Help me assemble a $2k home theatre system

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
What Paradigm's specifically though? Paradigm's are so expensive!

probably whatever size is for your room. do you live in a condo/apt? probably the atom or cinema series due to your room size.

a friend of mine has a ~$25,000 ht using paradigm surrounds/center with a i think is J&S sub (although 12" it kills many other larger subs and is extremely accurate, and it is french, but not exactly sure if it is J&S, or JS, but he paid ~$1800 for the sub alone) while another friend of mine has the J&S whole setup, again we are talking ~$25,000 setups with high dollar preamps and seperate amps, either htdvs or projectors, high dollar dvd players w/ sacd and dvd-audio. the second guy is an installer doing many million dollar homes where the people will invest ~$50,000 for the ht alone and he respects paradigm too.

many places will let you take the paradigms home and try them out to make sure you like them, just shop around, try to find a decent shop that will listen to you an what your requirements are.

for the price i would recommend the mirage setup i have but it is now "discontinued" and now mirage has these speakers that are a little odd shaped, not that that is bad thing and i have never heard them, but they want some $$ for them.

Here is Paradigm Preferred System Setup but would leave out their sub and do a different brand. i have heard many installers/high end audio shop employees love the centers/surrounds but say the subs are not up to par...and would recommend something else.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
What Paradigm's specifically though? Paradigm's are so expensive!

With many comments I've seen comparing Ascends to Studio 40s, I don't think you're going to get anything sounding as good from Paradigm as some of these internet brands. That was at least my take on it as I compared prices.

If the 340s at $550 a pair come close to Studio 40s at $1200 pair, then the best bang for the buck seems pretty clear to me.

If you made a Studio 40 system, you'd end up with 2.1 on your budget

If you were really going to do a Paradigm system, a $400 receiver, a $500 sub, and then a system based off Phantoms a CC-270 center and a pair of atoms (or titans) would fill up your budget.

Here's a page with Paradigm prices (and some other brands)
http://www.bradfordshifi.com/prices.htm

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sygyzy
What Paradigm's specifically though? Paradigm's are so expensive!

With many comments I've seen comparing Ascends to Studio 40s, I don't think you're going to get anything sounding as good from Paradigm as some of these internet brands. That was at least my take on it as I compared prices.

If the 340s at $550 a pair come close to Studio 40s at $1200 pair, then the best bang for the buck seems pretty clear to me.

If you made a Studio 40 system, you'd end up with 2.1 on your budget

If you were really going to do a Paradigm system, a $400 receiver, a $500 sub, and then a system based off Phantoms a CC-270 center and a pair of atoms (or titans) would fill up your budget.

Here's a page with Paradigm prices (and some other brands)
http://www.bradfordshifi.com/prices.htm

Do you have links to back up this Ascends = Studio 40s claim? Any reviews? I will agree that the studios are out if you pay list for them. However, I got them for 15% off list when I bought my four 20's and CC-570 center channel. I'll go out on a limb and say you should have no problem getting somewhere between 10% to 15% off.

 

[Fritzo]

I love Cambrigde Soundwork's Netwon series. Check them out here:

They're a subsidiary of Creative Labs

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sygyzy
What Paradigm's specifically though? Paradigm's are so expensive!

With many comments I've seen comparing Ascends to Studio 40s, I don't think you're going to get anything sounding as good from Paradigm as some of these internet brands. That was at least my take on it as I compared prices.

If the 340s at $550 a pair come close to Studio 40s at $1200 pair, then the best bang for the buck seems pretty clear to me.

If you made a Studio 40 system, you'd end up with 2.1 on your budget

If you were really going to do a Paradigm system, a $400 receiver, a $500 sub, and then a system based off Phantoms a CC-270 center and a pair of atoms (or titans) would fill up your budget.

Here's a page with Paradigm prices (and some other brands)
http://www.bradfordshifi.com/prices.htm

Do you have links to back up this Ascends = Studio 40s claim? Any reviews? I will agree that the studios are out if you pay list for them. However, I got them for 15% off list when I bought my four 20's and CC-570 center channel. I'll go out on a limb and say you should have no problem getting somewhere between 10% to 15% off.

Here's an AVSforum thread where it's mentioned by a few people http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=532163

I know I've read it elsewhere, but that's the article that I remember specifically reading it in.

There are a multitude of reviews of the Ascend speakers all over the place. I don't think I've seen the "these are as good as Paradigm Studio 40s except with less bass extension" in any professional reviews, but from the ones I've read, reviews tend to not compare speakers to other brands and say they are as good (unless they're talking about vs their own reference speakers or a general statement like "I'd expect to pay three times as much for product X").
The 170 has been out for significantly longer than the 340 so it has a lot more reviews out there. Check audio review for a lot of owner opinions of it. (the 340 has some reviews in the "center channel" category)

Drawbacks to the Ascends seem to be a little lacking in the bass department and the appearance is not as nice as some other brands.
The bass extension was not an issue for me when I was considering them because I intended to run them with a sub at all times (as they are designed to).
The finish I thought was not such a big deal because I wanted to use them mainly with my projector in HT usage. It turns out appearance kind of won me over though as I ended up with Onix Rockets once I saw them in person .

The Ascends also have nicer finishing options if anyone is interested. They're quite pricey as they are custom orders, but it's available if you want to have it done.
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340mfinop.html

 

[Dulanic]

Speaking of the 435 vs the 635.... who needs video switching on a receiver unless your TV doesnt have enough inputs. 435 + Harmony remote does the trick better anyways, dont need to switch any inputs then let the remote take care of it

 

[olds]

$2000 would be hard. I just spent $1500 for a receiver and surround speakers.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
$2000 would be hard. I just spent $1500 for a receiver and surround speakers.

I do think we have some pretty good options in this thread though

(Mine's only about $3000 total though )

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
$2000 would be hard. I just spent $1500 for a receiver and surround speakers.

I do think we have some pretty good options in this thread though

(Mine's only about $3000 total though )

especially for the room size

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
$2000 would be hard. I just spent $1500 for a receiver and surround speakers.

I do think we have some pretty good options in this thread though

(Mine's only about $3000 total though )

I just moved so my "HT" room is a little small at 10X14.
Receiver Sony ES
Fronts: Def Tech BP 2006
Center: PSB (but probably getting the Def Tech CLR 2300)
Rears: Def Tech BPX
TV: Hitachi Ultravision 32" CRT but getting a 50" Plasma (probably Samsung or Pioneer Elite)

 

[sygyzy]

Ok, well I've made some decisions.

I am going with Ascends.

340 Fronts
340 Center
170 Surrounds
VTF-2 Sub

I will also be getting the 340 stands.

Some questions:

1. Do I need to weigh down the front stands? I read about putting sandbags in them? Is that right? Where do I get such sandbags. They would have to be small since I don't think the cavity is large enough for a regular sized sandbag.

2. What should I use for the rear stands? Originally I was going to put them on the end tables but depending on what couch I get, the arm rests would be around 10" higher than the height of the table, which means most if not all of the speakers would be hidden. More important than stand recommendations is the question of how stands are mounted? For the 340's, they have grooves in the base and it looks like the 340 just plops right in. After all, it was designed that way. But how do universal stands work? Is there some plated I connect in the back? I DO NOT want to drill holes into my speakers. And I don't think I've ever seen mounting plates on the bottom. So do the stands have something that attaches to the back?

3. What do I need to know regarding putting connectors on my wire? What is the attachment mechanism? Is it a crimp? Solder? Screw?

That's it for now. Thanks!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

For the stands, I think they come with directions about using them... I think you might actually just pour sand into them (not bags, just sand) but I'm not sure.

E-mail the guys at Ascend for mounting 170s. They'll have plenty of experience on the subject

Are you getting banana plugs or something?
Until a month ago I had been using just bare wires for my connections. You just need to strip back the insulation like 1/2" and twist the wires at the end together.
The connection on the speakers are binding posts as far as I know... you should be able to unscrew them in back of the speaker and insert the wire into a hole and then tighten the screw part back on.

I got banana plugs recently and those just go on the ends of the bare wires and mine were crimp on. They then just fit into holes in the binding posts on my receiver and speakers.

 

[sygyzy]

I am using banana plugs for the receiver end and spades for the speaker end.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
For the stands, I think they come with directions about using them... I think you might actually just pour sand into them (not bags, just sand) but I'm not sure.

E-mail the guys at Ascend for mounting 170s. They'll have plenty of experience on the subject

Are you getting banana plugs or something?
Until a month ago I had been using just bare wires for my connections. You just need to strip back the insulation like 1/2" and twist the wires at the end together.
The connection on the speakers are binding posts as far as I know... you should be able to unscrew them in back of the speaker and insert the wire into a hole and then tighten the screw part back on.

I got banana plugs recently and those just go on the ends of the bare wires and mine were crimp on. They then just fit into holes in the binding posts on my receiver and speakers.

just a random question. Do you find the cost of banana plugs worth it? I mean, bare wire is very secure, just tough to change up. Plus it seems like banana plugs could more easily short with one another as they are all conduction for the most part. My speaker pins got taken off on the receiver end when I got the 435, they just don't make sense with binding posts.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: rleemhui

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
For the stands, I think they come with directions about using them... I think you might actually just pour sand into them (not bags, just sand) but I'm not sure.

E-mail the guys at Ascend for mounting 170s. They'll have plenty of experience on the subject

Are you getting banana plugs or something?
Until a month ago I had been using just bare wires for my connections. You just need to strip back the insulation like 1/2" and twist the wires at the end together.
The connection on the speakers are binding posts as far as I know... you should be able to unscrew them in back of the speaker and insert the wire into a hole and then tighten the screw part back on.

I got banana plugs recently and those just go on the ends of the bare wires and mine were crimp on. They then just fit into holes in the binding posts on my receiver and speakers.

just a random question. Do you find the cost of banana plugs worth it? I mean, bare wire is very secure, just tough to change up. Plus it seems like banana plugs could more easily short with one another as they are all conduction for the most part. My speaker pins got taken off on the receiver end when I got the 435, they just don't make sense with binding posts.

Well, I have 5.1 now but I used to have 7.1 and unscrewing/rescrewing on 28 wires was not a lot of fun whenever I moved the set (to school in Madison and back home for the summer) so it was a convenience thing for me.

You can see how far apart my binding posts are on my speakers at this link, so I'm not really worried about shorting out on that end of things. On the receiver end I also have a lot of clearance, so I'm not really worried about it there either.

My friend who got a Pioneer 1014 before me had big problems with banana plugs on his old sony receiver though. The binding posts were so close together that the banana plugs were in physical contact with one another so the shorting out problem is something he experienced first hand. He ended up putting some layers of paper between the binding posts to keep them insulated from each other (and then he decided to ditch the sony and get a new receiver since the left channel also cut out intermittently too).

So, in summary... if I wasn't going to be moving around my set once or twice a year, then I wouldn't have bothered, but for easy of connections I think it's worth it to me.

It used to take me like half an hour to connect up the wires and now it's very easy.

 

[sygyzy]

Decided on:
System 33-23 (340 mains + 340 center + 170 rears + VTF2) + 1pr TP24 stands

Got cables and wires from AC4L and Blue Jeans Cable.

I need to figure out the receiver situation thing now.

rleemhui - I read that the AVR-435 can't do OSD through component. Does that mean that if I connect the receiver to my screen with component cables ONLY, I will not be able to use OSD? What about if I am connected through both S-Video and Component? Does that mean to use any OSD, I have to switch over to S-Video mode? Doesn't that get annoying?

 

[PurdueRy]

Correct, with the 435 the OSD can only be seen through S-video or composite. So if you just used component you wouldn't be able to see it.

No its not annoying for me, because you only use it the first time you set your receiver up, after that nothing should change.

But you can get the OSD using S-video out from the monitor out connector

 

[sygyzy]

Hmm there are no other times where you might need the OSD?

Can you post a picture of the mic for the EZSetup?

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: rleemhui

Originally posted by: sygyzy
My God. The 1015 has everything going for it. It has upconversion, 3 component inputs, inputs through the front, and 120W per channel for $449 with free Fed-Ex 3 day from One Call. What am I missing here? Comparable HK would be the 625 for $700. What is going on?

People have said that that receiver is the same as the 52tx. A very pricey receiver. Personally, I along with some others, don't believe this whatsoever. There has not been any tests to test the 1014 or 1015 for REAL power output. People just assume it has the same amp section as the 52tx. Personally I don't think a few features make all the difference between a receiver that costs over $1000 to one that costs $400.

With the advent of the problems with power surges killing 1014's I think that this might be something that shows that maybe my opinion might be right. A company simply cannot put out a receiver that is the SAME(at least in the most expensive section) as a much higher class receiver but charge a low price. That wouldn't be smart buisness.

Just my opinion though.

If you ask on AVS or HTF you will see most people recommend either HK or Denon when the choice is put out there, and I think the reason is simple. Quality.

Not saying the Pioneer is bad, but I don't think its up to the level of quality of a 435 or 635.

Plus I think the Pioneer is uber fugly lol.

If you like the sound of kilpsch speakers you would definitely like the Axioms. They use metal dome tweeters so they do tend to be "brighter" but then again, the HK is supposed to be "warmer" so they might balance out to a pretty neutral sound.

You can't go wrong with Axiom because they offer a trial period where you can try them in home. Not sure how long its for but they do have quite the following. If you read any professional review of them you will see that most all conclude that they have no right to sound as good as they do for the money.

But in the end, its your speakers. As long as your happy, you made the right choice. Whats right for me or Jello might not be right for you(I don't own the axioms however, I did consider them at one point before deciding to learn to make my own). Although I bet you any of these options will blow you away.

BTW most agree that the Auto setup and EQ of the HK is superior to Denon's and Pioneers equivalent offerings.

If you have any more questions, again feel free to follow up. My previous post was short because I was at work again

Note: The HK 435 and 635 have 3 component ins, and inputs in the front.

HK fanboy.


Enough said.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: rleemhui

Originally posted by: sygyzy
My God. The 1015 has everything going for it. It has upconversion, 3 component inputs, inputs through the front, and 120W per channel for $449 with free Fed-Ex 3 day from One Call. What am I missing here? Comparable HK would be the 625 for $700. What is going on?

People have said that that receiver is the same as the 52tx. A very pricey receiver. Personally, I along with some others, don't believe this whatsoever. There has not been any tests to test the 1014 or 1015 for REAL power output. People just assume it has the same amp section as the 52tx. Personally I don't think a few features make all the difference between a receiver that costs over $1000 to one that costs $400.

With the advent of the problems with power surges killing 1014's I think that this might be something that shows that maybe my opinion might be right. A company simply cannot put out a receiver that is the SAME(at least in the most expensive section) as a much higher class receiver but charge a low price. That wouldn't be smart buisness.

Just my opinion though.

If you ask on AVS or HTF you will see most people recommend either HK or Denon when the choice is put out there, and I think the reason is simple. Quality.

Not saying the Pioneer is bad, but I don't think its up to the level of quality of a 435 or 635.

Plus I think the Pioneer is uber fugly lol.

If you like the sound of kilpsch speakers you would definitely like the Axioms. They use metal dome tweeters so they do tend to be "brighter" but then again, the HK is supposed to be "warmer" so they might balance out to a pretty neutral sound.

You can't go wrong with Axiom because they offer a trial period where you can try them in home. Not sure how long its for but they do have quite the following. If you read any professional review of them you will see that most all conclude that they have no right to sound as good as they do for the money.

But in the end, its your speakers. As long as your happy, you made the right choice. Whats right for me or Jello might not be right for you(I don't own the axioms however, I did consider them at one point before deciding to learn to make my own). Although I bet you any of these options will blow you away.

BTW most agree that the Auto setup and EQ of the HK is superior to Denon's and Pioneers equivalent offerings.

If you have any more questions, again feel free to follow up. My previous post was short because I was at work again

Note: The HK 435 and 635 have 3 component ins, and inputs in the front.

HK fanboy.


Enough said.

Lets see, I looked at each the 1014, the Denon 1905, 2105, 2805 and I analyzed which I liked best. I bought it. Its my first high end receiver.

Somehow I don't think thats equivalent to being a fanboy. I was torn between the Denon and the 435 and ended up going with the HK for its Parametric EQ. Some people love their Denon's some people love Yamaha, some love HK, some love Pioneer. Its all a matter of opinion of what you think sounds best, and what fits your needs.

Probably wouldn't call me a fanboy if I said to get the receiver you like best. Instead of doing that why don't you suggest a receiver and give your opinion on it? I think that would be more helpful. Notice I didn't trash all the other receivers, people have opinions, deal with them.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Hmm there are no other times where you might need the OSD?

Can you post a picture of the mic for the EZSetup?

I will get right on that one, just a few minutes

 

[PurdueRy]

http://www.geocities.com/sdiver2489/P101120.JPG

You might need to OSD if you want to rename inputs....but thats a thing you do when you get your receiver. Other than that its really all just calibration stuff. If it isn't calibration then there is a way to access it without the OSD

 

[sygyzy]

Wow, that's so cool. Thanks for posting that. I heard that you can mount it on a tripod. Is that true? Is that at the bottom? How does it connect to the receiver? Is it wireless?

 

[PurdueRy]

Yes, it comes with an extension rod, which mounts to a tripod and then the mic mounts to the extension rod. You really should use a tripos if you are going to calibrate that way. It uses a 25 foot wire to connect to the front of the receiver, behind the flip down plate. Wireless would be a bad idea for something like this.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: rleemhui

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: rleemhui

Originally posted by: sygyzy
My God. The 1015 has everything going for it. It has upconversion, 3 component inputs, inputs through the front, and 120W per channel for $449 with free Fed-Ex 3 day from One Call. What am I missing here? Comparable HK would be the 625 for $700. What is going on?

People have said that that receiver is the same as the 52tx. A very pricey receiver. Personally, I along with some others, don't believe this whatsoever. There has not been any tests to test the 1014 or 1015 for REAL power output. People just assume it has the same amp section as the 52tx. Personally I don't think a few features make all the difference between a receiver that costs over $1000 to one that costs $400.

With the advent of the problems with power surges killing 1014's I think that this might be something that shows that maybe my opinion might be right. A company simply cannot put out a receiver that is the SAME(at least in the most expensive section) as a much higher class receiver but charge a low price. That wouldn't be smart buisness.

Just my opinion though.

If you ask on AVS or HTF you will see most people recommend either HK or Denon when the choice is put out there, and I think the reason is simple. Quality.

Not saying the Pioneer is bad, but I don't think its up to the level of quality of a 435 or 635.

Plus I think the Pioneer is uber fugly lol.

If you like the sound of kilpsch speakers you would definitely like the Axioms. They use metal dome tweeters so they do tend to be "brighter" but then again, the HK is supposed to be "warmer" so they might balance out to a pretty neutral sound.

You can't go wrong with Axiom because they offer a trial period where you can try them in home. Not sure how long its for but they do have quite the following. If you read any professional review of them you will see that most all conclude that they have no right to sound as good as they do for the money.

But in the end, its your speakers. As long as your happy, you made the right choice. Whats right for me or Jello might not be right for you(I don't own the axioms however, I did consider them at one point before deciding to learn to make my own). Although I bet you any of these options will blow you away.

BTW most agree that the Auto setup and EQ of the HK is superior to Denon's and Pioneers equivalent offerings.

If you have any more questions, again feel free to follow up. My previous post was short because I was at work again

Note: The HK 435 and 635 have 3 component ins, and inputs in the front.

HK fanboy.


Enough said.

Lets see, I looked at each the 1014, the Denon 1905, 2105, 2805 and I analyzed which I liked best. I bought it. Its my first high end receiver.

Somehow I don't think thats equivalent to being a fanboy. I was torn between the Denon and the 435 and ended up going with the HK for its Parametric EQ. Some people love their Denon's some people love Yamaha, some love HK, some love Pioneer. Its all a matter of opinion of what you think sounds best, and what fits your needs.

Probably wouldn't call me a fanboy if I said to get the receiver you like best. Instead of doing that why don't you suggest a receiver and give your opinion on it? I think that would be more helpful. Notice I didn't trash all the other receivers, people have opinions, deal with them.

lol, relax man. I didn't think you would take it like that. I already did suggest a receiver, earlier in the thread. All you said in your 2nd post of this entire thread was:

"The HK will blow away most receivers. It has the processor of the 635 and power output is more than sufficient for even the most high end of systems. I will be picking one up shortly. It is a steal for the price. If you want you can go up to the 635 for the extra 10 watts and video upconversion, but if you ask me its not worth it, but it depends how much you can stretch your budget and what your needs are.
"
If that isn't fanboy talk, then I don't know what is.