It's that time again...

Grimster74

Hey guys, it's that time again, you know, time for a new purchase. My budget will be in the ball park of $2000-$2500 for my new purchase. I was really interested in purchasing a front projector and screen but I think I'm going to hold out a while on that after my wife and I purchase a new house within the next year or two. Anyways, take a look at my system showcase and tell me from the looks of things where I should invest. Here is what "I" have been thinking about upgrading. I'm really thinking about purchasing a amp and using my Denon 3805 as a pre/pro. The amp that has caught my attention is the new Outlaw Model 7700, here is the link http://outlawaudio.com/products/7700.html I beleive my 3805 is only 120 watts by 7 but as we all know, not actual wattage. What exactly would I gain by adding a amp to my configuration. I know the receiver wouldn't have to work as hard but would I notice any difference for the most part. Not only that, sometime down the road I'd like to upgrade to the LSi series of Polk's but not right a way but at least if a good deal comes up for the LSi's, I'll already have a dedication amp that will run 4 ohms. Don't know, you guys tell me what you think.

Early B.

I'd change the front soundstage. I used to have Rti70's and I replaced them with the RTi10's. It made a significant improvement.

However, if I had to do it all over again and I had $2000+, I'd put Lsi9's up front on some sturdy stands, an LsiC, and separate amplification. You can get 3 Outlaw monoblocks to power the fronts and center, then use the reciever to power the surrounds. I don't know what you're using, but I'd also look into upgrading speaker cables, interconnects, and power cords if you haven't already done so.

If you blow the entire budget on a separate amp with RTi70's, you won't be maximizing the benefits of your purchase.

peteran

You have great electronics (receiver, dvd, tv, power). Your spekers are rated at 250w max, so the outlaw 7700 would definetely add to your soundstage.
Your speaker swhere probably begging you for power for some time now.
See if that makes a difference, then you can always replace speakers down the road.
I'm looking to get myself the 7125 amp and use the onkyo as a pre-pro until the new DD+ TrueHD and DTSHD get incorporated inthe AVR's/Pre-Pro's.

pearsall001

That is one gorgeous room you have set up there!!!! With the budget you stated might I suggest some room treatments. The room itself is probably the most important piece of gear as far as sound quality goes. It is also the most over looked piece of the puzzle. Your room looks like it would definetely benefit from some form of treatment. With a properly treated room you will be surprised that your current set up now will sound 100% better. Just some food for thought. Check out Rivesaudio.com for info on the subject. There are also plenty of other well known companies. Do a google search on the subject. We spend so much time researching gear, posting questions on gear, etc. yet we never consider the room, BIG MISTAKE!!!

AsSiMiLaTeD

Just to add a bit more perspective and 'balance' to Early's post...

I went from the RTi10 back to my RTi70 and prefer the sound of the 70s more. if you're gonna bother with upgrading the front speakers, go LSi - but it looks like you've already addressed that from looking at your first post...so it sounds like you know what you're doing there...

With your budget, why not go ahead and do the LSi stuff up front now, along with a good amp. You should be able to get an amp under 1K (maybe look at some used stuff along the lines of Parasound) a pair of LSi7 under $500 and an LSiC under $400 - a HUGE upgrade overall for less than $2000

Skynut

pearsall001 wrote:

That is one gorgeous room you have set up there!!!! With the budget you stated might I suggest some room treatments. The room itself is probably the most important piece of gear as far as sound quality goes. It is also the most over looked piece of the puzzle. Your room looks like it would definetely benefit from some form of treatment. With a properly treated room you will be surprised that your current set up now will sound 100% better. Just some food for thought. Check out Rivesaudio.com for info on the subject. There are also plenty of other well known companies. Do a google search on the subject. We spend so much time researching gear, posting questions on gear, etc. yet we never consider the room, BIG MISTAKE!!!

I was going to suggest wall treatments also. They can be done in a way that they add to the big theater feel.
I am going to do mine in the not to distant future and figure to spend around $1500.00 when I do.

cfrizz

Grimster, I was contemplating upgrading my speakers to LSI's but was told my Denon couldn't handle them. So I got a Parasound amp so that I could make the transition.

Well the amp made such a HUGE improvement to my old speakers, that I scrapped the idea of getting the LSI's!

Get the Outlaw amp!

jmierzur

After looking at your showcase, I concur that you should start addressing the acoustics of the room. Addressing the room will allow you to hear at what level your system is really capable of performing. Have a look at my showcase to view what I have done up to this point to address the acoustics of my room. I have optimized my situation for two-channel listening, but this works equally well for multi-channel viewing.

For your situation, I would suggest starting by looking at wall panel treatments. If you are capable of DIYing the panels, there are many cost effective construction methods.

Pearsall001 also started an acoustics thread which I contributed to by including several links to various sites. If you are interested in acoustics, follow the links in this thread or in my showcase (links are in the main description as well as in the categories on the right) for more information.

Even with the purchase or construction of room treatments, there still should be plenty left in the overall budget for equipment upgrades.

Ron-P

A dedicated room like that needs front projection, not a TV.

If your going to spend that kind of money, get a projector. You can land a very nice FP for $1,500 or less. Build yourself a DIY screen for $75 and you still have money left to do room treatments and such. Or, shop ebay for an amp. The FP will bring the biggest BANG to that theater room over anything audio.

Grimster74

Okay, it looks like I've figured out what I will be doing with my $2500 for my H/T room. Thanks to Ron-P and his valuable input on things, looks like I will be purchasing a projector. The projector of choose will be the Sanyo, PLV-Z4. I will be using a throw distance of roughly 10' with seems will do a 100" viewing area with ease. Looks like I will have to do some remodeling on the front wall to get a screen of that size but looking forward to the new project. Thanks for everyone's valuable input on how to spend my money, lord knows we all like to tell people how they should spend their money.

Ron-P

That Z4 is a nice, nice machine. You're gonna be impressed. Make sure someone's there the first time you fire it up, there gonna need to catch your jaw.