[Javaman]

I had a nifty realization the other day. I am actually content with all of my AV gear. For the longest time there was always a nagging to get this or that to upgrade my experience. Although there is better gear out there I am happy enough with my stuff to not have any upgrade fever! What a wonderful feeling. I just hope it lasts for more then a month or two!

 

[HotAhr]

Javaman, I am with you. The front projector experience has satisfied me beyond measure. I can actually go into an AV store and enjoy it without spending money on equipment, though the dvd section does draw out my green backs still.

 

[ssj2]

Never for more than a few months. I have a professionally calibrated NEC XG1100 (an 8" EM focused CRT with new tubes), and a fairly powerful HTPC running TheaterTek with ffdshow. The picture is stunning. Even more so with HDTV.


Nonetheless, I'm always looking for ways to improve the image, or scheming as to how I can upgrade. Oddly, I'm content with my audio equipment. Go figure.

 

[sonick182]

I am fairly content with my equipment, and rarely do i catch the upgrade bug... Only when I see something that is like, a HUGE HUGE improvement would i take the plunge..


IE:

ProLogic -> 5.1

36" CRT -> Infocus X1

Toshiba SD2109 -> LG 7832


And most of them are big bang for the buck items too, nothin too high end...

 

[Jack Ferry]

Quote:

Originally posted by HotAhr The front projector experience has satisfied me beyond measure. I can actually go into an AV store and enjoy it without spending money on equipment.

I used to find AV stores great places to see all the cool big screens, etc., but now that I've seen what front projection can do, I find most AV stores somewhat boring and outdated.

 

[AcuraCL]

Um, isn't that question a little ... um ... personal?


Yes, I love my equipment. As often as possible.

 

[Javaman]

hehheh. I guess the 6.1 speaker placement does look kind of like a wedding ring you are trapped in when viewed from above.


Most of my stuff is price for performance (X1, H/K receiver, HP screen) rather then high end. I guess having lower expectations and avoiding comparisons with high end stuff is saving me big bucks!

 

[chinch]

Yup. I enjoyed and was content w/ my gear for about 3-4 years now but remodeling the basement space (& theatre) has provided a (forced) opportunity to revamp w/ a new PJ upgrade (with appropriate short throw w400q to Z2) and associated receiver swap (denon 5700 to onkyo701 w/ 7.1 added in the future). I couldn't imagine swapping my front speakers (B&W Matrix 805s & HTM Center) or constantly changing things.


too many good movies to watch, too little time

 

[AcuraCL]

Hmmm. This may not be original, but I think the diff between low-end stuff and mid-range is substantial. I think the diff betw. mid-range and high-end is small. There is a law of diminishing returns. Spend up to about $20k, you'll hear a significant difference. Spend $40k, $60k, or beyond, few people will notice a diff, although they will start spouting snooty audio/videophile adjectives like some out-of-control word generator.

 

[drace-nl]

Quote:

Originally posted by Javaman Have you ever been content with your equipment?

Nope, too small ...



But hey, it produced two twins

 

[AcuraCL]

Quote:

Originally posted by drace-nl Nope, too small ... But hey, it produced two twins

*blinking*


Is that four (two twins, meaning pairs of two)?


Is one twin possible? What would it look like?

 

[Ste-lar7]

I actually think I miss the longing for new electronics. Now, I concentrate on what I can do for a better DIY screen, etc. Much cheaper for sure.

 

[drace-nl]

Quote:

Originally posted by AcuraCL Is that four (two twins, meaning pairs of two)?

That IS four , two pair of beautiful girls.


I'm afraid my english is as bad is my equipment ...

 

[rickster904]

Wife makes sure I don't go too crazy.

Quote:

Originally posted by drace-nl That IS four , two pair of beautiful girls.

Small but highly efficient equiment!

 

[AcuraCL]

Quote:

Originally posted by rickster904 Wife makes sure I don't go too crazy. Small but highly efficient equiment!

Dam straight. Good signal to noise too !!

 

[drace-nl]

Quote:

Originally posted by rickster904 Small but highly efficient equiment!

Hmmm , I have to disagree:

that is 2 times the fun for

4 times the trouble

(thinking about they're reaching the age of 15, 16 ... need "A bathroom of one's own" by that time .. )

 

[cappra]

Yes! I think for the first time in about a year I am content with my HT setup. First it was the Z1 projector, then the DIY screen, then the upgrade to the ELT 5.1 speaker system, then I just had to have a new receiver (Panasonic XR45) of course all the neat cables and connectors and finally the V880 DVD player. (couldn't leave that alone, had to change the power cord and data connections) I think now I can finally watch a movie in peace. That is until I can upgrade my speakers, a bigger screen, more powerful receiver, higher resolution projector....... Oh well...it was fun while it lasted!

 

[FredProgGH]

Not until I have my own Holodeck...


There is a running joke among my friends that the day I pronounce my setup perfect the world will end...

 

[Furious]

No, not really ever satisifed. I get quite a few product samples to try out and it usually ends up spoiling my fun.


I started with a basic 27" Sony and Pioneer dvd player and a laserdisc/vhs setup as well, runnnig via 2 channel wharfdale setup. Great...low maintenance not much tweaking etc. Next comes a 5.1 demo...ok, out goes the two channel, in with the 5.1.


Alright, now the picture is too small, let's bring in an Electrohome 7" crt front projector. Great, hours of convergence adjustments later decide that endless adjustments and tweaking are getting tiresome.


In comes a Panasonic AE100, one of the first units from the US/Can distribution that we just brought iin. Alright, nice and easy, plug and play operation. Whoops, now I don't like my black level/contrast. In comes a Toshiba 34" we just picked up to act as backup for those pesky 2.35:1 films. Hmm now the sound is not up to snuff, let's bring in that Velodyne Deco 5.1 setup we we're demoing in the office. Ok, now we have the best of both worlds, CRT 16x9 for the blacks and LCD FP for the image size.


Now what to complain about? Well surely the RP62 is the limiting factor, let's bring in a new dvd player. Woosh, in comes the Denon 5900 after sampling the finer qualities of the 2900. Fabulous, but now all the sound weaknesses of the Deco are all the more exposed with 2 channel playback. Hmm need some new speakers. Fast forward, good deal on a pair of Totem Forest towers, let's go with those.


Hmm now the receiver is the limiting factor, let's look a Denon 3805...but wait we just had Denon in talking about the release of the 4805 and 5805 in Sept/Oct . Hmm about what about last night's demo of the LPX510 we had as a sample....yes I think I'll need to upgrade the projector to match better with the qualities of the audio setup...


The moral of the story is, if you are happy with your current setup, don't go out looking at new stuff! Once upon a time I was satisified, but now it's all rather I now maintain a spreadsheet with planned purchases, update as we get new samples or pre-product release info to toy with. Hmm definitely not good!

 

[FredProgGH]

I suppose in all honesty it depends how carefully we define "satisfied". I am in fact very satisfied with my current set-up in (HTPC and X1) the sense that I find it very watchable and enjoyable, and there is little to no hassle involved in maintaining it. But that doesn't mean I am not also well aware that it's an entry-level system and I'm always conscious that when I have some cash there will always be something to upgrade as digi pj's get better resolutions, blacklevels and longer-lasting bulbs and the price-to-performance ratio drops. So I am accepting of my present situation but unsatisfied in the strictest sense!