Given I have been writing a history article for Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity (see signature), I thought I would convert this thread to a "current set-up" thread as my system is constantly evolving.
Here is the current equipment closet
My current video chain starts with an Oppo BDP-95. I use this for Blu-ray disc play as well as streaming and music discs. I run HDMI for Blu-ray and multi-channel use and Balanced XLR cables for 2-channel.
For a pre-amp processor I am currently using an Integra DHC-80.2. For 2-channel listening I run this strictly as a pre-amp in direct mode. For Blu-ray I am using Audyssey Multi-EQ XT32 with Audyssey DynamicEQ. My first Integra/Onkyo after owning only Denon's. Still getting used to some of the Integra's quirks.
Video is handled by a JVC RS25. An absolutely fantastic projector. Even after owning this for a year, my jaw still drops at the picture that this unit can produce. A very nice calibrated picture.
For amplification I am using a wyred4sound MMC-5 Class-D amplifier. Given space constraints, this compact Class D amp is absolutely perfect. Powerful, neutral and cool running, on top of its size, made it the right choice for my room. It is connected to the Integra via Bluejeans 1800F Balanced Cables.
Below the MMC5 you can see a PS Audio Power Plant Premiere which I use for all power management in the theater.
The front sound stage consists of Usher Mini Dancer 2's and BE-616 Center Channel. After 7 years I said goodbye to my PSB Stratus Silver i's and C6i and the change was certainly worth the investment. Gorgeous to look at and amazing sound - I am incredibly happy with these speakers. I continue to use my original PSB Image 1B's as surrounds.
I use a JL Audio F113 sub for bass. The reputation of this unit is well known so I don't need to wax on here. Suffice it to say, I love the same things about this sub that I love about the wyred4sound amp - incredible performance in a small package. I don't think there is another sub on the market that can match the JL's performance in such a small footprint. I'd love to add another to even out the response, but the room just can't handle it space wise.
My screen is a Carada Brilliant White, 92”. I sit about 9 feet back (12x12 room) from that which puts the size right at about the THX recommended viewing angle.
As for the rest of the room: I have addressed light in the room a couple of ways. The ceiling has black felt out to about 4 feet. This had a dramatic effect on the picture quality that I was getting. The fabric is pretty basic stuff from walmart. I used tiny finishing nails to attach it to the ceiling. Additionally, there is a black carpet directly in front of the screen covering the light carpet and both the door and window have dark curtains that can be drawn during viewing.
I have a few nifty accessories as well. In the closet you’ll see a Buffalo Technologies Wireless Access Point. This is a great little unit that essentially allows non wireless components to access my wireless network. Linksys and others make these, but this unit has multiple Ethernet inputs. I initially purchased it for my HD-DVD player (which I obviously no longer have) but use it now for my internet capable receiver for both firmware updates and streaming internet radio.
I use a Univeral Remote MX-900 remote control. I know the HT-Guys love the Harmony Stuff, but I actually think that the URC stuff is a little more powerful – albeit a bit more difficult to get set-up. I can customize and program macros with this unit using my PC to a far greater extent than Harmony allows. There is a bit of a learning curve and it certainly isn’t easy the first time through, but I end up with a bit more customized (and robust) experience than I think Harmony gives. This communicates via RF to the equipment in the closet by an RF-IR converting unit.
Lastly, I installed some basic lighting control. The ceiling light in the room as a Lutron Maestro IR switch. This responds to IR commands that are sent out from the MX-900. Basically for each task (Blu Ray, SD-DVD, Cable) the main screen of my remote displays lighting commands (ON, OFF, UP DOWN, PRE-SET). This was such a great addition and gives things a small level of refinement for a DIY set-up.
For a more detailed explanation please see my Theater Build article at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity (link in signature).
Here is the current equipment closet
My current video chain starts with an Oppo BDP-95. I use this for Blu-ray disc play as well as streaming and music discs. I run HDMI for Blu-ray and multi-channel use and Balanced XLR cables for 2-channel.
For a pre-amp processor I am currently using an Integra DHC-80.2. For 2-channel listening I run this strictly as a pre-amp in direct mode. For Blu-ray I am using Audyssey Multi-EQ XT32 with Audyssey DynamicEQ. My first Integra/Onkyo after owning only Denon's. Still getting used to some of the Integra's quirks.
Video is handled by a JVC RS25. An absolutely fantastic projector. Even after owning this for a year, my jaw still drops at the picture that this unit can produce. A very nice calibrated picture.
For amplification I am using a wyred4sound MMC-5 Class-D amplifier. Given space constraints, this compact Class D amp is absolutely perfect. Powerful, neutral and cool running, on top of its size, made it the right choice for my room. It is connected to the Integra via Bluejeans 1800F Balanced Cables.
Below the MMC5 you can see a PS Audio Power Plant Premiere which I use for all power management in the theater.
The front sound stage consists of Usher Mini Dancer 2's and BE-616 Center Channel. After 7 years I said goodbye to my PSB Stratus Silver i's and C6i and the change was certainly worth the investment. Gorgeous to look at and amazing sound - I am incredibly happy with these speakers. I continue to use my original PSB Image 1B's as surrounds.
I use a JL Audio F113 sub for bass. The reputation of this unit is well known so I don't need to wax on here. Suffice it to say, I love the same things about this sub that I love about the wyred4sound amp - incredible performance in a small package. I don't think there is another sub on the market that can match the JL's performance in such a small footprint. I'd love to add another to even out the response, but the room just can't handle it space wise.
My screen is a Carada Brilliant White, 92”. I sit about 9 feet back (12x12 room) from that which puts the size right at about the THX recommended viewing angle.
As for the rest of the room: I have addressed light in the room a couple of ways. The ceiling has black felt out to about 4 feet. This had a dramatic effect on the picture quality that I was getting. The fabric is pretty basic stuff from walmart. I used tiny finishing nails to attach it to the ceiling. Additionally, there is a black carpet directly in front of the screen covering the light carpet and both the door and window have dark curtains that can be drawn during viewing.
I have a few nifty accessories as well. In the closet you’ll see a Buffalo Technologies Wireless Access Point. This is a great little unit that essentially allows non wireless components to access my wireless network. Linksys and others make these, but this unit has multiple Ethernet inputs. I initially purchased it for my HD-DVD player (which I obviously no longer have) but use it now for my internet capable receiver for both firmware updates and streaming internet radio.
I use a Univeral Remote MX-900 remote control. I know the HT-Guys love the Harmony Stuff, but I actually think that the URC stuff is a little more powerful – albeit a bit more difficult to get set-up. I can customize and program macros with this unit using my PC to a far greater extent than Harmony allows. There is a bit of a learning curve and it certainly isn’t easy the first time through, but I end up with a bit more customized (and robust) experience than I think Harmony gives. This communicates via RF to the equipment in the closet by an RF-IR converting unit.
Lastly, I installed some basic lighting control. The ceiling light in the room as a Lutron Maestro IR switch. This responds to IR commands that are sent out from the MX-900. Basically for each task (Blu Ray, SD-DVD, Cable) the main screen of my remote displays lighting commands (ON, OFF, UP DOWN, PRE-SET). This was such a great addition and gives things a small level of refinement for a DIY set-up.
For a more detailed explanation please see my Theater Build article at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity (link in signature).
