Advice on a new system

[ATX]

I'm trying to help my parents put a home-theater system together, and need a little advice as my knowledge is pretty basic. Here's what I've (tentatively) settled on so far:

Mitsubishi WD62628 DLP
Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver
Rotel RDV-1060 DVD player
B&W DM604 S3 Front channels
B&W LCR600 S3 Center channel
B&W DS6 S3 Surrounds
B&W ASW600 Sub
Panamax M5100-EX Power Conditioner/Surge Protector

They're converting a 20' x 30' three-car garage into a home-theater/game room with the screen on one of the short walls, and an open pool table/game table area behind the theater seating. My parents are concerned about price, which is part of the reason I've chosen the components I have thus far. Right now we're in the area of about $10000. I'm wondering if I should push for them to upgrade to the 700 series speakers (703s, HTM7, 705s or DS7s, and ASW700). It seems to me that the 700 series is more closely tied to the Nautilus line, and that they would be an obvious improvement over the 600s, but I'm not familiar enough to know if this is really true. Also, is the Rotel powerful enough to drive these well?

I've also been reading a lot of rave reviews about the products from Richard Gray's Power Company, and am wondering if it's worth going to a 400 Pro (or two) or a 600S instead of the Panamax, but I know absolutely nothing about power components. Is there another company that would be better suited to my situation? It seems like the power fluctuates in their house much more than normal. Would a dedicated circuit for the theater help at all?

We're looking at about $3000-$4000 extra for these changes, and I don't know if it's worth it for them. This setup will be used for movies and tv almost exclusively, as my parents aren't into multi-channel audio or anything like that.

I'm also a little confused about the Rotel's Zone 2 operation. I'm thinking of adding two ceiling speakers over the game area for stereo music, and I'd like to avoid buying a separate amp for that area. I can split the receiver's seven channels into a 5.1 system and stereo Zone 2, right? Obviously I don't need simultaneous operation of both zones, but I'd like to be able to switch the receiver's amp back and forth. Does this even make sense?

Anyway, I know I'm asking a lot of questions at once, but I'd appreciate any and all advice. Oh, and if anyone has an opinion about the RDV-1060 player or thinks that something else might work better (since DVD-A and SACD aren't a concern) I like to hear that as well. Thanks!

 

[jaxvon]

I think you would be better suited with a Yamaha or Denon receiver, as they offer many more features at equal or lesser price points than the Rotel, especially features that are good for movie watching (DSP modes, HDMI, etc). I'm personally NOT a fan of the B&W 700 series, but that's for you to decide. I think you should check out other brands too, like the Klipsch Reference series, as well as the internet direct brands like Axiom and Rocket.

A dedicated circuit, or TWO is a must for your theater. When you're dropping that kind of cash, you shouldn't think twice about it. Put in at least 1 20 amp circuit for the equipment. Two would be overkill, but if you ever upgrade, it's already there. As far as power conditioning goes, Panamax is great. It's an excellent unit and will do everything you want. Don't worry about Richard Gray.

I'd type more, but it's bed time....and I have to get up early.

 

[ATX]

Thanks for the input jaxvon. Anyone else?

 

[Hanse18]

Yeah. The yamaha HTiB sets will blow all of that away. SO good, in fact, that you should be so thankful for this advice that you send the $9,000 you save to me, as a thank you gift.

 

[gellor]

A dedicated circuit, or TWO is a must for your theater. When you're dropping that kind of cash, you shouldn't think twice about it. Put in at least 1 20 amp circuit for the equipment. Two would be overkill, but if you ever upgrade, it's already there.

Definitely. Especially when your wife decides to plug the vacuum into the same circuit as your HT equipment and start...well...vacuuming. *POP*