Advice on new HT system

[Vanhoecke]

I've been working on my dedicated HT for almost a year. Most of the construction work will be finsihed in the next couple of weeks. I've held off buying some of the main A/V gear hoping to get the latest and greatest. I'm wanting to get some input on the best setup for my budget. My budget is roughly $13,000 +/-. My room is 19x13x9 (L/W/H) and it has total light control.

I'm looking for a 7.1 speaker setup, 1080p projector, 110" screen, an AVR with HDMI 1.3 upconversion, 4 inputs and 2 outputs (or a matrix HDMI switch which will let me drive two displays with four sources).

Here's what I'm currently considering.

Projector -- JVC DLA-HD1
Screen -- Carada Criterion 110" Bright White
AVR -- Denon 4308CI or Onkyo TX-NR905
Speakers -- Axioms (QS8 surrounds, EP500 sub, VP150 center, undecided
on the L/R (M80s, M22s, VP150s)
Remote -- TSU9600 (I may hold off until a blutooth universal remote is
available)

Have is a list of the other equipment I already have for the HT:
Sony PS3 (Bluray Player)
Toshiba HD-XA2
APC S-15 Power Conditioner
Lutron Grafik Eye 3106
Cox HD DVR Cable Box
Impact Accoustics 6x2 Matrix Component Switch
8 - Berkline 078 with buttkickers (tied to two Buttkicker amps)
50U four post rack

Future add-ons:
HTPC

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I vote for the Axiom M80s for L/R Mains and the Denon 4308 for receiver.
You are going to have an excellent HT. Congrats!

 

[Vanhoecke]

I surprised that no one has any recommendations. Anyone?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have no idea on the video side but on the audio you want to pay the most attention to the speakers. Have you listened to the Axioms? The only way to find a speaker is to listen for yourself. Try to find as many in your price range and go audition them. Here is a list of my favorite most of which I auditioned 5 months ago.

Paradigm studio series
Warefedale Evo series
PSB Image series
KEF IQ series
Monitor Audio RS series
Ascend CMT-340
AV123 Rockets
Aperion Intimus 633
The Denon 4308CI or Onkyo TX-NR905 will be fine but if you end up going with the M80s you will also want to consider an external amp.

Use Monoprice or Bluejeans for all you wire and cable. Do not spend a lot of money in this area!

I would also look into SVS or HSU for the sub. Give them a call and they will tell you what you need based on your room size.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I'm not an expert on screens and I dont know the specs of the screen you listed, but the "bright white" screen sounds to me like it might be too reflective since you have total light control. The super-reflective screens are only best when your room lacks proper light control.

Secondly..... You didn't mention acoustic treatment. You'll definitely want to research room acoustics because no theater/sound room is complete without acoustic treatment.

 

[agarwalro]

Regarding the remote, I am not sure what you mean by "Bluetooth Remote". Other than the Philips you listed also look into Logitech Harmony, Universal Remote Control.

 

[avaserfi]

Regarding the remote, I am not sure what you mean by "Bluetooth Remote". Other than the Philips you listed also look into Logitech Harmony 880 or 890, Home Theater Masters RF20 or RF30.

He wants the remote to work with his PS3 which is exclusively bluetooth.

Most likely a BT remote will not be released but some adapter that converts IR to BT will be. There currently aren't enough devices on the market using BT to make it worth most companies time.

 

[agarwalro]

He wants the remote to work with his PS3 which is exclusively bluetooth.

Ah ha. Thx.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yep; it pisses me off that I have a second remote again.

Spend 80 bucks to get a Harmony and get rid of 4 remotes, spend 500 bucks to get a PS3 and add a remote, waiting on Harmony to make a BT remote and then will spend 200 bucks to get rid of my PS3 remote...when will it end...

 

[Vanhoecke]

Greg,

Did you listen to the Axioms when you were compiling your list?

I'm hoping we'll see a BT remote come out during CEDIA 2007 in Sept.

 

[Vanhoecke]

Agarwalro,

How do you like your Axioms? I noticed you didn't go with an Axiom sub, why?

 

[Vanhoecke]

Buckeye,

The Carada screen has a 1.3 gain. I'm planning on mounting the projector in the rear of the HT. Projector Central recommends a 1.3 gain for a JVC in this configuration. I hear your concenr, initially I had the same thoughts until I ran the projector calculator.

 

[Vanhoecke]

Busckeye,

PS. In addition, the brighter screen will also be needed when the bulb burns down after 1000-1500 hours.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I never got a chance to listen to the Axioms.

Greg,

Did you listen to the Axioms when you were compiling your list?

I'm hoping we'll see a BT remote come out during CEDIA 2007 in Sept.

 

[mazersteven]

Speakers -- undecided
on the L/R (M80s, M22s, VP150s)

Big difference in mains you have selected. Large price difference also. What is your total Speaker budget?

 

[speakerman39]

Big difference in mains you have selected. Large price difference also. What is your total Speaker budget?

Very good point there steven. Keep in mind the M80's are also 4 ohm and will be a tougher load on the receiver. This is why I would have to get the M60's instead of the M80's. I have had the opportunity to listen to the M80's and lets just say I was VERY impressed. Lots of detail and resolution and never once found them to be bright. They are a bit forward BUT I like that myself especially with how accurate the M80's are. I do like the way the op is thinking though. Good luck in your decision.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I surprised that no one has any recommendations. Anyone?

With the direction you are going, projector and hi def, you need a serious sub for serious bass, SVS or Hsu, or two of them.