Newbie - Critique my system

[jekoda]

Philips 42 Plasma #42PF9966
Denon 2105
Mirage Omnistat front and center
Mirage Omnican rear (3) (ceiling)
Mirage Omni S10 Sub
Media room size (closed in) 15x17

From what I've read on this forum - I might be better off upgrading to the Denon 2805 or do I wait 6 to 12 months for a reasonably priced A/V Rec with HDMI. This equipment has not yet been purchased.

What would you change? My budget (wife) will allow (judicious) upgrades.

Thanks

 

[BMXTRIX]

Well, a better receiver would definitely give you a little bit more of everything overall....

If the room is closed in - is it also light controlled? I always am out to recommend a decent DLP projector any day of the week for a theater. 42" plasma is great if you are watching it all the time - but projector is what a home theater makes.

 

[Rob Babcock]

I have to agree with BMXTRIX- if you can possibly accommodate a FPTV, you should. It really makes the theater experience. I'm also a big fan of DLP.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Jek,

We have a local hi end A/V shop down the street who sells the Omni's. I wasn't impressed with them at all. They look like eggs, and I didn't care for how they sat on the walls. This place had some in wall BIC's that actually had a better low and a directional tweeter that rivaled the Omni's high notes.

As far as the receiver goes, I suggest waiting for the HDMI feature. All the new video equipment will soon be linked via HDMI, and hiding wires is sure easier with one cable opposed to several. In your budget, Yamaha should have some offerings out soon. Hopefully, Denon updates their XX05 models with HDMI XX06 models similar to the 4806 from the CES show this year.

I can't comment on the HDTV, as I'm still in the market to upgrade my aging 36" Toshiba CRT.

 

[Khellandros66]

Actually hold off on DLP and see how it compares to OLED, especially since HD4+ chip is also 1080p. Philips also announced a few 1080p II Plasma screens up to 62in. I work for CompUSA, bigest reason people tell me they are switching is cause of bulbs in DLP last 2000-2500 hrs. and cost as much as $250+.

~Bob

 

[Nick250]

Philips 42 Plasma #42PF9966
Denon 2105
Mirage Omnistat front and center
Mirage Omnican rear (3) (ceiling)
Mirage Omni S10 Sub
Media room size (closed in) 15x17

From what I've read on this forum - I might be better off upgrading to the Denon 2805 or do I wait 6 to 12 months for a reasonably priced A/V Rec with HDMI. This equipment has not yet been purchased.

What would you change? My budget (wife) will allow (judicious) upgrades.

Thanks

The only reason to upgrade your reveiver choice is if there is a specific feature the the 2805 has that that you absolutely need. There will be absolutely zero difference in sound between the two. Enjoy!

Nick

 

[BMXTRIX]

...hold off on DLP and see how it compares to OLED...

Not sure where you are hearing about OLED coming to market anytime soon. They are at LEAST a year off from making anything at all and you better believe they aren't likely to be cheap. 42" models? I would guess 2-3 years from now at the very earliest. We don't even have one consumer product out there that is OLED except for a few cell phones.

Now, the DLP we are talking about is front projection - not rear. The bulbs last less than 2000 hours usually, but we are mentioning it for a HOME THEATER. A 61" plasma is cool, but a 120" screen is cooler still. To much hype on 1080p which is totally wasted on sub 50" displays in my opinion.

If he is buying now, he has to get what is out there now - not in a year or two.

 

[jekoda]

Thanks for all the great responses. Should I be concerned with lip sync issues if I stick with the Denon 2105?

 

[jekoda]

Also, seats will be approximately 11 to 13 feet from the TV (wall mounted). Is 42 ok or should I go to 50?

 

[Mort Corey]

At 13 feet, I'd give the 50" display serious consideration. You've not listed any input sources? DVD? Dish/cable? CD player? All are going to help you dig deeper into your budget.

Mort

 

[jekoda]

I'm looking at an inexpensive Denon proscan DVD for now. I'll invest in a higher quality DVD once the format wars have concluded. My other video source will be digital cable.

Should have also mentioned that directly under the 42 plasma will be a 23in Zenith HDTV (LCD) for gaming.

 

[av-man]

Thanks for all the great responses. Should I be concerned with lip sync issues if I stick with the Denon 2105?

Thats a definate possibility. The 2105 does not have the option to correct the problem. The 2805 does.We quit selling the 2105 and lower with new HD sets due to this.