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206K views 637 replies 41 participants last post by  Mike_WI 
#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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#429 ·
I'm DIY on some stuff and (over-)research stuff.

It kind of depends on my current level of energy, competing time sinks, and how crazy the kids are...



Mike
 
#430 ·
I sell the URC's to folks who have the time, ability and inclination to deal with their software. It's not exactly user friendly IMO, but not too bad really. For the times when you realize you are missing some command or function and want to sit down at a PC and add it, I love them for that. I'd hate it if I had to call a programer every time I wanted a small change or tweak. Then again, a good programer will likley cover all your bases on the front end so maybe you won't need to. The Nevos are popular, too but they are tighter with their software. I've had some training with it, but no real experience yet. I will say their new 3.0 software looks pretty slick. They do not have a MSC400 type device though, only a smaller unit. They can do 2 way and TPCIP atleast the "big" one IIRC. I prefer a wand style remote and currently use the MX980. It's not as ergonomic as my old MX850. The 850 didn't have the spiffy color screens, but the ergonomics and usabity of it was second to none IMO. I've even considered more than once going back to it just becasue I like it's feel better than any wand I ever used. I tried to convery that sentiment to them at CEDIA, I might as well been trying to sell them undersea tracts of land. My idea of the perfect wand would be a MX850 with a color (graphics) screen. The things about touch screen remotes that a lot of my customers don't think about until I mention it are a) depending on the remote it is a 2 handed operation (i.e. MX6000) and b) you have to look at one to use it, or at least to use anything programmed to the screen. I like a remote I can pick up and know where the main buttons are by feel. The 850 was great in that way.
 
#431 ·
It's interesting.

I have many, many remotes.

Startup procedure is:

- hit big red button on Surge-X power - by hand

- turn on BR (or other source) - by hand

- turn on RS20 - by hand

- +/- Cineslide remote

- +/- adjust AR with Lumagen remote

- adjust Vol by Denon remote

- control source (eg Oppo BR) with source remote

- (dim/turn off lights) - by hand


Yet, by the time the projector warms up and a disc is put in, it's all okay and I then can generally do anything with two remotes for Volume/source control.

Not elegant (or easy for my wife, in-laws, etc) to understand, but "uncomplicated (sort of).


I like the wand type of remotes better.


Get Grays point about being able to tweak yourself for changes in gear, etc. is a good one.

Especially if most stuff is setup by someone and then you can tweak.

This will all go into my "hedonistic calculator" tabulations in the future...



Thanks for the input...


Mike
 
#432 ·
From Lonnie (admin) at Emotiva forum today:
Link

"Well I have been a little remiss about getting you up to speed on the XDA and I am sorry.

We got in the final cosmetic sample and have been testing and listening to it extensively. First off let me say that the sound quality is unlike anything else we have done before. It is really something special. The discrete output stages in the XDA are in a league of their own. The discrete output stage we did for the ERC and USP as good as they are can’t hang with this thing. The depth and detail in the music is so deep and accurate it is difficult to describe, so I have no doubt you will love it once we release it.

Now the bad news. We placed the XDA on top of the ERC (we were using it for a transport) and while we were listening to it, we just couldn’t get past the fact that the cosmetics didn’t match and it just didn’t look right. So we have redesigned the front panel to give it a more family look. Unfortunately this will delay the release a little longer, but all the electronics are solid and fully check out. So hopefully this won’t delay things too much longer because I know many of you have been waiting for a while.

I am sorry about the delay but we want you to enjoy the whole experience of the unit and have it match up with all the other gear, so hang in there it is coming."


Mike



__________________


Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/17976769


I missed this additional rendering of an Emotiva DAC

(obviously the timeline is off as no actual prouduct has come out yet...)
Link (@ Emotiva Forum - 12-7-09):


*EDIT*

More info...

Updated: 3-24-10

Emotiva XDA-1 digital-analog converter (DAC)

Cost: $299.00

Specifications:
(pending)

Features:

- headphone jack

- volume control: digital & global (for all inputs)

--- therefore, turn volume to MAX for use with pre-amp

- 6 discrete output stages

- selectable inputs

- segmented power supply

Other info:

- 1 RU high

- old name was XDC-1

Future:

- "At this time I am just working on this one. The baby version is down the road. "
 
#433 ·
"Yes for all of you with racks or planning on putting your gear in racks, we now have the rack ears you need.

They will attach to all the existing gear.

They all have billet trim on the front to match the gear and full support of the gear all the way back (unlike so many other ears out there).

There are three different models depending on what you have.

URS-2 for the ERC, UMC, USP, etc.
URL-2 for the UPA-1 and UPA-2
URE-4 for all the amplifiers.

So what do they cost? Drum Roll please................
- $39.99 for the 2RU
- $49.99 for the 4RU

Just a couple of pics for you."

(See Emotiva forum for pics) -- Link




I may get an XPA-3 set.
I'm currently using a "universal" shelf for my Middle Atlantic rack.

...

I looked at my M.A. rack last night and I'm not sure the rack ears will make that much of a cosmetic difference vs. the XPA-3 sitting on a universal tray.

I'll see if inertia vs. trying something new wins out!

Mike

*EDIT*

Some followup posts have indicated problems with these rack ears.
 
#434 ·
New thread with question started here:
Link

LCD TV and Speaker Wall Mount

I'm looking for an articulated LCD TV (42") and mini-monitor speaker mount.
Does such an entity exist?
That is, a mount that moves the TV and speakers together (as opposed to separate speaker wall mounts).

Other permutations could include a 3.0 speaker setup or a speaker bar mount for the TV.
This is for my gym.
See pics in post #2

Gear:
(Full list here (that's this thread) - AVS link )

- TV: Toshiba 42XV545U SRT 1080p LCD
- Cable: SA8300HD (may switch out for a Samsung SMT-H3090 box in family rm)
- DVR storage: Western Digitial (WD) 500GB MyDVR Expander via eSATA
- DVD: Oppo DV-980
- BR: Samsung BD-P1500
- Power: Surge-X Flat Pak 82, APC AV H15
- Headphones: Sennheiser RS130 wireless headphones (x2)

Speaker options:
- Tweak City Audio (TCA) WAF-1 mini-monitors (already own) - link
- Mordaunt-Short Carnival 2
- KRK RokitG2 Series - Rokit 5
- Usher S-520
- "Other"
- Speaker bar


Thanks for any input.


Mike


Gym pic:

 
#437 ·
Thanks for the comments.


I was looking at my post #1 and noted that the JVC RS20 projector got its FW update (new CMS system) about 1 year ago and than Craig Rounds came out (5/16/09) to do the calibration with a new (at the time beta) Lumagen RadianceXE.


I'm about 700+ hours on the projector now, so maybe I need a calibration update.

Just need to find some time.


I'm also wondering with the iPad introduction if custom remotes will come down rapidly in price.



Mike
 
#438 ·
I ordered the Emotiva Ultra Sub 10 (got on sale @ $349.00 + no S/H!!!) for my main office space.
Couldn't resist with the sale, no shipping, and small size.
I was waiting on the Tweak City Audio (TCA) CS-10.1, but this sub was available now.

Mike
 
#439 ·
Denon doesn't display
 
#440 ·
New office gear - Emotiva Ultra 10 subwoofer...

I haven't seen a good pic of the Emotiva Ultra 10 subwoofer to scale.
Big shipping box, but small sub.


Gear
DAC: HRT MS DAC
Pre-amp: USP-1
Amp: UPA-2
CD: ERC-1
Speakers: TCA WAF-1 Ninja Elite + No-Rez mod
Sub: Emotiva Ultra 10



Stupid question I'll repeat at Emotiva, with the Emotiva USP-1 pre-amp, why is there a high pass AND low pass filter?
(Emotiva thread - here )

Recs from there (jackfish):
Sub - set to bypass
Pre - keep WAF-1 RCA outs to "full range" & adjust low freq filter to 2 marks above 50 Hz.

...and...


"Yeah, try what you have specified and see how that sounds.
My speakers are rated down to 50 Hz at -3 dB and I have noticed that they struggle with trying to reproduce low frequency material below that. So I completely relieved them of low frequency duty below whatever the two hash marks above the 50 Hz high pass filter setting on the USP-1 provides.
The low pass filter sub setting on the USP-1 is also set to two hash marks above the 50 Hz setting.
If you have time you really should experiment using the high pass filter for your loudspeakers with various settings with the same HP and LP value. Relieving your loudspeakers of low frequency duty may make them sound better and will make more power available for frequencies they handle well." - jackfish (@ Emotiva forum)


- Mike

(blurry iPhone pic. CD shows size of sub to scale)



Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/17590213


Emotiva gear arrived Friday at work but I was at home.


Just got this set up.

So far I have just listened to Pandora -> USP-1 -> UPA-2 -> TCA WAF-1

Sounds great.

Could be:

1) placebo effect / new gear happiness

2) Pandora One music selection (so far: David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin...)

3) increased computer volume to max*


*I'm told this increases the S/N ratio for computer based audio.

I'll now have to adjust volume with the Emotiva remote or manually.


ERC-1 tomorrow...



Mike

 
#441 ·
Another office consideration...Emotiva XDA-1 DAC

TCA Emotiva XDA-1 DAC thread -- link
*UPDATE*
5-18-10
New pic available (see below).
New specs coming in days
4/2/10 Post - LINK -
"They announced in today's webcast

http://emotiva.com/webcast040210/webcast.shtm

(section 2 of the webcast)
that the new physical design on the DAC means it won't be released for another 90 days or so.
So at this point, the DAC should be available sometime this July."


Emotiva XDA-1 digital-analog converter (DAC)
Cost: $299.00

Specifications:
(pending)
From Emonatics - http://emonatics.com/XDA-1.shtml
(unconfirmed)...
Inputs (both)
1) AES/EBU
2) Coax Digital
2) Optical Digital
1) USB (Should be PC & Mac Compatible)

Outputs
1) L/R Unbalanced RCAs
1) L/R Balanced XLRs (all outputs are hgh voltage)

Triggers (automatic on/off for amplifiers and XDA-1 itself)
1) 12v output trigger
1) 12v input trigger

Analog Devices AD1955 DAC, with 384k oversampling, and 1V rms (7V peak for extended dynamics), 24-bit, 192 kHz Sample Rate PCM Audio Data, 120 dB SNR/DNR (not muted) at 48KHz Sample Rate (A-Weighted Stereo), -110 dB THD+N (0.0003162%)
Burr Brown buffers coming out of the DAC
6 fully discrete output stages
Selectable inputs
Segmented power supply

Features:
- headphone jack
- volume control: digital & global (for all inputs)
--- therefore, turn volume to MAX for use with pre-amp
- 6 discrete output stages
- selectable inputs
- segmented power supply

Other info:
- 1 RU high
- old name was XDC-1
- Lonnie (@ Emotiva forum):
"Even though the ERC and XDA share the same DAC, the reason the XDA sounds so much better is because of the discrete output stage.
In the ERC the design is a straight forward single dif, going to a single stage VAS and output stage.
The XDA on the other hand uses a Dual dif input stage with crosslinked current sources, Darlington VAS stage and Darlington output stages, so the speed and current it can deliver is like night and day different from the ERC.
So as good as the ERC sounded (and to be honest I thought it was amazing), the XDA is in a league all its own."

Future:
- "At this time I am just working on this one. The baby version is down the road. "

Emonatics link




Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/18369623

From Lonnie (admin) at Emotiva forum today:
Link

"Well I have been a little remiss about getting you up to speed on the XDA and I am sorry.

We got in the final cosmetic sample and have been testing and listening to it extensively. First off let me say that the sound quality is unlike anything else we have done before. It is really something special. The discrete output stages in the XDA are in a league of their own. The discrete output stage we did for the ERC and USP as good as they are can’t hang with this thing. The depth and detail in the music is so deep and accurate it is difficult to describe, so I have no doubt you will love it once we release it.

Now the bad news. We placed the XDA on top of the ERC (we were using it for a transport) and while we were listening to it, we just couldn’t get past the fact that the cosmetics didn’t match and it just didn’t look right. So we have redesigned the front panel to give it a more family look. Unfortunately this will delay the release a little longer, but all the electronics are solid and fully check out. So hopefully this won’t delay things too much longer because I know many of you have been waiting for a while.

I am sorry about the delay but we want you to enjoy the whole experience of the unit and have it match up with all the other gear, so hang in there it is coming."


Mike



__________________





*EDIT*

More info...

Updated: 3-24-10

Emotiva XDA-1 digital-analog converter (DAC)

Cost: $299.00

Specifications:
(pending)

Features:
- headphone jack
- volume control: digital & global (for all inputs)
--- therefore, turn volume to MAX for use with pre-amp
- 6 discrete output stages
- selectable inputs
- segmented power supply

Other info:
- 1 RU high
- old name was XDC-1

Future:
- "At this time I am just working on this one. The baby version is down the road. "

 
#442 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/18466671


New thread with question started here:
Link

LCD TV and Speaker Wall Mount

I'm looking for an articulated LCD TV (42") and mini-monitor speaker mount.
Does such an entity exist?
That is, a mount that moves the TV and speakers together (as opposed to separate speaker wall mounts).

Other permutations could include a 3.0 speaker setup or a speaker bar mount for the TV.
This is for my gym.
See pics in post #2

Gear:
(Full list here (that's this thread) - AVS link )

- TV: Toshiba 42XV545U SRT 1080p LCD
- Cable: SA8300HD (may switch out for a Samsung SMT-H3090 box in family rm)
- DVR storage: Western Digitial (WD) 500GB MyDVR Expander via eSATA
- DVD: Oppo DV-980
- BR: Samsung BD-P1500
- Power: Surge-X Flat Pak 82, APC AV H15
- Headphones: Sennheiser RS130 wireless headphones (x2)

Speaker options:
- Tweak City Audio (TCA) WAF-1 mini-monitors (already own) - link
- Mordaunt-Short Carnival 2
- KRK RokitG2 Series - Rokit 5
- Usher S-520
- "Other"
- Speaker bar


Thanks for any input.


Mike


Gym pic:

Adding a Denon AVR 1909 and TCA WAF-1 mini-monitors to gym.


Mike


ADDENDUM 6-21-10:

I returned the Denon AVR. Wasn't working.

May leave alone or look for a simple AVR -- just need stereo, but like the ideas of HDMI switching capability.

ADDENDUM - 7-31-10

Added a cheap Best Buy Insignia AVR, which does the job...

Gym:
--- Power: Surge-X Flat Pak 82, APC AV H15

--- AVR: Insignia 5010HD AVR
--- TV: Toshiba 42XV545U SRT 1080p LCD
--- Cable: SA8300HD + Western Digitial (WD) 500GB MyDVR Expander via eSATA
--- DVD: Oppo DV-980
--- BR: Samsung BD-P1500
--- Headphones: Sennheiser RS130 wireless headphones (x2 sets)
 
#443 ·
I don't know if I need it but this is very cool...


jrp [Jim Peterson, LUMAGEN] post 6/21/10:

Quote:
Craig Rounds posted elsewhere on AVS, but I thought I would post here on the potential HDMI 1.4 3D software upgrade for the Radiance line.


We cannot commit to it until it is done (we need to make sure there are no issues in the HDMI chips we use), but we hope to have a 3D software upgrade release in about a month.


This would be a $199 option and would be user upgradable with a serial-number specific key. It would be available from your dealer or Lumagen.


Since we have a FPGA we would support all the required 3D modes for HDMI 1.4 3D. Also, as Craig talks about in his post we are considering some CRT specific features such as 120Hertz output (at a lower resolution than 1920x1080p due to clock rate limits) and using a trigger output as left/right eye driver (XD or XE only since XS does not have trigger outputs). The CRT features are only going to happen given enough demand.


Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.
 
#444 ·
I was recently asked about my HT bookshelves and realized I hadn't posted that info in my thread and others might benefit from it...


Here is the Rives Audio site:
http://www.rivesaudio.com/


Rives Services: http://www.rivesaudio.com/services/servframe.html

Level 1 and 1+
http://www.rivesaudio.com/services/servframe1.html
  • Theoretical acoustical room design and engineering
  • Full size schematics including assembly drawings.
  • Very Affordable
  • $1200 for existing rooms
  • $1800 for new construction
  • Level 1 for existing construction
  • Level 1 + for new construction
  • For modest sound treatment, frequently using prefabricated material
  • Regular shaped rooms (i.e. rectangular)


I think I got a Rives Level 1+ about 3 or so years ago and I think I only paid the (at the time) Level 1 pricing for 1+ (and more) service.


Rives send blueprints that a builder/carpenter can use to guide them.

If I recall correctly the bookshelf angle was at 17 degrees.

I'm not sure if that specific degree angle was important or not.

It acts as a sound diffractor to breakup reflections.

The book SHELF additions and junk on the shelves adds to the pseudo-random ability to decrease symmetry and reflections.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/17372184

Home theater pictures...


HT - from center/rack area behind structural pole

- bottom of ISCOIIIL & CineSlide visible



HT - angle shot

- bass traps in corners

- SVS sub on left front



HT - from center front

- rear av123 speakers visible

- Rives designed, local carpenter (JR) built bookshelves for storage and diffraction. Child-proof locks in bottom are key!

- ISCOIIIL/CineSlide in "off" position in front of JVC RS20 projector



HT - R speaker and look at false/partial wall (electrical box behind)

- old tape from 2.35:1 screen calculations visible

- bass trap (black) in corner

- Carada 2.40:1 screen



HT - angle 2 shot

- av123 side speakers visible

- acoustical treatment on walls, soffits, and corner bass traps visible




Pics on "basic" setting and not optimized to highlight screen (just non-HD football game and commercials on anyway)...


Mike
 
#445 ·
FYI...

Chicago Tribune link


MILWAUKEE (AP) The Autobots and Decepticons are bringing their battle to downtown Milwaukee.


The "Transformers 3" crew is filming a scene for the action movie Monday and T


Tuesday at the Milwaukee Art Museum.



...







Mike
 
#446 ·
Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 info


Summarized (by me) on a TCA thread -- link


FYI from AVS...
Link

Chris/Audyssey:

Quote:
MultEQ XT 32 is a major new development in the MultEQ algorithm since the original release in 2004. It has been 2+ years in the making and the result of countless hours of algorithm development and some new math.
...


Quote:
Using multiple sampling rates in the measurement and filter synthesis process we derived a method that increases the resolution of the MultEQ XT filters by a factor of 32 from what we have today. That gives it many thousands of individual control points with which to shape the response that it measures so that it can achieve the desired response.

Link

Quote:
I should have been a little more clear: MultEQ XT 32 will increase the resolution of the main channels from 16x to 512x and the resolution of the subwoofer from 128x to 512x. So, all channels will have the same 512x resolution.

__________________

Link
Quote:
Sorry.. I added to the resolution confusion because I forgot about the firmware upgrade that doubled the resolution of the Subwoofer Equalizer and the AS-EQ1 months ago. So, the correct numbers are:

MultEQ
Sats: 2x Sub: 128x

MultEQ XT:
Sats: 16x Sub: 128x

MultEQ XT on Sound EQ
Sats: 32x Sub: 256x

MultEQ XT 32
Sats: 512x Sub: 512x

MultEQ XT on Sub EQ
Sats: N/A Sub: 512x
__________________
 
#447 ·
TV search post (for living room):
Link


Living Room TV/TV cabinet pic: link


Any help...


Still looking for recs.

Slashdot commentary on glossy screens: Does Anyone Really Prefer Glossy Screens?



Mike


Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_WI
I'm looking for a 55" matte screen LED/LCD HDTV to replace my aging 52" Mits DLP.

1. Budget
Non-limiting if needed, but
 
#448 ·
I just watched part of the AVS series "Home Theater Revealed" VIII.

My HT room is the (Mike T) section.

It doesn't have the commentary -- which I liked in the Craig B section (I haven't watched the entire DVD yet).


Link to Video series from WarrenP (at AVS): www.HomeTheaterRevealed.Com


Mike



PS - For WarrenP if he's reading this...

Great camera angles. I wish I would have cleaned up my bookshelf rack more.

Your SVS sub initial shot and then pulling back was cool.

It looks like you really liked the woodwork and Rives designed bookshelves.

My neighbor has a more "concealed" system with more wires than anything I've seen outside of a magazine or AVS profiled install. Hopefully he has gotten back to you.
 
#449 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/18983143


...

PS - For WarrenP if he's reading this...

Great camera angles. I wish I would have cleaned up my bookshelf rack more. Your SVS sub initial shot and then pulling back was cool.

It looks like you really liked the woodwork and Rives designed bookshelves.

My neighbor has a more "concealed" system with more wires than anything I've seen outside of a magazine or AVS profiled install. Hopefully he has gotten back to you.

Hi Mike,


I appreciate the post. I did want to spend time on the woodwork and shelves, as that is so unique and such great features of your room. Thanks again for letting me come out there!


Have a great day, Warren
 
#450 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by warrenP /forum/post/18998740


Hi Mike,


I appreciate the post. I did want to spend time on the woodwork and shelves, as that is so unique and such great features of your room. Thanks again for letting me come out there!


Have a great day, Warren

Warren -

It was my pleasure to have you over.

Congrats on the VP job!


Mike
 
#451 ·
New AVR (Insignia 5010HD from BB) and TCA WAF-1 mini-monitors



Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI /forum/post/18466671


New thread with question started here:
Link

LCD TV and Speaker Wall Mount

I'm looking for an articulated LCD TV (42") and mini-monitor speaker mount.
Does such an entity exist?
That is, a mount that moves the TV and speakers together (as opposed to separate speaker wall mounts).

Other permutations could include a 3.0 speaker setup or a speaker bar mount for the TV.
This is for my gym.
See pics in post #2

Gear:
(Full list here (that's this thread) - AVS link )

- TV: Toshiba 42XV545U SRT 1080p LCD
- Cable: SA8300HD (may switch out for a Samsung SMT-H3090 box in family rm)
- DVR storage: Western Digitial (WD) 500GB MyDVR Expander via eSATA
- DVD: Oppo DV-980
- BR: Samsung BD-P1500
- Power: Surge-X Flat Pak 82, APC AV H15
- Headphones: Sennheiser RS130 wireless headphones (x2)

Speaker options:
- Tweak City Audio (TCA) WAF-1 mini-monitors (already own) - link
- Mordaunt-Short Carnival 2
- KRK RokitG2 Series - Rokit 5
- Usher S-520
- "Other"
- Speaker bar


Thanks for any input.


Mike


Gym pic:

 
#452 ·
#453 ·
FYI in case people are interested...

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Launches Tech Enthusiast (TE) Membership
http://www.ce.org/

Quote:
CEA has created a membership category exclusively for individuals who are early adopters and fervent supporters of consumer technology.

Join today for the discounted rate of $29.

Learn more about participating as a CEA TE Partner (open to current CEA member companies only).


From confirmation email:
Quote:
Thank you for joining! You are now an official CEA Tech Enthusiast!


As a CEA Tech Enthusiast (TE) member you will receive hot deals and incredible opportunities from our corporate partners.

These include free and discounted products, advance product launch information, access to industry events, and beta testing opportunities.

As a TE, you are privy to some very exclusive information.

Mike
 
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