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.

[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...