Audio Visual Home Theater Stereo Thread

[BlackHawkPaul]

How do you enjoy your films/sporting events old crates of vinyl/digital music?

I've finally upgraded my receiver and have been enjoying some films tonight with stellar surround sound.

 

[whiteevo]

i've had the same audio setup for about 10 years now. denon reciever and paradigm speakers all around. it's only a dolby/dts 5.1 setup but it is rediculously loud and clear. never had it over 50% volume, plenty for my small living room.



as far as video we got one of the last mitsu DLP's made before they weren't cool enough to own anymore. we couldn't be happier with it. 65" 1080p, obviously not as fancy as a plasma but the picture is fine for us. hockey and baseball look awesome on it which is just about all i watch. wife just likes it big so we had to go with a DLP (thats what she said). before that i had another mitus 55" 1080i relic that never let us down for about 8 years.



we just upgraded our bedroom unit a couple months ago too, it's a samsung 32" LED. replaced a 15 year old 27" tube TV. we are now state of the art for 2008.

 

[BigPete]

We have a 61" Samsung DLP 1080 rear projection from about 2007. A Sony Blu Ray with Ethernet (running on the houses electric outlets). This is processed through a Pioneer Elite A/V unit with 7.1 channels, iPod on screen controls, and it runs through a Klipsch 6 piece surround setup with a midsized sub woofer. It is not in a theater set up yet, just in a 16' x 19' living room. It is a huge improvement over what I've had in the past. Blu Rays and concert footage from HD sources are bright and loud.

I'll add model numbers later...

EDIT:

Sony BDP-380

Samsung DLP TV 61...(not sure of model number yet)

Pioneer Elite VSX-32: 7.1-Channel 3D Ready Elite A/V

Klipsch HD Theater 500 - Home Theater Speakers

 

[winos5]

I have a Toshiba Receiver/DVR/DVD player and surround sound home theater. It's about 6 years old now, no complaints with it. 2 years ago I upgraded the TV to a 42" Samsung LCD, also no complaints with it. I got cheap HDMI connections, also no problems with that.



My Stereo equipment is a mix of ancient stuff and new. I had a JVC stereo reciever, Kenwood turntable, and Pioneer 6 CD changer I bought in 1986 along with Bose 6.1 Bookcase speakers with monster speaker cables. Only the speakers are surviving today.. I replaced the JVC receiver 4 years ago with a Kenwood Home theater/stereo receiver. The Pioneer CD player died last year and I replaced with a cheap $50 Sony CD/DVD player (sounds the same). I still have the turntable, but the ground cable is missing and it has been nigh impossible to replace it. I don't think the new reciever has a turntable ground anyway so I probably need to just get a new one. My records have been sitting in a box for to long.



I almost listen to more music through my computer these days. CDs are fast becoming obsolete. I'm slowly transferring my entire CD collection onto my hard drive and back it up on a thumb drive periodically. More often than not, when I buy music it's a download.

 

[LordKOTL]

Sony Bravia 46" LCD TV.



Sony 7.1 HDMI headunit (300W) (only connected to 5 full-range speakers and a powered sub, though), usied mainly as an amp/AV switch.



Custom built HTPC w/ an HD tuner card in it, combo Blu-ray/HDDVD drive, and whatnot.



Not only does that mean I can use Gamecenter Live on 46" of HD goodness, but also play just about every single PC game I want from Kingdom of Kroz to Wolfenstein (3d or the newest one), From Full Throttle to Doom3 on a nice, big 46" TV.



And yeah, most of my music is on mp3 format now. On my 2nd PC I have a Vibe turntable attached for ripping old records my dad has--like the original 45rpm pressing of the Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird"

. Everything playable along my home netork, though.

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

I just purchased a Marantz 6006 receiver. I'm replacing my old Sony STR DE-935 that I've had since 1996. The center channel kept failing, and it's time.

I wanted to buy a nice receiver that plays warm tones when I drop the needle on my Stanton, plus with the newer processing of sound-- my movies I watch are sounding nice. I have a 5 disc, 200 disc changers, plus a Philips CD-R burner. I retired my old tape deck because I don't listen to cassettes anymore. My PS3 is my Blu-Ray player, and it still is one of the better players IMO. I have an Insignia 47" with 4 HDMI inputs, and I think it's pretty good for the price I paid. I'm not into 120/240 hertz because of the way films look-- I like the 24p look of films, so 60 hertz is fine.



I would like to ask a question on speakers. Which do you prefer? What would you stay away from? What kind of subwoofer do you recommend? My speakers are inherited from my parents from their old Zenith system, and I have series III Bose (Tbird would choke me). I'm slowly upgrading and would like some ideas.

 

[klemmer]

I have series III Bose (Tbird would choke me). I'm slowly upgrading and would like some ideas.

BOSE = Buy Other Sound Equipment

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

BOSE = Buy Other Sound Equipment

Yes, yes-- I understand.

I need alternatives, not a mistake that I made when I was in my late teens.

 

[BigPete]

Check out the Klipsch speakers I have. They are a bit pricey and they dropped the 300 model option but you get a lot of bang for the buck in a well built, cohesive package that has small, attractive satellites. I have a feeling they would work well with your new receiver.



My Pioneer Elite had a cool feature where you place a microphone in the middle of the room (following static placement of the speakers) and it decides how to balance everything. But I'm just bragging

 

[BigPete]

I'm not into 120/240 hertz because of the way films look-- I like the 24p look of films, so 60 hertz is fine.

Ooooooo, I too hate the 'real feel' of home cinema at those elevated refresh rates. I want to watch a movie and not have it look like I am watching a real pirate through a window. That drives me nuts about my mom's TV.

 

[winos5]

I wouldn't buy a Bose wave radio, but I've never had a problem with my Bose speakers. They've provided 25 years of excellent sound quality and are still going strong. Don't keep up with audio equipment and I've never been a serious audiophile so I don't doubt there are plenty of Bose haters.

 

[phranchk]

I don't really like the sound of Bose speakers. Too much high end in my opinion.

I have Klipsch, they're ok, but for the money you can get better. I think Klipsch's quality has fallen off the last 10 years.

If you can afford it, Vienna Acoustics are supposed to be fantastic, especially for music.

I would highly recommend going to a reputable audio/visual place and let them know what receiver you have and what kind of sound you're looking for. They'll be able to help you out.

 

[whiteevo]

my paradigm stuff is literally perfect after 10 years. i wouldn't hesitate in recommending them. not as common as klipsch but i think they are just as good.



http://www.paradigm.com/

 

[Tater]

I was in a band for many years and we had a pair of large Klipsch speakers as part of our P.A. system.

Man, we put those things through hell in many types of environments (Blarneys Island in 90+ degree heat, Taste of Palatines in similar heat....).

Those things would never die and always sounded great.

 

[MassHavoc]

I've moved too much to upgrade anything because the rooms are always changing and I"m too lazy to run and hide all the wires. So I just stick with the nice tv.

 

[jaxhawksfan]

We have a 61" Samsung DLP 1080 rear projection from about 2007. A Sony Blu Ray with Ethernet (running on the houses electric outlets). This is processed through a Pioneer Elite A/V unit with 7.1 channels, iPod on screen controls, and it runs through a Klipsch 6 piece surround setup with a midsized sub woofer. It is not in a theater set up yet, just in a 16' x 19' living room. It is a huge improvement over what I've had in the past. Blu Rays and concert footage from HD sources are bright and loud.

I'll add model numbers later...

EDIT:

Sony BDP-380

Samsung DLP TV 61...(not sure of model number yet)

Pioneer Elite VSX-32: 7.1-Channel 3D Ready Elite A/V

Klipsch HD Theater 500 - Home Theater Speakers

I have that tv in a 56". It used to reside in the living room, but now it resides in my bedroom. It is way too big for a bedroom tv.



My audio is a set of Altec Lansing surround sound 5.1 speakers that were given to me back in 2002 when they were a sponsor of our marketing tour. Since these speakers, and the Altec Lansing speakers attached to my computer sound fantastic, I haven't really felt the need to invest good money into an actual stereo system or "home theater" system.



When I did custom home installs back in my teen years, our company only used McIntosh, Luxman and Onkyo equipment. Period. We actually manufactured some speakers in-house that were tested by McIntosh and all they said was "wow, very clean and crisp." These speakers sold for $3500/pr back in '87. It was a custom case from a cabinet maker, a 36" ribbon driver from Gold Ribbon Concepts, and 2- 10" sub drivers (can't remember the manufacturer of those). People would come into our sound room to listen to those speakers and would try to say "these aren't really that loud" to us, while at the same time realizing that they weren't being heard because it was actually very loud. The problem is that most people associate distortion/noise with loudness.



So that little story was just to show that I have caviar taste, but a bologna budget. When I actually get my own home (someday) and worry about equipment, then I'll spend the money and get the best there is: McIntosh.

 

[TSD]

I have that tv in a 56". It used to reside in the living room, but now it resides in my bedroom. It is way too big for a bedroom tv.



My audio is a set of Altec Lansing surround sound 5.1 speakers that were given to me back in 2002 when they were a sponsor of our marketing tour. Since these speakers, and the Altec Lansing speakers attached to my computer sound fantastic, I haven't really felt the need to invest good money into an actual stereo system or "home theater" system.



When I did custom home installs back in my teen years, our company only used McIntosh, Luxman and Onkyo equipment. Period. We actually manufactured some speakers in-house that were tested by McIntosh and all they said was "wow, very clean and crisp." These speakers sold for $3500/pr back in '87. It was a custom case from a cabinet maker, a 36" ribbon driver from Gold Ribbon Concepts, and 2- 10" sub drivers (can't remember the manufacturer of those). People would come into our sound room to listen to those speakers and would try to say "these aren't really that loud" to us, while at the same time realizing that they weren't being heard because it was actually very loud. The problem is that most people associate distortion/noise with loudness.



So that little story was just to show that I have caviar taste, but a bologna budget. When I actually get my own home (someday) and worry about equipment, then I'll spend the money and get the best there is: McIntosh.

I don't know shit about home stereo/theater. My Dad is big into that, and I know the only receivers he buys are Onkyo. (I actually have a Onkyo surround sound system, my dad got me for christmas one year I dont use it often because I live in an apartment and there doesnt seem to be a control for the bass, and if I am watching an action film an explosion will make sound and feel like a semi hit the apartment complex).



When I was 18 and worked at radio shack (despite my lack of home theater knowledge), The one thing I did know is its friggin expensive, no way around it. I would get so many "supposed" home theater experts in there every day, who would sit here an talk to me about what an enthusiast they are, ask to get directed to the AV section and rant about the prices of the cables. Then they would say "im going across to street to best buy" then you are going to pay more? (at the time bestbuys cables on most types were a few bucks more than ours).



Any enthusiast would be well aware of the costs of wiring and not bat an eyelash at the prices, not throw a hissy fit.

 

[bookjones]

Yes, yes-- I understand.

I need alternatives, not a mistake that I made when I was in my late teens.

Have you ever gone to Saturday Audio Exhange in Chicago? It's been around so long it's an institution now and I must say, the guys really do know their A/V shit. They really do have some great deals on some sweet components and speakers. I haven't gotten anything from them but have accompanied others and also when I lived not far from there would sometimes go in just to see the deals for that week.



http://www.saturdayaudio.com/

 

[MassHavoc]

Have you ever gone to Saturday Audio Exhange in Chicago? It's been around so long it's an institution now and I must say, the guys really do know their A/V shit. They really do have some great deals on some sweet components and speakers. I haven't gotten anything from them but have accompanied others and also when I lived not far from there would sometimes go in just to see the deals for that week.



http://www.saturdayaudio.com/

I can't tell you how many times I've walked by that place and wanted to walk in but haven't. It looks way over my head. They have so much cool shit but I wouldn't even know where to start or what's what.

 

[phranchk]

I have that tv in a 56". It used to reside in the living room, but now it resides in my bedroom. It is way too big for a bedroom tv.



My audio is a set of Altec Lansing surround sound 5.1 speakers that were given to me back in 2002 when they were a sponsor of our marketing tour. Since these speakers, and the Altec Lansing speakers attached to my computer sound fantastic, I haven't really felt the need to invest good money into an actual stereo system or "home theater" system.



When I did custom home installs back in my teen years, our company only used McIntosh, Luxman and Onkyo equipment. Period. We actually manufactured some speakers in-house that were tested by McIntosh and all they said was "wow, very clean and crisp." These speakers sold for $3500/pr back in '87. It was a custom case from a cabinet maker, a 36" ribbon driver from Gold Ribbon Concepts, and 2- 10" sub drivers (can't remember the manufacturer of those). People would come into our sound room to listen to those speakers and would try to say "these aren't really that loud" to us, while at the same time realizing that they weren't being heard because it was actually very loud. The problem is that most people associate distortion/noise with loudness.



So that little story was just to show that I have caviar taste, but a bologna budget. When I actually get my own home (someday) and worry about equipment, then I'll spend the money and get the best there is: McIntosh.

I would love to own McIntosh, but I'm guessing by the time it's all said and done you'd be dropping 20-30k for audio equipment (or more).