Logical Quality Upgrade from Panny AE-900

[davidmore]

I have now had an AE 900 for about 4 months - and am considering what my next upgrade step should be.

Environment is a Marantz DV-9600, Yamaha 2600 AVR and the Panny - connected via HDMI. Also have an Aussie HD tuner and our SD Cable Service.

My room - sadly is oddly shaped with white walls and ceiling - so there is some reflection back onto the screen. Panny is ceiling mounted. (Getting at that air filter every 100 hours is a pest I must say!)

Light control is only average during day - fine in the evening.

Question is which of the options sounds best. Screen is 100" 1.1 gain.

1. Reduce screen size to 80 inches - more light better contrast?

2. Get a screen with say 0.8 gain - suggestions for Australia welcome or a 1.3 or 1.4 gain

3. Get a new better projector - more light? DLP etc.

All suggestions considered - for comparison I have a Sony 45" CRT RPV which provides blacks etc that blow the Panny away I fear. (Sits behind roll down screen).

What is the sensible next step - $2000-3000 available.

Sound is fine - ProAc EBS Main - Pair of LS35A - as Centre and Warfdale Ceiling monted at rear. ProAcs driven by a 300WPC Yamaha main amp so the other channels have lots of reserve.

Wife finds 100" too big - hence the interest in a possible downsize..but I would like to stay above 80" or so.

Thanks for any and all comments.

David

 

[BTT917]

It seems that your main complaint is with reflections from the white walls to the screen, and without painting the walls a darker color a gray screen is the only thing that would help. I don't think a smaller screen or a brighter projector will help the reflection issue.

Another option would be to get a 70" rear projection tv.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I have now had an AE 900 for about 4 months - and am considering what my next upgrade step should be.

Environment is a Marantz DV-9600, Yamaha 2600 AVR and the Panny - connected via HDMI. Also have an Aussie HD tuner and our SD Cable Service.

My room - sadly is oddly shaped with white walls and ceiling - so there is some reflection back onto the screen. Panny is ceiling mounted. (Getting at that air filter every 100 hours is a pest I must say!)

Light control is only average during day - fine in the evening.

Question is which of the options sounds best. Screen is 100" 1.1 gain.

1. Reduce screen size to 80 inches - more light better contrast?

2. Get a screen with say 0.8 gain - suggestions for Australia welcome or a 1.3 or 1.4 gain

3. Get a new better projector - more light? DLP etc.

All suggestions considered - for comparison I have a Sony 45" CRT RPV which provides blacks etc that blow the Panny away I fear. (Sits behind roll down screen).

What is the sensible next step - $2000-3000 available.

Sound is fine - ProAc EBS Main - Pair of LS35A - as Centre and Warfdale Ceiling monted at rear. ProAcs driven by a 300WPC Yamaha main amp so the other channels have lots of reserve.

Wife finds 100" too big - hence the interest in a possible downsize..but I would like to stay above 80" or so.

Thanks for any and all comments.

David

I am not sure now is the time for you. HD type DVD is just around the corner. I'd save instead. Or, you will be looking for another upgrade in about 2 years.

Light control is a must for projectors. Would not recommend downgrading to a .8 gain screen. And only upgrade to a higher gain if the light on screen, footLambert is almost there, for a theater experience, 16 ftlambert.
Most theaters in the states are less than 16 fL, 12 and some less.