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Speaker upgrade, advice needed

August 31, 2015, 9:31 pm
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Hi guys,

I've started my own thread here but I thought it would be more relevant if I put up a new one here, please let me know if it's otherwise.

1) Your budget.
very limited at the moment and trying to live with what I have unless there's a bargain

2) Your listening interests: movies/gaming/music--and whether or not any of those are your primary concern.
50/50 movies/musics, action, adventure, sci-fi/90's, rock, pop, house, trance, electronic
karaoke system as well in the future, but for now i'll just scream my heart out

3) Your existing audio equipment (make/models) if any. Include comments about what you hope to improve upon.
avr: yamaha rx-v373
front: altec lansing 621 (pc speakers, sub not in used)
center and surround: bose acoustimass 7 (sub not in used)
sub: sansui sw-120, 35-150Hz
tv: 32" LCD
source: laptop (audio via hdmi, video via vga)

4) The size of your room. Please also mention if there are adjacent open areas and how big they are (important for subwoofer choice).
Room dimensions: 3.63m(11 feet) x 4.73m (15 feet) and 2.4m high (7 feet), 1155 cubic feet
full height window about 1.8m wide x 2m high with blockout curtain (thick and heavy)
theater doesn't have a door, 1.2m wide opening, currently blocked with dark color bed sheet

5) Any placement restrictions.
due to the room setup, placement of equipments might be restricted

6) Any aesthetic or size concerns.
as this will be a dedicated media/entertainment/theater/music listening room, aesthetic/size is not a concern

7) Any equipment you are already considering (or would not consider).
the end result i would hope for (as of now) is to have projector mounted on the ceiling, 5.2 system with 2 diy subs, preferably with 2 floorstanding speakers, L shaped sofa, a door, acoustic treatments (maybe simple bass traps on 4 corners and sound absorption panels on the ceiling and behind the sofa)

8) Any particular audio sonic signatures you know you prefer (e.g., you are a basshead, you have a preference for bright treble, etc.)
I think i'm a basshead since I like the feeling where the sub knocking my chest? sound quality wise, i'm not an audiophile and a set of speakers that have clear vocals, fill the room, sound big is probably good enough

I was also hoping if anyone can give me an advise on these second hand speakers:
- pair of Energy Encore bookshelf speakers, 8ohm, 25-100w, 48-20kHz +- 3db, $50
- pair of JPW mini monitor bookshelf speakers, 6ohm, 70w, 70-20kHz +-3db, $50
- Energy EC-100 center speaker, 8ohm, 15-100w, 60-20kHz, $30
- Yamaha NS-C300, center speaker, 6ohm, 140-400w, 30-35kHz, $65
- pair of 3 ways Teac LS-870R vintage speakers, 8ohm, 60-120w, 45-20kHz, $30

What are your thoughts on them, if any of them are worth trying or upgrading from my altec 621 and crappy bose or will I just waste my money?
Are bookshelf speakers like those 2 sufficient for my small home theater or should I just suck it up and save it for proper floorstanding speakers or the behringer B215XL(212) everyone's raving about?

I kinda like big ass 3 way vintage speakers (I might have mentioned it in my previous post) but not sure if they're suitable for modern DVD/blue-ray format movies, I mean I can always use them in my garage or even bedroom just for musics one day

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
Steve
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question about hooking up my system

August 31, 2015, 10:05 pm
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i have just purchased this system

Boston Acoustics VRX rears

Minx S322-V2 2.1 sub system
Boston Acoustics RS334 tower speakers
PSB imagine C center
Marantz SR5010 receiver

first what do you think of it

i am a little confused about 2 options with the front speaker connections
i will use the rs334 towers

listening 2 audioholics videos they mention the options of using pre amps to connect 2 the speakers
that is one discusion

with these towers and many others you can hook more than one source or channel to the speakers what is this advantage. i believe i can hook my receiver up 5.1 and hook the other channel up to the front speakers
is this right and what are the advantages

maybe even a few links to articles on this subject or videos

i hope i am explaining this right i am new to using pre amps or this other method of connection
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HDMI setup advice: splitter and HDCP concerns

August 31, 2015, 10:19 pm
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I picked up a Slingbox 500 mainly to be able watch cable on my second TV or my laptop/mobile devices when I'm not watching on the TV that has the cable box hooked up to it. Currently I have HDMI going out from my comcast dcx-3400 box to the HDMI input on my TV. I have audio going from the optical output of the comcast dcx-3400 into my Denon receiver.

What I'm looking to do is to add the slingbox 500 into my setup without disturbing my existing setup. For trial purposes I connected the HDMI out from my STB into the slingbox and then HDMI out from the slingbox into my TV which is the way the instructions have you do it. After doing this the picture looked quite a bit worse than when I had the STB directly connected to my TV. I also noticed there seemed to be lip sync audio delays that weren't there in my original setup. Also, there are HDCP issues so I'd have to watch a bunch of channels through the component output. Bottom line, I want to preserve the way my STB is connected with my TV and STB but figure out a way to add the slingbox 500.

It seems like I'd be able to make this work with an HDMI splitter as long as it passed the HDCP information through. If I go with a 1:2 splitter I think I could have the HDMI out from the STB go into the splitter and then have 1 output from the splitter go directly to my TV and the other output go to the slingbox. I also need to hook up the component outputs from my STB to the slingbox because some of my channels have the broadcast flag set so I wouldn't be able to watch them through the slingbox. Any advice on whether this setup would work and/or if there is a better way to do this?

If the splitter is the way to go I know Gefen used to be recommended a lot around here so is that still the way to go?

Thanks.
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Cobwebs in my Mitsubishi DLP WD 73838

August 31, 2015, 10:23 pm
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Hi,


Just wondering if anyone has an idea of the safest and best way to clean the inside of my Mitsubishi 73838 TV. Just recently I see cobwebs moving around from the inside of the projection screen. I have never cleaned it out and it is obviously due for a good cleaning. Is this something I can tackle myself or is it better left to a service technician. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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Audessy single point in middle of theater

September 1, 2015, 7:12 pm
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Need advice. Heres what i have tried

Running a Marantz AV7702 Atmos Setup

Def Tech speakers 7.2.4 Ceiling atmos installation. 2 Inwall Subs , each with independent amp.

Have the Audessy Pro kit and have used it multiple times. Find it kills the dynamics etc , has good bass , but kills some sounds for me.

Been messing with taking one measurement in middle of room between 2 rows of seating.

After that fixing crossovers etc , then disabling Audessy . Then turn on EQ , then copy FLAT EQ curve over to the Marantz. Sound comes to life , not perfect , but sounds more natural.

Any thoughts on this method etc ? single point calibration in middle of a treated theater room.

Working on getting REW up and running soon.
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Marantz AV8802A Flagship Multichannel A/V Preamp - NEW SEALED

September 1, 2015, 7:18 pm
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This item is brand new factory sealed with warranty. Free shipping in US. Retail price is $4000. I am selling for $2899.

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Ketra

September 1, 2015, 7:18 pm
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Does anyone here have Ketra bulbs installed?
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Speaker wire termination

September 1, 2015, 7:19 pm
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I am currently building a house and want to pre-wire my media room. I am going to wire for 7.1 and also have 4 speakers in the ceiling for Dolby Atmos. I am having a hard time deciding where and how to terminate the speaker wire. Should it be a speaker wall plate or just leave the wire to pull through? Should I put the end close to the floor, middle of wall, or close to the ceiling? I am thinking of mounting the speakers on the wall. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Yamaha RX-579 vs RX-679 and how critical the need for HDCP 2.2 ports?

September 1, 2015, 7:21 pm
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I know that both these models of receivers are new and that hdcp 2.2 is new as well.. however.. i came to realize that the 579 i just got only has one single HDMI port that is rated for HDCP 2.2 sources (which arent really any out there yet)..

The 679 seems to have 3..

At this point i have a HTPC (which i intend to fully make 4k/60hz within a year as a source), Xbox 1, PS4, and full gaming PC (nvidia 780ti at the moment).. I'm wondering how critical any of these ports will be to be at 2.2 in the next 5 years (likely life of the receiver).. i'm thinking mainly the HTPC would be affected in the coming years, possibly the gaming rig, though i doubt it.. (unless newer cards eventually require it).. and consoles, those seem unlikely as new gen consoles that required it would hurt sales?

Any thoughts on how critical this hdcp requirement might become.. or just not sweat only having one for the near future?

Thanks in advance
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Denon AVR-X7200WA Flagship Receiver BRAND NEW SEALED

September 1, 2015, 7:22 pm
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This item is brand new factory sealed with warranty. Free shipping in US. Retail price is $3000. I am selling for $2099.

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New AudioControl AVRs and Pre-Pros with Atmos, DTS.X, HDMI2.0/HDCP2.2 and Dirac Live?

September 1, 2015, 7:27 pm
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Could be interesting times ahead...something that should be shown at CEDIA EXPO in Dallas in Oct.

From Residential Systems magazine this month a quote from Alex Camarra, CEO at AudioControl: "Our new Dolby Atmos Home Theater platform will be amongst the greatest sounding AVRs and pre-pros on the market today. As well as the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS.X, the new models will be fully equipped with HDMI2.0 and HDCP2.2, and the latest in DIRAC room correction."


Dirac is great, and if more AVRs and pre-pros had it I would be a happy chappy.
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Waitlist: Stonehenge: ported 18" flat pack

September 1, 2015, 7:34 pm
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It looks like Erich's supplier is putting the Stonehenge (30x30x16) ported enclosure on the back burner so this thread is for anyone who wants to be on a waiting list. Enough interest might even nudge the supplier along a little faster. Reply or PM me and I can add you to the list. I know I'm taking two the next time they come back in stock. It is the PERFECT 18" enclosure for an AT screen at 16" deep.

1. Grimace [Left port firing]
2. Grimace [Right port firing]
3.
4.
5...



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Marantz 7009

September 1, 2015, 7:40 pm
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I have a 11 month old Marantz 7009 in like new condition that is in perfect working 0rder. Has been upgraded with Aura 3d which is a $200 upgrade. Selling to upgrade to a new unit with HDCP 2.2. Purchased from an authorized dealer. Includes remote, manuals and box. Asking $850
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How best to spend my Home Theatre Upgrade Budget

September 1, 2015, 7:50 pm
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I'm wondering to what degree I should best spend my budget on upgrading my home theatre experience.

I'm looking ideally to get the best wow factor in both audio and video given my existing setup. I think that likely involves getting a projector+screen (rather than just sticking with my VT60 and upgrading speaker system only), and uplifting my lower frequencies with better subwoofer(s). The room is in an open concept basement of 1400sq.ft with 7-8ft ceilings, but the home theatre area in the room only occupies 300sq. ft of it (at one end).

Existing system:
Panasonic Plasma 65VT60
Marantz 7005 AVR
Paradigm Monitor 7 v4 towers
Paradigm CC-370 center
Paradigm ADP-370 center
SVS PB10-NSD sub (highly inadequate I know for the size of the room, I know)

So my scenarios between audio and video upgrades (and I'd really like to fit in the video upgrade unless I need to spend more on audio, in which case I'd throw it all at audio in some fourth scenario TBD), are as follows:

Scenario A:
Mid-grade projector(Sony HW-40ES)+screen
TWO subs on par with SVS PB-12+
Keep existing Paradigm speakers
**base scenario for cost

Scenario B:
Higher-grade Projector(JVC X500R)+screen
ONE sub on par with SVS PB-12+
Keep existing Paradigm speakers
**+ $300 on Scenario A

Scenario C:
Mid-grade projector(Sony HW-40ES)+screen
Axiom Epic 60-500 speaker set (or comparable full speaker system upgrade)
**+ $720 on Scenario A

The higher-grade projector would give me the blacks I want as I've been watching the VT60 for a couple years now, but again I don't want to skimp on adequate sound.
I'm planning on painting my room a medium shade of grey so largely I should have fair light control with light-blocking blinds in the windows (most of my viewing is at night anyways).

(btw, my listening and viewing distance is ~12' & if going with a projector the screen would be 115" 16:9 screen)

I'd likely have to live with this choice for 4-5 years before I could upgrade anything again.

What would you do? Which scenario would you go with? Or provide other alternatives including anything from full video to full audio scenarios.
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Tube radios

September 1, 2015, 8:07 pm
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I’m luck enough to live near a very good smooth jazz radio station.I can pick up the same station through the internet or live radio. I won’t argue about bit rates or digital signals but have noticed that the live radio is more pleasant to my ears.
(Of course it helps to have a Grundig with good antenna
tweaked to that particular station.)
The digital signal sounds slight tinny.
Getting to the point. I noticed that they’ve started selling tubed radios. They’re not cheap but tubes do sound different.
Does anyone have experience testing these?
By testing I mean actual blind tests. I don’t mind paying for great sound but don’t want to go retro just to go retro.
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Where should I put my theater?

September 1, 2015, 8:20 pm
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Hello,

I posted here about 6 months ago about a potential theater in a new build. Unfortunately that entire deal fell through and here I am 6 months later buying an older resale. Fortunately the house has a completely unfinished basement and I would like some inputs on where to put the theater. I need some ideas because the house has radon gas and I'll have a radon mitigation system installed before I arrive. I need to generate a basic plan where I will want my theater so I can avoid that area with the mitigation system (since the pipes will require I drop the ceiling a little bit, and there is the potential for some noise).

First the caveats:
1. The measurements are only approximate -- I didn't know I was going to buy this house when I looked at it so I didn't measure. I used 1st floor plans to guestimate what the basement looks like. They should all be within 5-10% accuracy.
2. I live in San Antonio and this house is in Atlanta. The sellers were not helpful updating my diagram and I can't go back until we actually move out there so this is the best I get for now.
3. I'd prefer to not move the stubbed out bathroom or water heaters and furnace but it's only money right? If there is a perfect setup I'd consider moving those but my guess is neither one of those are going to change.
4. I don't know which walls are structural. I will tear down and beam if required.
5. The left side of the basement is walk-out, the black lines on the wall represent windows and the doors to the side yard.
6. I'd like the theater to be 2 rows of 4, possibly 3 rows if I have enough room.

My initial thought is to extend the 20x17 room to be long enough to be 2 rows. There might be enough room on the left side to push the wall back a couple of feet if required, not sure exactly where the mechanicals are located in the 14.5 x 14.5 room.

My 2nd thought is to combine the 6 x 14 and 14 x 14 room which would give me a 20 x 14 room. Then I could extend left into the 21 x 12 room if the bathroom is far enough to the left. If the stubbed area is right next to the wall that won't work.

The 46 x 14.5 room would've been a great place to start except that is the logical place for anything else I want in the basement since I've got 2 really big windows (2 top black lines) and the doors which access the outdoors (the bottom black line).

I've attached the rough basement diagram, and low res plan of the 1st floor (sorry, it is the best I could get), and a picture of the walkout portion of the basement from outside -- those windows and doors in the picture are the 3 black lines on the left side of the basement diagram.

Thanks!

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940c vs 78JS9500

September 1, 2015, 8:33 pm
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I'm looking to upgrade my 60" Panasonic GT30 to something bigger. After extensive research I'm getting closer to buying one of these sets. I'm just looking for a bit more feedback from people that have experience with these sets. Looking through the forums it seems like there's more people having the Samsung replaced due to various issues buy I'm not sure.
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WTB: UMIK-1 Mic

September 1, 2015, 8:53 pm
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I missed out on a couple that were for sale last month. If you have one that you are intending to sell but have put off listing it because you are lazy like me, let's help each other out. :D
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SEk-3500U for Canadians on Amazon.ca

September 1, 2015, 9:55 pm
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ceiling mount vs table top

September 2, 2015, 7:03 pm
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am I correct in my thought that setting my projector on a table top with an infant that runs around all the time would not be a good idea as she will get in the way of the projection much more frequently than if it were ceiling mounted?
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