Needed a personal retreat for music and movies so we converted the den into a dedicated theater and listening room. First thing was to enclose the room. Doorway and the plain wall next to it are new. Then cut into the wall to create the equipment rack. The wall backed up to a guest coat closet. This provides easy walk-in access to the back of the equipment through the closet. Installed dedicated power supply connected to Wattgate power outlet. Added carpeting and draperies along with Echo Busters to tame the acoustics of the room. Thanks to Dan Harmon at Dedicated Audio in Phoenix for so much great help, advice and service.
The Krell was a challenge. I was switching from a B&K receiver which worked nicely with silver cables. Those same cables with the Krell were an instant debacle. After experimenting with several alternatives, found Cardas Golden Cross to be the most satisfying cable for this system. Of course, cable is very subjective so the next guy might say I'm crazy but that's how it worked out. After getting that settled, the Krell turned out to be very revealing and powerful. The details, the presence and the punch of movie soundracks never let me down. Music sounds pretty good, too. Don't think you can go too far wrong with Krell.
Thanks, Glen. Putting the components in the wall has worked out well. And it's the first system I've had where you don't see cables running around the room to the speakers. They run under the floor from the closet to positions just behind the front speakers.
Thanks. The lights are on the same universal remote as the system itself so when the movie starts, the lights dim like a real theater. It's very effective.
My room has a cathederal ceiling and the effect of reflected sound was pronounced. Adding the carpet, draperies and acoustical panels helped considerably. I could add more panels to the walls and put them on the ceilings but it would look awful and I'm content with the room's performance as is.
For the digital out, the Cardas Lightning 15. For 5.1 out, Cardas Golden Cross. For redbook CD's, Cardas Golden Reference. For stereo out to the headphone amp, Cardas Neutral Reference. Power cord is Cardas Golden Reference. Thanks.
Sorry to hear of your difficulties, Frank. My processor makes the switch automatically every single time. Whether it's called on to switch to Pro Logic, Dolby Digital or DTS, I've had no problems with it. On the other hand, I'm on my second HD Tivo unit. Six months after I got the first one, it started overheating and shutting down every 24 hours. Direct TV replaced it and the new one overheats occasionally, too. The unit has a pretty bad reputation in general. Can't see how it could be the source of your problem but maybe it's the Tivo unit. Good luck.
Would love to move the 803's further out from the wall but the room is not that big, only seats four. As it is, the sofa is only ten feet from the front right and left speakers. Move them any closer and you'll feel like they're in your lap. But thanks for the suggestion. I'll probably try it out just for the heck of it.
Thanks for your kind words. No, it is not a plasma TV. It's a rear projection set by Infocus. It's seven inches deep and looks great hanging on the wall instead of a desktop. Not entirely fond of plasma. For me, this looks more like film.
