My Dream Theater

[RushM3]

I am in the process of constructing my dream theater (within reason due to budgetary matters). I am looking to construct a home theater from scratch that will be used primarily for movies, but will also have the capability to play everything from rock to classical.

I believe that I have decided on the B&W CDM9NT speakers for mains and their matching CDM center channel, but I haven't yet decided on the surrounds, nor anything else for that matter. I'm looking for suggestions on speakers, a DVD player, CD player, amp, pre-amp (really necessary?), and receiver. And I'd like to keep it all under $10,000.

What would you do?

[Willow]

I am in the process of constructing my dream theater (within reason due to budgetary matters). I am looking to construct a home theater from scratch that will be used primarily for movies, but will also have the capability to play everything from rock to classical.

I believe that I have decided on the B&W CDM9NT speakers for mains and their matching CDM center channel, but I haven't yet decided on the surrounds, nor anything else for that matter. I'm looking for suggestions on speakers, a DVD player, CD player, amp, pre-amp (really necessary?), and receiver. And I'd like to keep it all under $10,000.

What would you do?

we will need room size.....do you have a tv or do you have to buy one ?
and why wouldnt you just go with the CDms for rears ?? or are you looking for bi/di-poles ? your $$ amount is a good amount to work with and Im sure you can get great equipment for under that!! What about a sub ??

[Crunchyriff]

You may find that you will get a system that exceeds you expectations for only $7-8k, in which you will have a nice chunk 'o change leftover!

Nice Budget.:D

[RushM3]

The room is 13' x 13', ceiling height of 8', but here's the kicker: one wall is open (no wall on the right side). So the dimensions are taken of the width up to the point where the room flows into the next. Would it be a sin to put a system like this into a room like that?

The TV has not been selected yet and I am swaying towards an LCD of about 50" (as soon as manufacturers start coming out with them). Don't let the TV eat into the $10k budget. I'm certainly open to suggestions, but am worried about the audio first as I can use my existing TV.

Like the TV, I was thinking about picking up a pair of surrounds later in the mix. I haven't made a decision on them because I haven't done my due diligence yet. I have, however, heard the CDM mains and center and was wowed off my feet. I also felt that they produced enough bass, but then again, that was in a soundproofed showroom listening to classical music. The other issue is that I live in an apartment and a subwoofer is just asking for trouble.

[RushM3]

Well, it turns out that since my last trip to my local audio specialist B&W has discontinued the CDM9NT. I had the chance to audition a pair of 703's instead against the Thiel 1.6. The 703 managed to reproduce a much fuller sound overall, but seemed a shade bright. The Thiels were all about precision. In my listening to some classical guitar, I could sit back, close my eyes, and see exactly what the musician was doing with his hands in my mind.

Now, I'm not trying to turn this into a speaker review; I do realize that there's a section for that. But one concern that rises is the lack of bass the Thiel produces. If I were to be listening to classical guitar night and day, I'd make my decision at the drop of a hat. Knowing that these are for home theater use, I am somewhat leary about getting the Thiels without an adequate sub to match.

And in further development, I didn't get the time to audition any amps other than the Naim equipment that was used to produce this sound. I was, however, recommended the Rotel RSX-1055 to take care of the pre-amp, amp, and receiver all in one tight package, which I don't think is too bad of an idea. Except I find myself wavering now between the 1055 and 1065 as I may use the amp in a larger room with larger speakers someday.

As far as DVD player goes, I have yet to do extensive testing, but by the spec sheet, I've grown to like the Rotel RDV-1060.

[Willow]

Well, it turns out that since my last trip to my local audio specialist B&W has discontinued the CDM9NT. I had the chance to audition a pair of 703's instead against the Thiel 1.6. The 703 managed to reproduce a much fuller sound overall, but seemed a shade bright. The Thiels were all about precision. In my listening to some classical guitar, I could sit back, close my eyes, and see exactly what the musician was doing with his hands in my mind.

Now, I'm not trying to turn this into a speaker review; I do realize that there's a section for that. But one concern that rises is the lack of bass the Thiel produces. If I were to be listening to classical guitar night and day, I'd make my decision at the drop of a hat. Knowing that these are for home theater use, I am somewhat leary about getting the Thiels without an adequate sub to match.

And in further development, I didn't get the time to audition any amps other than the Naim equipment that was used to produce this sound. I was, however, recommended the Rotel RSX-1055 to take care of the pre-amp, amp, and receiver all in one tight package, which I don't think is too bad of an idea. Except I find myself wavering now between the 1055 and 1065 as I may use the amp in a larger room with larger speakers someday.

As far as DVD player goes, I have yet to do extensive testing, but by the spec sheet, I've grown to like the Rotel RDV-1060.

I as well found the B&W a tadd bright for my taste.....if you think they lack bass your option is to add a sub. Don't worry about next door what they will think and hear you can make so many adjustments to the sub and bass management that I dont see it being a problem unless...... your walls are paper thin and you can hear your neighbor sneeze....

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

Well, it turns out that since my last trip to my local audio specialist B&W has discontinued the CDM9NT. I had the chance to audition a pair of 703's instead against the Thiel 1.6. The 703 managed to reproduce a much fuller sound overall, but seemed a shade bright. The Thiels were all about precision. In my listening to some classical guitar, I could sit back, close my eyes, and see exactly what the musician was doing with his hands in my mind.

Now, I'm not trying to turn this into a speaker review; I do realize that there's a section for that. But one concern that rises is the lack of bass the Thiel produces. If I were to be listening to classical guitar night and day, I'd make my decision at the drop of a hat. Knowing that these are for home theater use, I am somewhat leary about getting the Thiels without an adequate sub to match.

And in further development, I didn't get the time to audition any amps other than the Naim equipment that was used to produce this sound. I was, however, recommended the Rotel RSX-1055 to take care of the pre-amp, amp, and receiver all in one tight package, which I don't think is too bad of an idea. Except I find myself wavering now between the 1055 and 1065 as I may use the amp in a larger room with larger speakers someday.

As far as DVD player goes, I have yet to do extensive testing, but by the spec sheet, I've grown to like the Rotel RDV-1060.

If I were you, I would get the sub and Thiel 1.6. The accuracy(and not to mention phase and frequency correct alignment) is worth every dollar that its priced. If you have never heard soundtracks through phase and frequency correct speakers, you are in for a real treat. Rather than just being a wall of sound, the soundtracks has layers of information.

These speakers do however require that you pay attention to acoustics within your room. But since they are excellent for both movies and music, that is a small price to pay for this speaker.

[Geoffcin]

Well, it turns out that since my last trip to my local audio specialist B&W has discontinued the CDM9NT. I had the chance to audition a pair of 703's instead against the Thiel 1.6. The 703 managed to reproduce a much fuller sound overall, but seemed a shade bright. The Thiels were all about precision. In my listening to some classical guitar, I could sit back, close my eyes, and see exactly what the musician was doing with his hands in my mind.

Now, I'm not trying to turn this into a speaker review; I do realize that there's a section for that. But one concern that rises is the lack of bass the Thiel produces. If I were to be listening to classical guitar night and day, I'd make my decision at the drop of a hat. Knowing that these are for home theater use, I am somewhat leary about getting the Thiels without an adequate sub to match.

And in further development, I didn't get the time to audition any amps other than the Naim equipment that was used to produce this sound. I was, however, recommended the Rotel RSX-1055 to take care of the pre-amp, amp, and receiver all in one tight package, which I don't think is too bad of an idea. Except I find myself wavering now between the 1055 and 1065 as I may use the amp in a larger room with larger speakers someday.

As far as DVD player goes, I have yet to do extensive testing, but by the spec sheet, I've grown to like the Rotel RDV-1060.

I like B&W, but on this one I will vote for the Thiel. I've heard the 3.6's and they were very impressive. If at all possible, I would look to the 3.6's for your mains. I know it's more money, but you could do without the sub if you went this route.

[RushM3]

Well, my first step in the process of assembling my dream theater is complete. Picked up the Rotel RDV-1060 DVD player today. Sadly, it's hooked through composite, but that's soon to change. I'm impressed with its capability to play just about any format imaginable. Just burned a CD-R with MP3's and MPEG's and am watching some SNL reruns as I type. Hopefully I won't be disappointed when the heavier hitting equipment comes in to reveal any flaws it might have.

While I was there I auditioned the 703's again versus the 804's. Once again, 703's sounded a bit bright, but the 804's not nearly as much. I'll check out the Thiel 3.6's when I get the chance.

Any comments on an amp/receiver? Kind of leaning towards the Rotel RSX-1065. Would the RSX-1055 do just as well ya think?

[RushM3]

Listened to the CS3.6's today and was quite impressed, but they ain't cheap. Especially since the salesman is convinced that the Rotel RSX-1065 won't do them justice. Full surround will end up being closer to $16,000. I feel like I'm kind of back to square one...

So here's the deal: Per the original thread, you've got $10,000 to fill a 13' x 15' room with speakers to support a 5.1 home theater that will be balanced between music and home theater. What would YOU do??? Just looking for some more ideas...

[TinHere]

Listened to the CS3.6's today and was quite impressed, but they ain't cheap. Especially since the salesman is convinced that the Rotel RSX-1065 won't do them justice. Full surround will end up being closer to $16,000. I feel like I'm kind of back to square one...

So here's the deal: Per the original thread, you've got $10,000 to fill a 13' x 15' room with speakers to support a 5.1 home theater that will be balanced between music and home theater. What would YOU do??? Just looking for some more ideas...How about a different approach? Since you are looking for a system that's use will balanced between HT an music I would get an Onix Reference Package A [Front: Onix Ref 2, Center: Onix Ref 100, Rear: Onix Ref 1] $3960 from AV123.com. I would suggest getting the Ref 1's sent to you so you can audition them. Worst case if they go back is you're out shipping for a pair of bookshelf speakers. Best case is you will have heard speakers that have amazed many people, and you will become one of them. You can read about them on the AV123 forum and also at AVSforum.com and AudioCircle.com to name a couple of others. If you are impressed with the speakers you might also want to get the new Emotiva pre/pro and Amp [200x5/6/7] that were just shown at CES 2004 and will be available soon. BTW they also showed a Reference 3 speaker however at a cost of $4500 it would put you over budget.

If you want to improve your 2 channel they also have the Perpetual Technologies gear that will soon offer SOCS [Speaker Only Correction Software] and RCS [Room Correction Software]. You can find more info about this at AV123.com. FYI Mark Shifter a former partner in Audio Alchemy and Genesis is the CEO and founder of AV123. He has garnered great acclaim for his innovations, making high quality products available at reasonable prices, and excellent customer service thru his internet direct company. If you're like most, you will find your expectations exceeded even after reading the testimonials.

Here's a link to the Reference Speakers

http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=9

Here are pics of the Ref's and the Emotiva Pre/Pro and Amp.

[RushM3]

Thank you. I really appreciate that last suggestion and will certainly look into it. I also forgot to mention that I heard a surround 5.1 system by DeVore Fidelity, every speaker a Gibbon 7.1 bookshelf. From what I understand, they're a growing manufacturer out of Brooklyn, NY building speakers primarily for HT. Paired with a punchy sub, these speakers can knock your socks off during an intense action flick. The problem (to me) was their lack of fullness and range when listening to music and if I kept the sub on, I'd have to readjust it every time I wanted to switch between HT & music listening.

[TinHere]

Thank you. I really appreciate that last suggestion and will certainly look into it. I also forgot to mention that I heard a surround 5.1 system by DeVore Fidelity, every speaker a Gibbon 7.1 bookshelf. From what I understand, they're a growing manufacturer out of Brooklyn, NY building speakers primarily for HT. Paired with a punchy sub, these speakers can knock your socks off during an intense action flick. The problem (to me) was their lack of fullness and range when listening to music and if I kept the sub on, I'd have to readjust it every time I wanted to switch between HT & music listening.
If you have any questions about the Reference Series you can post on the AV123 forum where you will find informed people who have them. If there is someone in your area with them, many people will let you audition them in their homes. A number of these people have done extensive comparisons and though YMMV they chose the Onix speakers over others costing considerably more. There are many "shootouts" that you can read to get a sense of how they sound, but listening them in your home with the 30 day no questions asked return policy is IMHO the best way to make a determination. They rarely get returned, so the probability is you won't even be out the shipping which isn't really much on the bookshelves when you consider the cost of speakers you are looking at. If you care about value/performance take the plunge. If they suit your taste they'll keep you smiling.

[Bryan]

I am in the process of constructing my dream theater (within reason due to budgetary matters). I am looking to construct a home theater from scratch that will be used primarily for movies, but will also have the capability to play everything from rock to classical.

I believe that I have decided on the B&W CDM9NT speakers for mains and their matching CDM center channel, but I haven't yet decided on the surrounds, nor anything else for that matter. I'm looking for suggestions on speakers, a DVD player, CD player, amp, pre-amp (really necessary?), and receiver. And I'd like to keep it all under $10,000.

What would you do?

As you already have decided on the Rotel dvd/cd player I will not address it.

Your room is 13' x 13' x 8' (under 1,500 cubic feet) . Perhaps the first and foremost question is one of if you will be moving into a bigger room anytime soon? You may get among the best gear available now but it will sound horrible in your current room.

What I would do, assuming the room is set for the next few years:

Denon AVR-3802 (http://www.6ave.com/product.jsp?x=AVR3802) - $698.06 delivered from 6ave.com. Could be considered overkill for this size room but saves you $1.3K over an AVR-4802R or similar pre/pro combo. Another receiver that has received excellent reviews is the Yamaha RX-V1400 (http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=946&Product_Id=3958595). It goes for $799 plus shipping. Figure $850 max for a receiver.

For the sub, either the SVS 25-31PCi (http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pci_25-31.htm) for $575 + shipping or the Adire Audio Rava (http://www.adireaudio.com/home_audio/loudspeakers/exact_series/rava.htm) for $399 plus shipping and the Behringer Feedback Destroyer ($120 plus shipping) would get my vote. Figure roughly $650 or so for the sub.

Speakers: How does a pair of VMPS QSO 626Rs (http://www.tweakaudio.com/Specials%20for%20Sale.html) for $1,250 strike you? http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=5948&highlight=1400 Add to that the LRC (http://www.vmpsaudio.com/lrcpic.htm) center for $950 plus shipping and and additional pair of 626Rs for $1,600 plus shipping and you are looking at excellent HT/music speakers for $3,800 plus shipping (probably will bring the total around $4,000).

This still leaves you with plenty of money for a music only system if you would like. Even the speakers I suggested likely are overkill for the room. For around $1,250 plus shipping this (http://forum.av123.com/showthread.php?threadid=1097) (the Rocket ELT system plus sub and receiver) will work wonderfully in your room without being overkill.

[Geoffcin]

Listened to the CS3.6's today and was quite impressed, but they ain't cheap. Especially since the salesman is convinced that the Rotel RSX-1065 won't do them justice. Full surround will end up being closer to $16,000. I feel like I'm kind of back to square one...

So here's the deal: Per the original thread, you've got $10,000 to fill a 13' x 15' room with speakers to support a 5.1 home theater that will be balanced between music and home theater. What would YOU do??? Just looking for some more ideas...

OK, if your really impressed by the speakers, then THAT is the one you want to have!

If your planning to spend 10k for a sound system, you want something that your going to smile about every time you play it. Forget about the salesman telling you that you need a bigger amp for the 3.6's. Yes, they will sound better with 200+ watts of high current power, but with even a modest receiver driving them they will make most other speakers sound poky. For me it's the SPEAKERS that make the most difference in a sound system. I happen to like BIG full range floorstanders. Good ones don't come cheap, but once you get a taste for them your not going to settle for less.

[TinHere]

As you already have decided on the Rotel dvd/cd player I will not address it.

Your room is 13' x 13' x 8' (under 1,500 cubic feet) . Perhaps the first and foremost question is one of if you will be moving into a bigger room anytime soon? You may get among the best gear available now but it will sound horrible in your current room.

What I would do, assuming the room is set for the next few years:

Denon AVR-3802 (http://www.6ave.com/product.jsp?x=AVR3802) - $698.06 delivered from 6ave.com. Could be considered overkill for this size room but saves you $1.3K over an AVR-4802R or similar pre/pro combo. Another receiver that has received excellent reviews is the Yamaha RX-V1400 (http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=946&Product_Id=3958595). It goes for $799 plus shipping. Figure $850 max for a receiver.

For the sub, either the SVS 25-31PCi (http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pci_25-31.htm) for $575 + shipping or the Adire Audio Rava (http://www.adireaudio.com/home_audio/loudspeakers/exact_series/rava.htm) for $399 plus shipping and the Behringer Feedback Destroyer ($120 plus shipping) would get my vote. Figure roughly $650 or so for the sub.

Speakers: How does a pair of VMPS QSO 626Rs (http://www.tweakaudio.com/Specials%20for%20Sale.html) for $1,250 strike you? http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=5948&highlight=1400 Add to that the LRC (http://www.vmpsaudio.com/lrcpic.htm) center for $950 plus shipping and and additional pair of 626Rs for $1,600 plus shipping and you are looking at excellent HT/music speakers for $3,800 plus shipping (probably will bring the total around $4,000).

This still leaves you with plenty of money for a music only system if you would like. Even the speakers I suggested likely are overkill for the room. For around $1,250 plus shipping this (http://forum.av123.com/showthread.php?threadid=1097) (the Rocket ELT system plus sub and receiver) will work wonderfully in your room without being overkill.
C'mon Bryan...Now your just being practical. ;)

[Bryan]

I know. Just a fault of mine. ;)

[RushM3]

Haven't heard anyone mention Magnepan yet in this discussion. I've heard too many times from friends and reviews that they're the best bang for the buck. I have yet to audition them, but what should I exepect? And should I be considering them versus something like Thiel's CS1.6 or B&W's 703?

[Geoffcin]

Haven't heard anyone mention Magnepan yet in this discussion. I've heard too many times from friends and reviews that they're the best bang for the buck. I have yet to audition them, but what should I exepect? And should I be considering them versus something like Thiel's CS1.6 or B&W's 703?

I don't know many people who have a Magnepan HT system yet. I use mine for audio only, but there are newer models that are made specifically for HT. It might be something worth considering.

[RushM3]

Listened to the Magnepan 1.6's & the HT system. Both created an instant and amazing soundstage and sounded more musical than the Thiel's, but seemed to lack the clarity that both the B&W's and Thiel's possessed. The HT system lacked tremendously in bass and must be supplemented with a subwoofer, both in listening to music and HT. The 1.6's, however, did a pretty good job at picking up the slack in lower ranges. Gotta say for the price, these speakers would be pretty easy to swallow. Now it becomes a game of tradeoffs.

[Geoffcin]

Listened to the Magnepan 1.6's & the HT system. Both created an instant and amazing soundstage and sounded more musical than the Thiel's, but seemed to lack the clarity that both the B&W's and Thiel's possessed. The HT system lacked tremendously in bass and must be supplemented with a subwoofer, both in listening to music and HT. The 1.6's, however, did a pretty good job at picking up the slack in lower ranges. Gotta say for the price, these speakers would be pretty easy to swallow. Now it becomes a game of tradeoffs.

Yeah, the soundstage gets them every time. Basically for me the soundstage is the whole front wall, and about 3ft extra. Clarity is an interesting word to use. The maggies are very revealing, but the image (clarity) is more diffuse, mostly because they are bipolar, and spread the sound out. After a short while of listening you'll realise that this is much closer to lifelike than you would get from a small point source like a 1" tweeter.

Here's a post from a guy with a similar system to the one your looking at.

http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=mug&n=48459&highlight=bipole&r=&session=