When we moved, I built my theater around existing components and a 35" Mits CRT. I then added the Von Schweikerts and a B&K 305.
When the B&K crapped out, I decided that the time was right to redo the entire system. By this I mean that the key standards have stabilized now and the new HT gear works great and is reliable.
Money was tight so price was a paramount consideration in every decision. Still, having spent my career in edit bays and audio control rooms I was not ready to compromise.
I wanted the new rig to sound good for 2 channel but it was not my critical listening system which is detailed elsewhere. This is the main TV in the house, we watch a lot of movies so that was the primary consideration.
This system was built on a core set of decisions:
1) I would buy everything possible used - primarily here on the Gon
2) I would keep the Von Schweikert 5.1 speaker system
3) I would do everything possible to minimize RF and EMI - a special consideration with as much cable as this type of project involves
4) I would begin with clean power
5) I would future proof the system as I plan to keep it as long as we stay in this house. This led me to BluRay, 1080P and HDMI 1.3 as baseline standards.
6) I would ensure WAF by keeping everything possible inside the wall unit which was gutted for the installation
7) I would approach this system like any high end audio system (as opposed to something lesser) applying everything I have learned about cabling and isolation. So everything is isolated, everything has a premium power cable.
I spent a long time researching every component to create a cost effective system.
I learned a few things that I want to pass on to anyone looking for the benefit of hindsight.
1) HDMI rules. I did everything HDMI except for analog ICs from the pre to the sub and the amps, and of course the speaker cables. This does three things for you: it eliminates wire clutter and with it the attending antenna effect. And it saves money - compare the cost of one HDMI cable to connect the BluRay to the processor compared to seven ICs and an RGB bundle.
2) The new generation of sources are incredibly inexpensive. Having grown up with tape decks, turntables, VTRs/VCRs and even some DVD players it is stunning how much you get for how little. The four sources - all HDMI - cost about $1,100 - require minimal setup and maintenance and work great. WOW
3) It is kinda weird to hook up a audio video rig and have to plan for Ethernet and a hub. Four (4) of these devices have Ethernet ports.
4) Everyone is right - get the biggest screen you can!
I just upgraded the Von Schweikert center channel for a Nola. It sounds better but more importantly, it covers a broader area so the front sounds much more unified and the dialogue is easier to understand.
I am waiting to see the new Oppo BluRay though I do not use the one I have enough to be in the least bit dissatisfied.
I will probably upgrade the sub next. What I have is clearly too small for the room. I don't need more boom and rattle, I would like more ambience and a better standup bass sound for Ray Brown.
Of course what I would really like to do is a bunch of room treatment, especially under the soffit where the mains live. Sometimes we cover the glass coffee table which helps. But now we enter the twin isles of COST and WAF and that is more then I am ready for at the moment =)
7 channel processor with a lot of very nice features - especially the game changing Audyssey MultiEQ. I also make use of the 4 HDMI inputs, the ability to bi-amp the fronts, and the ability to decode the new lossless BluRay audio formats.
I do not use the videoscaler - based on some tests this is better done at the source.
I do not use the video processing because it is global rather then input specific - I believe that the 9.9 fixes that
Butler TDB 5150
150w five channel hybrid power amp - this is used for the center and L&R which are bi-amped
Flying Mole DAD-M100
100w monoblocks - very compact - I use a pair of these for Surround L&R
Von Schweikert Audio VR-2
very nice, narrow profile floor standers. I have 40 pounds of shot in each. I have them on SoundCare SuperSpikes sitting on a Herbies Big Fat Dots. This achieves near complete isolation from my suspended wood floor.
I run these bi-amped, mostly because I can LOL
Nola LCR-15
powerhouse center channel unit with good intelligibility and lots of dynamics. very interesting design with an open baffle for tweeter and hi-mid, and sealed cabinets for the mid/bass drivers.
Von Schweikert Audio VRS/1 High Speed Mini Sub
Fast and tuneful and as the name says, small. Considering the size of the space it does a credible job but I am either going to add a second one or get something bigger like a Fathom or Velodyne.
Von Schweikert Audio TS-150 Surround speakers
ideal for wall mounting. can be switched between monopole and dipole depending on the room, taste and source.
Oppo 981 DVD Player
Just a great piece - very compact! We use the Oppo upscaling to 1080P in preference to using the Reon scaler in the Integra. Excellent picture - no its not BluRay but a well mastered disc looks beautiful.
I run HDMI out so all audio is decoded by the Integra
DirecTV HD DVR
excellent unit - HDMI out in 1080i look very great. Good sized drive never seems to run out of space.
Apple AppleTV
160Gb hard drive that lives on my Ethernet network. Not perfect but a very nice way to show fotos, play music and play movies from iTunes.
I run this HDMI - sound is terrific with Apple Lossless files.
Nice free features like a dynamite screen saver using your own photos
Panasonic BD-30 BluRay Player
Another killer piece for the money. I output HDMI so all audio decoding is done by the Integra. Very fast to load a disc.
Pioneer 1050 50
A very sweet plasma - not the Elite but then not the same money either. Did the ISF calibration which made a very nice difference - you can even tell when stills played through the AppleTV are over saturated - pretty amazing for a 50
Vampire Continuous Cast Copper w/ C7X/CB
To keep the sound warm and engaging, I decided to use all copper - especially copper connectors throughout. This is a seven cable bundle that runs from the Integra to the amps. Incredible value and great sound.
VH Audio Pulsar
picked this one for the sub since I wanted maximum RF rejection - great cable
Wireworld Starlight 5 HDMI
these guys just build great cables - absolutely no noise or artifacts from any of the sources.
I run them from all my sources to the Integra and then from the Integra to the Pio
Supra 3.4 Ply w/ Audioquest BFA bananas
Decided to DIY the cables for the five front channels. Supra is a fery legit Swedish company with interesting technology and their own manufacturing.
In keeping with my
BPT Model 2.0 Isolator
I have spent enough time around gear to know that a good system starts with clean power.
Got this piece here on the Gon and had it sent to Chris who upgraded with a Furutech IEC inlet and two Oyaide duplexes.
Everything but sub, the AppleTV and the DirecTV DVR run directly to the BPT. The AppleTV and DirecTV go to a APC UPS first on the theory that they are computers.
The sub runs to a separate Monster wall socket.
I use the very excellent BPT L-9 Power cable which runs to the Oyaide WPC carbon fiber wall duplex.
LogiTech Harmony One Advanced Remote
WOW - order from chaos - not all it should be but once you get past that its pretty neat - and probably will get better since so much of it is software driven.
Plus its sleek, nice in the hand and it is possible to use it in the dark.
Works for me...
Herbies Audio Lab various types - open for detail
I've got to give a shout out for the good folks at Herbies. I always use some of their stuff.
I am using four of their products in this system:
Tenderfeet under all of the small/light electronic components
SuperSonic Stabilizers on the top of the two players, AppleTV and DirectTV
Big Fat Dots under the Von Schweikert mains
IsoCups separating the Flying Moles from their granite bases
Black Diamond Racing MK3 Thck Pucks
I have these under the Integra. They in turn rest on a Symposium UltraShelf.
My goal is to achieve maximum isolation from the wall unit which while solidly built is of course somewhat resonant.
Thnx Glen - glad you enjoyed the write-up - got to agree, for the money you can't beat the VSA stuff - when this system is fully cranked I don't really care that there is "better" stuff out there - nice synergy with the Butler for sure.'
As noted one of these days I am going to upgrade the sub - mostly because the volume of the room is so great
Nice set up. Enjoyed reading your goals for the system and how you took things into account, especially the WAF. Can not go wrong with the VSA speakers. Happy listening and viewing.
The 9.8 is a preamp/processor so Audyssey does (has to) work with outboard amplification. Maybe Onkyo wrote a different spec for their integrated units to save some money on their Audyssey implementation.
I had the DD15 on the short list for a long time but the ruler ruled it out (sorry LOL)
I suspect that either the DD12 or the JL12 would do the trick.
Thanks very much. Nice setup BTW. Sorry I didn't mention it to begin with.
I almost went with a 305 myself, but recalled my inauguration with the 220 Ref. Didn't like it AT ALL. Not no how, not no way.
Perhaps Integra does it differently, but Onkyo doesn't allow Audacy to engage and optimize IF outboard amp (s) are in use. My 805 has the Audacy feature but wont 'do what it do' unless all the speakers are attached directly to the receiver. I setup for distance and levels... and run without any EQ at all.
Apart from from acquiring a cohesive sound field, lip syncing the center, the display and sub are of upmost import IMO. You're on the right track thinking about that JL unit. One of the best moves I've ever made was the DD15... well, that and the Projector + 115 inch screen.
It's so nice to not have to sit a foot from a TV or monitor to watch stuff... and the sub? Whoa!! BTW2... the vinyl screen material doesn't give off that harsh attack you mentioned. For music I simply pull the drapes and further diffuse the area between the mains.
I started with a B&K305. I never did like it at all. PM me and I'll dish the dirt. When it blew, rather then fix it, I went to the Integra 9.8 and an Anthem PVP 7 - which is an excellent amp for the money.
This enabled me to bi-amp my VR2s which kicks a serious amount of tail - while they are very efficient, these speakers really like the extra power.
Everything about this setup is a big improvement over the B&K starting with the GUI and Audyssey. There was more detail, more slam and a much greater sense of ease. Part of this was because I am now biamping the VR2s. And the Integra is a much better pre section. (Set aside the obvious difference between HDMI input and everything else)
I could have happily stopped there but a month or so in, I saw the Butler float by well below BlueBook. I was much intrigued by all the positive commentary I had read. So I bit hoping to add intelligibility to the center channel.
There no doubt that the Butler is a much more powerful unit then the Anthem with better slam, more detail and a much deeper sound stage which is nice with movies and live events. The word palpable is appropriate here.
There was a definite improvement on the center channel. I can play very very loud (though I don't) - I have never clipped. Both the Anthem and the Butler sound good at low listening levels. And the support from both factories has been first rate.
At this moment in time, I don't have any more to spend. My hunch is that I would have to spend a whole lot more to make a significant difference in amplification. I feel that the Butler/Mole combo is solid for my listening levels and something I can build on.
I think there are other places to spend that would make a bigger difference.
The first place to spend would be on room treatment. In particular I would put some diffusion in the alcove behind the plasma and the mains since there is some audible slap.
Beyond that I would replace the VRS/1 with a JL Fathom 112 sub. This is a space driven spec, since i don't have room for either a 15" cabinet or two subs. If I did I suspect that a second VRS/1 might do the trick for less money. Really not so much about more thump so much as low level cues and ambience.
I would definitely upgrade from an Integra 9.8 to a Integra 9.9 for the new Audyssey features. And I would do a pro analysis and setup on the Audyssey.
If I still had coin to spend I would bump the 50" to a 60" LOL
