Home Theater Ideas -

VR3
VR3 Posts: 28,937
edited July 2009 in Electronics
Alright, after a few months of being in my new place and seeing what bills are going to be like - I am going to budget out a HT...

I pretty much decided I cant do this piece by piece because to do certain things I will have to do this and that and it ends up being the whole deal...

So, right now - I am guessing my budget is going to be around $7,000 -

Goal -

HT gear seperate from 2 ch ---

HDMI used as much as possible --- I only want one cable going from the receiver to the projector, is my assumption right, this is ok?

All video and audio will go through the receiver and one cable out to the projector.

Anyways --

I want a good projector 1,000-1,500 - preferably 1080p.

Motorized or manual projection screen.

Dual centers - one around the top of the screen, one at the bottom - I am thinking a pair of LSi7 mounted vertical. The top one will be upside down of course and on a B-Tech type bracket so that I can angle it.

Back surrounds only - probably LSi7 again. Same type of mounting.

Receiver will be a Pioneer Elite with at least DTS and DD 5.1 --- I do not need anything special. I need at least 3 HDMI in and 1 out. I found an older model that I can probably pick up for around 400 to 450. I am sure it will power 4 LSi7 speakers with no problems. Especially if I wire the centers in series to make them 8 ohms.

I am thinking one SVS PC+ or Ultra, will have to see where this ends up.

I am basically looking for recomendations for the projector/receiver/screen - as I am very out of the loop on all of this stuff...

Thanks in advance!
- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
Post edited by VR3 on
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,937
    edited July 2009
    I might get another Larger Sub -- but I wanted something with a fairly small footprint and kind of light weight... Larger sub does not really qualify for that one...

    Anyone using the new Plus subs?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited July 2009
    getting HT envy

    when is the Grand Opening planned !
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    Why two centers? Grab one and use the rest of the $ towards another amp.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,176
    edited July 2009
    My $0.02 would be to use one center channel speaker and for the receiver get the Pioneer Elite SC-05. Here is a link to the product page:
    http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/ci.SC-05.Kuro

    It may be a little more than you wanted to spend, but will probably be worth every penny.

    Hope all goes well for you!!!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2009
    http://www.curtpalme.com/CRTforSale_HighPerformance.shtm

    Pick a projector. I've seen a few from the list and they all have a stunning image.

    I'm going back to CRT myself after seeing what LCD/DLP can do (or can't do)...
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2009
    BTW. The Epson 1080UB projector I am using is quite good for picture quality, but once I saw a G90 I was blown away.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited July 2009
    I'm not sure if wiring 2 LSi7s in series is the best move for a CC. Maybe it will work fine so try it if you already own the equipment. I do like the idea of having one above and below the screen. One benefit of a screen is you can place the CC behind it at the same height as the L/R towers. That would seem ideal. My HT was 4 LSi15s and an LSiC, but I recently replaced the LSiC with a PSB Synchrony One CC, and the differance is a fantatstic improvement. It blended right in with the LSi15s, but being 2-3 times larger than the LSiC it produces a much better CC stage, and just sounds better.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2009
    Agreed, your budget is very close to the SC-05. Not sure why you want dual centers but I would just go with one center and save some bucks or put it towards your PJ. The SC-05 will allow you to pass 1080p/24 untouched over HDMI with zero video processing. That being said you would run single HDMI cable to the PJ and be done. 1500 for a 1080p projector is very low unless you don't mind buying used. If you can stretch it, I would suggest Epson 6100, Mitsubishi 6000, or an older Epson 1080UB. Even those will exceed your budget just a tad bit but give a nice image on the "big screen". Check out projector people for the models I mentioned. If you plan to ceiling mount pick up the RPA-U mount made by Chief Mount. It's a universal mount so it will work with future projector upgrades also.

    http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/home-theater-projectors.asp

    As for screen I would suggest you go with Focupix or Elite, tab tensioned screen so you avoid any "waves" later on. The screens are of good quality with an excellent price. Stewart screens are considered reference, and their tab screens will cost upwards of half your budget. So check out HTDepot or Projector People and go for 16:9 screen, tab tensioned shown here. I think the 106" screen would work well with the projectors mentioned also. Since you're going with new model projector I would suggest Matte White screen as most new PJ's today have good black level performance.

    http://www.htdepot.com/Focupix_TensionFlat_16_9_Electric_Screen_105_p/fxt169s-106.htm

    http://www.projectorpeople.com/screens/screendtls.asp?manu=Elite&itmname=CineTension%202%20Electric%20Screen

    Hope this helps you out somewhat.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2009
    appadv wrote: »
    BTW. The Epson 1080UB projector I am using is quite good for picture quality, but once I saw a G90 I was blown away.

    If the G90 blew you away, then the JVC Series will do no less my friend. Digital is really good these days.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    I would have Tyler build you a matching center, timbre is important.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,176
    edited July 2009
    Face wrote: »
    I would have Tyler build you a matching center, timbre is important.

    That would be really sweet...:cool:
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited July 2009
    I don't like your two center speaker either, well if you're set for two centers I believe they need to be in the same horizontal line. Having one low, and one high would diffuse the sound of the center channel.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited July 2009
    Edited
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited July 2009
    Sherardp wrote: »
    If the G90 blew you away, then the JVC Series will do no less my friend. Digital is really good these days.

    I've seen the HD1/RS1 and it was an incremental step up from the Epson, not sure about the new units though.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited July 2009
    disneyjoe7 wrote: »
    Having one low, and one high would diffuse the sound of the center channel.


    I was thinking they would complement each other, and make the sound seem to come from the whole screen. On the other hand, you very well might be right. It would be nice if AVR manufacturers included two CC amps for just this purpose, or let an unused rear amp be reassigned to CC duty.

    I wonder how well that would work having 2 CCs, even if both were along the bottom, or top?
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited July 2009
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I was thinking they would complement each other, and make the sound seem to come from the whole screen. On the other hand, you very well might be right. It would be nice if AVR manufacturers included two CC amps for just this purpose, or let an unused rear amp be reassigned to CC duty.

    I wonder how well that would work having 2 CCs, even if both were along the bottom, or top?

    DarqueKnight would be the one to pose this question to. His are side-by-side.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2009
    ProjectorPeople has Epson 1080 for 1599, it's listed under demo models, definitely worth a look.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited July 2009
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I was thinking they would complement each other, and make the sound seem to come from the whole screen. On the other hand, you very well might be right. It would be nice if AVR manufacturers included two CC amps for just this purpose, or let an unused rear amp be reassigned to CC duty.

    I wonder how well that would work having 2 CCs, even if both were along the bottom, or top?
    In many cases Polk speakers uses High impedance cross over therefore I believe you could set your centers in parallell (when this is the case) without being a threath to the receiver. I don't think setting them up in series would be a good idea. I was also thinking of doubling the center and some other channels to back-up effects such as helicopter or other sounds met tocome from above???
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,937
    edited July 2009
    If you wired two LSi7 in parallel it would be a 2 ohm load...

    In series it is 8 ohms ---

    Not really a difference...

    Thanks for all the input guys.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited July 2009
    I have one center below the projection screen and it seems fully adequate. Depending on what sources you are running through the amp, you might want to put in extra cables to the projector. For instance, I have S-Video running since I have an old VCR (That's Video Cassette Recorder for those who have forgotten what that technology was :p) and my WII outputs are currently composite. Some Elite amps will upconvert signals so that you only need the HDMI. I also ran a single CAT 6 cable and left it in wall above the projector as future proofing in the event that some new technology comes out and I can't get back in the ceiling again (it could also be used as a pull cable if need be).
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    tyler_center_stand.jpg
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,937
    edited July 2009
    If I go through Ty --

    I will just get a single Super Tower for the center - I will either go A) half **** or B) all the way...

    Center channels are the biggest waste of money in this hobby...

    You pay the same price for one speaker as you do for a pair and no one even sniffs at it funny...

    I refuse to pay for marketing... lol
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    You're exaggerating a little, but I know what you mean. If it makes you feel better, a good center is not a tower a bookshelf or tower turned on it's side. There is additional R&D needed, plus they only sell half as many, so they have to make their money back somehow. :D
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,937
    edited July 2009
    Yeah - but the ONLY reason there is additional R&D is because the speaker is horizontal and not vertical...

    If you take a single bookshelf, keep it vertical and mount it where you center is... you wont miss a thing...

    Now if you took a LSi9 and set it on its side and then took a LSiC and put it in its place - sure there would be a difference...

    But if I were to take a LSi9 and left it vertical and mounted it where a center woul go -- I bet it would walk circles around a LSiC in width and midrange clarity...

    I hate to talk **** about centers - they have a place in this hobby, but not in my system. I will run phantom before spending that kind of dough for one speaker... lol
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    If you take a single bookshelf, keep it vertical and mount it where you center is... you wont miss a thing...
    Usually, it depends on the driver arrangement and crossover.
    I hate to talk **** about centers - they have a place in this hobby, but not in my system. I will run phantom before spending that kind of dough for one speaker... lol
    I hear ya, I've had a phantom setup for a couple years now and probably won't go back.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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