"Virtually" Build a complete HT

[gcmarshall]

We are moving next year and will have an entirely different physical layout than we currently have. How would you like to “virtually build” our new home theater? The room will be 23x17x8(ceiling height)…over 3000 cb ft if my math is correct. The room will serve double duty as a den/casual LR and theater/music room. The TV and front speakers will be along one of the 23’ sides. The room is partly solid oak wood paneled walls, partly windows (on both sides) and partly a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace on the side opposite the TV. Flooring will be solid hardwoods with partial carpeting. No changes will be made to the physical aspects of the room. This post deals only with the equipment to be used for the HT.

Budget – open; willing to pay for whatever accomplishes the “goal” below, without being extravagant for no good reason

Goal – want to err on the side of a little too much power and clarity rather than risk not having enough. I currently have a RX-V2500. Could use that, but it may end up in another part of the house or sold, depending on its ability to perform in this room. Will want a flat-panel HDTV, again erring on side of a little too big, rather than “wishing I had gotten the bigger one”.

We do 50% music/50% movies.

What items and what models would you buy for the following categories?:

- Receiver, make/model
- Front Speakers, make/model
- Sub make/model
- Surrounds make/model
- Amplifier, if any, make/model
- Flat-panel TV, size and make/model
- Other items or equipment, if any?

Generally, I do not want to buy “the most expensive gear” just for the sake of buying the most expensive gear, if you know what I mean. But, I will pay for clear, powerful performance where needed and if justified.

Thanks.

 

[DaveOCP]

I think you could get by without a dedicated power amp, but you're going to want more muscle than the RX-V2500 has to offer, especially if you go with less sensative speakers.

Denon's AVR-5805 is the receiver to end all receivers. It has ten channels, which means it can run two independent 5.1 systems at once, or one monster 10 channel theater with two centers and six surround speakers. Receivers dont come any bigger than the 5805...or more expensive. Its got a 6 grand price tag.

The Denon AVR-4806 and Marantz SR-9600 cost a little more than half of that, and still pack 140W x 7, iLink (invaluable for SACD and DVD-A) and HDMI switching, I suggest taking a look at both. I think both Denon and Marantz do a much better job with music than Yamaha. Pioneer's 59TXi has the muscle, but no HDMI.

As for speakers, I think Definitive Tech's BP7000SC power-towers are unmatched for home theater use, and provide incredible bang for the buck, considering each one essentially has a Definitive Supercube subwoofer built in to the cabinet. They'll definitely have no trouble filling a room of that size.

The C\L\R 2000 is the passive center channel that goes with the 7000s, or if you're nuts and two 14" subwoofers, four 14" passive radiators, and two 1800W class D amps arent enough bass, the C\L\R 3000 has its own 10" 150W powered sub. As for surrounds, you could use a C\L\R turned vertical, a Studio 450 for a monopolar surround, or a BPVX/P for a bipolar surround.

For a TV, I suggest Toshiba's 72HM195. 72", 1920x1080 resolution, just 5 grand. Thats the price of a 50" 1280x720 plasma. Samsung has a 71" HLR-7178W, also 1080p, but it costs $1000 more than the Toshiba, and I dont think it looks any better.

If you dont have one already, you will want to invest in a DVD player with HDMI upconversion. Dont spend too much money on it though, because hi-def discs are due soon. A Toshiba SD-4980 will do the job for just $100.

 

[jcPanny]

Room issues.

The TV and front speakers will be along one of the 23’ sides. The room is partly solid oak wood paneled walls, partly windows (on both sides) and partly a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace on the side opposite the TV. Flooring will be solid hardwoods with partial carpeting. Thanks.

Sounds like your new room will be a virtual echo chamber. Consider setting asside a portion of your budget for room treatments to deal with this highly reflective room. Furniture like rugs, overstuffed furniture, pillows, and bookcases would be a good start.

Does the TV have to be on the long 23' wall? This will make it much more difficult to have side surround channels unless they are in the ceiling or on a stand in the middle of the room. It also limits your options for a front projector and large screen.

Consider keeping the receiver and adding an amp like the Emotiva MPS-1. For 2K you get 200 clean watts per channel. In the new place also investigate options for a distribution amplifier with key pads and speakers in each room. I would also consider an RBH Sound Cinema Site setup in your budget.

 

[abboudc]

For a room that size you're going to need some serious power. Consider 5 (or 7) M&K S-150PK 180 Watt Self-Powered Speakers for fronts, center, and surrounds (about a third of the way down the page):
http://www.mksound.com/satellite_speakers.php
about $2400/ea
You could pick up a decent sub from SVS or Hsu. Personally i think the Hsu VTF3 would do the job, but you can spend more if you want.

You can use your yamaha as a preamp, or invest in something like a Rotel. Try the Yamaha first though, no sense spending the money if you don't need to.

For TV's, is flat panel important? You're talking about a huge price difference for sizes. If i had my choice i'd go with a Pioneer Elite 61". The 50" version of the same TV is almost half as much though.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4125_136753543,00.html

If flat isn't important, you can go RPTV (and go bigger). There are several 70+" displays out there in all forms LCD, DLP, D-ILA. This is highly subjective and more your personal taste. All have their advantages and disadvantages. If you can spare the room (and it sounds like you can!) i'd go with a RPTV or a projector. Flat panel tv's are nice for a "that's cool it's flat", but if you want "look at the size of that screen!" you have to go rptv or projector. I'd rather the bigger screen. Check out projectorcentral.com for projector and screen options.

 

[DaveOCP]

If absolute power is critical, either a Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature or Earthquake Cinenova would be a superb choice of power amp. Wattage to burn.

 

[Sheep]

For a room that size you're going to need some serious power. Consider 5 (or 7) M&K S-150PK 180 Watt Self-Powered Speakers for fronts, center, and surrounds (about a third of the way down the page):
http://www.mksound.com/satellite_speakers.php
about $2400/ea
You could pick up a decent sub from SVS or Hsu. Personally i think the Hsu VTF3 would do the job, but you can spend more if you want.

You can use your yamaha as a preamp, or invest in something like a Rotel. Try the Yamaha first though, no sense spending the money if you don't need to.

For TV's, is flat panel important? You're talking about a huge price difference for sizes. If i had my choice i'd go with a Pioneer Elite 61". The 50" version of the same TV is almost half as much though.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4125_136753543,00.html

If flat isn't important, you can go RPTV (and go bigger). There are several 70+" displays out there in all forms LCD, DLP, D-ILA. This is highly subjective and more your personal taste. All have their advantages and disadvantages. If you can spare the room (and it sounds like you can!) i'd go with a RPTV or a projector. Flat panel tv's are nice for a "that's cool it's flat", but if you want "look at the size of that screen!" you have to go rptv or projector. I'd rather the bigger screen. Check out projectorcentral.com for projector and screen options.

If those M&k's are self powered... why would he need an amp?

You could get the Klipsch THX Ultra system for around 8 grand. Has everything but processor and amp for speakers. That coupled with a nice TV, and you would be set. I believe Audioholics is reviewing this THX system right now, or am I mistaken?


SheepStar

 

[abboudc]

If those M&k's are self powered... why would he need an amp?



SheepStar

Er...he wouldn't...that's why i said use the Yamaha or Rotel as a preamp

 

[Sheep]

Er...he wouldn't...that's why i said use the Yamaha or Rotel as a preamp

My bad, I thought you meant use the Yamaha WITH a Rotel amp...


SheepStar