Okay,
I'm stuck on what to do next in the H/T Room. I do Gaming, Blu-Ray, DVD's, and Music/SACD/DVD-A. I don't know which way to go. So give me your input on what I should do.

Here is what I have now:
I have a 5.1 setup. 42" 720p Plasma.
KEF IQ9 L/R IQ2C Center, IQ3 LR/RR, PSB Sub
IQ9's are Bi-Amp'd.
Berkline theater seating. Left rear and Right rear are 5-6 Ft behind the seats. TV is roughly 8 feet in front of seating.

My two options:

Option 1: Roughly $2,500 5.1 Configuration
Upgrade TV - 67" 1080p LED DLP
Upgrade Center Channel - Axiom VP150 V2
Upgrade TV Stand - Lower/Wider Unit

Option 2: Roughly $1,900 7.2 Configuration
Add Di-Pole's - Axiom QS4 v2
Add another Sub - SVS PC12-NSD
Upgrade Center Channel - Axiom VP150 V2



I can't decide on the bigger tv, or 7.2 configuration.... Either way I'm upgrading the center channel.

Give me some input!

Thanks!!!

How about a motorized screen and projector :) screen could come down in front of the plasma for an even larger movie and gaming experience

I second the projector idea, but then again you kind of had to expect that when you posted your question. Many people are surprised when they hear how cheaply and easily they can get an actual home theater.

I have seen a couple set ups with a pull down screen in front of a wall mounted tv and it is pretty slick.

Ditto! You can keep on watching television or have a Home Theater (probably a good idea since you include HT in the name of your viewing room).

If you just gotta choose between upgrading sound and upgrading your viewing experience BUY A PROJECTOR AND A THEATER SIZED SCREEN!!!!

5:1 gives you surround sound - keeping a tv and upgrading the sound means you will have better external speakers for your television - and the upgrade won't achieve Theater in the Home.

Currently we have a 56in HD TV - if/when it fails/dies we will upgrade it to either a 65in or 73 in - with the upgrade it will still be a dinky little television compared to the WOW or our projector and screen.

If I haven't been clear let me recommend - upgrade from tv to Theater - just IMO.

1080p projector is out of my budget right now. I need to upgrade my center channel. The KEF IQ2C just doesn't cut it. So you figure $450 for the Axiom center, that leaves me $2150 for 1080p projector and screen.

2150 will get you more than enough for 1080p projector and screen. cheapest route right now would be the mitsubishi HC5500 (around 1500-1700) plus dyi screen (less than 100). for a motorized screen, 200+ at monoprice. and if you wait for a big sale, I have seen projector as low as 1200 to 1400.

1080p is not that expensive anymore. and don't underestimate the power of the cheap diy screens.

projector

Projector... The Panasonic PT-AX200U is only 720p but pricing on it right now is @ $1000. You won't be sorry to go with a projector, screen and still upgrade your center speaker.

Okay, so you guys are leaning me toward Option 3.

Option 3: Roughly $2800 5.2 Configuration
Upgrade Center Channel - Axiom VP150 V2
Upgrade TV - 100" Fixed screen, HC5500 Projector
Add Another Sub - SVS PC12-NSD

If I didn't add the sub, I'd be under budget. But I want more kick. My little 8" PSB is just trying to hard.

So I think I'm going to go with Option 3. To get the real theater effect. It's going to be a little more than I wanted to spend, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Well that wasn't to difficult. I have the HC5500 and can assure you that it is a great value right now. The only issue you might have with it is that it has some pretty limited placement options. Be sure to check out the projector calculator at www.projectorcentral.com and see if it will fit your situation before you buy it. I had to ceiling mount mine when I was looking to shelf mount in order to make it fit, but the deal I got was too good to pass up.

You can always DIY a screen (if you are doing a fixed screen) for $50 -$200 if that helps. Lots of options, look in the forum.