$25,000 to build a Home Theater

[Matilda]

There is a contest called Room-a-Day that you can enter at www.roomadaygiveaway.com , and since the grand prizes are $25,000 to redo a room in your house, you could definitely do a nice home theater setup.

So here's the question...

If you had $25k to build a Home Theater in your living room/basement, what would you spend it on?

pull-down projection screen here!

 

[spidey07]

15K an audio, at least half of it speakers. 10K on display and room treatments. 500 bucks on a couch.

 

[JackBurton]

I guess you could mirror mine:

1. Display - Pioneer Elite 141 = $7000
2. AVR - Pioneer Elite SC-07= $2200
3. Source - Pioneer Elite BDP-09FD = $2200
4. UPS - APC AV S20 = $2000
5. Furniture - Salamander Synergy Triple 20 = ~$2000+ (depending how you want it configured)
6. Front speakers - Paradigm Signature S4 = ~$2600 pair
7. Center speaker - Paradigm Signature C3 = ~$1700
8. Rear speakers - Paradigm ADP3 = ~$3000 pair
9. Sub - SVS PB13-Ultra - $~$1700 or Paradigm Signature Servo = $3800

Total = $24,000-$26,500

Sorry, a little over the budget.

And just to clarify, I have everything except the speakers and UPS. Those should be ordered soon. All in all, a very balanced set up. If you have more cash to throw at your A/V hobby, believe me, the sky is the limit. $25K is just scratching the surface.

 

[spidey07]

Jack, I'm disappointed. I see no surround speakers.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Jack, I'm disappointed. I see no surround speakers.

Dude, I have no room for side speakers. I wish I did though. I guess the OP can add some surrounds if he increased his budget.

 

[EvilYoda]

I'm still trying to figure out how to break in and steal that plasma, Jack. It's a wee bit heavy for one man to run off with. Even two men, shit.

I'll get you yet! <shakes fist>

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I'm still trying to figure out how to break in and steal that plasma, Jack. It's a wee bit heavy for one man to run off with. Even two men, shit.

I'll get you yet! <shakes fist>

Did I say a 141? I meant a Vizio. Yes, that is what I have.

 

[yours truly]

lol your sub is worth more than my entire kit

i bet that svs ultra sounds crazy

im hoping to purchase the sb12+ this summer..

 

[sdifox]

humm, projector + power + hvac + screen will cost more than 25k...

2K 3DLP cinema projector

I'll just put up a 50' screen at the end of my lot

and chop down a cherry tree like Washington.

 

[erwos]

Hmm.

I'd keep my TV - Sony KDS-55A3000 SXRD. I'm entirely satisfied with it, and I don't really care for projectors.

I would upgrade my receiver from a Sony STR-DA2400ES to a Denon 5308CI for $4300 (eBay pricing). I readily admit this is overkill, but so be it. The 5308CI is just a damned fine receiver, especially when it's got that Realta for HDMI source upscaling and 6/6 HDMI/component inputs. And the amp is apparently pretty epic, too.

Dedicated BR-D/DVD/SACD/DVD-A player would be the Oppo BD-83 for $800 (I think I read that).

I'm going to reserve $3500 for the rumored upcoming ES-series Sony BR-D changer. The Oppo may be unnecessary in light of that, but I'm also guessing the changer won't play DVD-As, and it'll be handy to have something for rental discs.

I would upgrade my SVS 20-39 PCIe to a pair of SVS PC-13 Ultras for $2800. I'd ordinarily splurge on an eD A7-900 for $2200, but I don't think the room would physically fit it. I could definitely find room for a pair of cylinder subs, though.

Speaker-wise, I'd toss out my current PSB Image speakers for a full-on set of Paradigm Signature speakers - $6k for the S8s, $3k for the C5, and then $4.6k for the four surrounds.

That's $25k on the dot. If I was able to swing a deal on some of the stuff, I'd toss in APC AV S20, like Jack mentioned, and maybe pay up for ISF calibration ($300). I readily admit to cheating a bit, since I have a fair bit of furniture and a very nice display. If I had to do a display and furniture, I'd pretty much go down the road Jack did and downgrade the speakers a touch (I have a large room for a HT, though, so big speakers are a good thing).

 

[kalrith]

I'm very pleased with my display, but at 50" it would be a bit small for a $25k setup. I really have no idea what components I would get, but I'd definitely be looking at the Panasonic PT-AE3000U projector with a large 2.35:1 screen. I'm a big fan of constant image height, and that projector does a better job of it with its zoom feature than using an anamorphic lens on a 16:9 projector. I'd spend a decent chunk of the money finishing my unfinished basement to use as the theater room, and I'd leave the current TV-and-speaker setup in the livingroom. I'm sure I'd move the PS3 to the basement and connect the HTPC to both the TV and the projector (or just buy another HTPC).

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I'd have to demo speakers first, but just to put something down...
(I'm also assuming I have a decent sized room for HT use after I move

Audio
pre-pro_______________________Integra 9.9_____(2000)
amp1_________________________XPA-1 x 3______(3000)
amp2_________________________XPA-5_________(800)
center_________________________LS9__________(3000)
front__________________________LS9__________(6000)
surround_______________________X-Omni_______(550)
rear___________________________X-Omni_______(550)
sub1___________________________ED A7-900____(2200)
sub2___________________________ED A7-900____(2200)

Video
projector_______________________AE3000U______(2500)
screen - acoustically transparent w/ DIY masking system__(2000?)

player__________________________PS3__________(200)

Total________________________________________(25000)

For the video, I'd like to see what Panasonic has next year AE4000U? to see if they can actually get a closed light path to avoid dust blob problems. I don't want to spend a lot on the projector since they seem to be getting significantly better annually.
The Screen might be a combination of a retail screen with a masking system I'd rig up myself. Likely 2.35:1 constant image height.

Things that I didn't make room for in the budget
DIY acoustic treatments
Subwoofer equalization system
Tactile sound equipment
That might end up meaning dropping down to LS6 and using the couple thousand toward those items. It would have to depend on the size of the room for the speaker choice... if I actually ended up with the LS series that it.

I did not take into account shipping or any package discounts / used prices

 

[vi edit]

Probably half of that would get ate up in room construction before I even got around to buying any toys to put in there.

I'm actually in the initial planning stages of how to properly construct a dedicated HT for our next home in the basement. It wouldn't be too bad to do to a new construction with a blank slate to work with. But if you are doing a dedicated room in an existing home, the wiring, sound dampening, HVAC, and lighting can get pretty tricky.

I'd much rather throw $10,000 is decent equipment in a $15,000 true dedicated theater setting than put $25,000 in equipment in a shared room or compromised theatre environment. Equipment can be upgraded easily and it rapidly depreciates in value.

You get one good chance to build a room properly without it getting time and money costly.

For $10,000 in equipment, I'd do something like this:

PJ: $2500 for a decent 1080p setup
Receiver: I could salvage my HK AVR-247 for now
Subs: 2x 18 malestroms in an IB setup with an EP2500 for around $1000
AV123 X Static 7.0 config - $2000
Screen: $500 DIY
Rack & good power: $1000
HT seating: $1500
Stand alone BR player: $500
Misc wires, sound treatments and whatever: $1000

 

[s44]

Several dedicated 20 amp lines just in case...

 

[Kaido]

$20,000 for A/V equipment

$5,000 to hire YoYo to design it for me

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Kaido
$20,000 for A/V equipment

$5,000 to hire YoYo to design it for me

Audio
pre-pro_______________________Integra 9.9_____(2000)
amp1_________________________XPA-2_________(800)
amp2_________________________XPA-5_________(800)
center_________________________LS6__________(2250)
front__________________________LS6__________(4500)
surround_______________________X-Omni_______(550)
rear___________________________X-Omni_______(550)
sub1___________________________ED A7-900____(2200)
sub2___________________________ED A7-900____(2200)

Video
projector_______________________AE3000U______(2500)
screen - acoustically transparent w/ DIY masking system__(1950?)

player__________________________PS3__________(200)

room treatments_________________DIY?__________(500)

tactile sound setup_______________We'll see_______(1000)

subwoofer equalization___________We'll see________(500)

Total________________________________________(20000)

That'll be $5000 please

 

[Muadib]

B&W 802D speakers $12,700

B&W HTM2D center $4000

B&W HTM4S surrounds $2850

Mitsubishi L65-A90 TV $6300

I'm $800 over the 25k, but I don't think I'd mind.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

By the way, here's Audioholic's answer to the question
http://www.audioholics.com/buy...5k-home-theater-system

 

[manimal]

I would buy 12 Pioneer 5020's and put 2 4870x2s in a htpc and make a wall of TVs.

For sound with the leftover 400 bucks I would buy an emprex or insignia htib....

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
By the way, here's Audioholic's answer to the question
http://www.audioholics.com/buy...5k-home-theater-system

That article is a little outdated as it was posted in April of 2008, but most of the stuff is still very relevant. The Denon 3808 is still an awesome bang for your buck receiver. I'd definitely swap out the Oppo 983H and Samsung BD-P1400 though for the new OPPO BDP-83. Great bang for your buck Blu-ray player with fantastic DVD upconversion (supposedly).


There are some great suggestions here, but after looking at all the recommendations I think a good question to ask when buying a home theater system, especially when you start getting into some real money ($25K+), is what type of set up are you looking for? Do you want a nice theater system built for a living room or a dedicated theater room. Flat panels work best in a living room set up, and projectors work best in a dedicated room. IMO, I'd need A LOT more than $25K for a dedicated theater room. If I'm setting up a theater room, I'm going to do it right. When you start getting into multiple high powered amps, you are going to have to take a good look at your power requirements first (like s44 suggested). That in itself isn't cheap. And you haven't even started yet. For me, with $25K, I prefer a living room set up. But again, that's just my preference.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Muadib
B&W 802D speakers $12,700

B&W HTM2D center $4000

B&W HTM4S surrounds $2850

Mitsubishi L65-A90 TV $6300

I'm $800 over the 25k, but I don't think I'd mind.

There are only a few "small" problems with that recommendation.

1. For the 802Ds, you linked the 800Ds. And if you are going to go with those, add another ~$4000 to the price tag.

2. Mitsubishi is halting production on LaserVue.

3. What are you going to connect all those nice speakers to?

 

[manimal]

I thought the laserview was being stopped only temperarily because of a design flaw?

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: manimal
I thought the laserview was being stopped only temperarily because of a design flaw?

We'll see how "temporary" it is. I'm VERY doubtful we'll see LaserVue again. Well that is until Mitsubishi finds a way to get the price down under $4000. Seriously, how many people are going to pay $7000 for a 65" rear projection TV? I don't even know anyone that would pay $4000 for it. If they can get it more around $3000, NOW we're talking.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: Muadib
B&W 802D speakers $12,700

B&W HTM2D center $4000

B&W HTM4S surrounds $2850

Mitsubishi L65-A90 TV $6300

I'm $800 over the 25k, but I don't think I'd mind.

There are only a few "small" problems with that recommendation.

1. For the 802Ds, you linked the 800Ds. And if you are going to go with those, add another ~$4000 to the price tag.

2. Mitsubishi is halting production on LaserVue.

3. What are you going to connect all those nice speakers to?

Well, since you are saying the LaserVue has been halted, I may as well spend the extra 4k on the 800D's. It was bad linking on my part. I would love to be this guy.

As to what I would connect them to, I'm quite happy with my Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 I would want a new amp though, as I don't think my current Rotel RMB 1075 would be up to the task.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I'd have to demo speakers first, but just to put something down...
(I'm also assuming I have a decent sized room for HT use after I move

Audio
pre-pro_______________________Integra 9.9_____(2000)
amp1_________________________XPA-1 x 3______(3000)
amp2_________________________XPA-5_________(800)
center_________________________LS9__________(3000)
front__________________________LS9__________(6000)
surround_______________________X-Omni_______(550)
rear___________________________X-Omni_______(550)
sub1___________________________ED A7-900____(2200)
sub2___________________________ED A7-900____(2200)

Video
projector_______________________AE3000U______(2500)
screen - acoustically transparent w/ DIY masking system__(2000?)

player__________________________PS3__________(200)

Total________________________________________(25000)

For the video, I'd like to see what Panasonic has next year AE4000U? to see if they can actually get a closed light path to avoid dust blob problems. I don't want to spend a lot on the projector since they seem to be getting significantly better annually.
The Screen might be a combination of a retail screen with a masking system I'd rig up myself. Likely 2.35:1 constant image height.

Things that I didn't make room for in the budget
DIY acoustic treatments
Subwoofer equalization system
Tactile sound equipment
That might end up meaning dropping down to LS6 and using the couple thousand toward those items. It would have to depend on the size of the room for the speaker choice... if I actually ended up with the LS series that it.

I did not take into account shipping or any package discounts / used prices

I like it. I'd change the speakers most likely to Focal or B&W.

I don't have room for a projector setup where I'm at though, so I'd spend the money on a Kuro Pro-151FD for $6k.

So here are my choices:

Focal 1037 BE $11,000/pair
Focal CC1000 BE $2,700
Focal SR1000 BE $4,300/pair

Total for speakers ~$18,000

Alternate speaker choice:

B&W 803D (802D are possible as well if right price used) $9,000
B&W HTM2D $4,000
Don't know on rears/surrounds, but about ~$3,000

Total for B&W ~$16,000

Pre-Pro integra 9.9 for $2,000

Amp I would listen to what sounded best with my speakers, but Krell, Emotiva, Anthem, etc would all be looked at. Would spend ~$2,000

Total MSRP for the system: $28,000 (Focal)/$26,000 (B&W)

That is obviously over the $25k, but it's not hard to get 10% off minimum if you buy all from the same place. That would mean Focal system would cost $25,200 and B&W $23,400. I'd spend the extra for the Focal system out of pocket if need be, but I would spend a good 3 months just auditioning some more before I made final choices. It would be fun as hell if I won though. I would also like to spend some of it on new seating which would mean spend less on the a/v gear.