HT Upgrade Path ?

[njedpx3]

I have a pretty good system , but was considering upgrading. I was retired fro three years , but currently have a pretty sweet consulting job and almost all of the money is disposable income. I don't really have a budget, but would consider spending maybe $25,000 for a system upgrade.

Current system : Defintive Technology 7002s , CLR 3000 , surrround in ceiling ( probably can't replace 4 - UMBPA speakers; what I mean the surrounds would still need to be ceiling), SVS PB PLUS 12, LG BP390 and Pioneer Kuro Elite PRO151-FD with a Salamander Hampton Triple 339.

Any Ideas ?

Thanks,

Forest Man

 

[slipperybidness]

You will be able to get something quite nice with that budget.

But, you have what many consider to be the best line of TVs ever made. I would not be losing that any time soon. If worst comes to worst, replace it but keep it in a 2nd setup.

 

[macddmac]

I'm semi - retired myself, with that system I would find another hobby! Me.. I learned to surf behind a boat - not too strenuous but great balance work and ultimate fun factor + you can gain cred. With the ( most likely) younger folks you're dealing with in the consulting gig.

 

[templemaners]

I think the first thing I would consider is purchasing another PB12-Plus (provided that you're happy with the current one). Remember the rule: 2 subs are better than 1, and 4 subs are better than 2

You already have a great TV, so that might not be worth replacing unless a projector setup strikes your fancy. What about your receiver? That's the only piece of gear not listed.

Let's flip it around - what does your current system lack that you feel needs upgrading? Are you happy with your DT speakers? If nothing is really "broke", I'm not sure what would really be a worthwhile change, other than another subwoofer.

 

[psbfan9]

Any Ideas ?

Thanks,

Forest Man

Yep. Invest in pork bellies!

If I had $25,000.00 to dispose of; Five Phil 3's for L/R/C and surround @ $17,500, Two Rythmik FV15's @ $2548.00 (depending on finish), An Integra DTR 70.3 @ $2000.00 (?), and an ATI 3000 @ $2800-$3000.00 (?).

 

[GranteedEV]

I would get Salk Soundscape 12 / Soundscape Center fronts, Two Parts Express CBT36 side surrounds,Hypex NC400s to drive them, and four Funk Audio LMS18,

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You are not going to see me try to talk you out of it!

I agree with templemaners on the sub. The SVS PB-12 PLUS is already high-end and highly respected by everyone. So I think the only thing here as far as subs is to add another PB-12 PLUS.

Unless you feel like matching aesthetics with your new speakers. In that case I'd get dual custom Funk 18.0 TSAD18v1 NON-powered subs (add a Crown XLS2500 amp for $550).

Any day now, I'm expecting my new dual Funk 18.0 subs to arrive. They will match the aesthetics of my Salon2 (reddish mahogany color). They cost me $4190 delivered. Nathan gave me free magnetic grilles with them. They will also have the light gloss finish (not quite as shiny as piano finish).

I would still put most of that very juicy $25K budget to reference speakers like $12K/pr for KEF 207/2 Front Left/ Right and like $2K for the KEF 202/2c Center. Add some KEF in-ceiling speakers.

Hi-fi Speakers - Reference Series - Overview - KEF United States

I would spend about $2K on a nice ultra-bright (best picture calibrated mode) & beautiful projector, like the BenQ W7000 for $2,200 delivered.

For a little better PQ, but sacrificing a lot of the post-calibrated brightness of the W7000, the JVC DLA-X30 3D LCOS projector is about $3,000.

JVC DLA-X30 3D LCOS Projector | Home Theater

I think the JVC commands a lot more respect and a little better PQ. But it also commands more money (which is worth it to many). However, the W7000 is twice as bright as even the $10,000 JVC (both in best PQ calibrated mode).

Add a nice PJ screen for another $500-$1,000.

After watching movies on my 120" widescreen, my 73" TV seems small. No going back for me. Size does matter here.

Anyway, just some thoughts from me. I'm sure everyone will certainly have some great ideas for $25,000.

Always a great discussion.

 

[njedpx3]

some other current equipment

left off the receiver - Duh!

Current- Marantz SR80002

Also uVerse with RF controller and URC MasterControl RF20 Universal Learning Remote w/ RF Capability everything behind closed doors - even the CLR 3000 is hidden. However had to put sub on another wall. Not really room for another sub.


Thanks for everyones' help

 

[njedpx3]

No room for project

You are not going to see me try to talk you out of it!

I agree with templemaners on the sub. The SVS PB-12 PLUS is already high-end and highly respected by everyone. So I think the only thing here as far as subs is to add another PB-12 PLUS.

Unless you feel like matching aesthetics with your new speakers. In that case I'd get dual custom Funk 18.0 TSAD18v1 NON-powered subs (add a Crown XLS2500 amp for $550).

Any day now, I'm expecting my new dual Funk 18.0 subs to arrive. They will match the aesthetics of my Salon2 (reddish mahogany color). They cost me $4190 delivered. Nathan gave me free magnetic grilles with them. They will also have the light gloss finish (not quite as shiny as piano finish).

I would still put most of that very juicy $25K budget to reference speakers like $12K/pr for KEF 207/2 Front Left/ Right and like $2K for the KEF 202/2c Center. Add some KEF in-ceiling speakers.

Hi-fi Speakers - Reference Series - Overview - KEF United States

I would spend about $2K on a nice ultra-bright (best picture calibrated mode) & beautiful projector, like the BenQ W7000 for $2,200 delivered.

For a little better PQ, but sacrificing a lot of the post-calibrated brightness of the W7000, the JVC DLA-X30 3D LCOS projector is about $3,000.

JVC DLA-X30 3D LCOS Projector | Home Theater

I think the JVC commands a lot more respect and a little better PQ. But it also commands more money (which is worth it to many). However, the W7000 is twice as bright as even the $10,000 JVC (both in best PQ calibrated mode).

Add a nice PJ screen for another $500-$1,000.

After watching movies on my 120" widescreen, my 73" TV seems small. No going back for me. Size does matter here.

Anyway, just some thoughts from me. I'm sure everyone will certainly have some great ideas for $25,000.

Always a great discussion.

I had considered a Projector in the past but there is really no place for me to put one. The back of my room opens up into kitchen bar and sink. The Plasma TV is still pretty awesome. And actually I have two nice leather recliner chars about 10 ft from the current Pioneer.

Thanks again for you input.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah, your system is already so nice; the Marantz is nice. Pretty everything is nice already. I guess the only upgrades would be speakers.

I would say get the KEF Reference 207/2 for ~ $12K (retail $20K), 202/2C ~ $2K, KEF IC200 in-ceiling x 4 for ~$700.

What would you do with your current DefTech speakers? If they will go to another room, then they will need the Marantz. Then you can get a pre-pro + amps, like Rotel pre-pro + Rotel amps.

Rotel - Audio Video Logic

 

[Adam]

Perhaps some room treatments? I also agree that another sub might be nice, and maybe go with a bottom dweller like the Ultras and really dig deep.

Five Phil 3's for L/R/C and surround @ $17,500...

That would actually be $8750, right? Aren't those $3500/pair?

 

[Adam]

Also, perhaps an upgrade to your electronics in terms of capability.

Do you have an SACD and/or DVD-A player? They are being phased out it seems, but maybe get something like that.

Also, any interest in streaming media from a local source? Some folks here have large amounts of media stored on drives that they can stream to their systems.

 

[Matt34]

Easy:
Product Listing, Availability, Status and Pricing - Seaton Sound Discussion Forum

Two Submersive HP @ $2,195 each + shipping

L/C/R Catalyst 12C @ $3,595 each + shipping

Two Sparks @ $1,395 each + shipping

$17,965 plus shipping

Then treat yourself to some new seating:

Berkline 45025 Olympia Theater Seating

Fly Mark Seaton up to calibrate it all.

Profit.

 

[psbfan9]

That would actually be $8750, right? Aren't those $3500/pair?

(?) 5 X 3500 = 17,500.00.


I apologize to Forest for my first suggestion. I missed the part about the in ceiling speakers.

With that kind of money, maybe you should consider RBH SX Signature Series. If you're up to changing the in ceiling speakers to timbre match the fronts and surrounds, they have those in the SX Series as well. I'm not sure of the pricing on these though.

I still stand by the recommendation of the Integra and ATI amps.



RBH Signature SX Series


Good luck

 

[Adam]

(?) 5 X 3500 = 17,500.00.

That would be ten speakers (five pairs @ $3500/pair). I thought you meant five total speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

2 versions of Phil3:

Version 1 is $1650 each or $3300/PR.
Version 2 is $1750 each or $3500/PR.

Yup, he can only have one subwoofer and ceiling surround speakers.

The CLR3000 (current center speaker) is pretty big and so are the BP7002.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Integra pre-pro and ATI amps

RBH Signature SX Series speakers

Excellent choices IMO.

 

[GranteedEV]

I really want to reiterate my suggestion for cbt 36 as a surround. Here's why:


Surround sound spaciousness exists only when the spl produced by both the left and right speaker is very similar.

With ordinary speakers, this leaves a tiny sweet spot for spaciousness, outside of which the sound "pulls" towards the nearest speaker.

So a CBT's advantage is that the sound changes less even if you're further away. It has a very unusual soundfield it produces that makes it ideal for surround duty. It's not just a bunch of drivers.

As for Phils, I would still suggest Phil 2s over Phil 3s if using a sub. They're flat out more efficient and don't sound any different above 50hz.

 

[psbfan9]

That would be ten speakers (five pairs @ $3500/pair). I thought you meant five total speakers.

I'm an idiot. I was thinking 5 total speakers, but did the math in pairs. Twice...

 

[njedpx3]

I'm an idiot. I was thinking 5 total speakers, but did the math in pairs. Twice...

Thanks for you help, you were trying. Iwill throw you some rep points