I am in the process of setting up my first home theater system.

1. My room size is 33 feet by 22 feet by 7 feet high resulting in about 5,000 cubic feet of volume. Should I get the Epic 60 or the Epic 80 home theater system? Affordability is not an issue - I just want the optimnum system for the space I have without overkill. Is the Epic 80 much better sounding than the 60? I plan to drive the speakers with the Yamaha RX-V1300.

2. I plan to use my DVD player as a CD player also. So when I listen to music do I need to make any changes to the speaker/reciever configuration?

3. If I have to lengthen my in wall speaker wire is it OK to connect the piece outside the wall to another wire of the same guage and securing them with electrical tape? Will I loose and sound quality because of the connection?

Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Avian.

1. Av, the M60s would be plenty for your room and you wouldn't need the M80s. The one item in the Epic 60 I'm unenthusiastic about is the center. I prefer a vertical center, such as the M2, or if it has to be horizontal, substitute the VP150 for the VP100.

2. It isn't clear what you mean by changes in "configuration". If you mean simply that you'd prefer to listen to CDs in stereo instead of using DPLII for surround sound, that's possible, of course.

3. The end of the connection doesn't necessarily have to be the same gauge as the preceding run. The overall resistance is what matters and a thinner gauge for the last few feet doesn't make a significant difference and may be more convenient to use. Although there may be more elegant connections, simply twisting them together and wrapping with tape works fine.

Hi John,

I am sure you have written this already, but why do you prefer a vertical center?

Just curious...

Thanks John. I've never used a home theater receiver before so I don't know if I need to do anything different when watching DVDs vs. listening to CDs. Will the receiver automatically output stereo sound when I play a CD? I will be using the same digital coaxial cable for both DVD and CD.

Thanks.

Avian

The receiver will recognize the bitstream and will output audio. One thing to be aware of is your output setting on the receiver itself. If you have it set to Pro Logic 2, or some other of the newer surround settings that try to create a surround effect from 2 channels, then that is what you will get. If you want stereo you will have to set that on the receiver. You may want to run a second set of interconnects from the analog out from your dvd player to the cd inputs of the receiver. You can keep the cd input set to stereo and then control everything from your remote. Enjoy

Thanks Tinfoilhat. I'll play around with the various settings once I have everything hooked up. I'm still in the process of ordering all the components.

Avian,

If your Yamaha receiver is similar to mine, it is very simple to switch between the effects and dsp's and two channel stereo. All you have to do is turn the effect off and the receiver will send out the signal in stereo to your main speakers. No need for extra wires etc. Check your manual for the exact instructions. It should be a one or two button step with your remote.

I have the same receiver with my Axiom's. Get ready to be thrilled!!

AVIAN

in my opinion, if you want the best setup for your room, get the following:

M60's fronts
VP150 center
QS8's rear
TWO (yes, 2) EP350 subs.
A room that size would be excellent with stereo subs. Or two daisy chained subs. It would really give the bass impact a lot of realism.

Make sure you get an amp with lot's of power. Get as much as you can afford. Something that can also handle 6 and 8 ohm loads. I would stray from anything under 100wpc, and look for something as high as 200wpc into 8ohms.

Yes, sushi, I've done a few previous replies on the point and there have been some favorable reports relating to the use of M2 centers. Theory, logic and personal experience tell me that the best way to maintain a consistent timbre across the front is to use a center identical(or as similar as possible)to the mains. I haven't cared for the MTM centers I've heard, although the TMMMT configuration in the VP150 has received considerable praise(I haven't heard it)and may be a significant improvement.

Thanks Ravi. I am considering the Yamaha RX-V1300 A/V receiver which has 100WPC @ 8 ohms. I'll probably go with your suggestion minus the extra sub due to budget restrictions.