[Mark Hunter]

Let's say that I was starting from scratch to build an HT. What percentage should I spend on audio / video?


Or, to put it another way, if I had US $20K to spend on the HT, how much of it would be in audio and how much in video?


If I get an D-ILA projector and an iScan doubler, and have less than $5K left over for the audio, am I going to have a "lop-sided" system?


Thanks!


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Mark Hunter

 

[John Tuohy]

It all depends on what is important to you. With 5k you could get a real nice audio system for movies but if the reproduction of music is most important, you would want to spend most of the 20 on audio. 5k could get a great receiver and ht speaker system with a deep sub. You also could use some of your existing equipment if possible then upgrade down the line. For 12k you could get a 8" CRT and scaller with screen. You have alot of options but first you must decide which is most important.


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John Tuohy

 

[aerialman]

I absolutely agree. My $0.02 is that if youve got a budget today and know youll have more money in the future for this, the things that wont go out of date are speakers and amplifiers.


- Jerry

 

[Mark Hunter]

Aerialman -


Well, that explains those Aerial 10Ts that you have! Man, I checked out those speakers at a local A/V shop, and they are SWEET!


Unfortunately, I think that my HT would be even more lopsided with those beauties flanking a 12 inch Black-and-White TV!


My future system will be 75% movies, 25% music. I was thinking of splitting the 20K right down the middle, and putting 10K each into video and audio. It would really restrict the projector, but then again, 10K goes pretty quick when you add up speakers, subwoofs, amps, and the processor.


To be fair, I was going to "hold" some of the budget to be good to the audio side. The projector can chew through the budget pretty quick. Is a split down the middle reasonable? 50/50?



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Mark Hunter

 

[aerialman]

Mark,

thanks- the 10ts are wonderful speakers but there are lots of wonderful speakers out there.


The thing about audio is, at least I find it to be, more subjective than video. I can put up test patterns and know that a set cant hold a black level, etc- but audio- well thats something that cant come down to your mood on a particular day. You might laugh, but Im more of a videophile! I just relized that when it came to audio, the most critical thing to have is good speakers; of course they have to be fairly close to the level of other components. Just remember youre building a system so dont buy a 100wpc amp and then stick a speaker like the 10t

that needs more power with it.


I think with your bias of mostly movies you dont need to go crazy with the audio equipment, maybe a high end receiver like the denon 5700 and then some kind of movie optimized speaker package like M&K or Definitive or Atlantic. One thing on the video side, if you can do it, I think a pc based dvd solution will give you the most flexibility and best image possible.


- Jerry

 

[Mark Hunter]

Jerry,


You ARE good! I have actually downgraded the Lexicon MC-1 to something more reasonable, and am purchasing a 5700 tomorrow!


As far as speakers, I was leaning toward the Atlantic already. You know how to call 'em.


That should leave me enough $$$ left over for a decent projector and still come under my $20K budget.


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Mark Hunter

 

[aerialman]

Mark,

thanks- I hope you wont mind my borrowing that quote above to show to my wife! lol! http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


I think you will be very happy with your audio setup. Then its time to go video.


- Jerry

 

[Mark Hunter]

Hi migliore,


DON'T EVEN GO THERE http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif


I have been struggling for months now to make good decisions for the HT.


I started off looking at a Lexicon MC-1, Marantz amp. and Atlantic Tech. speakers...and a Pioneer Elite RPTV...for about $20K.


Once I finally decided to go FP, I had to decide about the D-ILA, CRT, DLP, etc. and downgrade the audio to the Denon 5700, with no separate amp.


I finally feel like I am making some progress (at least I am making some early decisions), but I was hoping NOT to go back the early (base-level) decisions.


So, $20K can't get a respectable HT? Man, this is one expensive hobby http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif



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Mark Hunter

 

[aerialman]

wasnt it Einstein who said something like:

to someone who owns a $400k home theater, a $20k home theater wont cut it; but to someone who owns a $5k home theater, a 20k home theater is the holy grail!


well, actually he didnt say that, I did- but he did say this:


eveything's relative! http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


I think 20k can buy a really great home theater!


- Jerry


[This message has been edited by aerialman (edited February 22, 2000).]

 

[Mark Hunter]

I sure hope so. Anymore $$$ than that, and there will be BLOODSHED at my house. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/eek.gif


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Mark Hunter

 

[aerialman]

I know Einstein didnt say this but its still important:

bloodshed does not make for a good home theater experience!


- Jerry

 

[migliore]

if i was working off a 20k budget id get a nice rptv, like a tosh 65" widescreen or a pioneer elite. leaves more dough to audio. it costs so much to get a good projector setup from my exp.


rob


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Migliore Theater

 

[avdoc]

I just wanted to add this to give some perspective. I come to home theater from the audiophile side of things. I have a magnepan system which I am very fond of and can marvel at the sound of it with excellent recordings. My sister and her fiance came over to the house and they were awed by the front projection system. I put on some music for them and they said how nice the song was but I could tell they were not impressed. My point is, this made me realize that once you get beyond a certain point on the audio side, you are the only person who cares anymore. I think if you want to spend $15K on video and $5K on audio this should be more than sufficient for movies and music provided you are happy with your choice. Nobody else is going to care.

 

[Don O’Brien]

I have found it useful in helping others to ask the following:

Do you listen to music casually (while doing chores) or do you listen critically (in the sweet spot) with little or no background noise? If you are the former I think you will be more than pleased with the AVR 5700 and the atlantic techs, if you are the latter (rare today) I wish you luck in lifetime of the pursuit of subjective, audio nirvana. It stops when your heart does.

P.S. Your system will sound great for home theater, get the big picture it has the biggest wow effect on friends and family

Don


[This message has been edited by Don O'Brien (edited February 24, 2000).]

 

[John Tuohy]

I agree with Don. If you are not going to sit in that sweet spot very often and concentrate on the emotion and life like reproduction of music, you will be very happy with your choice. I get the most enjoyment from my front projection system.


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John Tuohy

 

[Mark Hunter]

Gosh, I almost feel bad that I am NOT an audiophile http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/frown.gif


Of course, like anyone, I want the best I can afford, but I have to make some trade-offs to come under my (my fiance's, really) 20K budget.


I could get 5 Martin Logans, a Lexicon MC-1, the Parasound amp a Velodyne subwoofer, but then I would be looking at the same 25" NTSC box that I have today...


The trade-off is to admit that I don't have golden ears, SUCK IT UP, and downgrade the audio to be able to upgrade the video.


Ideally, one of the audio FANATICS on this forum will feel so sorry for my lowly developing system that they will buy me the audio gear to spare my ears the horror of the Denon (dare I say it)...integrated... receiver.


(Can you feel the love?)


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Mark Hunter

 

[John Tuohy]

Sorry mark I did not want to make you feel bad it was my intent to make you feel good about your choice. Though after rereading it today I could see your point. Audio is and has been one of my passions in life. I think you made the correct choice with the front projector. Did you get the Denon yet?


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John Tuohy

 

[Mark Hunter]

Thanks, John,


I knew that your intentions were good. Heck, EVERYONE one this forum is fantastic! I LOVE THIS PLACE!


I actually haven't bought anything yet. I am still waffling on a couple of decisions. I like the Denon for it's 5.1 analog inputs (SACD, DVD-Audio might end up in my system before long) and the 7.1 EX possibility.


However, I also like the Sony ES line for the ESP modes that I have been hearing so much about and the S/W download/upgrade options.


I am waffling between those two, but I have admitted to myself that if I get the Lexicon, the video will certainly have to compromise.


Thanks for the advice and encouragement, though! I want a really nice home theater, but I am really neither a videophile nor an audiophile (at least, not compared to some folks I have seen on the web)...


Maybe more of a "theaterphile"...


Mark


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Mark Hunter

 

[John Tuohy]

Mark

I recentlty purchased an EAD signature used from a dealer with waranty for 4,000.


You might be able to find that lexicon you crave for a few bucks more than the denon not to put down the denon I have heard this and would be very happy with it. But before you give in you have other options. Group purchases on this site can often save you 40% off retail and if you are considering a CRT AV science has B stocks " for great savings. I purchased mine from them and would do so again.


off the top of my head:


NEC xg 75 around 7.5K

HT pc 1.5

Iscan doubler .5

screen .5

Lex 4.5

amp ATI/cinepro 1.5

Psb golds front 1.75

rears & center 1

earth quake sub 1

wires & install .75


Total cost 20.5K give or take


You could also use your current speakers in the rear and upgrade down the line


Note with seperates you have more flexability to upgrade down the road DVD audio, Dolby EX, ?? or change amps ect..


Keep us posted !


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John Tuohy

 

[Mark Hunter]

Awesome, John! Thanks for the shopping list. That sure was easy. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


Seriously, I really appreciate you taking the time to put together your ideas like that. I agree with your basic ratios, but would tweak a couple of individual choices here and there...


...and with the tweaks I might have to revise the budget (don't tell my fiance).


And the struggle between good and evil begins...


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Mark Hunter