My modest budget mini HT

[rumonkey2]

I've been working on a small bedroom as a dedicated entertainment room for around 2yrs now.
Just recently purchased my first HDTV - Vizio 37" LCD from WM for a steal (return/open box). So, while I plan to upgrade/tweak constantly, I can at least call my system "complete"

Pretty much every piece of my system is "B" Stock/Refurb/etc...w/ a good amount of DIY thrown in...

went from this:

Had to "custom build" an entertainment stand to accommodate my vertical center & not being able to wall mount LCD:

My "Ultra Budget/Mini HT" system:

Vizio 37" LCD ) $530

AV123 XLS MNS Classic Snowmen B-Stock L/C/R $333

HK AVR 240 refurb $180

Panasonic DVD-S35 open box $55 (3 years ago??)

Onkyo DX-C320 6 disc changer garage sale $25 (6 years ago??)
Sony SA-WM40 Sub $85 "closeout"(8+ years ago) + polyfill $4

JBL Encore refurbs & "custom painted" surrounds - $55
Altec Lansing Model 21 I/O Sam's Club 2 pr special (8 years ago)"custom painted" rears - $30
Prime/Paint for both - $10

Berkline Recliners "closeout" $625 pair

along w/ Charter HD-DVR service....

to this:

with a few "trial" DIY panels ...

2- 2x2x4" open back w/ a mixture of 2" and 4" "mini panels" .

DIY Panels Duct Board/Fabric/Hardware - $40
DIY Entertainment Center 3/4" Birch Ply/PVC/Hardware/Paint & Stain - $65

 

[jamie2112]

Looks very nice.....conratulations

 

[Adam]

Excellent transformation! I really like your custom-built entertainment stand. That's very nice. The color goes very well with your speakers (as planned, I'm sure).

 

[jostenmeat]

Congratulations. I really, really dig the stand.

You really know how to stretch a dollar. Well designed layout. Just curious for future reference, would you consider building a stand like that for a fee? How much would you charge for a stand very similar to that?

 

[croseiv]

Nice set up there! Thanks for sharing.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Hey rumonkey2 nice work!

I like the snowman grills in your set-up. They offer a nice kind of accent so every thing isn't so rectangular.

You've done very well and it goes to show that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a nice respectable setup that your proud of.

Your waiting on one of the Tweak City Audio subs for your next upgrade right?

SBF1

 

[mazersteven]

Most Excellent Dude

 

[adk highlander]

Great setup. Everything fits well together. The custom painted surrounds look especially nice.

 

[rumonkey2]

Thanks Everyone!

As my first foray into HD, this system fits the bill nicely.
But, like most everyone, always tweaking/upgrading/adding - looking for the perfect fit

So, yeah, I've already got the upgrade path lined out:

Hey rumonkey2 nice work!

I like the snowman grills in your set-up. They offer a nice kind of accent so every thing isn't so rectangular.

You've done very well and it goes to show that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a nice respectable setup that your proud of.

Your waiting on one of the Tweak City Audio subs for your next upgrade right?

SBF1

It's actually gonna be 2 SCAMPS!
Followed by PS3 for BluRay/Music storage - will add either external hd or upgrade internal one. I will likely pick up a game or 2 also
Gonna do skiingNinja BUDO upgrades (classic to Encore) on my XLS.
Likely to be followed by properly finished panels (ATS)
The VIZIO will end up in living area or bedroom & will go 50" 1080p in here (the DIY ent center was built with this in mind)

And, there are gonna be more aesthetic room tweaks / decor.
But, all in all, just enjoying this setup during football & catching up on some SD DVDs that I was saving to watch on a "big" screen....

 

[rumonkey2]

Congratulations. I really, really dig the stand.

You really know how to stretch a dollar. Well designed layout. Just curious for future reference, would you consider building a stand like that for a fee? How much would you charge for a stand very similar to that?

Thanks! I've always messed 'round building stuff w/ PVC integrated because it is so cheap, easy to work with, and sturdy...
But I'm no woodworker by any means. I just knew I needed something affordable that would be functional - fitting my needs. I will gladly send you a cutsheet & materials needed for something of the likes. Would be tough to ship... Although, it is somewhat "modular" and can be broken-down/reconfigured without too much effort. The PVC "post" are only set, not glued into the caps. They are, of course, bolted "through" the plywood. And there was some concern w/ lateral shift. But, this thing is sturdy! And can hold a lot of weight. I just have to be cautious where I'm grasping/using force as I roll it in/out (it is on casters) when changing connections, etc... (in the midst of getting some DIY speaker cables done for L/C/R and upgrading others w/ some Monoprice stuff)

 

[PSWii60]

Hold it right there!! I see a humidor in that picture.....you just opened a can of worms. Good thing theres not a bottle of scotch in that picture. Lot of scotch drinkers here! Nothing hits the spot like a three finger glass on 18 year Glenmorangie and a Padron 1964 !!! (sorry not trying to hijack thread)

 

[rumonkey2]

Hold it right there!! I see a humidor in that picture.....you just opened a can of worms. Good thing theres not a bottle of scotch in that picture. Lot of scotch drinkers here! Nothing hits the spot like a three finger glass on 18 year Glenmorangie and a Padron 1964 !!! (sorry not trying to hijack thread)

I do happen to have 3 left from a "Sampler Pack" I was given as a gift...

Padron 2000 is my "everyday" smoke...so gf thought I would like the Anniversary Series for special occasions!

Not much of a Scotch drinker though...

 

[westcott]

Wow! What a transformation for the better.

I really like the stand and its ability to accomodate proper speaker placement.

All three fronts at ear height!!!!!!! We have a winner!!!!!!!

 

[rumonkey2]

Thanks!

Yeah, obviously that was the goal.
And I can't say enough about having matching fronts.

It made a very noticeable difference, raising the fronts approx 8" and spread 12" further apart (L/R). They are also "decoupled" by a urethane foam wedge.
This was a product I pulled from a point-of-purchase display from our store.
I'm using several of these around the room - some as a light weight backer to 2" duct board "mini panels" along the back wall. Also, the pvc post are stuffed w/ foam pipe insulation tubing. Does it help? Dunno, but I figured couldn't hurt & took all precautions to unwanted "noise"

The XLS are known as a slightly laid back speaker to begin with.
Raising them to seated ear height gave me a touch more detail when just 2 channel & much improved dialog clarity when HT mode. I really hope we can see skiing Ninja BUDO upgrades soon. Some of my "classic rock" tracks could use a bit more definition...

I was concerned w/ the video height, especially the Vizio having such a large "frame" w/ speakers on bottom. But it causes no neck/eye fatigue & just about perfect slightly reclined. Although, I will make sure my next set - sometime after first of year (tax refund?) will have thinner bezel/frame

The 7.1 is likely overkill in this small room. There is some nice fill on some surround tracks though that were not there before - and my gf notices the difference. Overall, I'm very pleased w/ this system, yet, always trying to get more out of it

 

[Rogozhin]

Yeah, obviously that was the goal.
And I can't say enough about having matching fronts.

It made a very noticeable difference, raising the fronts approx 8" and spread 12" further apart (L/R). They are also "decoupled" by a urethane foam wedge.
This was a product I pulled from a point-of-purchase display from our store.
I'm using several of these around the room - some as a light weight backer to 2" duct board "mini panels" along the back wall. Also, the pvc post are stuffed w/ foam pipe insulation tubing. Does it help? Dunno, but I figured couldn't hurt & took all precautions to unwanted "noise"

The XLS are known as a slightly laid back speaker to begin with.
Raising them to seated ear height gave me a touch more detail when just 2 channel & much improved dialog clarity when HT mode. I really hope we can see skiing Ninja BUDO upgrades soon. Some of my "classic rock" tracks could use a bit more definition...

I was concerned w/ the video height, especially the Vizio having such a large "frame" w/ speakers on bottom. But it causes no neck/eye fatigue & just about perfect slightly reclined. Although, I will make sure my next set - sometime after first of year (tax refund?) will have thinner bezel/frame

The 7.1 is likely overkill in this small room. There is some nice fill on some surround tracks though that were not there before - and my gf notices the difference. Overall, I'm very pleased w/ this system, yet, always trying to get more out of it

It looks like a great setup! How do you like your HK?

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Very nicely done! I like the L/C/R on the same level, looks great .

 

[rumonkey2]

It looks like a great setup! How do you like your HK?

Love it! Very "neutral" compared to other AVRs I've owned...I will be upgrading to another HK whenever "the time is right"...And hey, I may just go above entry level then!
For now, I could care less about HDMI & this small room, plenty o' power
And, as compared to others I've owned/auditioned (in home) I really like HKs "logic 7" on some material....