After 6+ weeks of research, I finally have my new Home Theater installed and playing!!!
I ended up with KEF Q7 mains, Q1s for surrounds, Q9 center, all in the dark apple finish, a SVS 25-31PCi sub tuned to 22Hz by SVS, and a Denon 2802. I went with A/R Pro interconnects and Studio Tech 36" SP stands for the surrounds.
I bought EVERYTHING from Online resellers and I am happy to report that every reseller (4 in all) came through with FLYING COLORS. And while I bought my KEFs and Denon from an unauthorized reseller, the prices were fantastic, I got the 2802 for $469.
I received all my cabling yesterday, and worked last night and this morning getting everything setup.
The system fired right up, no problems---I did download the SVS and Denon manuals 2 weeks ago and read them thoroughly
I sampled a few scenes from Armageddon and Pearl Harbor, and as expected, it was awesome. The SVS filled my 20x15 room fabulously (even though I have 20ft+ ceilings). What an awesome sub!
On the more critical music listening, the KEFs are amazing. Very clear vocals on the Phantom of the Opera CD and some Christmas music.
I do believe that I could use a higher power receiver with the KEFs, but considering I blew my $2K budget out of the water ($3,011 for EVERYTHING), I am very, very happy with the results. Some time next year I'll buy an Denon 3803 (or better) and sell my 2802 on eBay.
Thanks again to EVERYONE who gave me advice, ideas, etc. I had to go from ZERO HT/Stereo knowledge to educated consumer in a very short timeframe. And now that I have a bit of HT knowledge, I realize that it's only the tip of the iceberg. It's way more interesting than the IP security products I sell!
I have posted some digital pics in the gallery. Here's a sample:
Regards,
Sean in Nor Cal

I ended up with KEF Q7 mains, Q1s for surrounds, Q9 center, all in the dark apple finish, a SVS 25-31PCi sub tuned to 22Hz by SVS, and a Denon 2802. I went with A/R Pro interconnects and Studio Tech 36" SP stands for the surrounds.
I bought EVERYTHING from Online resellers and I am happy to report that every reseller (4 in all) came through with FLYING COLORS. And while I bought my KEFs and Denon from an unauthorized reseller, the prices were fantastic, I got the 2802 for $469.
I received all my cabling yesterday, and worked last night and this morning getting everything setup.
The system fired right up, no problems---I did download the SVS and Denon manuals 2 weeks ago and read them thoroughly

I sampled a few scenes from Armageddon and Pearl Harbor, and as expected, it was awesome. The SVS filled my 20x15 room fabulously (even though I have 20ft+ ceilings). What an awesome sub!
On the more critical music listening, the KEFs are amazing. Very clear vocals on the Phantom of the Opera CD and some Christmas music.
I do believe that I could use a higher power receiver with the KEFs, but considering I blew my $2K budget out of the water ($3,011 for EVERYTHING), I am very, very happy with the results. Some time next year I'll buy an Denon 3803 (or better) and sell my 2802 on eBay.
Thanks again to EVERYONE who gave me advice, ideas, etc. I had to go from ZERO HT/Stereo knowledge to educated consumer in a very short timeframe. And now that I have a bit of HT knowledge, I realize that it's only the tip of the iceberg. It's way more interesting than the IP security products I sell!
I have posted some digital pics in the gallery. Here's a sample:
Regards,
Sean in Nor Cal
