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I am in the process of getting pieces over time to complete my HT. I currently have a 27" 4:3 TV that I have upstairs at the moment. My original plan was to buy a projector and use my 8 year old JVC mini Sterio 2 channel mix for movies.

I am now thinking that instead of buying the projector first, I can move my 27" downstairs and buy all the audio gear first (speakers and sub) and have a full 5.1 system prior to picking up the projector. I already have a receiver that I got 2 weeks ago at a liquidation sale so all I need are the speakers and some 12 guage.

What would you do?

1. Buy a projector and have a 92" screen using a 2 channel mix and no low end sub. Save up for the audio.

2. Buy the 5.1 setup and a sub and use the 27" for the display and save up for the projector?

I will probably take the plunge on one of these options in the next month.

My gut instinct is to go with the 5.1 system first because sound has alot to do with the experience you have in a movie, more than the screen I think.

-Robb

OH, tough decision. There is no doubt that both upgrades are going to change your world. I think I agree with you. Do the audio first.

Do the audio first, because HD projectors continue to evolve more rapidly than audio. Maybe the Blue-ray and HD-DVD dust will have settled by then as well?

Excellent point, Dave. My HDTV is 2 months old and I'm starting to feel it's already obsolete.

Quote:

Do the audio first, because HD projectors continue to evolve more rapidly than audio. Maybe the Blue-ray and HD-DVD dust will have settled by then as well?

This as well is true, I am not looking at 1080p projectors though, I am looking to get just a 720p. But who knows, by the time I am ready to purchase a projector the 720p models will be reduced a ton because all the new models are coming out now. I was looking at the Sanyo Z4.

In any case, I am firm believer that neither HD DVD or Blu-ray will be the standard simply because they are not a big enough leap in technology as was VHS to DVD. DVDs were a HUGE step in technology compared to VHS.

I am not meaning to Hi-jack my own thread hahah. But I think that HVD (Holographic Versatile Disc) is the next phase in video technology. With some discs holding up to 1 terabite of information, it will simply be the end all be all for video when it does become available on a consumer level (probably 5 years from now).

But ya, I think my wife wants the projector first (who wouldn't?) but I will probably go with Audio for now. This way I'll be able to listen to music on a killer system as well.

-Robb.

That certainly is a tough call, Robb. Either option would make a dramatic difference to your viewing experience.

If it were me (it's not, but it is always easier to spend someone else's money

) and I could squeeze an extra few bucks for the purchase, getting the projector and just 2 decent Axiom speakers would be the route I would lean towards. A pair of Axioms to run as main speakers would give you a large % of that "feel" you are looking for in the sound department while providing all the video you are wanting. Then you can add the extra speakers at a later date when funds allow.

If the extra $$$ are not there to accomplish this option 3, then I would lean in Jack's direction - going speakers first. The other nice thing about deferring purchase of the projector is that with as fast as display technology is changing, when you can afford that 2nd option you can probably get the latest tech or even the same one you are looking at now, for substantially cheaper. During that time, speaker prices aren't likely to drop (but due to inflation will more likely rise slightly).

Either way you go, you are in for a wild ride!

Enjoy.

I vote for the video upgrade first. Going from 27" CRT to 92" at 720p will give you much more "WOW" than even the Axiom upgrade from your current mini-stereo, especially if:

- you will receive HD programming (absolutely stunning on my 88" screen with my Panny AE900, roughly equivalent to the Z4 you are shopping)

- you will watch much TV (sitcom/sports/etc) programming where sound is not as much of a factor

Of course, your mileage may vary, as they say, but I say go for the video.

I vote with medic8r!

I vote for audio.

No matter which way Ken voted, I promised I'd get furious.

Grrr.

OK, that's enough. Back to happy times!

HEY! Getting angry is my schtick, you jerk! Now I'm outraged!

Audio. I did audio and waited 3 1/2 years before recently doing video as well. I lived with a 25" GE. TV/projector technology keeps getting better so better off waiting for that one. Audio doesn't change as fast.

I don't think we can answer that question for you. I have a lot of friends with big screens and crappy audio, and they are totally happy with their systems. I'm an "audio first" person myself, so I was running a full 5.1 system with a 27" TV and was still upgrading the audio. It was only the ribbing from my friends that convinced me to get a projector instead of another big-ass subwoofer

Quote:

I vote for the video upgrade first. Going from 27" CRT to 92" at 720p will give you much more "WOW" than even the Axiom upgrade from your current mini-stereo, especially if:

- you will receive HD programming (absolutely stunning on my 88" screen with my Panny AE900, roughly equivalent to the Z4 you are shopping)

- you will watch much TV (sitcom/sports/etc) programming where sound is not as much of a factor

Of course, your mileage may vary, as they say, but I say go for the video.

It will be used primarily for gaming, movies, and concert DVDs.

I don't really have alot of plans to run HD cable or anything at the moment. In the future it is a possibility.

It really is a tough decision, hopefully I will get a bonus at work and I won't have to choose!

I am leaning toward Audio, I don't think I would enjoy LOTR on a 92" screen with a crappy 2 channel system.

I kind of like the suggestion of getting the projector and the front mains and a sub. Then save up for the centre and surround channels.

I am really crazy about LOTR, I actually haven't watched any of them on purpose for the past 6 months because when I finally get all the gear (especially the sound) I want that scene when Sauron looses his finger and then explodes to an ultrasonic wave...I am just dieing to feel my room shake on that scene...

Thanks for all the advise guys, I am leaning towards sound If the sub and the 2 channel mix can't be purchased at the same time as the display.

-Hutz

Why not both? What kind of money are you looking at spending right now?

You could do something like this; buy your projector used, buy an EP 500 and a set of bookshelves and build your own screen. When you get some more cash, use the bookshelves speakers for your center channel in parallel, and buy the remaining speakers you need for your 5.1.

Good, slightly used Panny 900’s and Z-4’s are always going on sale as the owners are upgrading to 1080P projectors. Many have been professionally calibrated too. And as long as you have a good sub, 2.1 can be quite enjoyable. Keep an eye on this board….
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=125

Or here. http://www.digitaltheater.com/

The reason I suggest buying a used projector is that 1080P projectors are starting to hit the streets and I’d wait a year before buying one after the dust settles from the rush to market competition. Plus, by then, the HD format war should be about over, maybe… In a year or so, all the 720P projectors will be selling for quite a bit less than they are now.

I vote for audio as well. I'm still on a tv that doesn't even do progressive scan! It's a 61" rear projection tv, so I'm able to enjoy a large screen, but horizontal lines are easily seen. I'm envious of all the new tv's, but I don't regret waiting at all. I can't imagine living without good audio though!

In fact, my brother and I were just discussing tv's the other day, and just 2 years ago, he bought a nice high def. rear projection and regrets it now. The price of tv's have come down considerably since then and the technology has gotten better. He wishes he'd waited until he could have afforded (which he can now) an LCD of the same size. Also, satellite tv (unless it's a high def. show) looks mushy on it. Anyway, that's my $.02.

I agree with the sound first. I am still waiting for the HD stuff to settle down and the higher resolutions are just starting to come on the newer Projetors and Plasma etc. Audio doesn't seem to be changing much other than more discrete channels but in a small room I think it wouldn't be noticed as much.

I never really considered buying a used projector but I guess there is no harm in doing so. Being in canada kinda sucks for buying projectors because in the case that I do buy one from the states used, the warranty (if there still is one left) will only apply for americans.

Its funny that you mentioned the EP500 because for the past month I have been pretty much ALL over the map with what kind of audio system I should get.

I was all over the M60s and a PB10 from SVS for awhile. Then I came to my senses and realized that I have a 14 x 16 room and the M22s and a PB10 would be MORE than enough. Then the more I read about the EP500 I need a good sub that will respond deep and also be articulate when it comes to music (especially because the M22s lack low end response)

So I have made a decision to go with the M22s and the EP500. It actually comes to 94 dollars more than the M60s and the PB10 and I am sure that the grandmaster 500 setup will be freaking awsome compared to the M60s and the PB10.

ANYWAYS, I will keep my eye out for those used projectors, thats very good advise!

Man, I saw some of those Panny 900U's go for $1000 on the AVS classifieds! I was budgeting 2K for a Z4.

-Hutz

>>So I have made a decision to go with the M22s and the EP500. It actually comes to 94 dollars more than the M60s and the PB10 and I am sure that the grandmaster 500 setup will be freaking awsome compared to the M60s and the PB10.

Yep. In a room that size I would take a great sub and smaller speakers over larger speakers and a lesser sub any day. Every so often I hook up my M2s as mains with a good sub and marvel at how good the sound is.

Why can't Bose do something like that ? They sure charge enough

Definetley audio first. I had my Axiom's a year before I got my 83" screen and Runco projector, I lived with my Sony 24" Wega TV (which I stlll have a soft spot for) and enjoyed myself immensely.

The picture is nice, but consider that most projectors don't have speakers so you'd have to hook it up to something anyways

Also the sound gives you some nice party toys to have while you wait for the big picture.

- D