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206K views 638 replies 42 participants last post by  Agcohen4 
#1 · (Edited)
Last updated: 3/18/24
(sorry photos -- and build progression -- got lost in some photobucket/AVS thing a while back. PM me if you want to see something)

* LINK to HT thread Pics overview of basement and HT (10/17/09) *

Index
(Indexing idea from oman321's thread)
RSC200 dimensions and screen height, Sound Anchors CC stands, CC pics, CC fill info, CC stand
Coloring scheme:
  • green = FW updates
  • blue = internet links or highlights
  • red = highlights or something that might (or did) change
Main HT System:
HT Room:

-- Dedicated HT room - designed by Rives Audio (Level 1+) with some modifications (eg front partial wall added after design)
–- Room dimensions - 22' 4" x 17' 6" x 7'7” height (ceiling diffusers hang down 3 ft) -- Room volume: ~2900 ft^3
-- Screen height (middle): 56"
-- Seating for 8 = 4 in front, 4 in back on a ~6” riser - rsh (AVS) - Private Collection - 3033 - Ovations
-- Approximate screen-to-seat distance:
---- Front row: ~10 ft
---- Back row: ~17 ft

-- Acoustic Room Treatments
---- QuietRock drywall on interior wall and ceiling (with HVAC routed through it so not perfect)
---- Bass traps (floor to ceiling, 703 fiberglass wrapped) in 4 corners
---- Ceiling diffusers (703 on top, wood on bottom)
---- Soffit traps
---- Wall diffusers
-- Room wall and ceiling color: Sherwin-Williams “Warm Stone”
-- Partial false front wall - ~144" across (allows access to electric cabinet behind)
-- Partial front wall color: Sherwin-Williams "Tricorn Black" (flat)
-- there is a central pillar ~18.5 ft from front wall-- new (darker) carpet installed summer 2015
Rack: Middle Atlantic WR-37-32 (pulls out and swivels to allow access to back of rack
-- although too heavy now with gear in it! )
- 19"- Front Panel: MA UN1-1C
---- Switchcraft RS232 - for Denon AVR (not sure of utility now with AVR-A1H)
---- Switchcraft RS232 - (originally for Lumagen Radiance XE)
---- Switchcraft USB - for Lumagen Radiance Pro 4446
---- Switchcraft HDMI - for easy HDMI input to Lumagen Pro
---- Switchcraft Ethernet - for access if someone has a laptop

Rack lights: Middle Atlantic PDLT-815RV-RN
Power: dedicated 20A lines, house electric, ethernet, & coaxial cable (Intermatic) surge protection
-- Electronics: Surge-X SEQ
-- Projector: Furman F1500-UPS (12/30/22 installed)
OLD/Recycled: Furman M1500-UPS-PFP (repaired capacitors and new battery in 2013, also stopped working again 4-2016)
-- Mains/sub: Panamax M2A20
Projector: JVC RS520
-- HDMI (in wall/ceiling): Monoprice Cabarnet Ultra CL2 Active High Speed HDMI Cable, 30 ft
-- Settings:--- FW: v30.1 -- 07/08/17 Updated JVC RS520 from FW v29.2 (came with projector) -> v30.1
"This new Firmware will fix an intermittent lock up issue while viewing or switching UHD/4K@60P sources.
Applicable models: DLA-RS420, DLA-RS520, DLA-RS620, DLA-X570, DLA-X770, DLA-X970
Current Version: 0000, Release Date: 2001-01-01
Available Versions
Version: v30.1, Release Date: 2017-03-21

...Source: Apple TV 4K gen2
Video processor: Lumagen RadiancePro 4446 {18 GHz input x2 & 18 GHz output x1 cards} 2021 version
1/20/21 Updated 1RU version from 2016 2RU version
-- 4446: 8 inputs, 4 processed outputs, 1RU case (1/20/21 arrived)
-- FW Beta 030424- Posted 031724 - on 3/18/24 -- Lumagen

Beta 012724 - Posted 021024 More HDR dynamic tone mapping improvements. Subtitle vertical shift feature fixed for letterbox bottom & top autoaspect modes. Menu sizing and placement options added in the menu under Other: Menu Control: Menu Options. Menu colors changed. Added ZQI54 rs232 command to read back auto aspect status, replies with 1/0 for enabled/disabled. Some small bug fixes. Please continue sending your detailed feedback to support@lumagen.com
Update time ~5 minutes @230k from previous firmware.


---- "0581" on 06-13-18 to use new 18 GHz FW (didn't work). Did 0581 on 2-7-19 and it worked (posted in Lumagen thread)
-- Delay, Video setting: ???-
-- Notes: Lumagen Radiance Pro -> MENU 0819 - Pro to only report HDCP 1.X to HDCP 2.2 sources like the Amazon Fire TV w/ HDCP 1.X projector (RS20)


- OLD
-- Lumagen RadianceXE -- stopped working 4-2016. Troubleshooting with Jim Peterson (President Lumagen) on 4-12-16.
-- LumagenPro stopped working 1/2021. 1/20/21 Updated 1RU version from 2016 2RU version Lumagen RadiancePro 4446 {18 GHz input x2 & 18 GHz output x1 cards}
Lumagen RadiancePro 4444 (4-28-16) --> 12-24-16 converted to a 4446

--HDMI In:
--- 1 -
--- 2 -
--- 3
--- 4
--- 5 -
--- 6 -
--- 7 (18 GHz) -
--- 8 (18 GHz) -

-- HDMI OUT
--- 1 (audio) -
--- 2 (video, 18 GHz)
--- 3
--- 4

Source HDMI cable:
Black Squid - HDMI Cable (6 Feet) with Braided Cord (4K 2K 2160p 1080p 3D 18Gbps) - High Speed Category 2 - Ethernet & Audio Return Channel

CALIBRATIONS:
1) Craig Rounds - 05/16/09 JVC RS20 w/ Lumagen RadianceXE
2) Craig Rounds - 06/29/13 JVC RS20 w/ Lumagen RadianceXE
3) @desertdome - 4/10/19 JVC RS520 w/ Lumagen Radiance Pro
3.5) @desertdome 05/11/19 updated and actually used a different method than his first time (RGB 709 color space) & fixed lip sync issue (Denon) & non-anamorphic stretch

  • RGB 709 colorspace (to avoid filter lumen loss)
  • CMS0 BR or UHD
  • CMS1 3D
Ceiling mount: Chief RPMA (O) Elite
  • doesn't work with JVC RS520 (brackets too small)
  • changed to a Chief SLM281 plate.
Screen: 2.40:1 Carada Brilliant White (BW) Criterion 128" (diagonal) screen
Anamorphic Lens: ISCO IIIL + CineSlide™ CSII Anamorphic Lens Transport
-- (special thanks to Wayne / @funlvr1965 (now @HTMarine), Scott / @GetGray, and Jim R. [carpenter] for their help)
Television: Apple TV 4K x4 (house wide) in generation 1 to 3 versions
Receiver: Denon AVR-A1H (install 1/26/23)
  • Audyssey XT calibration - pending
  • Pro kit with converter from Amazon - Audyssey Line-Level to mic Level Adapter, Female RCA/Phono to Male 1/8” (3.5mm) Mini-Plug - Amazon.com

Subwoofer: SVS PB12-Ultra/2 (rosewood) (SVS link)
--- 1 plug = Tuned to 20 Hz -- I'd consider changing this to 16 Hz given that I have enough headroom at 20 Hz
--- 12/24/22 - 2 plug = Tuned to 16 Hz


OLD / Replaced 12-23-22
Denon 5308CI
-- FW updated 8-6-09
-- MultEQ(xt) optimization:
---- Room EQ:
"Audyssey Flat" (due to acoustical room treatments - so not Audyssey reference) -> actually changed to Pro kit version (see subsequent posts around 11-06-09)
---- Dynamic EQ: ON
---- Dynamic Volume: OFF
---- Added Bass: 05/07/17 added +3 to Subwoofer in AVR (moved -10 to -7 setting)

Power amplifier: (Pending): Apollon Audio Purifi 1ET7040SA - 250 W/ch @ 8ohm x7 channels
Blu Ray/SACD/DVD-A: Oppo UDP-203-- Firmware - updated 12/28/18
-- Firmware - updated 02/09/19
Latest Official Release Version
Release date: February 8, 2019
Category: Latest Official Release

Main Version: UDP20X-65-0131
Loader Version: TF0035
MCU Version: MCU203-01-1118


-- UDP-203 Settings:
---- Source Direct
---- Was previously using 50-100 nit on slider, but turned off after 052017 Lumagen FW update
Game: Xbox Pro "Jasper" (12.1A/150W PS) 60 GB HD w/ "carbon fiber" faceplate -
Link
Speaker Cables (L/R): Raven Audio Soniquil 2m
Mains: av123 Rocket RS1000 Signature
-- toed in toward center, front seats
-- powered woofers pointing: "in"
Center: av123 Rocket RSC200 Signature
-- Center channel stand: Sound Anchors Studio CC stand
Side surrounds: av123 Rocket RSS300 dipole
Rear surrounds: av123 Rocket RS250 MkII
-- Ceiling Mounts: Yamaha BWS50-260
Subwoofer: SVS PB12-Ultra/2 (rosewood) (SVS link)
--- 2 plugs = Tuned to 16 Hz. Recalibrated Audyssey Dec 2022 with Denon AVR-2600
--- OLD: 1 plug = Tuned to 20 Hz

Ethernet Switch: TP-Link TL-SG1016 - 16 port Gigabit rack mount switch
Universal remote/lighting/HVAC control: none
HT Seating: Berkline 45088 (Front: 1-2-1, Back: 2 & 2) (from Roman/@rsh)


Other gear:
  • Sony tripod
  • CA183 light meter
  • Radio Shack digital SPL meter
  • Galaxy Audio CM140 SPL meter
  • MS7701B Euro Boom Mic stand & CM-01 adapter for Audyssey microphone
  • for Audyssey calibration - 6581 Black Microphone Gooseneck (19") -
    link
  • temperature (IR) meter
To Do List/Pending/Researching:
  • AVS "What I'd do differently next time thread" - link
  • iPod dock/MA rack connected ????
  • temperature probe/readout - eg link
  • Carada CIH Masquerade -- for a masking solution
  • remote/integration for HT and HVAC and lighting
=== remotecentral.com
---- currently using DirectTV and Oppo iPhone/iPad apps
--- need to read up on RS-232 controls - options
--- (eg, need component control - screen masking (pending), CineSlide, vertical stretch, Lumagen RadianceXE modes (pending))
--- (? can you trigger 2.35:1 button on Lumagen to activate CineSlide - yes, but how do you not activate it when you switch back and forth from 2.35/16:9 modes in Lumagen to look at menus on the bottom of screen)
Options:
--- AMX
----- AMX MVP-8400 (Search Results | AMX Audio Video Control Systems)
----- AMX NI-3100 with ICS (Search Results | AMX Audio Video Control Systems)
--- Control4
--- Crestron
--- iPhone / iPad solutions
--- RTI
--- Universal Remote Control (URC) - link -


Family Room
TV:
Sony 65" A95K
Cable box: None
BR: Oppo BDP-103
CD changer: Sony CDP-C350Z
Tape: Onkyo TA-W450
Surge: Brick Wall PW2RAUD2 & APC AV H10 (Silver)
House Amps (2): Russound CAM6.6 & 6.6T amps, speakers
+ new Russound 2 ch amp for 4 new outdoor under deck speakers
-- amp cooler - link
House speakers: Russound in wall, in ceiling, and outdoor speakers
Powered Blinds: Hunter Douglas
Remote: DirectTV remote
Ethernet: (wired & router = ???)


Other

Office #1 setup

--- Source/Music:
Spotify, Qobuz, or JRiver
--- DAC USB cord: Audioquest Pearl
--- DAC: Schiit Audio Bifrost 2/64
-> Sys (for whole house audio)
--- Surge:
--- Amp:
Chase Home Theater / Tweak City Audio (CHT/TCA) Gizmo v1.0 (orig) integrated class D amp (25WPC x 2 @ 4 ohms)
--- Speakers: CHT/TCA WAF-1 mini-monitors w/ Ninja Elite + No-Rez mod
--- Headphones: AKG K7XX Massdrop First Edition Headphones

Office #2
--- DAC:
Emotiva Stealth DC-1 (24 bit/192 kbps)
--- Source/Music: Spotify, Qobuz, or JRiver
--- Surge: none
--- Amp: none
--- Powered Speakers: Emotiva Airmotiv 4S


--- Other:
Amp:
FiiO A1 Mini 2x14W Class-D Digital Audio Amplifier
DAC2 (travel): LH Labs Geek Out V2A Infinity (SSM / "red" streaming filter for Tidal)
--- HP amp (temporary): Schiit Audio Jotunheim Multibit
--- HP amp #2: Schiit Audio Vali 2

- LH Labs 2014 orders not received: Geek Wave 64, Source 4T fi, Pulse Infinity DAC x2 w/ LightSpeed USB 2G cable x2, GPA S100 w/ sub out


Gym:
--- Source:
Apple TV 4K gen3
--- Power: Surge-X Flat Pak 82, APC AV H15
--- AVR: none
--- TV: Sony 43" X85
--- Cable:
--- BR:
Panasonic


Home Bar:
--- Power:
Surge-X Flat Pak 82
--- TV: Toshiba 42XV540U 1080p LCD
--- Source: Apple TV 4K

Kids Playroom
Power/Surge:
Adcom ACE-515
TV: Vizio P series ____ 50" 4K TV
AVR: Denon 2600 or Sony
Game: XBOX One X - hookup to AVR via optical
Cable/Sat: None
Mains: Infinity RS-4
Center: Infinity HTS-20

Other
DVD/BR Player:
Oppo BDP-80
--- BDP-80 FW (link) updated on: 2-12-10
--- Release date: January 18, 2010.
--- Category: Latest Official Release
--- Main Version: BDP80-10-1230
--- Loader Version: BT0350
--- Sub Version: MCU80-05-0815

Bedroom
DAC/HP: Schiit Audio Jotunheim Multibit

Ethernet distribution
- Cable modem:
Spectrum
- WiFi: ASUS ROG GT-AC5300 x2 (Ai Mesh)
- Ethernet switch (House): Netgear GS108 ProSafe 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch
- Ethernet switch (MA HT rack - mounted in back):
- NAS: --


Outdoor System
House Amps (3):
Russound CAM6.6 & 6.6T amps
+ new Russound 2 ch amp for 4 new outdoor under deck speakers
Speakers: Russound outdoor speakers - deck, garage
Speakers: 2 pairs of Klipsch (under deck)


Car Audio



More "Other Stuff":

Lumagen RadianceXE and JVC RS20 FW v1.1 Links:
- Lumagen RadianceXE for RS20 calibration (see craigr review in RS20 calibration [CMS v1.0] thread) - May 16 ?
---- Lumagen RadianceXD - manufacturer website
---- AVS thread of Radiance vs. RS20 alone "Would I benefit from a video processor (JVC RS20/Integra 9.9)" (by Zigrivers) - link
----------- Lawguy summary post on that thread - link
-------------- Radiance (vs RS20 v1.1 CMS) +: 1) "...Radiance still has better (easier to use) greyscale and gamma controls..." ; 2) "The Lumagen's scaling and image processing will be better than the RS20's. This would make the biggest difference with SD material. If you watch a lot of SD material, the Radiance is definitely worth it. If you mostly watch HD, the difference will be more modest or maybe not noticable."
-------------- Radiance (vs RS20 v1.1 CMS) -: 1)"The controls on the RS20 now work well. The CMS seems to really be as good as the Radiance's..." ; 2) any visible difference with v1.1 CMS vs . Radiance? ; 3) cost
-------------- Conclusion: So, to answer your question, "if you weren't concerned about budget" then get the Radiance.
---- AVS "Lumagen RadianceXD - Featuring Gennum VXP (!!)" thread - link
---- AVS "Unofficial RadianceXD FAQ" thread (by Dave G., a Badger) - link
- JVC RS20 firmware v1.1 upgrade for improved color management system (CMS) etc. -- see comments in this review and link here JVC MSIS (need to add "exe" extension to file to run) - JVC USA site for FW upgrade: link
Official JVC RS20 / HD750 Calibration and CMS thread...




Future/Next HT Room - What Would I do (differently)?
Room:

  • Larger room
  • Soundproofing - room within a room +/- QuietRock, etc.
  • More attention to design, HVAC (eg intake above rack), lighting, colors (not light carpet), integration, and doors in the back not side
  • Wiring for future proofing (eg balanced lines for powered speakers -- eg Seaton)
  • Wired ethernet
  • More power lines -- at 20A for capacity. 30A ?
  • Acoustics - integrated into wall instead of attached extrinsically with channels to allow changeout of wires
  • Audio - Atmos / Ceiling speakers
  • Carpet - darker (I like Gary's carpet from AVS HT Revealed)
Seating: front with couches/loungers and scattered traditional HT seating, more storage. ? Buttkickers or D-box (at least in a few seats)
Screen: acoustically transparent (AT) screen
Masking system: 4 way masking system -- Carada (no 4-way out yet) vs. other?
Projector: ???
--- (hopefully by then, LED based -- and good lumen output)
Pre: Denon pre vs. a top end AVR
Amps: Emotiva XPR-7/PMA-7350 (350 W/ch x7) vs. ??? (may not be needed if using powered speakers)
http://blog.hometheater.com/cedia201...emotivational/
Sources: Oppo, Streaming Audio sources -- focus on ease of use
Subs: JTR vs Seaton vs. in wall/custom
Speakers: Seaton Catalysts or Sparks vs. JTR vs ???



AV Forum Links
Acoustic Elegance Forum (subwoofers)
AVS Forum
Audioholics Home Theater Forums
Emotiva Lounge
Full Compass (store in Madison, WI area)
Home Theater Shack
Home Theater Spot
Lumagen User ForumMonoprice
Skiing Ninja Forum
Stereo Mojo
Stereophile
Tweak City Audio
Widescreen Review


Quotes:

- Andretti, Mario
“If everything’s under control, you’re probably moving too slow.”

- Cage, John
“If you develop an ear for sounds that are musical it is like developing an ego. You begin to refuse sounds that are not musical and that way cut yourself off from a good deal of experience.”

- Drucker, Peter
"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all."

- Feynman, Richard, American Physicist
"Science is the belief in the ignorance of the experts."

- Holt, J. Gordon
"The better the ad, the worse the product."

- Lang, Michael (about Woodstock)
"The time was right, the place was right, the spirit was right, and we were right.
What resulted was a celebration and confirmation of our humanity -- one of the few instances in history, to my knowledge, when joy became big news."

- Lenin
“The best and quickest way to undermine any society is through it’s music.”

- Mayo, Charles H.
1931 – “It took the world from the day of its creation to the time of the sixteenth century to raise a doubting thomas of sufficient mental strength and courage to state that questions were not answered by authority, but by experiment.”

- Moby
“I had an epiphany a few years ago where I was out at a celebrity party and it suddenly dawned on me that I had yet to meet a celebrity who is as smart and interesting as any of my friends.”

- Nietzsche, Friedrich
"A “scientific” interpretation of the world, as you understand it, might therefore be one of the most stupid of all possible interpretations of the world, meaning that it would be one of the poorest in meaning."
"Without music life would be a mistake."

Pass, Nelson
"We should no more let numbers define audio quality than we should let chemical analysis be the arbiter of fine wines."

- Pauling, Linus
"The first step in applying the scientific method consists in being curious about the world."

- von Recklinghausen, Daniel R.
"If it measures good and sounds bad, -- it is bad.
If it sounds good and measures bad, -- you've measured the wrong thing."

- Sharma, Chris
“In Zen they talk about keeping a beginner’s mind and experiencing each moment fresh and completely open without the hindrances of expectations and regret.

"The expert’s mind thinks it knows everything and therefore sets up extra standards that are not really necessary.”

- Young, Neal (in Stereophile June 2015 p.137) "Latest ideas show that music probably came before language, which in turn led to our culture. In many ways, music is what being human is all about. We have a primordial need to make, receive, and share music. Without it, we are incomplete."

Headphones:
Aeon Flow Closed
HiFiMan HE-560 (via Geek/LH Labs bundle) x2 (screw in cables) + - Moon Audio Blue Dragon V3 balanced cable
- stock
AKG K7XX Massdrop First Edition Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-Pro500MK2 (Massdrop)
Meze

IEMs:
iBasso IT04
Campfire Audio Orion & Vega

Sieveking Omega Headphone Stand (Zebrano) - from Massdrop
 
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#303 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/16893015


I finally got this done today.

See notes and pics from Wayne above...

I used:

- Middle Atlantic Products UNI-1C - connector plate

- Switchcraft EHDB9MFB - 9 Pin DSUB Male to Female


Not exactly high up on the list of technical prowess, but I got it done.

Since I just did a Radiance FW update, I haven't tested it out to make sure it's function (now I need another RS232 cable), but it should work.


Mike

Picture:

- MA blank plate

- MA UNI-1C & Switchcraft adapter

- Lumagen RadianceXE

- iPod dock

- Surge-X SEQ (non-MOV) surge protector


I finally used this external RS232 for a Lumagen RadianceXE FW update.

It worked.

No problem.

Thanks Wayne/funlvr1965 for suggesting it.

I'd still like to see a front FW update port incorporated in the Lumagens...



Mike
 
#304 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/17038903


I finally used this external RS232 for a Lumagen RadianceXE FW update.

It worked.

No problem.

Thanks Wayne/funlvr1965 for suggesting it.

I'd still like to see a front FW update port incorporated in the Lumagens...



Mike

Your welcome Mike, it makes rackmounted gear so much easier to update this way. I also update my Anthem D2 processor using a second installed pin rs232 port. Next is getting the ethernet port to go live, not high on the list currently but will get it done eventually.
 
#305 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by funlvr1965 /forum/post/17039396


Your welcome Mike, it makes rackmounted gear so much easier to update this way. I also update my Anthem D2 processor using a second installed pin rs232 port. Next is getting the ethernet port to go live, not high on the list currently but will get it done eventually.

Wayne -


So remind me of your setup for external (front) connections:

- RS-232 - Oppo BDP83

- RS-232 - Anthem D2

- Ethernet -- is this because you can't hook up your ethernet from behind the rack?


Will you be using an ethernet switch to hookup to your various components?


I had to crawl behind my bookcase (through bass traps) because the pull out MA rack is too heavy for one person to pull out (maybe not for Wayne
) and pushed in a loose HDMI for my XBOX 360.

I then connected to my computer and played MP3s from my music library and watched some family pics.


I realize that is all very basic stuff for people, but I hadn't done it before.


Mike
 
#306 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/17046890


Wayne -


So remind me of your setup for external (front) connections:

- RS-232 - Oppo BDP83

- RS-232 - Anthem D2

- Ethernet -- is this because you can't hook up your ethernet from behind the rack?


Will you be using an ethernet switch to hookup to your various components?


I had to crawl behind my bookcase (through bass traps) because the pull out MA rack is too heavy for one person to pull out (maybe not for Wayne
) and pushed in a loose HDMI for my XBOX 360.

I then connected to my computer and played MP3s from my music library and watched some family pics.


I realize that is all very basic stuff for people, but I hadn't done it before.


Mike

Mike the RS232 connections on the front of the plate is for updating the lumagen and the Anthem D2, I did not get the RS232 port on the Oppo like you did. The ethernet port is going to be so I can plug my laptop into for direct ethernet connection as opposed to wireless, it will be connected to a wired router and the ethernet feed from that will come from my original router 2 floors up in my office. Im sure that all makes sense
 
#307 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by funlvr1965 /forum/post/17046984


Mike the RS232 connections on the front of the plate is for updating the lumagen and the Anthem D2, I did not get the RS232 port on the Oppo like you did. The ethernet port is going to be so I can plug my laptop into for direct ethernet connection as opposed to wireless, it will be connected to a wired router and the ethernet feed from that will come from my original router 2 floors up in my office. Im sure that all makes sense

Got it.

I misspoke/wrote.

I knew you had the Lumagen and Anthem.

The Oppo doesn't update via RS232, that is only for control.

Your wireless must have interference to make it tough to reach the basement.


Cool.


Mike
 
#308 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/17049580


Got it.

I misspoke/wrote.

I knew you had the Lumagen and Anthem.

The Oppo doesn't update via RS232, that is only for control.

Your wireless must have interference to make it tough to reach the basement.


Cool.


Mike

Mike I'm just not a big believer in firmware updates being done wirelessly to begin with, I do get a wireless signal in the basement theater but yes at times there can be interference in my area.
 
#309 ·
I was digging around in another thread and googled some old speakers --
Infinity SM-152.

I found this AVS link (and specs -- not even on the Infinity website support):

Woofer: 15" (381mm) polypropylene coated
Power Rating: 10 - 300 watts
Frequency Response: 44Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB)
Midrange Drivers: TWO - 4.5" (114mm) polypropylene coated
Tweeter: 1" (25mm) high-output polycell
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 102dB (1 watt/1 meter)
Crossover Frequency(ies): 500Hz, 5.5kHz


------

Man, a 102 dB sens -- no wonder they were great for college house parties!



It's also interesting to see that what I thought had a lot of bass had a -3dB point of 44Hz. Nothing beats a dedicated sub.


Mike
 
#310 ·
I ordered this Computer Soundcard - link to search thread at AVS - for my Russound-based whole house audio system:

Audiotrak Prodigy HD2
Link

Potential purchase site: link




Prodigy HD2 shows the latest technology in high end audio playback for audiophile users.


Prodigy HD2 supports 192 kHz at 24-bit with a sensational dynamic range of 120dB(a) for playback - no other hardware in this price range provides this high level of output quality. Even better: the hardware is equipped with 3 OpAmps on sockets, this makes it possible to swap and exchange the OpAmps based on specific requirements.


Prodigy HD2 is a Low Profile PCI card, shipping with a metal bracket for a conventional PCI slot and with a bracket that allows the installation in Low Profile slots - this makes Prodigy HD2 perfect for media center and home theater solutions where small PC cases are used.


The included driver software is providing perfect compatibility (ASIO, GSIF, WDM) under all current Windows versions including Windows Vista 32-bit & 64-bit, offering high performance and low latency operation. DirectWIRE 3.0 support in the driver allows you to virtually patch your digital audio sources internally between different software applications running at the same time.





Features
  • PCI audio interface based on VIA VT1721 (Envy24HT-S)
  • PCI card supplied with standard and low profile metal bracket
  • 24 bit / 192kHz playback (analog & digital)
  • 24 bit / 96kHz recording
  • high quality AKM AK4396 120dB(a) S/N ratio DA converter for extremly high quality 2 channel audio playback via RCA output connectors (5Hz - 40kHz frequency response)
  • triple OpAmp design for audio output with three high quality Fairchild NE5532 OpAmps on separate sockets (can be exchanged for tuning & customization)
  • headphone output with 1/8" connector routed via JRC4580 dual OpAmp
  • analog line input with 1/8" connector via AKM AK5353/7 102dB(a) S/N ratio AD converter (20Hz - 40kHz frequency response)
  • optical S/PDIF digital output following IEC-958C standard, can be used for stereo audio playback (PCM) and multichannel streams from such sources (AC-3 or DTS data)
  • EWDM driver based on ESI technology for all current Windows Versions

---------------
Computer (desktop, home)

- Cyberpower

- CPU: Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.67 GHz

- Audio: Creative SB X-Fi Extreme Fatal1Ty (not working ??? -- having intermittent problems with output. Unclear of problem exactly)

- Video: ATI Radeon HD 4870

- Monitor: Del 2408WFP

- Memory: 6 GB

- OS: Windows Vista Ultimate - 64 - SP1


Use:

1) headphone output to computer monitor speakers

2) RCA output to Russound house sound amps


-------------------------------------------------


I'm now thinking about the Squeezebox...


- Squeezebox Duet or

- Squeezebox Touch

--- other Touch links -- Slashgear , Gizmodo , AVForums




DABDig (specs and more pics):

Page includes FCC report and specs:

4.3 LCD panel with capacitive touch screen

High quality analog and headphone outputs (24bit/96k)

Optical and coax S/PDIF outputs

802.11g wireless

64MB SDRAM & 64MB NAND flash

SD card slot & USB host connector

Internal speech-grade microphone and speaker - sound effects and preview

IR sensor for remote control

Ambient light sensor for dimming screen at night

IR proximity sensor for detecting user approaching

Digital temperature sensor for home automation




Audiocircle (specs and pics)


Technical Specifications


o Audio formats:

-MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, Apple Lossless

-WMA Lossless, APE, MPC and WavPack supported through transcoding

-Some formats may require additional software installation

o Internet radio

-Support for MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and WMA formatted Internet Radio streams

o Wireless interface

-True 802.11g wireless networking

-Support for 802.11b and 802.11g routers and access points

-One-touch setup (with compatible WPS-supporting routers)

-Supports WPA Personal, WPA-2AES, and 64/128-bit WEP encryption

o Ethernet interface

-Connects to any 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps network (with Auto MDX)

o General:

-USB host connector for accessing music and photos via USB drive or USB key

-SD card slot for music and photos

-Supports sampling rates up to 24 bit / 96 kHz

-Stereo analog (RCA), headphone jack, digital optical, and digital coax output

-4.3-inch 24-bit color LCD with capacitive touch screen

-Ambient light sensor to adjust display brightness according to environment

-Infrared proximity sensor to detect presence




Mike
 
#311 ·
 Audiotrak - Prodigy HD2 soundcard installed and back to both desktop monitor audio and Russound whole house audio.
Nice!

Mike
 
#312 ·
TCA WAF-1 vs. av123 ELT525M Mini-monitor Comparison

TCA Ordering: TCA efficient, fast response and delivery
TCA Packaging: WAF-1 was well packed, double boxed.
Exterior: I like 525 veneer and corners better.
525 more narrow, but both are nice.
One of my WAF-1 grills came off. TCA replacing.

Caveats:
- suboptimal setup in office - but how I am really using my system
- no A/B switch
- not SPL or voltage matched and unblended
- known biases - I really liked my 525M's before this. I like the TCA company.
- Early comparison and I'm not a "real" audio reviewer

Sound:
- Immediately noticed that the WAF-1 slightly louder than 525M (likely due to sensitivity difference 83 vs. 86 dB) - adjusted by ear to compare
- WAF-1 more neutral, and clear/articulate
- WAF-1 more forward

Conclusions:
- either WAF-1 or 525M are great bookshelf/office speakers
- the 525M may be more forgiving of bad sources (warm/softer)
- the WAF-1 in comparison is more clear/articulate/forward
- the 525M is lower sensitivity
- aesthetic styles are different

Other comments:
- a front ported system might be easier to integrate in some bookshelf type settings
(however, craigsub noted that plugging the rear port results in a FR cutoff around 75 Hz, which is okay if integrated with a sub -- link )



iPhone Pics....
(iPhone doesn't capture how good the speakers look)

TCA WAF-1 packing




TCA WAF-1 (rosewood) and av123 ELT525M (cherry) mini-monitors in office w/ old Denon AVR and Emotiva UPA-2




Mike

 
#313 ·
My APC AV H10 surge protection arrived.

$79 + S/H from Circuit City online.

Nice.


Old Denon AVR removed for tinkering or recycling.


(iPhone pics)

 
#314 ·
Updated Oppo BDP-83 beta FW.

Awaiting a chance to do the new FW production update to Lumagen (allowing PIP).


Also, updated some posts with pictures to embed them.

Cleaned up post #1 and added an index -- I got the idea from someone's HT thread and I'll credit him when I remember whom.




Mike


PS - Wife got home from surgery today, so just chillin' out at home.
 
#315 ·
Empiric rationale for using 4:2:2 for Oppo BDP-83 posted in Oppo thread:

Link


Oppo BDP-83 - 4:2:2 better than RGB better than 4:4:4


From that post (minus pics):

"I have compared the performance of the different color spaces available in HDMI using the Spears and Munsil Zone Plate and Multiburst tests : RGB video levels, YCbCr 4:2:2 and YCbCr 4:4:4.

The Oppo BDP-83, firmware 905, is connected in an Eizo HD2442W monitor through HDMI (1)

The differences are small. I don't know if this could have any visible effect in a movie. So it's mostly an academic exercise.

YCbCr 4:2:2 performs best, followed by RGB, followed by YCbCr 4:4:4, which darkens the most the edges of the pattern.

I've taken some pictures of the screen (2). The pictures are intentionnally blurred from the lens in order to avoid extra moire and bandwidth issues in the camera."




Mike
 
#316 ·
Blu Ray/SACD/DVD-A: Oppo BDP-83 with RS-232 modification

-- BDP-83 Settings:

----- Default = Link

----- My settings: 4:2:2 (rationale: craigr post link & empiric data ), Source Direct, Deep color: Off (Dithered, w/ FW 38-0905 - why dither links - #1, #2), DVD 24p conversion off, CEC off
-- BDP-83 FW :
----- Main Version: BDP83-38-0905
----- Loader Version: BE2600
----- Sub Version: MCU83-24-0630

-----------------------------------------------------------

From Pio2001:


Link #1


Link #2



Mike
 
#318 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Happytobehere200 /forum/post/17175892


Mike. It may just be me but your recent iPhone pics don't seem to display.

Thanks.

I think it is fixed.

I dropped off the old Denon AVR at Best Buy for recycling.


Mike
 
#319 ·
New FW update for Lumagen RadianceXE is cool...

Link


The PIP mode does moves the PIP window around the screen.

The default is a 3x3 grid:

0/1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9


That is, Mode 0 (or 1) in left upper quadrant (LUQ), 2 in upper center, 3 in RUQ, 4 on left center, 5 in center, 6 right center, 7 LLQ, 8 lower center, 9 RLQ.


As far as I can see you can't move the position "on the fly" or change size or transparency without going into the menu.


In Menu -> Other -> Pip Setup

you can change/select:


- Mode#

- X

- Y

- Size

- Density


X, Y change position

Size goes from 10-95%

Density - 10-100% - changes the transparency



Very cool.


WISH LIST:

- PIP SWAP function

- analog input support (not just HDMI)

- "on the fly changes" - eg -- arrow keys to move the PIP around the screen and/or change size as well.

- 50% split screen



Mike
 
#321 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Happytobehere200 /forum/post/17177294


Post 313 yes, 312 no. Only pointing it out because I like pictures and your thread is so well organized I hate to see errors.

Rats!



...and thanks (again).



I added files, embedded and closed and re-opened and they are there for me.

Work now?


Mike
 
#322 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/17178042


Rats!



...and thanks (again).



I added files, embedded and closed and re-opened and they are there for me.

Work now?


Mike

Yes, perfect. I have an old pair of AR's in my study. Buried with books on the shelf. They play with the house music server but have thought at times it might be nice to have an alternative so wanted to see yours. I need to clean up first but I love the pics.
 
#323 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Happytobehere200 /forum/post/17184363


Yes, perfect. I have an old pair of AR's in my study. Buried with books on the shelf. They play with the house music server but have thought at times it might be nice to have an alternative so wanted to see yours. I need to clean up first but I love the pics.

I'm a good AV enabler.




Mike
 
#324 ·
Here's a DAC a friend pointed out to me:

AMB Laboratories γ2 Compact High Performance DAC
http://www.amb.org/audio/gamma2/


DIY - ~$70 ( link )

Basic feature set
  • Designed for the Box Enclosures B2-080 series extruded aluminum case, available in various colors.
  • 24-bit 192KHz top-of-the-line Wolfson WM8741, WM8742 or WM8740 DAC chips.
  • Texas Instruments/Burr-Brown SRC4192 or Analog Devices AD1896 ASRC.
  • Ultra-low jitter onboard CMOS oscillator for I²S master clock.
  • The upsampling process eliminates jitter, and optimizes the DAC chip's digital filter performance.
  • ASRC chip and oscillator may be omitted and bypassed with jumpers.
  • Plugs into γ1 for USB and S/PDIF (coax and optical) inputs and power. γ1's onboard WM8501 DAC is retained for two DACs sharing one enclosure.
  • Unbalanced-to-balanced converter, analog 100KHz low-pass filter, output buffer based on the Texas Instruments/Burr-Brown OPA2365 or Analog Devices AD8656 CMOS rail-to-rail dual opamp.
  • Analog line outputs (RCA jacks and 3.5mm stereo mini jack), with high output current and low output impedance.
  • Onboard power supply voltage regulation (separate LDO voltage regulators for the digital and analog sections), with extensive use of ferrite beads for noise rejection.
  • Through-hole resistors, capacitors, ferrites and other parts to reduce build difficulty. The only SMD parts are the various ICs and voltage regulators.
  • In default configuration, all parts (including jacks) are PCB-mounted. No internal wiring necessary.
  • The printed circuit board has three copper layers, two of which contain largely contiguous, low-impedance ground planes which are tightly-coupled with a matrix of vias. This minimizes current loops. Traces are carefully routed to assure maximum signal integrity and minimum jitter.
 
#325 ·
I was thinking about getting a Logitech Harmony 900 remote.

Link





Not for my main HT room (which will likely get an AMX or Crestron or ???), but for my family room.


Family Room
TV: Mits WD52628 DLP
Cable box: Samsung SMT-H3090 (on 4/11/09 replaced a SA8300HD)
DVR Expander: WD 500GB MyDVR Expander via eSATA
BR: Samsung BD-P2550
DVD: Oppo DV-980H
CD changer: Sony CDP-C350Z
Tape: Onkyo TA-W450
Surge: Brick Wall PW2RAUD2 & APC AV H10 (Silver)
House Amps (2): Russound CAM6.6 & 6.6T amps, speakers

-- amp cooler - link
House speakers: Russound in wall/ceiling and outdoor speakers



It also would need to control 3 IR based motorized (Hunter Douglas

UXURC4U remote) window shades.

Maybe a Squeezbox Duet in the future as well.

Any other competing products that I should consider for this application?


The RF part would be useful as I have the gear behind a wood door cabinet.

I currently either open the doors (or theoretically) use a Russound universal remote with IR blasters.



Thanks


Mike


PS - I was thinking about buying from
Amazon - $356 now.


EDIT:

The Hunter Douglas UXURC4U remote looks like it isn't in the database, but can be learned.
Official Logitech Harmony 900 Thread


New thread for above post in Remote subforum - link
 
#326 ·
Screenshot.

My son's head is in the shot for size perspective....




Looks like a line of white in center bottom.

Will need to look at that a little.
 
#327 ·
Pics of family room setup...

Family Room
TV: Mits WD52628 DLP
Cable box: Samsung SMT-H3090 (on 4/11/09 replaced a SA8300HD)
DVR Expander: WD 500GB MyDVR Expander via eSATA
BR: Samsung BD-P2550
DVD: Oppo DV-980H
CD changer: Sony CDP-C350Z
Tape: Onkyo TA-W450
Surge: Brick Wall PW2RAUD2 & APC AV H10 (Silver)
House Amps (2): Russound CAM6.6 & 6.6T amps, speakers

-- amp cooler - link
House speakers: Russound in wall/ceiling and outdoor speakers

 
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