Home Theater Setups
 

I know some of you have them. Here's our's at school. Nothing spectacular, but it gets the job done.

Klipsch high-end bookshelf RB-75's:
[IMG]http://tinypic.com/i51v0p.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://tinypic.com/i51vlx.jpg[/IMG]

SWS Subwoofer. 1 10" woofer that pounds for it's size. After they discontinued these, they became impossible to find.
[IMG]http://tinypic.com/i51vup.jpg[/IMG]

Speaker with the grill off:
[IMG]http://tinypic.com/i51w5d.jpg[/IMG]

Close-up:
[IMG]http://tinypic.com/i51wci.jpg[/IMG]

Teh setup:
[IMG]http://tinypic.com/i51wjl.jpg[/IMG]

I don't have any pics, but I have 5 Bose cube surrounds with a Bose center channel speaker. For the base, I have an infinity 10" powered woofer. 6.1 is great. The rear center channel makes a huge difference over 5.1.

I have lowly Logitech THX computer speakers in my room.

Ahhhhhhh one of favorite subjects!!!!! Definitive Tech powered speakers all the way around. Sony 555-ES receiver processor. Adcom 7700 5 channel amp. Monster power stable power processor filters. Sony XBR. I'll post up some pics a little later.

bose lifestyle system !!!! rocks

[QUOTE=lookin for sube]bose lifestyle system !!!! rocks[/QUOTE]
Klipsch>bose, fyi. Bose is over priced.

Ipozetu: AWESOME setup. Definitives have amazing sound quality. My friend's parents have those in their pool house, it sounds awesome.

T-Will: What model do you have? The Z-560's? If you do, spend the extra hundred to the get the Klipsch Promedia 5.1's. They'll blow you away.

[QUOTE=robsrex]I don't have any pics, but I have 5 Bose cube surrounds with a Bose center channel speaker. For the base, I have an infinity 10" powered woofer. 6.1 is great. The rear center channel makes a huge difference over 5.1.[/QUOTE]
I like infinity. Their bass is nice. But I don't think it's as tight as it could be. But that's only from having a sub of theirs in my car. The Perfect 12.1. What model do you have? I've heard a few A/V dealers say that their favorite home theater sub is an infinity, but I can't remember the model off the top of my head. What model of the cubes do you have?

Bose are ok for someone looking to add a little punch to thier television viewing. They do quite a bit of research into acoustic wave elongation. Simply put you can not produce the dynamics required for a true audiophile system. The cabinet and internal dimensions are not up to snuff. Outside of a 10x10 room forget about it. you are forced to drive to speakers beyond thier capabilities. IMO bigger speaker+mo power=mo betta

ok yea the bose stystems are pricey BUT I have had more people comment on the sound of my system compared to my infinity system... and yes for the hard core audio people yes there is better but why worry about reproducing true sounds that the ear cant hear bose alters the sounds and I feel that is why people dont like them ....

[QUOTE=lookin for sube]ok yea the bose stystems are pricey BUT I have had more people comment on the sound of my system compared to my infinity system... and yes for the hard core audio people yes there is better but why worry about reproducing true sounds that the ear cant hear bose alters the sounds and I feel that is why people dont like them ....[/QUOTE]
Don't get me wrong. I like Bose. My family has a couple of the wave radios. BUT, I feel they lack in the mid range. They reproduce voice and higher range, better than the mid range. Ipozestu is right in that they do do A LOT of research in to the acoustics and what not. Also, the bass I think is very good for how small of speakers they use. ie: the wave radio. I think Bose is good at surround sound too. Although I haven't heard many true surround sound systems, not as many as I'd like.

ps: you want PRICEY? B&O. I've heard their stuff a lot, it sounds good, but not $22,000 good.

Ah yes, I used to sell/install home theater setups for a living ;) One day I'll have a stable place where I can live and piece together a good setup, without having to worry about moving it. But I've been out of the audio market for at least 3 years, so I have no idea what's new in the market these days.

Oh, and Bose = overpriced. It's about the best you'll find in the average consumer store, but that's about it.

I like my Bose. They are easy to wall mount, and the ability to aim the same speaker two different ways is a big plus. The "acoustimas" modul (the sub that all the jewel speakers are attached to" doesn't hit very hard, but does give good mid range sound. I think one of the biggest differences in a Home theater is not the speakers, but the reciever running them. It isn't about big Watts...it's about good sound. I'm very happy with my HK reciever.

[QUOTE=jvick125]I like infinity. Their bass is nice. But I don't think it's as tight as it could be. But that's only from having a sub of theirs in my car. The Perfect 12.1. What model do you have? I've heard a few A/V dealers say that their favorite home theater sub is an infinity, but I can't remember the model off the top of my head. What model of the cubes do you have?[/QUOTE]


The sub is pretty new. IIRC it is only called PS 10. Here's the one I have

[url]http://www.infinitysystems.com/homeaudio/product_detail.aspx?prod=PS10BK[/url]

I had an old B&O receiver combo cd/tape player thing. It fetched a pretty penny on ebay.

I just got these Infinity Crescendos from my Dad. They were collecting dust at his place so I convinced him to sell them to me.
[img]http://www.angrybenz.com/bilder/sric/ht_main1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.angrybenz.com/bilder/sric/ht_main2.jpg[/img]
This sub is kit I slapped together. Nothing special. Just a 12 in a sealed enclosure with a 350W amp. It moves some air but not as tight as I'd like it to be.
[img]http://www.angrybenz.com/bilder/sric/ht_sub1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.angrybenz.com/bilder/sric/ht_sub2.jpg[/img]

Good looking setup there, Axe.

[QUOTE=robsrex]I think one of the biggest differences in a Home theater is not the speakers, but the reciever running them. It isn't about big Watts...it's about good sound. I'm very happy with my HK reciever.[/QUOTE]
This is kinda true. A reciever is not going to make ever speaker sound the same. Or there wouldn't be different lines of them. For instance: my roommate bought the [url=http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=836&s=specs]Klipsch F3's[/url] The highest 'entry level' speaker you can buy at Best Buy. After a week of listening we decided they were good, but not $800 good. So he got a deal on the [url=http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=660]Klipsch RB 75's[/url]. They so SOOOOOOOOOOO much nicer, for only $100 more.

Both these speakers were powered by the same receiver, a [url=http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/HTIB/HTR5830.htm]Yamaha HTR-5830[/url] aka just about the cheapest receiver Yamaha makes. The two sets of speakers sound totally different. Yes, receivers are going to power speakers differently, but they don't matter as much as the speaker does.

[QUOTE=robsrex]The sub is pretty new. IIRC it is only called PS 10. Here's the one I have [url]http://www.infinitysystems.com/homeaudio/product_detail.aspx?prod=PS10BK[/url][/QUOTE]
Not bad, how does it sound?

I really like the sound. It was a little too deep at first, but I put it behind my couch and now it is great. can feel the movies as well as hear them.

[QUOTE=robsrex]I really like the sound. It was a little too deep at first, but I put it behind my couch and now it is great. can feel the movies as well as hear them.[/QUOTE]
Where was it before? Is there anyway to adjust it?

I simply had it in the corner of the room. It is still in the corner aimed at the wall, but putting it behind the couch made a huge difference. Yes, it is adjustable: both in volume and frequency that it starts at.

Whats with all the square CRT tv's? ;)

Forget sound, lose the square!

[QUOTE=illy]Whats with all the square CRT tv's? ;)

Forget sound, lose the square![/QUOTE]

That's my next upgrade. I want a 50-52" DLP screen.

[QUOTE=robsrex]That's my next upgrade. I want a 50-52" DLP screen.[/QUOTE]

Nice choice and prices are good right now. I am rocking the 50" Sony LCDP

Speakers klipsch center, sub and L/R with eclipse for the rears mounted in the ceiling above couch with eclipse in zone two (master bath) powered by an Onkyo TX-SR702 receiver. All the wiring comes out right behind each speaker from the walls so there are no wires on the floor.

[img]http://www.seeglow.com/house/avsmaller.JPG[/img]

That is before Aaron bought the Toshiba Tivo / DVD combo in the upper right. This is also where the Cable modem and wireless broadband originate (see lights to left of stand) and the signal is sent to the master bedroom closet where there is a switch and routed wired to my office. I try not to use wireless too much. On the top row here is comcast HD DVR box and a Linksys media adapter which is always on and permanently routed to zone 2 with the option to also have it in zone one of course.

I'll post pics up tommorow ;)


Hint: # Dalmations, inchworm, Dogs Like Pigs. :p

[QUOTE=illy]Whats with all the square CRT tv's? ;)

Forget sound, lose the square![/QUOTE]
the Bravia HD is in the bedroom.

That XBR in the pic above was the sh1t. psuedo wide screen mode detects wide format and reconfigures the screen height so all of the lines are used for the picture and not wasted on drawing black bars.

Thats pretty cool that it can do that. The problem with having a true wide screen tv is that I get black bars most of the time because most TV is still not in HD. Another annoying problem with having digital sound from your cable box is that it changes sound modes from TV shows that support DTS to regular old school stereo on commercials and it actually knocks the sound out for a couple of seconds while my receiver thinks about it, kind of annoying but at least it auto configures UP for best sound.

[QUOTE=illy]Thats pretty cool that it can do that. The problem with having a true wide screen tv is that I get black bars most of the time because most TV is still not in HD. Another annoying problem with having digital sound from your cable box is that it changes sound modes from TV shows that support DTS to regular old school stereo on commercials and it actually knocks the sound out for a couple of seconds while my receiver thinks about it, kind of annoying but at least it auto configures UP for best sound.[/QUOTE]
Hmmm. I use sat with an optical input for audio and don't have that problem. But I also havn't watched much multichannel stuff with commercials in it yet. I guess the ideal would be for the cable company to turn the stereo commercial stuff into DTS as well.

I do get a hicup when I unpause the Tivo though.

Ok, I got the pics, though they are crappy quality.
Specs:
Sony VPL-VW100 Projector :eek:
102" Screen
Integra DTR-8.4 Reciever
NHT SC1 Center channel
NHT SB3 front loudspeakers
NHT SW10 powered subwoofer
Bose in ceiling speakers for rear-surround
Mistubishi Progressive scan DVD player
*Not pictured*
Kaleidescape Movie server (soon-to-be installed)
Apple X-serve G5 for music/run 2 computers

Living with your parents for a year of college has its benefits ;).
-Jeff

^and the trump card has been played!!!

You guys are weak. You can compete with my 19.99 surround sound system from walmart. :D.

My tv speakers suck. Had to get something just so I could hear.
My cousin has a fat system though. I'll ask em what he has.

All my toys are else where as i roam the earth searching for a place to call home. I got a 47" Samsung HDTV at my ex's place cause i'm too lazy to go pick it up just to put it back in storage. and some where in a box are a set of JBL Studio series S-38 for the frount and s-36s for the rear and a Center to match. I sold my 12"sub, DTS 6.1 RXr, my DVD player and my X-box, on my way back to Ca. But i still got a PS2, and it is currently hooked up to my new roomates 19" magnavox with built in DVD.

[QUOTE=ipozestu]Ahhhhhhh one of favorite subjects!!!!! Definitive Tech powered speakers all the way around. Sony 555-ES receiver processor. Adcom 7700 5 channel amp. Monster power stable power processor filters. Sony XBR. I'll post up some pics a little later.[/QUOTE]
yeah post pics, definitive technologies are amazing, especially the bi/di-polered ones with dual subs...omg

[QUOTE=robsrex] It isn't about big Watts...it's about good sound. I'm very happy with my HK reciever.[/QUOTE]
It's about both. Your source is just as important as your speakers. A particular piece of equipments ability to reproduce a source signal is dependant upon the quality of that component. You could have a top of the line DVD player and a top of the line receiver/processor if your speakers are junk you will lose the quality of the source signal reproduction. Wattage/power is important because you are requiring less signal distortion to produce equal volume levels. Does that make sense?
Single handedly the most important, most overlooked piece in your system is your cables. Video, audio are the most important. Budget 10% of your total cost for cables. It may seem pricey, but it pays off. Monster is ok, again much of the cost for the monster cable is going to thier huge marketing ploy. Check these guys out for great service and super quality cables.
[url]http://www.cobaltcable.com/[/url]

[QUOTE=robsrex]^and the trump card has been played!!![/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.classicgameshows.com/trump/trump-jimmy.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=newyorkreload]All my toys are else where as i roam the earth searching for a place to call home. I got a 47" Samsung HDTV at my ex's place cause i'm too lazy to go pick it up just to put it back in storage. and some where in a box are a set of JBL Studio series S-38 for the frount and s-36s for the rear and a Center to match. I sold my 12"sub, DTS 6.1 RXr, my DVD player and my X-box, on my way back to Ca. But i still got a PS2, and it is currently hooked up to my new roomates 19" magnavox with built in DVD.[/QUOTE]

I used to have a set of S38s, man I loved those speakers. That was back when I worked at Best Buy, employee discounts rock! I wish JBL still made 'em, they're discontinued.

[QUOTE=ipozestu]Single handedly the most important, most overlooked piece in your system is your cables. Video, audio are the most important. Budget 10% of your total cost for cables. It may seem pricey, but it pays off. Monster is ok, again much of the cost for the monster cable is going to thier huge marketing ploy. Check these guys out for great service and super quality cables.[/url][/QUOTE]

Question for you regarding cable quality. With fiber cables or any "digital" cable. If it gets the zeros and ones to the other component correctly, what would the different be between a lower quality and higher quality cable ASSUMING they both made the zeroes and ones move?

I can understand salespeople when they argue cable quality with component or RCA cables but with a DVI or Fiber cable, wouldn't a cable be a cable since it is processing numbers not signals?

Cable does no have to ability to transfer numbers. It transfers the signal or pulse along a run. It is the components job to decipher this signal decode it to 1's and 0's for processing. The advantages of quality cables for digital applications and toslink is construction, connectivity, shielding, and efficiency.
Construction: You want to buy a quality cable once. It should have heavy solder, sturdy connectors and be heavily jacked for durability. In addition heavier gauge wire is preferred to provide for less resistance in longer runs.
Connectivity: The connectors should fit very tight and allow for the most contact area available. Gold/silver plating is great, it cuts down on corrosion which inhibits signal transfer.
Shielding: When current travels along a path it emits noise. This noise can actually transfer from one cable to another particularly between higher voltage power wires and lower voltage signal wire. Every attempt should be made to keep them separated. In most cases a cross somewhere is inevitable. Proper shielding prevents current noise transfer.
Efficiency: Most OEM cables simply do not use a heavy enough gauge wire to properly and efficiently transfer signals.
As for TOSLINK: It's all about construction and durability. A proper source connection is very important. The input needs to be as parallel as possible to the signal generator. Think of it as a straw in a glass of water. The straw will actually look bent when we know it's straight. Tight fitting metal connectors that do not wear is preferred. Lastly, he fiber needs to be pro protected by a very heavy jacket. Every fiber that breaks is one more portion of a signal lost.
Hope that answers some questions. That'll be five bucks.:D

I have some Definitive technology BP2000TLs for the front with a Infinity kappa Center and Infinity kappa rears all powered by a Sony ES-50 The Defintives and unbelievable with the 15" powered subs in the bottom

Super

When i lived in vallejo I had a cool setup in my room, but now there just isn't any room for it up here, but it works.

yamaha reciever
yamaha equalizer
Sony 5 cd changer
yamaha 8" desktop speakers

I like Yamaha stuff.... I have my Yamaha Bass in the corner also

anyways not bad for a little room.

[QUOTE=ipozestu]...Sony 555-ES receiver processor....[/QUOTE]

I missed this earlier. I use the same. I have the 555ES mega changer too.

[QUOTE=illy]Question for you regarding cable quality. With fiber cables or any "digital" cable. If it gets the zeros and ones to the other component correctly, what would the different be between a lower quality and higher quality cable ASSUMING they both made the zeroes and ones move?

I can understand salespeople when they argue cable quality with component or RCA cables but with a DVI or Fiber cable, wouldn't a cable be a cable since it is processing numbers not signals?[/QUOTE]

Low down from my point of view...
the main reason for good quality cables for a digital siginal is to maintain the timing of the sorce. The last thing you want it for a slip to cause a loss of sync for the pic and sound. Makes movies look dubed.

And for analog connections you want a good cabel so you arn't subjected to out side noice like cross talk, it's usely caused by having the cables buntched together with zip ties.

I used cat-5 for my speaker wire cause it's twisted, cansels out any possable noise. Spit the colors and the whites then twist them together. when i plug them in: colors =red, whites = black, turns four solid wires into about 18 gauge cable.


TIP OF THE DAY: for a 9db gain worth of bass place your sub 3-6 inches from a rooms corner. you get a 3db gain per serface. two walls and a floor make 9. enjoy..//NYR

[QUOTE=SuperHawk]I have some Definitive technology BP2000TLs for the front with a Infinity kappa Center and Infinity kappa rears all powered by a Sony ES-50 The Defintives and unbelievable with the 15" powered subs in the bottom

Super[/QUOTE]
Why would you spend all that money on the BP2000TL and compliment (or lack there of) with the Kappa's. Fishy

[QUOTE=R4ND0M_AX3]I missed this earlier. I use the same. I have the 555ES mega changer too.[/QUOTE]
This receiver is old but aint it the shyt!!!! For anyone looking for an awesome 5.1 that you could pick up for dirt cheap right now. Hunt for one of these. I thought about getting another receiver but I love this one to much to let it go.

[QUOTE=ipozestu]Why would you spend all that money on the BP2000TL and compliment (or lack there of) with the Kappa's. Fishy[/QUOTE]
I noticed that too. Such high quality with decent stuff?

[QUOTE=newyorkreload]TIP OF THE DAY: For a 9db gain worth of bass place your sub 3-6 inches from a room's corner. You get a 3dB gain per surface. The two walls and a floor make 9. Enjoy..//NYR[/QUOTE]
9?! Are you sure? Do you have a source? That's pretty loud.



I corrected your spelling and grammar.

Does anyone have suggestions for some in-ceiling surround speakers?

Room is about 20' wide and 27' long. Half of the length is for the 'living room' ther other half is kitchen in and dining.

I'm looking to prepare for a 7.1 setup so I'm gonna put in four speakers (2 rears and 2 side rears) They'll be wired in a 5.1 setup for now.

I'm not spending more than $500 per pair. 3-4 hundred is more confortable.

Go.

[QUOTE=R4ND0M_AX3]Does anyone have suggestions for some in-ceiling surround speakers?

Room is about 20' wide and 27' long. Half of the length is for the 'living room' ther other half is kitchen in and dining.

I'm looking to prepare for a 7.1 setup so I'm gonna put in four speakers (2 rears and 2 side rears) They'll be wired in a 5.1 setup for now.

I'm not spending more than $500 per pair. 3-4 hundred is more confortable.

Go.[/QUOTE]

[url]www.speakercraft.com[/url]

Hey IPOZ,

I got the Definitive's for cost and the ES50 from overseas due to the fact that I am in the Air Force. The infinitys are leftover from an old system and will be replaced in the future. The Infinities are part of a infitesimal four set-up that I had. If you think that it is fishy you can come and look at them if you want.

Super

Here's my sub (3ea 8's w/300 watt amp by Vandersteen).

I have never really been a fan of in-ceiling speakers. For surround sound, you just don't get proper imaging with them. Ceiling mount/wall mount tend to sound a lot better, but for some reason they don't necessarily pass the 'significant other' test. And then again sometimes I'm too picky for my own good, so don't listen to me ;)

[QUOTE=kidatari]I have never really been a fan of in-ceiling speakers. For surround sound, you just don't get proper imaging with them. Ceiling mount/wall mount tend to sound a lot better, but for some reason they don't necessarily pass the 'significant other' test.[/QUOTE]
I agree

[QUOTE=lowball]Here's my sub (3ea 8's w/300 watt amp by Vandersteen).[/QUOTE]
Do you have any pics of your actual room setup?

Hmm...CAT5 speaker cable...sounds interesting. Can you hook your speakers to the intArweb? :o

[QUOTE=jvick125]9?! Are you sure? Do you have a source? That's pretty loud.



I corrected your spelling and grammar.[/QUOTE]


Got my learn on as a three year subscriber to two different home theater magazines, full of articles from people that know math and $#!+.
I've installed/ calibrated 12 or so systems and was personally denied getting THX certified cause I don't represent a "company". Turns out they're not big on folks being unlicenced and freelance.

I stand behind my quote. But I did leave out it only effects the prime "sweet spots". For where the bass ends up being directed.

another tanget: one should still consider ambient effects like reflected sound. can make the sweet spot end up in less then ideal locations. I'm not a big fan of hard wood floors and big glass surfaces. so sometimes the sub sounds best under the coffee table some times it souds best next to the TV. all else fails get a book shelf full of random sized books. another note. sounds waves are different sizes at different frequencies, if your sub has a frq. knob ajust it and the sweet spot may move a bit... I like 75HZ

[QUOTE=T-Will]Hmm...CAT5 speaker cable...sounds interesting. Can you hook your speakers to the intArweb? :o[/QUOTE]


Give it time... Denon is working on a system that alows firmware upgrades for future setups AKA 8.1 and 9.1. Ray Dolby is such a dafy bastard.

[QUOTE=newyorkreload]Give it time... Denon is working on a system that alows firmware upgrades for future setups AKA 8.1 and 9.1. Ray Dolby is such a dafy bastard.[/QUOTE]

another loop i've been out of for a bit... here it is...

[QUOTE=lowball]Here's my sub (3ea 8's w/300 watt amp by Vandersteen).[/QUOTE]

Lance, I want to have sex0rs with your subw00fer!!~

[QUOTE=SuperHawk]Hey IPOZ,

I got the Definitive's for cost and the ES50 from overseas due to the fact that I am in the Air Force. The infinitys are leftover from an old system and will be replaced in the future. The Infinities are part of a infitesimal four set-up that I had. If you think that it is fishy you can come and look at them if you want.

Super[/QUOTE]
No no, what I am saying is you are doing the Def's a huge disservice by pairing them with Kappa's. It's like taking the same speakers and driving them with an RCA preamp. Just wouldn't make sense.

I have tried moving the sub to a corner behind my TV . Got about a five dB gain. I don't need it, but you will should hear an increase. Now depending upon room acoustics, you may level out the sound or you may have more spikes. A low frequency pan Test tone and a dB meter go a real long way for determining your sub placement.

[QUOTE=kidatari]I have never really been a fan of in-ceiling speakers. For surround sound, you just don't get proper imaging with them. Ceiling mount/wall mount tend to sound a lot better, but for some reason they don't necessarily pass the 'significant other' test. And then again sometimes I'm too picky for my own good, so don't listen to me ;)[/QUOTE]
My problem is it's a Great Room that's not so great for HT. putting four speakers on stands behind and to the sides of the couch definately won't pass the SO test. couch is not backed up to a wall.

Depending how crazy you want to get with the room, you could really hypothetically shrink its's size by heavy drapes, thick pile carpeting, and acoustic panels on the back wall. You set the sound stage and adjust accordingly.

[QUOTE=ipozestu] A low frequency pan Test tone and a dB meter go a real long way for determining your sub placement.[/QUOTE]


"Word"

[QUOTE=ipozestu]Depending how crazy you want to get with the room, you could really hypothetically shrink its's size by heavy drapes, thick pile carpeting, and acoustic panels on the back wall. You set the sound stage and adjust accordingly.[/QUOTE]


I like the way you think.

[QUOTE=kidatari]Lance, I want to have sex0rs with your subw00fer!!~[/QUOTE]

NICE!!!!! That is sweet :D

[QUOTE=kidatari]I have never really been a fan of in-ceiling speakers. For surround sound, you just don't get proper imaging with them. Ceiling mount/wall mount tend to sound a lot better, but for some reason they don't necessarily pass the 'significant other' test. And then again sometimes I'm too picky for my own good, so don't listen to me ;)[/QUOTE]

Would agree most of the time. But with the SpeakerCraft type they have some that you can actually angle toward the seating area. That way it's not like the sound is just coming down from ceiling and actually coming at you in all directions.

Maybe when I get my setup all dialed in I'll have you guys over for a look see.

Currently, since we just moved, our house came with the built in surround SpeakerCraft setup (which was a surprise), and pre-wired for the sub (the vander). So I need to get a new surround receiver (Arcam AVR300 [url]http://www.arcam.co.uk/prod_diva_AVR300_intro.cfm[/url]) to actually put it all in to play. I could just use my VLR's as the L/R with my pre-amp and then use the TV and hook-up the rears and center in the ceilings since the TV has the connections in the back and 5.1 sound.

I have a small 34 inch flat screen HD Samsung, Samsung DVD (dual-scan), Vandersteen VLR-1 for the left and right, Vandersteen x-over, mid-level Sony CD, and then a AMC integrated pre-amp. That's what I was using and I didn't have surround. But the sound was still about the best I've heard for the setup. It was great for music and moves were good (sub-sweet) but again, no surround.

When I get home I'll post up the old setup photo.

My biggest concern was not having wires running all over the damn place, so I went with ceiling surround for the rear. I am by no means a movie buff or an audiophile. As a matter of fact, after 17 years in various bands I have really bad hearing to begin with.

I can tell the difference between crappy stereo / 5.1 systems and good ones, but I could never tell the difference between good and "Oh my god those cables cost $200" good.

IPOZ,

You are right about the Defs being in a whole different ball park compared to the Infinity stuff. I plan on getting one of the Non-powered Def center channels like the CLR 2000/2002 for the Center and some BPXs for the rear. I only have a 5.1 amp in the ES50 so that will have to be all for now.

Later Super

[QUOTE=SuperHawk]IPOZ,

You are right about the Defs being in a whole different ball park compared to the Infinity stuff. I plan on getting one of the Non-powered Def center channels like the CLR 2000/2002 for the Center and some BPXs for the rear. I only have a 5.1 amp in the ES50 so that will have to be all for now.

Later Super[/QUOTE]
I think you need a new & bigger tv my friend.

here is mine couldnt find any more tower speakers..

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tocsek1/fghjhgm.jpg[/IMG]

Do all 6 speakers work?
what do the transformers have to do with anything?

what? and yes all of them work really ****ing loud i have the amp behind all that crap

[QUOTE=Ace]what? and yes all of them work really ****ing loud i have the amp behind all that crap[/QUOTE]
nice way to edit;) Have u thought about moving the smaller ones behind the couch?

And it's not about how loud htye are, but about how good they sound.

[QUOTE=jvick125]nice way to edit;) Have u thought about moving the smaller ones behind the couch?[/QUOTE]

well width wise it's not that big i had it that way in my apartment though.

yes you are right a 42" or 50" is on the way! the old Mitsubishi is about ready to die!

[QUOTE=SuperHawk]yes you are right a 42" or 50" is on the way! the old Mitsubishi is about ready to die![/QUOTE]
awesome, can't wait. Keep us updated.

Here are the only photos I could find on my old setup.

nice wallpaper;)

[QUOTE=SuperHawk]IPOZ,

You are right about the Defs being in a whole different ball park compared to the Infinity stuff. I plan on getting one of the Non-powered Def center channels like the CLR 2000/2002 for the Center and some BPXs for the rear. I only have a 5.1 amp in the ES50 so that will have to be all for now.

Later Super[/QUOTE]
Seriously, the powered center channel is the way to go. Much of the time the center channel bass isn't reproduced well. It's pretty sweet to set your center speaker setting to large and see what happens. Although it handels mibass so nicely, trust me it's the way to go. Demo both of them whem you go, you'll see. BPX's one word AWESOME!!! I love mine.

Here's what I got
 

Left to right, top to bottom

Definitive Tech Power Monitor 700
Definitive Tech CLR 2300
Sony KV36XBR800
Definitive Tech PowerMonitor 700
Microsoft XBOX
SONY DVD DVP-C660
SONY Receiver/Processor STR-DA555ES
ADCOM GFA-7000 5 channel power Amplifier
Best Subaru Wagon award form RIM 2005:D
Comcast HDTV DVR
POS VCR (why do I even have this thing?)
Monster Power AVS 2000 (in the shop for warranty repairs)
Monster Power HTS 2600
Definitive Tech PROSUB200TL
Not Pictured: Definitive Tech BP2XBLA surrounds

What the hell is on your tv!?!?

HALF BAKED YES!!!! that movie rules

[QUOTE=Ace]HALF BAKED YES!!!! that movie rules[/QUOTE]
Is it really? It looked like a kids show at first.

Yea Half Baked. It's the part right after the smoked the weed from the lab. It was special for you guys.

[QUOTE=ipozestu]Yea Half Baked. It's the part right after the smoked the weed from the lab. It was special for you guys.[/QUOTE]
Not me, I don't mess with that stuff.

here's my little set up bose and all!!!

Nice TV. I bet sports center sounds good on it. Shouldn't the speakers be more at ear level?

[QUOTE=jvick125]Nice TV. I bet sports center sounds good on it. Shouldn't the speakers be more at ear level?[/QUOTE]

This is a key point that a lot of people miss. Another point that people overlook is that for best sound, the forward surrounds and the center channel should be within 10" vertically of each-other. Proper setup is key ;)

[QUOTE=jvick125]Nice TV. I bet sports center sounds good on it. Shouldn't the speakers be more at ear level?[/QUOTE]


maybe? but the bose adaptq works great for adjusting levels to different area and speaker formations it sounds really well I get a lot of complements about it maybe for the hard core audio nuts it is nut ideal but that is not what my system is about look ma NO wires or big bulky sub!!!!! my wife is very very happy about that!

[QUOTE=kidatari]Proper setup is key ;)[/QUOTE]


Why, yes it is.

my parents got a nice set up while i was away. dad ran the speaker wires in the walls and every thing. then they disided to move the tv over just a bit, Their Center channel sits on the TV. and now the tv is directly under the Left front speaker. needless to say i bring it up and ***** about it every time. They just don't care.

Newest addition to the setup. My roommate went to best buy to buy a music DVD, but instead came home with a 40'' Sony Bravia. So here's how it looks... (he also uses it as the monitor for his mac powerbook.

[IMG]http://i1.tinypic.com/rswpld.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i1.tinypic.com/rsww45.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i1.tinypic.com/rswz2g.jpg[/IMG]

I like the Bravia. We have a 32" Bravia.

Any of you guys build your own sound absorbers/diffusers? I wanted to buy some panels, but it looks like it would be cheaper to build my own using DIY designs I've found on the intarweb.

That picture on the Bravia looks great!

[QUOTE=T-Will]That picture on the Bravia looks great![/QUOTE]
and that's not even HD. We got our box today and watched Alien vs. Predator (it was on HD) and OMFG this TV is AMAZING. Some of the scenes BLEW my mind.

I HIGHLY recommend this TV.

My only gripe about th Bravia (and most sony HD sets) is that the native resolution is 13xx X 7xx. give me 1080 lines and I will be more happier.

Yeah, it would be awesome if it was that sharp.

I will take pictures of my set up when I get home, I have a 62" Samsung DLP-HD with a decent system. I can't really use it though since i'm in an apartment :mad: lame...

[img]http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/images/HL-R6178W_b.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE=GT35 STI]I will take pictures of my set up when I get home, I have a 62" Samsung DLP-HD with a decent system. I can't really use it though since i'm in an apartment :mad: lame...

[img]http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/images/HL-R6178W_b.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]
I don't understand the large size. :confused: Why don't u just go with the larger size from a projector that could cost less with the same quality (if not better).

[QUOTE=jvick125]I don't understand the large size. :confused: Why don't u just go with the larger size from a projector that could cost less with the same quality (if not better).[/QUOTE]

The Samsun DLP, is actually a Projector, it's really narrow though for a projector(weights 75lbs). The entire T.V. only costs me 3,000(including taxes) after a couple hundred worth of best buy bucks . DLP is technology that lets the T.V. actually show True Black, because most HD tv's can't show true black, the black you see is actually just a form of Dark Green, I think? Maybe Blue

I found the link for it...
[url]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7126326&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03006&id=1110265593170[/url]

Thanks to Best Buy and their No Lemon Policy, I just got a 50" Panasonic Plasma TH-50PX60U. It is sweet.

[QUOTE=GT35 STI] I can't really use it though since i'm in an apartment :mad: lame... [/quote]

Bring it over...I can use it for sure. ;)