I'm wafflinig on Receivers and components in general

[quadlog]

I could not find a forum here to disscuss systems as a whole so hopefully I'm not breaking any forum rules here.

I'm putting a new HT set-up into a 300 SQFT room that is completely carpeted but does have some odd ceiling shapes due to it being on the top 1/2 story of a 2-1/2 story home. The useable room dimensions are 15' x 20' with 9' ceilings in the centre. The ceiling is flat for 12' until is goes into a 45' downward angle for 3' on either side then you've hit the outside walls.

Anyways, here in my initial component list and I was hoping people had suggestions on what I may consider, keeping in mind I have to stick to a budget.


Video:
1. Infocus Screenplay 4805.
2. 106" 16:9 Da-lite fixed screen with high contrast cinema vision
3. Panasonic DVD-RP62 pro-scan DVD player (I have this currently and will use it until they come out with Blu-ray or whatever the standard will be for HD-DVD.
4. Bell ExpressVu HD satellite system with their PVR system for recording HD programming.


Audio:
1. Denon AVR-3805 Receiver (Maybe Yamaha?)
2. (2) Energy C-9 for fronts
3. (2) Energy C-3 for rears
4. (2) Energy CR-3 for rear surrounds
5. (1) Energy C-C1 for center
6. (1) Energy S10.2 sub

I’m considering a velodyne subwoofer and Athena speakers or other recommendations.

I’m also a pondering the Yamaha RX-V2500B receiver. It’s about $500.00 CDN cheaper than the Denon but I’m not sure why. Are there some performance issues with Yamaha or is this just them pricing it better?

I’m really stumped on where to get cabling in Canada but I do know I’m not going with Monster except for possibly their power conditioner.

I have about $8500.00 CDN to spend so I’m trying to get the biggest bang for my looney.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I would say that your waffling is typical of everyone when making some big purchases. I, for example, would not go with the Infocus projection when the new Sanyo and Panasonic both offer higher resolution. I have, on the other hand, owned a lower resolution Panasonic (300L) and really want the higher resolution now. Screen should make you happy though. Also, Infocus should be listened to prior to purchase. A noisy projector blows.

Denon - Yamaha... Can't go wrong with either really. If the Yamaha is less money and meets your needs, then why not save some cash and put the extra into a better projector? Going cheap on the projector side will do as much harm as going cheap on the audio side.

 

[vermintrex]

I'll just comment on the audio side since I don't know much about projectors.

Everything looks good to me. I'd throw in the PSB Image line and Paradigm equivalent's to your speaker audition list. You can't really go wrong with Energy, PSB, Athena, Paradigm, Mirage etc. All build excellent HT speakers that perform well with music. You won't go wrong with a Velodyne sub, period.

I wouldn't worry about cables. Aside from buying your cables from Wal-mart, just about anything is going to get the job done. You will not hear or see a difference between Monster or AR's base line or a mega-buck boutique cable. As long as there is nothing physically wrong with the cable and it makes a good connection your fine. If you want to spend a ton of cash for a high-end brand name and cool looking braided looms etc. that's fine just realize that you're paying for marketing hype, nothing more.

The Denon's a nice piece, although some have suggested a good universal remote to replace the touch screen that comes with it. I'd definitely look at the Pioneer vsx-56TXi and vsx-54TX (if you don't need i-Link) for their robust amp sections. The NAD T763 is worth a look also, no auto set-up if that's important to you. Where did you get the Yamaha pricing ? I haven't seen it on the shelves yet in Vancouver.

Good luck.

vermin

 

[wem003]

Just my $0.02, but I have a Sanyo PLV-Z2 (they should be cheaper now that the Z3 is out), if you have a room where you can control the light I would really consider this or the Panasonic derivative.

The projector is awesome, has DVI input and is LCD. There is virtually no screen door effect (I project 106" and sit 12 feet back) and no DLP rainbows.

It has a lot of nice features like vertical and horizontal lens shift, and a manual aperature you can set to increase contrast (I think the images are awesome as is).

Just an opinon.... Your mileage may vary.

 

[mfabien]

...
Audio:
1. Denon AVR-3805 Receiver (Maybe Yamaha?)
2. (2) Energy C-9 for fronts
3. (2) Energy C-3 for rears
4. (2) Energy CR-3 for rear surrounds
5. (1) Energy C-C1 for center
6. (1) Energy S10.2 sub
...

I have Energy speakers (XL-250 Towers, XL-C100 Center and Take 2.2 rears) and I chose Canadian Maple instead of Black Ash and that is worth considering.

 

[Leprkon]

I'll just comment on the audio side since I don't know much about projectors.

I wouldn't worry about cables. Aside from buying your cables from Wal-mart, just about anything is going to get the job done. You will not hear or see a difference between Monster or AR's base line or a mega-buck boutique cable.
vermin

This is a little ironic... The Walmart nearest me (and indeed on their website) is actually selling the first two levels of Monster cable patch cords. They also have a very well-made set of patch cords from Phillips and reasonably-priced speaker cable down to 14 gage.

 

[vermintrex]

This is a little ironic... The Walmart nearest me (and indeed on their website) is actually selling the first two levels of Monster cable patch cords. They also have a very well-made set of patch cords from Phillips and reasonably-priced speaker cable down to 14 gage.

Ok, Ok..guilty of not researching their actual inventory. The point I was trying to make was aside from using shoelaces for cables (which I assumed would be about the best Wal-mart could offer up) that just about any cable with decent build quality will be aces. Wal-mart was the first vendor that came to mind when trying to think of lo-lo grade electronics.

I still think my example got the point across.

vermin