So, over dinner, my friend said, "my wife wants a home theater system." Cocked an eyebrow, chased the peas and mumbled, "really?, something like Bose cubes ...?" "No," my friends says, she wants the whole thing ... hometheater seats, huge screen, huge sound, the max experience.

I gave up on the peas, looked up and smiled. "I can help you," I said.

I'm going to check out the dimensions of their living room's A frame type layout, but I'm thinking M80s, maybe a pair of W150s, QS8s and at least one EP600.

It's a very bright room, so they're resigned to not using a projector. I know the ceiling is 18' at the high point and 10' at the ends.

So every component choice is open - DLP, LCD, Plasma, speakers, receiver or processor/amp, Blue Ray DVD player, remote control, furnishings.

If y'all have a minute or two, especially if you've already given this some thought, or have been through the blank check HT experience, I'd appreciate your thoughts and advice.

2x, wife and I have a 73" Mitsubishi RP DLP that we've been extremely happy with, a 150 fits perfectly below the screen on the Mits TV stand and with the use of a (forgot the name) made-for-above TV mounting of center channel speakers (2nd 150) shelf we have our second center (VP100) .... we've been very happy with the setup.

Edited to add...

Omni-Mount, is the shelf...

2x6, although you don't have the numbers yet, the inference is that this's a pretty big room. Although the LCDs are gaining ground quickly(e.g., the Sony 52XBR4), for a big screen I'd suggest considering a top plasma, such as the Panasonic TH-58PZ750U.

For the mains, sure M80s. For the center, don't know why the Ws would be especially appropriate, but my thought would lean toward a third M80 or an M60.

Four QS8s for the surrounds and put a pair of EP600s at the midpoints of the front and back walls or the side walls.

This concept of a "blank check" is making me dizzy spending all this money, so I'll stop now.

Thanks for your initial thoughts fellas. Frank, I am a fan of the big Mitsubishi projectors. I have a 65" Mitsubishi Diamond in the bedroom. A nice 73" Mits sounds great. I'm actually partial to DLPs.

John K, I know, the idea of a blank check makes me giddy and gives me a nose bleed as well. Panasonic has earned my loyalty and respect over the years with great components at a decent price. I don't think a 58" Plasma can do the trick for the big HT experience.

Yup, M80s, 4 QS8s, a pair of VP150s or W150s (if Plasma), at least one EP600, but what do you all recommend when it comes to the receiver and Blue Ray components?

I'd like to hear some more ideas about the video end as well.

Thanks in advance.

Two receivers with all the features and most likely all the power that would be needed are the Denon 3808 and the Onkyo 875(better video processor), either of them being readily available from authorized dealers for about $1,100 shipped.

Edit: Oh, and if that little 58 incher isn't adequate, you might consider something along the line of the 103" Panasonic TH103PF10UK plasma.

2X,

If money is no issue, separates are the way to go. The A1400-8 would definitely be on my short list. I love the specs of the new S/N 972 and its rumored pre/pro sibling. Unfortunately, it would appear that S/N can’t seam to get their sh** together and get the units out the factory door. Another very promising pre/pro is the Carry Cinema 11a and 11v combo. Again, they aren’t any more likely to get them out the door than S/N. That leaves Denon. Denon has a pre/pro and amp combo out that looks killer, but they are pretty darn proud of them. I think the pair runs about 12K. McIntosh also has some near gear out. Super expensive in the typical McIntosh fashion. I don’t know anyone who has their new gear, so I can’t comment on it. On paper however, it looks as if McIntosh learned from everyone else’s HDMI mistakes and has hit a home run. But….figure 20K. For BlueRay, I’d pick up the new Denon 3800. It has the Realta VP chip, decodes all the formats and will most likely reset the switch and establish a new benchmark for all SD /DVD’s to follow. My second choice would be the Panasonic BD50. M80’s in piano gloss rosewood would be my choice for speakers, if they are to be displayed in daylight. M80’s, two VP150’s, four QS8’s and two EP500, or two EP600’s. The decor of the room and the level of intrusiveness that the misses will allow will dictate if EP600’s can be used.

Wow, Mdrew, there's wisdom in them words! I'd love to see a MacIntosh set up. Don't know if their idea of a blank check has that many zeroes. If money were completely no object than perhaps some Thiels or big Avantgarde horns.

Axioms new amplifier sounds a good pick, leaving the choice of a nice processor to go with it.

2x6..

Just throwing in my 2 cents.. Athem Statement D1 or D2 pre-pro to go with that A1400.


I own the " old " little brother, the AVM 20 and I've been super happy with it. Mine does not have HDMI but neither does my TV yet.. besides, I don't use my pre-pro for video switching ..although the AVM 20 has excellent vid capabilities..

That will run you about 7K..or AVM 50 wich I think is about 5K.

Here is a link: http://www.anthemav.com/

Cheers,

Riker

Interesting, number one. I have a low end Anthem PVA 5 driving my office HT system and love it. One of our local high end vendors, Synergy in Orange, CA, features Anthem, Thiel and Integra products. I heard a demo of the top of the line Statement processor and the big honking Anthem amp, some big Thiels and a Thiel subwoofer and can tell you that the combination is nothing short of wonderful.

Anthem, another great little Canadian audio company, makes great components. Great suggestion Mr. Riker. Thx.

Unless Anthem has does something lately, the D2 is HDMI 1.1 and will not recognize the new codecs. You would need a source that decodes them and outputs as Multi Channel PCM. I'm also not very found of a combination VP / Audio processor in one box. But, D2 owners are quite proud of them.

Another option for Audio, is do what I'm currently doing and use the 3808 for a pre/pro, a VP50Pro for video and an outboard amp (I'm using an NHT Power5). The more I use this receiver, the more impressed I get. The VP50Pro does amazing things with SD video.

I would go with Mike's suggestion of Cary Cinema 11. I have expensive tastes when it comes to other people's money! As a side note, she would be helping the U.S. economy as these are made in USA.