Thank you for this website and I humbly ask for input

[Jim Spaza]

I stumbled upon this website, including its forum, while trying to come up to speed on the latest home theater technology. I am going to buy a new entertainment center for my mother-in-law while she is away on vacation. When she gets back, I want her to be amazed.

So, after lurking around this website for a week or so, I took the suggestions of Audioholics (with a few changes) and would like to purchase the following:

(Please critique the heck out of it)

Purpose: High-definition video viewing (music listening is secondary)
Budget: ~$7,000

Cable TV: I already have the Scientific Atlantic 8300 HD
* Yes, I know about the problem connecting the HDMI signal through a repeater to the TV. Apparently, my cable provider has already sent the needed firmware update to all the boxes in my area.

TV: Samsung LNT4665FX/XAA LCD
* I really want the 1080p resolution

Receiver: either Onkyo TX-SR805 or Denon AVR-2807
* I like the latest HDMI connections and want the best upconversion within this price range

DVD: Toshiba HD-XA2
* It seems that Toshiba's 2nd attempt at these DVD players is very successful

Speakers: RBH Sound (2) MC-6C MKII Mains, MC-414C Center, (2) MC-4C Surround, VTF MK3 Subwoofer
* Audioholics seems to like these, I doubt that I'll benefit much from 7.1 or 9.1 surround setups

Furniture: Studiotech DP-2 BA

Cooling: Windywilly.com has some nice fans that I can plug right into the component's AC outlet

Cables: All from DVI Gear and Blue Jeans Cable. QUESTION - Why does Audioholics list two different cables for their recommended subwoofer on their $7,500 and $25,000 recommended video setup pages? I thought that all you needed was a single cable running from your receiver to your subwoofer.

Remote control: Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote by Smarthome

Power: Monster Cable HTS 2000 MKII with Clean Power™ Stage 2 v.2.0

Thank you for your help!

 

[Seth=L]

The TV should be fine, and I would go with the Onkyo TX-SR805, given its features/price ratio.

I would hold off on an HD-format type purchase. Things are heavily weighing in favor of Blu-ray right now, but that could change, or it might not change. I am inclined to believe that Blu-ray is going to continue to win more battles in this war, and if I had to pick right now I would pick Blu-ray. (not because I find them superior in any way, just that I think they will win the war given their present position)

Everything else seems to be in order.

 

[MDS]

All I can say is WOW. That's a pretty high-end collection of components and one heckuva gift. Now is the mother in law the kind of person that can appreciate a setup like that or are you buying her what you would buy for yourself?

 

[mike c]

i will echo MDS's question, most non-hobbyists wouldn't care this or that speaker is a little bit warm or bright. (or whatever us hobbyists look for in a better speaker)

personally, I think a cheaper setup, and a treat to a nice restaurant would go a longer way.

 

[Jim Spaza]

All I can say is WOW. That's a pretty high-end collection of components and one heckuva gift. Now is the mother in law the kind of person that can appreciate a setup like that or are you buying her what you would buy for yourself?

She is not the kind of person that would appreciate that level of video and sound. Probably, she'd just be happy with a nice receiver, OK LCD, and two speakers.

Well, my wife and I have been spending a lot of time over at her place. Because of her age and health, we decided a few months ago to move in with her. We always complain that families never take care of each other anymore. So, it seems that God decided to see if we would walk the walk too, so He gave us the opportunity to do the right thing.

To be honest, we'd benefit from it a lot more than she would. But, seriously, I want her to have the best (within economic reason).

 

[Jim Spaza]

The TV should be fine, and I would go with the Onkyo TX-SR805, given its features/price ratio.

I would hold off on an HD-format type purchase. Things are heavily weighing in favor of Blu-ray right now, but that could change, or it might not change. I am inclined to believe that Blu-ray is going to continue to win more battles in this war, and if I had to pick right now I would pick Blu-ray. (not because I find them superior in any way, just that I think they will win the war given their present position)

Everything else seems to be in order.

Good idea. OK, I'll hold off on the high-definition DVD component to see what happens. After all, I can always add it later.