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 =)