I'm about to buy this - Advice please!

[ToolZero]

After exhausting research and decisions followed by re-decisions I am ready to purchase my home theater.

At lease I think I am. I have never done this before. Any advice from you more experienced people is greatly appreciated. Please correct me if you see mistakes or things I should change.

Goal: Build a really good sounding HT 90% for DVD's. I already have the TV.
Budget: $4000 +/-
Considerations: Someday I will put together a $20K HT, but in the mean time I need something.
This HT will be in my family room.
I am limited to a 36" CRT due to the stupid media niche.
I have a 13 month old little boy who will be contained in this room. Having as much as possible off the floor is important.
I want all my friends and family who hear my system to be filled with envy when they see and hear my system.

Speakers - $1088 Shipped @ www.axiomaudio.com
Axiom M22ti (2) http://www.axiomaudio.com/products.html
Axiom VP100 (1)
Axiom M2i (2)
Brackets (5) http://www.axiomaudio.com/fullmetalbracket.html#

Reciever - $798 shipped from www.ibuyplasma.com
Denon AVR-3805 http://www.ibuyplasma.com/product/?05084

DVD Player - $334 shipped from www.ibuyplasma.com
Denon DVD-1920 http://www.ibuyplasma.com/product/?04273

Sub-woofer - $774 shipped from www.svsubwoofers.com
SVS PB12-ISD/V http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_boxes.htm

Speaker Wire
two (2) 12AWG 100' rolls of Sound King 12 Gauge High Strand count OFC
http://www.*****************/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-155
Banana Plugs http://www.axiomaudio.com/banana.html or http://www.bluejeanscable.com/ - not sure which ones to get.

Component Cables - http://www.bluejeanscable.com/
Receiver to TV - Component - 9ft $54
DVD to Receiver - Component - 3ft $41
Optical - Where should I buy this from?
Satellite to Receiver - S-Video - 6ft $36
Stereo - 2ft $25
CD Player to Receiver - Stereo - 3ft $26
Sub-woofer Single - 6ft $19

Power Strip - $100 at Costco
Tripp Lite HTPOWERBAR10 http://www.tripplite.com/products/product.cfm?productID=2812

Avia Guide to Home Theater
$37 shipped from www.amazon.com

I am still really torn about the Pioneer Elite VSX-56TXi. I really like the look of the 56TXi a lot more than the 3805. Does the 56TXi sound as good though? It will only cost me $130 more than the 3805. But I also compared the 56TXi to the 54TX and I don't need the features the 56 has that the 54 is missing. I can get the 54TX for $586 which is almost $200 cheaper than the Denon 3805, but the Under $12,000 HT guide chose the 3805, so I'm hesitant to deviate from the 3805.

I realize Blu-Ray is around the corner, so I don't want to throw $700 into a DVD player right now.

This is my room layout and pictures.

Obviously this isn't the ideal HT room, but it's what I have so it's what's I'm using.

Please, if I am making any mistakes please let me know. If the sub I have chosen is bad for this layout please tell me. If there is a better receiver for the money and my situation please let me know.

Thanks for all your help.

-Grant

 

[mtrycrafts]

After exhausting research and decisions followed by re-decisions I am ready to purchase my home theater.

At lease I think I am. I have never done this before. Any advice from you more experienced people is greatly appreciated. Please correct me if you see mistakes or things I should change.

Goal: Build a really good sounding HT 90% for DVD's. I already have the TV.
Budget: $4000 +/-
Considerations: Someday I will put together a $20K HT, but in the mean time I need something.
This HT will be in my family room.
I am limited to a 36" CRT due to the stupid media niche.
I have a 13 month old little boy who will be contained in this room. Having as much as possible off the floor is important.
I want all my friends and family who hear my system to be filled with envy when they see and hear my system.

Speakers - $1088 Shipped @ www.axiomaudio.com
Axiom M22ti (2) http://www.axiomaudio.com/products.html
Axiom VP100 (1)
Axiom M2i (2)
Brackets (5) http://www.axiomaudio.com/fullmetalbracket.html#

Reciever - $798 shipped from www.ibuyplasma.com
Denon AVR-3805 http://www.ibuyplasma.com/product/?05084

DVD Player - $334 shipped from www.ibuyplasma.com
Denon DVD-1920 http://www.ibuyplasma.com/product/?04273

Sub-woofer - $774 shipped from www.svsubwoofers.com
SVS PB12-ISD/V http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_boxes.htm

Speaker Wire
two (2) 12AWG 100' rolls of Sound King 12 Gauge High Strand count OFC
http://www.*****************/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-155
Banana Plugs http://www.axiomaudio.com/banana.html or http://www.bluejeanscable.com/ - not sure which ones to get.

Component Cables - http://www.bluejeanscable.com/
Receiver to TV - Component - 9ft $54
DVD to Receiver - Component - 3ft $41
Optical - Where should I buy this from?
Satellite to Receiver - S-Video - 6ft $36
Stereo - 2ft $25
CD Player to Receiver - Stereo - 3ft $26
Sub-woofer Single - 6ft $19

Power Strip - $100 at Costco
Tripp Lite HTPOWERBAR10 http://www.tripplite.com/products/product.cfm?productID=2812

Avia Guide to Home Theater
$37 shipped from www.amazon.com

I am still really torn about the Pioneer Elite VSX-56TXi. I really like the look of the 56TXi a lot more than the 3805. Does the 56TXi sound as good though? It will only cost me $130 more than the 3805. But I also compared the 56TXi to the 54TX and I don't need the features the 56 has that the 54 is missing. I can get the 54TX for $586 which is almost $200 cheaper than the Denon 3805, but the Under $12,000 HT guide chose the 3805, so I'm hesitant to deviate from the 3805.

I realize Blu-Ray is around the corner, so I don't want to throw $700 into a DVD player right now.

Obviously this isn't the ideal HT room, but it's what I have so it's what's I'm using.

Please, if I am making any mistakes please let me know. If the sub I have chosen is bad for this layout please tell me. If there is a better receiver for the money and my situation please let me know.

Thanks for all your help.

-Grant

Looks like you have done your homework

A pretty good setup especially with what space you have and other considerations.

Since you will mount the speakers up high, aim the fronts down.

Don't worry about the blue ray player. You will get lots of good use out of what you plan on buying and you don't need to be the first to adopt.

Consider buying that Avia used. Make sure all 3 filters are with it.

 

[trw005]

Very nice setup IMHO. Room speaker locations look great to me. I have the M22's but I upgraded the center to VP150 and surrounds are QS 8's. The S-Video cable may be a weak link. The 90% dvd's number is goin down when you hear your cd's. lol That choice of equipment will sound awesome. No worries. Cheers

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I think you're decisions are pretty good. But I think you're a little high on the interconnects. If 6' component cables will work, just order a bunch of these. Personally, I don't like optical cables. Get your subwoofer cable from Radio Shack. It's an unpowered signal, so a thicker cable makes no difference, and I've had no problems with interference. $7 for a 24' rca.
http://www.radioshack.com/search.asp?find=rca+cable&site=search&SRC=1

http://www.partexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=189-060

I think you're spending too much on the dvd player. Get a Neuneu (sp?) or Oppo player for now. (or even a cheapie $39 Walmart unit until the new technology comes out)

 

[jaxvon]

Looks great so far. As Mtry mentioned, make sure to aim the tweeters toward the listening position when you mount your speakers. Also, I would look at Westlake Electronic for speaker wire. The 12ga Belden 5000UE is out of stock right now (just search for 5000UE if you want to find it), but the 10ga 5T00UP is in stock, and can be had for cheaper than the Sound King 12ga.

If you want an Optical Cable, I would just suggest that you look for one at your local Radio Shack.

And lastly, have you talked to Axiom about the system you're considering and the room it will be in? They'll give you the straight shot on whether it's right for your room and tastes.

 

[ToolZero]

Thanks for the advice and support, guys.

I am really considering the Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX over the Denon AVR-3805.
I like the look of the Pioneer a lot more than the Denon, and that is says THX on the front.
I don't think I care about the features missing that the 56TXi has compared to the 56TX.

And the 54TX saves me $200 compared to the 3805 and $300 compared to the 56TXi

Is the 3805 going to sound better than the 54TX?

-Grant

 

[Duffinator]

TZ, Looks like you have most of it covered. If you think outside the box a bit you can easily mount a 50" plasma on that wall and either cover the cavity with the plasme or move it to the right and use the left cavity for equipment or books etc. Those media niche's drive me crazy So how are you going route the speaker cable?

Regarding the receivers the THX badge isn't going to make the Pioneer sound any better than the Denon. IMO, both receivers are going to sound very similar. Regardless of the looks it what's inside that counts and I'd pick the receiver which has the options you will use most. For example are you going to use the receiver for switching video? If so video switching/upconversion will be important. Unless you like to upgrade often get what you want and don't worry about a couple of hundred bucks because in the long run it won't matter.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Thanks for the advice and support, guys.

I am really considering the Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX over the Denon AVR-3805.
I like the look of the Pioneer a lot more than the Denon, and that is says THX on the front.
I don't think I care about the features missing that the 56TXi has compared to the 56TX.

And the 54TX saves me $200 compared to the 3805 and $300 compared to the 56TXi

Is the 3805 going to sound better than the 54TX?

-Grant

No, you're fine with the Pioneer Elites. Great units. I own a Denon 3805. Once you get up into this price range, they're pretty much the same. An internal graphic eq makes it nice to tweak the sound. Does the 56 offer this over the 54?

 

[jcPanny]

Speakers and DVD

Great setup.
I second the recomendations for the Axiom QS8 or QS4 surrounds and the Oppo digital DVD player. Just use the money you save on the DVD player for the speaker upgrade.
Also, a component cable from your satellite box will provide significantly better video performance.

 

[ToolZero]

Dish is my satalitte provider and the dish receiver I have does not have comp out. Only S-Video. I'm not sure when I'm going to get a HD Dish DVR Receiver.

My TV is a Toshiba 36HF71. It does not have a DVI input.

I realy like the Oppo DVD player, but the review I read says it is only fantastic if you use the DVI to DVI or DVI to HDMI. It's not super if you use the comp outs. So I need to make sure whatever DVD player I buy it puts a good picture out over component cables.

How would I properly mount the QS8's or QS4's in the room I have? Would they be okay up in those corners? Would they really sound a lot better than the M2i's? How come?

I like the VP150, but wouldn't that be a bit overkill since I only have the M22Ti's as fronts? I'm also a little worried that the size would not make the wife happy, though it is only wider. The height and depth of the VP150 is the same as the VP100.

 

[j_garcia]

All of those speakers are rear ported which means wall mounting will be less than ideal. Looks like you have enough room to do QS8s, but sitting against the back wall, it isn't going to buy you much if anything. QS8s would need to be further out into the room, and ideally right along side your seating position, providing your seating position was also further out into the room. In each case, try not to have them so close to the ceiling, or at least angled down well enough that they do not reflect directly off the ceiling, because it will degrade your imaging.

 

[korgoth]

yeah i also think you could save a few bucks on the dvd player and the cables, and upgrade to the qs8's, youd probobly want to put them on the side walls couch deep, or maybe on your rear wall. Axiom will help you with all of that.

they increase the soundstage for ht pretty significantly from what i hear.

the vp150 probobly isnt necessary but give axiom a call and they will tell you. Your room might be big enough to need it.

if you saved on the pioneer that would give you some more money to play with.

 

[ToolZero]

Wow Axiom is cool. I just called them. What a great company!

That was great advice about going with the Omni-directional speakers over the directs! I'm going to get the QS 4's and the VP100 or the QS 8's and VP150. I need to decide. In comes down to how loud I want it to be capable of, said the tech. The QS4's and VP100 will be fine, but I need to decide if I want to be able to go that extra bit to show off and make my neighbors hate me

What's really cool is the SQ4's and QS8's come with mounting brackets. That saves me $37 per speaker right off the top.

The Axoim guy also said I should go with the Denon AVR-3805 over the Pioneer Elites.

 

[Duffinator]

The Axoim guy also said I should go with the Denon AVR-3805 over the Pioneer Elites.

Now that's interesting.....did he say why?

 

[ToolZero]

All he said when I asked was it will sound better. Maybe he's biased? I'll take his word for it though, considering he's a tech at Axiom.

I'm going to go with the QS4's and VP100.

I need to decide on the DVD player and I will be done. I so wish the Denon 3805 had a DVI or HDMI input. Then I could go with the Oppo. Or maybe I should go with the Oppo anyway. What do you guys think?

 

[Duffinator]

All he said when I asked was it will sound better. Maybe he's biased? I'll take his word for it though, considering he's a tech at Axiom.

I'm going to go with the QS4's and VP100.

I need to decide on the DVD player and I will be done. I so wish the Denon 3805 had a DVI or HDMI input. Then I could go with the Oppo. Or maybe I should go with the Oppo anyway. What do you guys think?

From what I understand the Oppo doesn't output 480P so double check that and determine if that's an issue for you or not. If your TV doesn't accept a digital input that will be a problem.

 

[j_garcia]

I don't think I've seen any receivers that will downconvert DVI/HDMI to component, so those inputs on the receiver won't do you any good.

I think Axiom tries out their speakers with Denon gear. I don't remember where I heard that, but that could be why.

 

[abboudc]

You picked some pretty good components. Some of them may be wasted on your space though. A basic rule is to start with your speakers and work backwards. You can save money on the DVD player and dump that into your speakers. With your budget, i wouldn't spend more than $200 on a DVD player. Connect it to your receiver with an optical cable.

Don't dump $800 of an $1800 speaker budget into the sub. Get a good set of matched speakers, and if you splurge on something, splurge on the center. Axioms are great speakers, you can probably jump up a class by saving elsewhere. Check out Hsu subs (http://www.hsuresearch.com). The VTF-2 should do the job and will save you $200.

The Denon 3805 is a great receiver and a great foundation for the system. Don't forget the microphone, it doesn't come with the receiver. If the THX badge is that important, you can get the Yamaha RX-V2500 for about the same price.

I'd mount the center speaker as close to the tv as possible with the front surrounds at the same height. They're very directional, and lower is better.

Just a personal preference -- i'd probably put the sub in the corner with the left rear -- it'll be out of sight, plus you'll "feel" it more when it booms since you'll be sitting right there. Of course you'll need a longer cable then though

 

[claudermilk]

Looks like you've done your homework. For most of the components others here can give better advice on how to fine-tune (and already have). But I will put in the small bit I can see: for the bananas for your speakers, take a look at Orange County Speaker: http://www.speakerrepair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=genem&Category_Code=AHH_Banana
They have some pretty nice ones for the best price I've found yet. Also, for any connection you have the choice of coax digital over optical, go with coax (at blue jeasn of course). If you have to go with optical, for example a PS2, just get a Radio Shack cable.

 

[ToolZero]

I've answered my DVD player question.

I just posted this in the DVD forum.

If you plan to use progressive scan through component video this is VERY important.

The progressive scan signal is sent via component video connections, which are labeled Y, Pb, Pr.
Component video connections labeled Y,Cb,Cr transfer only interlaced signals, not progressive scan.
Standard AV and S-Video connections do not transfer progressive scan video images.

Just because a DVD player says it has progressive scan doesn't mean you can use it. The Oppo OPDV971H DVD player is awesome and it does Progressive Scan. But it only sends progressive scan through the DVI output. It does NOT send progressive scan through the component video outputs. Look at the picture and you will see Y,Cb,Cr.

So if you want to use Progressive Scan look on the back of the DVD player, receiver and TV and make sure the component video connections are labeled Y, Pb, Pr.

I got this information from http://hometheater.about.com/od/beforeyoubuy/a/progressivescan_3.htm

So I'm going to stick with the Denon 1920. It will put out a great progressive scan picture and it matches the receiver.