I'm looking at the endless options for putting together a good home theater system that will fill my current and future needs. It appears that heart surgery would be a simpler task!

I have been enjoying my NAD Monitor Series 1600 PreAmp and 2700 Power Amp with Paradigm 11 SE's since 1994. The NAD 2700 is THX certified.

I find the 11SE's have sloppy response when put againist current Paradigm Reference, B&W, and Polk Audio Speakers. I keep on being told that today's drivers use much better materials, which I guess I buy.

I also have the advantage of being able to take the drive up North and listening to the Axiom product and from reading would be interested in the Epic Grand Master System with perhaps the centre channel upgrade to the VP150.

So my hopes from the board are some suggestions:

Can my current NAD AMP fit into my system or should I sell it?

If I am going with separate processor and amp, what would you suggest for the processor and remaing channels? My weakness on this point is that I have access to great prices on Sony electronics and they have recently released the 5000ES and 9000ES Receiver units.

Our current Panasonic DVD-RP62 player was a mid grade model 2 years ago. What benefit and what should I plan to spend in order to stay away from a weak link in the chain scenario? Do I really need to spend $700 on a DVD player?

For speakers, we are currently in a modest apartment (700 sqf living room) but are planning to build next fall. We do not want a Screening room but would build media into our main and basement rooms which will be no larger than 1200 sqf each. House will be open concept and I want to take 'wire' each room for current and future tech. Given that, can I buy now for later, or should I buy for now and then buy again later?

Lengthy post. Hope the information is there for those willing. Thanks in advance.

Van_G, welcome
it looks like you've chosen well as far as new speakers are concerned. I think you will be very happy with the Axioms, and the upgrade to a VP150 is probably the right choice if funds allow (especially if you have a large HT room).

I'm not completely familiar with your NAD setup. I'm sure it's just a newer version of the NAD 160/270. If that is the case, you've got a very nice 2 channel setup. But if you're looking to wade into the HT arena, you'll need a new processor. AV receivers like the Yamaha RX-V1400 are a very popular choice around here because of their auto calibration features. They also have preout connections so you will be able to still use your power amp to power your main speakers if you wish. This shouldn't be a necessity though, as the Yamaha will have plenty of power to drive your mains to eardrum-shattering volumes.

I don't think you have to worry too much about the DVD player. As you can see, here the reviews on this model of DVD player were quite good. Panasonic has a reputation for building quality DVD players at prices a fraction of most other company's players. So realistically, I don't think you'd see a drastic improvement in quality sound or picture to upgrade your DVD player. However, if you think you want to get in to multi-channel music playing like SACD or DVD-Audio, here's a coule of popular choices:
Denon 2200
Pioneer DV-563A
these are two highly regarded players that won't break the bank. Good luck!

I'd use the Panasonic till it dies. Replace it with a new mid-grade dvd player with the Faroudja chip. I've read that Panasonic will once again use the chip in some of their new models for 2004.

I agree. I had an RP 62 and it was terrific, tested by Secrets of Home Audio - found superior to many much higher priced competitors.

Thanks for the replies. Good to hear that some of my budget is freed by keeping my current DVD Player.

I spoke with Joe at Axiom and it looks like the Grand Master Epic is a good choice with VP150 and maybe a sub upgrade for future space. Then adding floor standing speakers in the new space and being able to use the M22ti in another zone.

I've looked at couple of processor's and although these are over my budget I'm intrigued by Anthem and Sony's TA900ES. Not many people talking about Sony here - is there a reason?

Thanks for reccomending the Yamaha Receiver - my first stereo was a Yamaha RX-500U with Dual Turntable!

How would the Yamaha RX-V1400 pair agianist the Sony 5000ES?

I'm trying to buy with multi room and some ability to roll my computer appz into my home media.

Van G Out

In reply to:

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I've looked at couple of processor's and although these are over my budget I'm intrigued by Anthem and Sony's TA900ES. Not many people talking about Sony here - is there a reason?

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Personally, I've had far too many problems with anything from Sony that wasn't a TV in the past. Their receivers and optic drives especially. As such, I'd never recommend them though I've heard the ES line lacks much of the reliability problems. Personally, my experience with their service department is still enough for me to warn against them.

Anthem on the other hand is fantastic.

Thanks for the Sony comment. All experiences are appreciated. The thing that intrigued me about the Sony unit was the Remote, the thought into home integration, and the technology offered.

Who makes a great two-way remote pad? I've been doing most of this stuff with my Palm for a couple years.

Anthem would be a big step for me. Wondering just how upgradeable they are? Do they upgrade the unit to new I/O or is it simply replacing hardware codec board and software?

On a side note: Are there any bbs out there that are for aggresive home integrator nuts? Working the media platform into bed with computing and information?

The Sony processor has more than its share of positive professional reviews. I use a Sony STRDB 1070 as a processor and I like it! No problems, great sound, easy to use, etc. If you're upbudget, you can always go with the Integra DTC 9.4. I've heard it and I like it!

Thanks for the reply Sid,

My NAD 2700 Power Amp spec's are seen here . I bought it in '94.

Since I already have one Amp, is this worthwhile in moving down the separate component route? Will the Anthem or other processors in the 2-5K CDN range give me a quality platform that match well with the Axiom speakers and NAD Amp?

If I do go separate pieces, what multi channel power amp's are good? Anthem PVA 5/7, NAD?

Or should I purchase a transitional product like a Sony ES or Yamaha RX-V and see where I am in a year or so?

This isn't a hobby or a passion - it's an addiction!

Van,
If you are adding multi channel amps, the Anthem PVA series has had great reviews. I had the MCA20 in my possession over Christmas and i loved it. They are not overly expensive items either which makes them very attractive.
My thoughts on the Anthem amp can be found here.

Cool Cheesseroo,

Now it's time to decide if I want to increase the budget now and go with Anthem Pre and Power! I'm assuming these components will match the Grand Master Package until we move into our house?

What two way learning/programmable remotes do people reccomend?

I'm checking out the Harmony line. Look at models SST-768S and SST-748S and see what you think.

You may want to review this thread for a discussion on remotes.

Van G, after that thread, I did end up purchasing the Harmony SST-659. I bought it at BlueDo. It actually ended up, with exchange/brokerage fees, about as expensive as it would have been had @ Future Shop or Best Buy in Canada - you win some, you lose some I guess.

Some of the best features of it are:
-the keypad lighting makes it a cinch to use in the dark
-many of the buttons are differently shaped/molded so it makes it reasonably easy to operate it by touch only
-it's extremely easy for other 'non-techies' to operate
-you can customize signal speed (sends button signals quicker to the components)
-once you get the hang of the website, it's actually kind of fun using it to program, and very easy!

Some drawbacks to the design of the Harmony are:
-you obviously need a computer/web access to program it
-it's inability to perform macros
-the lack of instructions, either on-line or included manual
-quickly switching between functions (checking the score in a game while watching a DVD) can be a bit tedious. It requires hitting 3-4 buttons on the remote to change both pic & sound inputs. That's where a macro function would really help.


With all that being said, I've been very pleased with it so far. It did take a bit of time to get it set up initially, with a bit of trial-and-error involved. I think that's where a better manual would help - cutting down on a bit of the guesswork. Knowing what I know now, I could probably program the Harmony the same way I have it in under 5 minutes! It has replaced all 4 of my other remotes - so it's done exactly what it was supposed to do. The significant-other-acceptance-factor is through the roof with this bad boy too. It would work very well for anyone's home theatre, but for people that HAVE to have macros, this might not be the ideal remote. Good luck!

I've been putting a lot of consideration into a new remote. The address below is a good site with many remotes reviewed. Their forumns are helpful but a little slow. I was considernig the MX-700 (around $180 is the cheapest I could find without the extra packaged remote). That remote has macros and can be programmed via computer.

http://www.remotecentral.com/remotes.htm

sidvicious02, what kinds of things besides quickly checking "the score" do you find lacking with this remote? On a day to day basis, are there anythings you'd need to macro?

Patrick,
I find it to be more than adequate in all other areas. Of course, as mentioned in the other thread, I don't mess a lot with my settings. All my connections, while organized like a rat's nest, are fairly simple. It would be increasingly difficult with more connections (ex. people that use both analog & digital connections from their DVD/CD players). That being said, the remote is very fexible, and it should be easy to bring any oft used remote command to the one-touch programmable buttons. It just may take a little work and trial-and-error. I'm very happy with the Harmony SST-659 and have had no other concerns other than the "quick switch".

I'm just curious if I am missing something. I have programmed my receiver remote(RXV1400) to operate all my components and I have no complaints. It is easy once you get used to it. I do use digital/analog connections for cable just because some stuff does look better in analog. (I have a HD cable box with video component connects and sometimes the channel looks horrible in digital on my widescreen) But anyway, I'm just curious whats the advantages to buying a different universal remote.

Thanks for all the remote posts. Harmony product and support looks great. Web based database is a nice feature for sure.

With respect to the HT Receiver or Processor, many have mentioned the "auto" room balancing the Yamaha RV-1400 does? Is this that great a feature or is this something I can do with other tools/my ear when using Sony or higher end Anthem product?

Also, I'm shying away from spending the money on the Anthem pieces until I'm in our house. That much power in our apartment would be like buying Ferrari with Auto Transmission.

So I'm back to looking at Receivers as a good interm solution that I can minimize my depreciation when I take "The Step."

So, if most of the DVD's are 5.1 encoded, the receiver's are 7.1, and I'm only buying a 5.1 setup for the apartment (6 or 7 would be stacking speakers side by side!).... Well, I don't really know the question other than I'm confused! Why and what are people doing with 7.1 and 9.1 setups?

Van, on the auto-equalization(not just level balancing), no it can't be done by ear, and yes, it definitely is a coming feature that will become more common. Separate equalizers can be bought at significant expense and with considerably more effort to use(see willscary post in equalization thread), but also can likely result in even better equalization than with the present built-ins available. So although they're far from perfect, my view is that, other features being about equal, auto-equalization should be the deal-clincher.

On 7.1, etc., there's no 7.1 format(6 is the max now), but some processors(e.g. DPLIIx, Logic7)can extract and process information from 2 and 5 channel recordings to give a somewhat better total surround effect with the back speakers, especially if their room is very large.

Van, do not dismiss the cheaper possibilities when looking for good Anthem equipment.

I know I've read in the past about being able to "setup" your HT with software, a microphone, and a PC with decent audio card. I'll try to dig the article up and post if others don't already know.

With regards to receivers that 'interpolate' 5.1 to 7.1 I'm assuming I need to hook assuming I need to hook up all the speakers. If I'm in a smaller space right now as mentioned at the start of this thread - the 5.1 Epic Grand Master setup with VP150 and possibly larger sub will be plenty with extra room for the future room?

No use putting rear channels 4 feet apart?

Van, there are several ppl on these boards that use their computers for HT.
I believe you should talk with Saturn or Semi as a start if you plan on going in that direction.