HT_NEW_GUY mentioned in another thread in this forum that he is shortly going back for another tour in Iraq, and then when he gets back he'll set up his Aerial 9s, etc. with whatever he buys for his new surround processor.

We just want you, HT_NEW_GUY, that we sincerely appreciate your service on behalf of our country. We appreciate the risks you take to ensure our safety and freedom here at home.

We wish you the best, and that you come back safely and can play with all your new audio toys!!! :eek:

Mebbe I knew but forgot - now you have Aerial 9s for your front left and right speakers, right? What about center, surrounds, subwoofers, etc.? Whatcha got?
How about amps? CD player? Etc.? How about room and acoustic treatments?
Do you have a wife (and kids?) who let you do all this? Just curious.

Steve,

I am actually in Iraq now. I deployed in Feb. Luckily, for me, I have a mission that entitles me to computer and internet access on a daily basis so i can read and learn from you all here on the forums. Plus, there are many great people here, such as yourself, that make every sacrifice I make worth while. As far as a family is concerned, I found out the hard way that marriage and the military are a hard combo to deal with for some women... That is all i will say about that...

As far as my HT set-up... I never really got a chance to set-up my 9's. I got such a great deal on them, used, that I couldn't pass them up... They are sitting in a climate controlled storage unit, patiently waiting for me to return. lol

I plan on getting a CC5 when I return, and I will probably go with JL Audio for the subs. I also plan on buying a house when I get back, but that will have to wiat until I see where they move me.

As far as amps are concerned, I am really looking into Theta. I would love to go with some Citadels for the front three, but I am going to have to find them used over the next year. If I can not do that, then I may get the Enterprises and a Dread2 for the rears. Other than that I am still torn between which pre/pro and which dvd player to go with. I do not have a projector so I need to find out which DVD player will look best with a 1080p DLP RP, while sounding the absolute best in my HT. Which, also ties into the pre/pro. As of right now, I am contemplating a Denon 3930Ci... Any suggestions? lol

Again, thank you for the thread here. I do not need to be thanked publicly as this is my job and my passion. We all have our roles in society, and I play my role proudly. But thank you again.

As far as my HT set-up... I never really got a chance to set-up my 9's. I got such a great deal on them, used, that I couldn't pass them up... They are sitting in a climate controlled storage unit, patiently waiting for me to return. lol



The more you get to play with and learn how to best use your 9s, the happier you will be. They are really sensational speakers.

I assume you have a pair. Yes, the CC5 is a fantastic center speaker. Now in my theater, I can't use an "identical" center speaker cause my prior 10T and now 9 is too tall for my screen - as I don't use a perforated screen, my CC5 is on a tall custom adjustable Sound Anchor stand so that its just below the screen and close to my ears, where it clearly sounds the best. Now if by chance you are going to use a perforated screen and have the room then another option would be a 9 behind the screen. Though I must tell you the CC5 is a sensational center speaker.

I plan on getting a CC5 when I return, and I will probably go with JL Audio for the subs.


After adjusting my Michael Green Pressure Zone Controllers yesterday and running my system in two channel only, I also readjusted subwoofer volume to properly level match the main speakers, and via the Velodyne SMS-1 determined that now, with only three component racks (not four anymore) on the right side of my room, that there were three different subwoofer crossovers/slopes which might work best as they're the flattest - Butterworth 40Hz with 6 dB high and 12 dB low; Link-Riley 40 Hz 12 dB; and Phase Perfect 40 Hz 6 dB. I listened to Diana Krall and some other cuts off our Az AV Club test CDs. Turned out that Butterworth sounded the very best - but that on music, I couldn't hardly tell any difference between running the 9s full range with no subwoofer crossover VS using the Butterworth Crossover with subs. My three Aerial subs are nearly perfectly flat, placed on the sides in back of the CC5, a bit closer to the front screen wall than the CC5. With the 10Ts, using the subs sounded better basswise than running the main 10Ts full range only. Not anymore. The 9s are that good. But that's my room and system with outstanding sub flat placement.

What I'm getting to is that if you can do some good placement of the 9s and some decent acoustic treatments, your 9s alone can sound as good as anyone needs for music. And your sub can give you the LFE for both music with LFE tracks
and movies, etc. From what I've "heard", the JL Audio sub sounds like a nice choice. I highly recommend picking up a Velodyne SMS-1, as it will fantastically make it easy to do better sub placement, and some EQ if its necessary.

. I do not have a projector so I need to find out which DVD player will look best with a 1080p DLP RP, while sounding the absolute best in my HT. Which, also ties into the pre/pro. As of right now, I am contemplating a Denon 3930Ci... Any suggestions? lol


I luv my Theta Compli, which has SDI for DVD out to my Lumagen VisionPro HDP video processor/scaler, and which has fantastic AES/EBU digital out (great for redbook CD and even movies and tv) and multi-channel SACD/DVD-A (if you're into that). You can get great deals on one used on Audiogon.

But also my Toshiba HD-XA1 is really a fantastic HD DVD player, and its DVD quality both videowise and audiowise should be fine for you - you don't need to spend $$ on like the Compli unless you want multi-channel SACD/DVD-A.
Of course, the current version is the HD-XA2.

If you're really into music and want a stereo CD player that sounds fantastic
(both using tube stereo analog outputs or digital out), look on Audiogon for a used Granite Audio 657 tube CD player. It'll be worth it. Cost about $1500 - $1800. On the other hand, if you have the CB3, I can tell you that the Compli using the AES/EBU out sounds every bit as good or better (with my Xtreme DACs, although I understand the Superior II DACs are close).

Just some ideas.

Again, thank you for the thread here. I do not need to be thanked publicly as this is my job and my passion. We all have our roles in society, and I play my role proudly. But thank you again.

Its not too often we get to talk to active duty military folks especially like you actually stationed in Iraq. Mebbe you don't feel that you need to be thanked publicly, but we want to, we appreciate the sacrifice and hard work you are doing in the military for us. So thanks again anyway!!!

HT_New_Guy,
Many thanks for your service. I hope you get to hear those 9's soon. If you are in the SF Bay area drop us a note and drop by for a listen.

I also want to thank you for your service. When you get back try and listen to some Classe CAM350 amps with the 9‘s. Classe and Aerial are a great combination and you should be able to find some used. I have the CAM 350’s powering my 10’s and CC5 and use a CAV 180 for the rears and sides.

Earl

Wishing you a safe and injury free trip back to home HT Guy. :)

There's nothing like being in the middle so when you come back and play Black Hawk Down or Saving Private Ryan, you will know how it should actually sound. :p

But you can bet your bottom dollar that the Aerials will reproduce fantastic sound. Superb speakers. I feel they match really well with Theta gear.

Hey Steve,

How much of a difference is there in the sound between the Compli than the Toshiba you have? (movies and 2 channel listening)

I sort of regret not buying the compli when it first came out. At the time I had the sony 777 for two channel and the 9000es or Movies. the 777 is now gone and I'm not happy with the 9000es for Music.

I'm thinking about buying the compi or the new toshiba (XA2). I'm guessing that you don't have the HD-XA2 but I figure it has to be somewhat similar to the first gen toshiba HD player.

sound is just as important, if not more important than video to me. either one will be feeding a CB III with full extreme dacs.

I talked to theta and they are still trying to find a supplier for a dual format mechanism for their next gen Video player. This tells me it will be about a year before they replace the comlpi with a HD player. but I am wondering if the HD-XA2 will suffice for the time being when it comes to sound. especialy since I will be able to take advantage of the video in the process.


HT Guy -

I have been a Theta owner for many years and have to say they are a great company. they may be somewhat slooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow in releasing product but when they do, it's top notch. I have always found their service to be super but this was in the john baloff days. he was one of there tech/sales/service/everything guys and always got things done for me and was also a pleasure to talk to. I hope whoever replaces him can do half has good as he did. Theta, just like every other company's out there is forced to make some major decisions for go forward strategies. These are difficult times for high end companies and a wrong decision can be devastating to them.

Lexicon MC-12 is also an awesome receiver. Two of my close buddies have it. I installed and calibrated their HT rooms and let me tell you that the receiver does a great job, you can't go wrong.

I never heard any of the halcro products. Although I was recently told by a fellow ISF'er and dealer of halco product that he was suprised at the higher than expected service rates they are experiencing. To me this is normal for a young high end company and to be expected. Theta went through the same with the CB I and II as well as lexicon with their original DSP's. It takes time time iron out the wrinkles of engineering and production. Still I'm wiling to bet dollars to donuts that the halcro product will sound great when properly calibrated.

BUT,,

Before you drop some serious coin, I would look into the room that all your gear will be going into. As a A/V calibrator I can tell you that you can purchase what you might consider the best gear in the world, but put it in the wrong room and you will get the performance of gear that is a fraction of the price.

For some reason people believe that better equipment will solve their problems. not so. the room is by far the most important component for audio and very important for video. good room = possibility for good or better sound. bad room= bad sound no matter what you put in it. for most people it doesn't matter. They can live with any gear in any room (more power to them I say, They enjoy while were always looking for faults). but it seems to me that your looking for the added bonuses that good gear can get you. In order to get those bonuses you have to start with the room.

Take care.

Zoubs,

Thanks for that post. As far as the room this stuff is going into, well, I am not sure. i am going to be relocated when I return to the states, so we will have to see what happens.

I do want to get the best gear I can now, as I will be saving as much money as I can over the next year. I plan on eventually having a dedicated HT room in whatever house I buy, but I would like to know that my electronics and speakers will be ready when that happens. Maybe it is backwards palnning, but that is how my head works... lol

Hey Steve,

How much of a difference is there in the sound between the Compli than the Toshiba you have? (movies and 2 channel listening)

I sort of regret not buying the compli when it first came out. At the time I had the sony 777 for two channel and the 9000es or Movies. the 777 is now gone and I'm not happy with the 9000es for Music.

I'm thinking about buying the compi or the new toshiba (XA2). I'm guessing that you don't have the HD-XA2 but I figure it has to be somewhat similar to the first gen toshiba HD player.

sound is just as important, if not more important than video to me. either one will be feeding a CB III with full extreme dacs.

I talked to theta and they are still trying to find a supplier for a dual format mechanism for their next gen Video player. This tells me it will be about a year before they replace the comlpi with a HD player. but I am wondering if the HD-XA2 will suffice for the time being when it comes to sound. especialy since I will be able to take advantage of the video in the process.



The Toshiba HD-XA1 on DVD sounds pretty good - not quite the Compli, but not bad at all. Much better than some other Pioneer DVD playes I've tried from time to time. Two channelwise (using Six Shooter) it ain't the Compli or near. And multi-channelwise, its a real deal combined with the Six Shooter.

I had a Sony SCD-777ES some years ago - not near as good sounding as Compli in SACD.

I think Theta is much more than a year away from a HD DVD or Blue Ray or combo player. And it won't do multi-channel SACD or DVD-A - I like these formats, but from a financial perspective, they are "dead" and Theta simply won't be doing that in a HD player. No one told me, its common sense. And the LG combo HD/Blue Ray player has some problems when it comes to HD DVD menus, etc. So I think its gonna be awhile till this all gets sorted out.

Zoubs,

Thanks for that post. As far as the room this stuff is going into, well, I am not sure. i am going to be relocated when I return to the states, so we will have to see what happens.

I do want to get the best gear I can now, as I will be saving as much money as I can over the next year. I plan on eventually having a dedicated HT room in whatever house I buy, but I would like to know that my electronics and speakers will be ready when that happens. Maybe it is backwards palnning, but that is how my head works... lol

Given how HDMI and surround processing will have some hopefully nice positive improvements in the next year or two, you should keep a running tab of what you want, but fiinalize it when you get your room. Patience will reward you with the best sound for the buck. Unless you 've got unlimited funds. Do your preliminary research now, but make your decision once you've got the home based on then current gear available.

A related idea is watch Audiogon for a used Granite Audio 657 tube CD player. They come up on occasion. Retail was $3,000. Used probably $1500 to $1700.
Has a volume control and will connect direct to your amplifier(s). You could use this for top notch redbook CD listening as soon as you get home - and then take your time gettin' the rest of your gear. Its analog output sounds as good as the CB3s Xtreme DACs, as I've had this in my system in the past.

Thank you for serving. As far as pre pros and dvd players, it is always best to wait until the last possible moment before deciding as technology and pricing changes. I have a CBII and do enjoy it very much but I am still waiting for the HD media skirmish to shake out and see what Theta may or may not have to offer for HD before making any move to upgrade or buy a new prepro.

A dealer friend of mine just lent me a Ayre DX-7 DVD player. I hooked it up a couple of hours ago and so far I have to say that I am impressed with the sound.

Waiting for night fall to check out the video. I wouldn't buy this piece because it seems pretty limited in functionality. Actually it seems obsolete.

I am wondering if you had the chance to compare the Are with the compi? If they are similar in sound, than I might have my temporary answer. the guy who lent it to me is also a Theta dealer but never actually heard the compi so he couldn't provide me any input. So far I have to agree with him on the audio performance of the Ayre. It almost sounds Juicy.


Your thoughts?

I demod the Ayre CD DVD predecessor (X1?) some years ago, soundwise it and my then Theta Voyager were difficult to tell apart. My Compli I believe is better sounding even than the Voyager.

Hey HT_New_Guy,

I finally caught on to this thread and have to thank Steve for noticing your duty and acknowledging it.

I think every US Citizen should remember that however they may feel regarding the war our Service Men and Woman should be afforded the RESPECT they so rightfully deserve.

Since I am close to San Diego I do have friends who are active military personal so I know how tough it can be at times.

Even though you feel you do not need to be thanked publicly it is the least I can do.

Thank You Very Much HT_New_Guy for your service to our country.

To any other US Service Personal let me thank you as well from a grateful citizen.

HT_New_Guy,

A very grateful citzen here as well....Nice work and we appreciate your sacrifices to protect us here at home and abroad.

If ever you get to Detroit, let me offer you a demo of my system, dinner and, of course, a nice bottle of wine (or two).

HT_New_Guy,
No matter how much you protest, you and your colleagues are the true heroes of our time. Paris Hilton, Immigration Policy, and Tubes-vs.-Solid State are all background noise compared to your sacrifice. Indeed, you make those distractions possible.
May God be with you.
Charlie

HT_New_Guy, another very grateful citizen here.

May I ask you a question: out of all the service people you see your area in Iraq, how many get daily access or at least access to the Internet when they want it? I was told very few get access to the Internet and that the connections to the 'net are slow, like dialup.
Is this true?