Hi everyone,
I am in the process of setting up a Home Theater and need some opinions about my equipment choices. I am a “rookie” in the sense that I have not dealt with any serious audio for at least 20 years. I was first introduced to high end audio when I was stationed overseas in the early 70’s. Friendships with avionic techs, who schooled me on the electronics end of things, and a great PX allowed me to put together a pretty decent system at the time (of course I had forgotten all of that). Alas, that system (except a reel-to-reel tape deck which still works) has long since passed to the great audiophile equipment heaven. And I have about 350 albums and 40 miles of R-to-R tapes. To say I am behind the times is a great understatement. I have spent the last couple of months trying to get up to speed for these times. Boy, I miss the old days! Please help an old man deal with the new times. Yes, I know this post is breaking some “posting rules” but I don’t want to spend any more time searching a dozen different forums. I’ve done that and it gave me a starting point. Now I need some input from you knowledgeable youngsters.
I recently retired after 50 years working in the H&S and moved to a smaller house and am treating myself to a new HT set up. After settling for 2nd or 3rd level equipment, based on prices, I am looking to set up a good system with performance as the main driver. That’s not to say the budget is not important – I have set aside $25K for the complete set up - audio visual equipment, furniture, AV stand and “other” (cables wiring, etc.). I plan on buying a 77” 4k OLED TV to start with. Music is just as important to me as cinema/TV. I know it is difficult to serve these two “Masters”, but I will try. Gaming is not a priority now but maybe in the future.
So, after the TV what would be your next purchase? Receiver or speakers? I haven’t made up my mind on speakers because I would like to hear them live, which is a big challenge due to lack of independent dealers and the big box store usually do not have what I am considering and would like to hear, even though they may sell them. But, thanks to Crutchfield, I have at least an idea of the speaker performance through their website. Right now, Focal (Aria 936 K2 & Vestiva No. 3), Martin Logan (F200), B&W (703 S3), and maybe Dali (Oberon 7) are on my list. I’m open to suggestions though.
I want to start with a 5.1.2 system and eventually expand to a 7.2.4 set up. For receivers I will consider the Marantz Cin. 50, Integra DRX-5.4, and Onkyo TX RZ50 AVR’s. The Marantz checks all the boxes except THX certification. Integra and Onkyo also check almost all the boxes except they to not have discrete sub-woofer outlets or Auro 3D. The price point on the Marantz and Integra are very close and the Onkyo is about half the price of those two receivers. I never even heard of Integra. Depending on the speakers, I will probably augment the system with a 3 or 5 channel power amp. Am I missing anything? I prefer to stay away from separates (power amp. Pre-amp, DAC, etc.).
The room I have is a is a 36’x26’ finished basement with carpet, dry wall walls and suspended acoustical ceiling tiles. I am positioning the system essentially in the middle of the room on the “long wall” with a depth of ~10-12 feet. The TV will be hung on the wall and seating will be theater recliners (5). Who do you like for theater seating?
And how come all of the AV stands 14 or 15” in depth when all of the receivers I look at are 16-18”? The 3 I am looking at are 17” deep. I think it will take longer to find a proper AV stand than anything else!
Thanks in advance for helping a dumb old man. .
Just a couple of questions first.
Do you plan on playing your albums?
Do you plan on playing these reel to reel tapes.
As a guide to the first question there are a lot of good turntables to choose from.
The tape issue is more problematic as reel to reel machines have not been made for years. However you say yours still works. What is it? However, by now it likely needs some restoration.
For speakers I would take a very serious look at Philharmonic Audio. You can't go wrong with those. If you are getting into HT then the HT towers are a good bet.
The matching center will be available in January.
The major part of the budget should go to the speakers.
I am assuming you have good wired ethernet service to that room.
Let's start here and put a good system together.
We can leave surrounds and sub for a later discussion. You will need at least one good sub though.
I do applaud your idea of using separate power amps, in which case you should consider an AVP, like the Marantz 7006, rather than a receiver. I have always used an AVP and power amps, and avoided receivers.
AV furniture is important, but an equipment list is first, then decide and plan a neat serviceable instal.
There are lot of decisions, so don't rush into it, and plan it carefully. I am an old man as well and built out a room in 2006 for our former home and one for our current home in 2019. In this home there is also a 3.1 great room build and 2.1 Family room build, as well as the 7.2.4 HT room.
Chairs are difficult and can eat a big part of the budget. A choice here will depend on what is available from dealers in your area. This is something you need to be careful about purchasing online.
An AV room is a big project. Careful planning really pays dividends. There is a lot of money on the line, so proceed carefully and thoughtfully.
You have picked out the right TV by the way. That is what I have in the AV room. That choice is solid.
