that with the SC885.

If you are looking for a particular sound I suggest you shop harder for speakers than you do for a prepro. I haven't heard much change in the 4 I've owned in the past few years - and lots of change with speakers.

The only things I see 'missing' on this Integra is no 7.1 channel inputs and no balanced outputs. Since I don't have balanced inputs on my amp that isn't missed. And since it decodes PLIIz internally the direct channel inputs aren't needed either.

One of the better features is the internet based firmware updates. Its the first thing I did today when I got it set up - it updated itself and in under 15 minutes was ready to go with the 12/29/2009 firmware stored on board and as fresh as a daisy.

For around $1k it is certainly worth taking a look at.

 

[AVRat]

Skip the B&W subs and go for a couple of SVS Ultras. The Integra/Onkyo Pro pre-pros are an excellent option. Pair it up with an Emotiva XPA-5 for a potent combination.

I would also consider a Denon 4310 receiver powering the surrounds with an Emo XPA-3 for the fronts.

Any amp from, Anthem, ATI, B&K, D-Sonic, NAD, Outlaw, Parasound, Rotel, Wyred4Sound, etc. should work well.

 

[Quickley17]

Skip the B&W subs and go for a couple of SVS Ultras.

Agree with this, and while it's not really what you asked, for home theater use, I think you should look into the CM 7 as well. I think with a very capable sub or two, you may not need the extra extension that the CM 9 provides on the low end.

 

[Luisd]

You guys are not the first ones who tell me about the B&W subs, so im going to take your advice. Going down to the CM 7? Thats gonna save me some money then you are becoming good friends I tough of because the size of the room it would help the extra extension.

The thing is that integra does not have a dealer in Puerto
Rico, nor service. Also that mean that i wont be able to listen before i buy it so that leaves me Onkyo to try, the same happens with Emotiva (i knew this after i posted the thread ) and while i write this im doing my homework and my options are:

Onkyo
Rotel
Denon
Yamaha

I dont trust to shop electronics on the Internet because of the service and the return policies so that leaves me with few options i think. At least i have avaliable two of yor recomendations in Onkyo and Denon. Is there any Onkyo amp that you recomend? Do i have to forget going separates or use A/V recievers as pre/pros? Is there any diference at all?

Sorry people, questions bring more questions...thanks for all your help.

 

[jostenmeat]

If it was me, today, and I got to do it all over again, I might get a dedicated pre/pro + pro amps + DIY subs. Unfortunately, even with your superb budget, you still cannot afford a Denon pre/pro.

One of the few reasons, for me, to get a dedicated pre/pro is for XLR outputs that can be connected to pro amps, such as made by Crown, Crest, QSC, Yamaha, Behringer, etc. You will need at least a few of these to run a mch setup.

I really like AVRat's recommendation quite a bit, and I think it deserves consideration. I just would somewhat desire having XLR connections, just because.

I don't exactly trust myself all that much in building formidable subwoofers, but I can always pay someone to help me out.

Pay $15, IIRC, for the plans.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60906

You'll have money in the pocket, while getting something much more capable than anything you will most likely look at in the commerical sub realm. The size is formidable, which may be an issue for you. But, there are many other designs out there.

Now, on one hand, I would still consider ID if I were you. Contact Mark Seaton if shipping a Submersive to you is possible, and how much. Same with Danley for their tapped horns.

However, if shipping happens to be extremely high in cost, you should most definitely give the strongest consideration to the DIY stuff.

 

[AVRat]

I ran a check. There are Anthem dealers in PR. The Anthem MCA 30 would fit the bill nicely with the Denon Receiver I recommended. You might just email SVS to see what it might cost to obtain your product preference from them.

The Onkyo Pro PR-SC5507 pre-pro comes from Onkyo's professional division which, I believe, is sold through professional music shops that sell guitars, drums, amps, mixers, etc.. Availability right now is rare, but new shipments are due supposedly in Feb/Mar.