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My set up on a dime - Page 2

post #31 of 148
2/27/10 at 1:03pm
Have you ever tried the oaktons by themselves, by using the phantom mode on your elite. Also experiment with either having them as "small" or as "large" speakers in the setup menu. You might be surprised at what you hear.

In my family room setup, I tried to use a center channel that could match my aci towers or look aesthetically pleasing with my tv. Nothing worked or sounded as well as simply letting them play without a center. Try it- if these oaktons sound as great as you say they are, you might not be looking for a new set of l/r for a long time.

Victor
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post #32 of 148
2/27/10 at 1:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by victor-eyd View Post

Have you ever tried the oaktons by themselves, by using the phantom mode on your elite. Also experiment with either having them as "small" or as "large" speakers in the setup menu. You might be surprised at what you hear.

In my family room setup, I tried to use a center channel that could match my aci towers or look aesthetically pleasing with my tv. Nothing worked or sounded as well as simply letting them play without a center. Try it- if these oaktons sound as great as you say they are, you might not be looking for a new set of l/r for a long time.

Victor

Victor I haven't tried them in Phantom mode, I will experiment with the modes. I have tried them using the large and the small speakers in the setup and your right there was a big difference in the sound quality. I have been using the small speaker setting.

I'm not pushing the speaker replacement too hard right now. I've been contemplating an AVR change, From VSX-80 to a Denon 1910 or 2310. Still up in the air.
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post #33 of 148
3/3/10 at 8:04pm
Thread Starter 
Well I upgraded my AVR from the Pioneer VSX-80TXV for a new Onkyo TX-SR606. The Onkyo has internal decoding of Dolby True HD and DTS Master HD. This is last years model. Now here is the kicker!! I Only paid $146.00 at 6th ave electronics. It was a floor model..

The Onkyo Sound so much better then the Pioneer. I will post pictures tomorrow.
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post #34 of 148
3/3/10 at 8:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jnnt29 View Post

Well I upgraded my AVR from the Pioneer VSX-80TXV for a new Onkyo TX-SR606. The Onkyo has internal decoding of Dolby True HD and DTS Master HD. This is last years model. Now here is the kicker!! I Only paid $146.00 at 6th ave electronics. It was a floor model..

The Onkyo Sound so much better then the Pioneer. I will post pictures tomorrow.

You lost me at "Onkyo sounds so much better then the Pioneer"..
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post #35 of 148
3/4/10 at 5:09am
Thread Starter 
Mikieson,
I could see how you would think the Pioneer would sound better. Unfortunately the VSV-80 only has pass threw for the HDMI (2 in and 1 out). I had to use the analog outputs from my Blu Ray for high rez sound. The Blu Ray also handled the bass Mgmt, which was limited to say the least. For my other source components I had to run the HDMI’s directly to the Plasma and optical to the Pioneer. Too many extra cables.

With the Onkyo I have all HDMI’s (4 in and 1 out) going to the AVR and have A/V switching. And believe it or not it does sound better to me?

The AVR I would have like was the VSX 23, however I am on a tight budget and the Onkyo’s price was too low to pass up.
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post #36 of 148
3/4/10 at 5:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jnnt29 View Post

Mikieson,
I could see how you would think the Pioneer would sound better. Unfortunately the VSV-80 only has pass threw for the HDMI (2 in and 1 out). I had to use the analog outputs from my Blu Ray for high rez sound. The Blu Ray also handled the bass Mgmt, which was limited to say the least. For my other source components I had to run the HDMI's directly to the Plasma and optical to the Pioneer. Too many extra cables.

With the Onkyo I have all HDMI's (4 in and 1 out) going to the AVR and have A/V switching. And believe it or not it does sound better to me?

The AVR I would have like was the VSX 23, however I am on a tight budget and the Onkyo's price was too low to pass up.

Its all good man..lol..YOu dont have to explain your choices to me. We all like different things and I was just messing with ya. My 2nd choice for a/v is Onkyo. I like them a lot as well and have thought about my next upgrade switching to them..
Have a good one..
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post #37 of 148
3/4/10 at 6:18am
Thread Starter 
Not a problem. It's all good. I was not really ready to make a buy yesterday and was just looking to see if the new Blu-Rays were out when I saw this sitting on a shelf.
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post #38 of 148
3/4/10 at 2:25pm
gratz, looking forward to more pics
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post #39 of 148
3/4/10 at 4:15pm
Are those beasts solid oak, oak plywood or veneer? Bet they do sound nice.
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post #40 of 148
3/4/10 at 5:07pm
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I think they are oak veneer and weigh a ton!! Yes they sound very good and this new AVR seems to have pumped in life into them. Thanks for looking.
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post #41 of 148
3/4/10 at 5:42pm
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Here is a picture of the new AVR. I plan to take the sticker of once I test all the functions. But for $146 how can you go wrong:

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post #42 of 148
3/6/10 at 7:42pm
Thread Starter 
Ok, Call me crazy! After reading all the post on the 606 boards about the HDMI video going bad and all the problems with repairs, I returned it and picked up the 707. Everything I read about the 707 was very positive and I didn't see any consistent HDMI issues.

And another AVR goes to the attic! (The VSX-80)
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post #43 of 148
3/26/10 at 6:54pm
Thread Starter 
Here is a picture of the new Onkyo Tx-SR707. It sounds great. My old Pioneer VSX-80 was sold to a new home to be enjoyed by a new Home Theater novice.
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post #44 of 148
3/27/10 at 9:33am
Yeah you did good by just going with the newer 707. I know you'll love it. Keep us updated!
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post #45 of 148
4/4/10 at 5:26pm
Thread Starter 
Well I've replaced my Subwoofer. I had the Polk PSW10 and I replaced with the PSW110. The difference is the 110 allow you to by pass the low pass filter and it has made a big difference. This Sub seems to be tighter and I have made some tweeks and it really sound good.

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post #46 of 148
2/21/11 at 6:25pm
Thread Starter 
It's been a while since I posted any updates to my system. I moved the Oaktron 412 (aka the radiators) out of the family room and replaced them with Klisch RB 61II. I got them for a great price and they sounded surprisingly full and large for a bookshelf speaker. Here are some pictures.


My system with the new Klisch RB-61ii by jnnt29, on Flickr

Klisch RB-61ii by jnnt29, on Flickr

My dog checking things out by jnnt29, on Flickr
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post #47 of 148
2/21/11 at 7:09pm
I have to say how beautiful those Oaktons are. Kudos to you for keeping them in such spectacular condition. BTW, kudos on building that cabinetry by hand. Impressive doesn't begin to describe it. I especially like the contrasting grains on the main pillars.
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post #48 of 148
2/21/11 at 7:16pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrolicBeast View Post

I have to say how beautiful those Oaktons are. Kudos to you for keeping them in such spectacular condition. BTW, kudos on building that cabinetry by hand. Impressive doesn't begin to describe it. I especially like the contrasting grains on the main pillars.

Thank you. The Oaktrons I bought when I was a junior in high school 33 years ago. They severed me well. The cabinet was a way for me to get the flat screen. My wife said we couldn't get a flat screen because the cabinet we had at the time was too small. So I sketched a picture and she went for it. For the new speakers I will make new oak stands. I'll start them this weekend. When they are done I'll post them as well.
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post #49 of 148
2/21/11 at 11:37pm
What's up j...

Can't believe I haven't seen your setup up until now... I read both pages, the Oaktrons are way cool. Can't believe you still have that brochure! Great job on the entertainment center and congrats on your new purchases. The Onkyo will serve you for a long time, too...
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post #50 of 148
2/22/11 at 4:32am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ddgtr View Post

What's up j...

Can't believe I haven't seen your setup up until now... I read both pages, the Oaktrons are way cool. Can't believe you still have that brochure! Great job on the entertainment center and congrats on your new purchases. The Onkyo will serve you for a long time, too...

Thanks. My system posts have been quiet for about 8 months and it fell back a few pages. It was nice last night because my family was out and I had 3 solid hours to set up the new speakers, run Audyssey on the AVR and do some good sound demos. Gotta like it when a plan comes together! JT
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post #51 of 148
2/25/11 at 5:20pm
Thread Starter 
I started making shelfs for the new Klipschs. All I need to do is complete the finish and then they will be ready.

initial assembly by jnnt29, on Flickr

with the trim by jnnt29, on Flickr

shelfs full assembly by jnnt29, on Flickr


speaker shelfs with stain by jnnt29, on Flickr
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post #52 of 148
2/27/11 at 7:54am
Thread Starter 
Here are pictures of the completed speaker stands. They are made of oak.


the second speaker stand by jnnt29, on Flickr

The Entertainment Unit with the Speaker stands by jnnt29, on Flickr

side view of the speaker stand by jnnt29, on Flickr
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post #53 of 148
2/27/11 at 8:23am
Speaker stands and entertainment center look fantastic. Your wife has to be just as happy as you are with the upgrades as you totally brought your room up to date. As much as I love the look of those Oakton speakers, I have to say your room looks better now. Great work.
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post #54 of 148
2/27/11 at 8:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hikarate View Post

Speaker stands and entertainment center look fantastic. Your wife has to be just as happy as you are with the upgrades as you totally brought your room up to date. As much as I love the look of those Oakton speakers, I have to say your room looks better now. Great work.

Thanks, this was a fun project and it allowed me to update the speakers at the same time.
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post #55 of 148
2/27/11 at 5:07pm
Thread Starter 
I thought I should update my equipment list. I had a good year and was able to get some new gear.

Family Room
46” Panasonic Plasma TH-C46FD18
Onkyo TX-SR707 AVR- new last April 2010
Panasonic Blu Ray Player DMP-BD65-new in November 2010
Toshiba HD DVD Player HD-A30
Panasonic DVD Recorder DMR-ES25
Motorola QIP 7216 FIOS DVR
Klipsch RB-61II Loud speakers for L/R Fronts- new in Februay 2011
Boston Acoustics Micro 120 Center and L/R Surrounds
Polk PSW-110 Subwoofer-May 2010
Harmony ONE Remote- October 2010
Monster Power HDP-1800
Custom made entertainment center and speaker stands


Updated photo of the current units by jnnt29, on Flickr
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post #56 of 148
3/8/11 at 6:38pm
Thread Starter 
I just picked up a Monster Power conditioner HDP-1800. Here is a picture! It seems that a lot of people feel they are over priced and I agree, but I had a gift card and was able to get for under $100.00 after the gift card. I can't say it has made the system sound or picture look better, but having an all in one connection for my power and protection for my equipment is a plus.


The new power conditioner by jnnt29, on Flickr
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post #57 of 148
3/17/11 at 5:35am
You checked mine out, so I had to check yours out.

I like the new speaker stands. Very well done.

Very clean and you have a huge room...makes me jealous.
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post #58 of 148
3/17/11 at 9:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by homank76 View Post

You checked mine out, so I had to check yours out.

I like the new speaker stands. Very well done.

Very clean and you have a huge room...makes me jealous.

Thank you, the room is 16 X 22 X 8 and is a nice space, though it is a shared family room. My wife promises when I retire in 7 years and move I can build my own dedicated theater room!
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post #59 of 148
3/17/11 at 2:49pm
What I like best perhaps is the built-in media storage on the cabinet sides. Good work! That certainly makes things convenient. And it looks like you've got wire management behind the cabinet down pat, too. Everything is so clean. Congratulations.
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post #60 of 148
3/17/11 at 4:05pm
Hey Jnnt29

The cabinet and speaker stands look great. Wish I was good a wood working...You have a nice setup there. I like seeing that your still using your HD-DVD player. I put mine away for now. might have to dig it out again

Hows that onkyo working out for you?
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