Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Audio or Video First?

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.

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!