My Audio/Video Experience

New Photos will be posted in near future.

Thanks for viewing the photo and the kudo!

Regards.

Thanks again!

How do you like this forum site compared to the other?

As the title states, new photos, same system.

I thought new photos where due being that the previously posted ones, IMO where starting to look stale. They lacked presentation!
For those who have never view the older photos, the new ones that are attached give a better presentation of the system and the room. The room dimensions are 18 x 11.6 x 8. The racks sit about 20" from the front wall.
The front speakers are positioned approx. 42" from the front wall and they sit approx. 9 ft apart. Both front speakers sit 12" from the left and right walls. Due to pointing the speakers inward, the outboard aft part of speakers, sit exactly 6" from both L & R walls.
Being that there are 13 source components, (I know! Can you say "over populated"?!) I felt that 2 surge protectors would be more convenient. One for the video components (left side) and one for the audio components (right side). Redundancy seems evident, but each component has exclusive responsibilities.
For those who relish the ability to conceal cables, my racks are unable to do that completely. But, I have been able to for the most part, separate the power cords from the audio and video cables. A very difficult accomplishment with a total of 15 components and well over 50 cables/cords crossing paths.

Please feel free to critique my set up. It is by no means a perfect system and theres plenty room for improvement. Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks for viewing.

The current system is as follows:

A/V Receiver:
-Marantz SR9300 A/V Receiver 140w x 7
-Belkin PureAV 3 in 1 HDMI v1.2 Switcher
-Klipsch Ref. RC35 (Center) and Panamax Power Centers



Audio:

-Cambridge Audio Azur 640C v.2 CD Player
-Denon DVD2910 Universal CD/DVD-A/SACD Player
-Philips CDR 950 CD Recorder
-Yamaha CDC-685 5 Discs CD Changer
-DLO HomeDock iPod A/V Docking Station
-Klipsch Reference RF35 Tower Speaker

Video:

-Motorola/Verizon Fios QIP-6416 HD/DVR/Dual Tuner/Multi-room Cable Box
-Samsung BD-P1200 Blu ray Player w/HQV
-Pioneer Elite DVR-7000 DVD Recorder
-Microsoft X-BOX Gaming System
-Sony DVPNC555ES 5 Disc DVD Changer
-Klipsch Reference RF35 tower speaker

Power and Protection:

-Belkin PureAV AV24502 HDMI Switcher
-Panamax M5400-PM Power Center/Conditioner/Surge Protector
-Panamax MAX5100 Power Center/Conditioner/Surge Protector



The room dimensions only warrants a 6.1 configuration.
-Klipsch Ref. RS35 (Surr) w/Pro Connect Pro-Flex 14AWG Spkr wire
-Klipsch Ref. RS25 (Rear Ctr) w/Pro Connect Pro-Flex 14AWG Spkr wire



-Klipsch Ref. RSW10 Powered Subwoofer w/ Aurelex "Subdude" Platform and Monster MSeries M1000 Sub cable


-Sennheiser HD535 Headphones



Equipment List:
Samsung HP-S5053 50” Plasma HDTV Monitor w/HDMI; 1366 x 768p
Marantz SR9300 A/V Receiver THX Ultra2 140w x 7
Belkin PureAV 3 in 1 HDMI v1.2 Switcher
Cambridge Audio Azur 640C v.2 CD Player w/dual Wolfson WM8740 24 bit/192 kHz DAC's
Denon DVD2910 Universal DVD/DVD-A/SACD Player w/Burr Brown DAC's
Philips CDR 950 CD Recorder
DLO HomeDock iPOD A/V Docking Station w/30GB Video iPOD
Yamaha CDC-685 5 Discs CD Changer
Motorola/Verizon QIP-6416 HD/DVR/Dual Tuner/Multi-room Cable Box w/HDMI
Samsung BD-P1200 Bluray Player w/HQV Reon processor
Pioneer Elite DVR-7000 DVD Recorder
Sony DVPNC555ES 5 Disc DVD Changer
Microsoft X-BOX Gaming System
URC MX850 Aeros Universal Remote
Panamax M5400-PM Power Center/Conditioner/Surge Protector
Panamax MAX5100 Power Center/Conditioner/Surge Protector
Panamax Max 2 Coax Surge Protector
Monster Cable SW200 Surge Protector
Klipsch Reference RF35 (Fronts) w/Monster Cable M1.4s Bi-wire Speaker Cable
Klipsch Reference RC35 (Center) w/Monster Cable MCX-1 CC Speaker Cable
Klipsch Reference RS35 (Surrounds) w/Pro Connect Pro-Flex 14 AWG Speaker wire
Klipsch Reference RS25 (Rear Center) w/Pro Connect Pro-Flex 14 AWG Speaker wire
Klipsch Reference RSW10 Powered Subwoofer w/Auralux SubDude Floatation Platform
Sennheiser HD535 Headphones
Cables: AudioQuest; Acoustic Reseach; Key Digital; Monster M-Series.

Back of Klipsch RF 35 w/Monster Cable M-Series M1.4 Bi-Wire 12g Speaker Cable.



Left Wall and Stairwell.

I was in Sears today and happen to come across this Samsung BD-P1200 on sale for $299.00! But I didn't pay $299.00. I know somebody that knows somebody and I was able to buy it for $200.00. Now, I've heard and read pretty much all the complaints about this particular BDP. But, I was assured that all of the firmware upgrades were uploaded and playbck is flawless with POTC-AWE and any other movies it apparently had issues with. So far, it's working fine. And it does an excellent job with the standard dvd's. Comparing it to my Denon DV2910 Universal when upconverting stand dvd's via HDMI, I give the Samsung the edge in color depth. But the Denon seems to have a softer or rather smoother picture. I don't know if that's the proper description. The black levels are definitely deeper with the Samsung.

High-end Dreams/Low to Mid End Budget!

Thanks for the acknowledgement. I really need to arrange my equipment to where cable management is easier to achieve. I just added a bluray player and because the power cord is located on the far right side of the back panel, it really makes it difficult to reach the power center. I will make sure that my next setup will be wire management friendly!
Thanks for viewing the photos.

Regards.

Thanks for viewing the photos and the kudos. I couldn't pass up the Sammy at 2 bills! Plus, I get to experiment with blu ray to gain a better understanding of the capabilities of the technology. You can read posts and threads all day, but there's nothing like the actual experience. I gotta tell you though, so far, the player has behaved itself. No lockups, no error messages, no audio drop offs. Due to the limitations of the current system, I can't see or hear the full potential, such as 1080P (my plasma is only 1366 x 768) or True DolbyHD and/or DTS-HD MA (my receiver lacks HDMI connectivity). I can at least experience Dolby Digital Plus via the 7.1 analog input.
But even though the system is somewhat outdated, the picture's not bad and the sound is decent! At least that's what I'm told by friends.

Regards.

What's up "Croseiv"!

Are you still being mesmerized by the PB13!?!
As far as the BD-P1200 is concerned, I know it lacks the most recent audio codecs, but it's sufficient for my system, I can't even imagine how much better it can sound. My SR9300 generates ridiculous volume and quality sound. I can never take it above -15 dB.

The first Blu ray movie I watched was Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Picture quality was outstanding and the audio via bitstream by coax digital connection was decent. I also watch Lara Croft-Tomb Raider in SD, and although the picture wasn't pristine, the color depth was strong and the black levels were very good.

Regards.

All I've done is intensify the desire for a 1080P monitor and a HDMI v1.3 capable AV Receiver. This industry sucks! It's always something!
But I am happy with the Samsung. I watched the Golden Compass in BD last night and despite the concerns of the possible issues mentioned in previously posted threads, it worked flawlessly. The PQ was outstanding. So I can imagine watching it in 1080P.....But, if you can wait for the 2.0 BDP's, do so. The main reason why I purchased it was without question, the price. And it's ability to make my some of my current standard dvd's look better because of the HQV processor, is also a plus.

Regards.

Klipsch Reference RF35 Speaker Pkg.

Hello techlvr33.

Thanks for the compliments. And you're right, it is a lot of equipment. My system really needs a makeover!
As for the layout.... It was cool in the late 90's going into the new millennium. But now, it's sort of out of style. The clean, efficient, minimalist look is what's happening now. And although a few of the components could be considered Jurassic by some, I still love this stuff and IMO, it's all decent quality and still functional.

Currently, I'm formulating a game plan on how to get my cables under control!
If you haven't seen what it looks like, check the "cable management" thread of this section, it's a sight to behold!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1088820

Everytime I look back there, I want to throw up! But I must "Man up!" and complete the daunting task at hand!
A few days ago, I purchased some longer HDMI cables and AudioQuest interconnects for pennies on the dollar from my local, "soon to be closed" Tweeter. The longer cables are to replace the ones that are too short and not conducive to a neat and organized look.

The project should be finished by the New Year!
Wish me luck!

Regards.

Hello AG!

Thanks for the kudos. What you see there is photographic proof that AV electronic dependancy truly exists! I was like a crack addict when it came to audio video components. By the way, there's 2 other 5.1 systems in my home (family room and master bedroom).
I've really tried to get the most out of the system and the room. Although not pictured, I recently installed some room treatments (bass traps) and will most likely install 6 Auralex panels in January '09. The bass traps improved the room's low end response reducing the occasional unwanted boom during music playback and when I experimented with the acoustic panels, reflection was reduced significantly. I actually thought my room was acoustically fine until I test drove the panels, what a difference it made. It will be a Christmas gift from the wife!

As far as the move is concerned, that has been postponed indefinitely. Long story short..... The builder made off with several would be homeowner's deposits. And yes, the authorities are aware, but as of right, we're all beat until they find him.

Anyway back to the AV stuff, I do have plans to revamp this system to make it fully HDMI 1.3 capable. I've been designing configurations that would streamline the system, but still give me all the versatility I currently enjoy.
Such as replacing the Marantz AVR with a pre/pro (HDMI capable) and multi-channel amp, losing both cd and dvd changers, upgrading the 50" plasma for a 58" 1080p LCD, new gaming system XBox 360 or PS3 and lastly, a hi-rez audio capable bluray player. Doesn't sound like I'm streamlining at all, does it?! You see! I can't help myself!

Thanks again for the kind words.

Regards.

Hello ddgtr!

Thank you for viewing the photos of my setup. Your comments and observations are greatly appreciated.

First, let's start with the Klipsch Reference speakers. Although, not the best that Klipsch offers, the RF35's have performed well with the Marantz AVR. I picked Klipsch because of the efficiency and versatility. Virtually any AVR can push them with ease. And yes, the trademark gold drivers gives them a unique look. You know what's funny? Just when I think I'm ready to replace them, I'll hear a song and I'm just blown away by the clarity. But, they will be replaced in the next year or so.

As far as the components go, yes I do like electronics. Believe it or not, they all have specific duties. Redundancy seems apparent, but each device is exclusive when it comes to playback.

As far a choosing a plasma or an LCD......., it just seems that LCD technology has really improved dramatically. I still like the plasma concept, so I really haven't committed solely to LCD. The Pioneer Elite KURO is arguably the best plasma available. But the new Samsung 9 Series LCD is nice also. I need to learn more before I make a decision.

Now, regarding the platform for the sub. Does it make difference in the sub's effect on the room? Absolutely! Check put this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644330

The effect this platform will have will be substantial. It's a must have if you want to lessen/eliminate in most cases, unwanted rattles, buzzes and other resonances you can do without. Some even felt that the performance of the sub dramatically improved, but that's subjective at best.

And thank you for your concern regarding the builder. Yes, it does suck, but everything happens for a reason and I know it will eventually be resolved.

Thanks again.
Regards.

Hello Franin.

Thanks for the compliment and for viewing the thread/photos.
Right now, cable management is the project. I noticed that you really did a fine job hiding your cables and wires. In my attempt to clean it up back there, I've found that I will need to replace more cables than I had previously expected with longer runs. (sigh). That's life in the A/V world we live in!

Regards.

Hello Frank!

"Tidy upfront" you say?!!! Well check out the link below and scroll away.
You'll see how tidy it isn't!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1088820
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3174860...7610165549421/

Regarding the shelves, they are glass, but I've never experienced any buzzing though. Then again, I do not have two JL Audio Fathoms 112's shaking the foundation of my house either! by the way, great addition to the theater!
I did at one time experience buzzing from other sources in the room. To remedy that, I place a flotation platform (Auralex Subdude) under the sub.
Buzzing and rattles are now a distant memory.

http://www.auralex.com/sound_isolati...subdude_hd.asp

Here's a whole thread dedicated to the product.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644330

Most have had an immediate improvement. A few think that the posters who have stated they have experienced an improvement are delusional! Not at all surprising, they're usually the one's that have never tried the product.

And by the way, how's life in your time zone? Are you ready for the holidays!?!

Regards.