Soaringadi From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 472 posts, RR: 1 Posted (8 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 6528 times:
Hi folks,
I want to know your choice of home theatre systems (recievers, speakers, subs etc.). Also I would like to say that plz. exclude the high end products i.e. custom built, and anything above $ 100,000.
You can tell which brand you like and why, and/or also which you own for what specific reasons.
My personal favorite (which is also in my room) is a HarmonKardon Digital path reciever, hooked up to a HarmonKardon sub, Infinity center, and the remaining 6 are Polk. Yeah a lot of mix n match b/c. I am a sound freak.
Also any suggestions to change my setup would be considered, and I will go and check them out if they're worth a look.
Galaxy5 From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 2034 posts, RR: 27 Reply 2, posted (8 years 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 6504 times:
Here's what o use, its not top end but its good enough.
VSX-52TX
THX Select A/V Receiver
M.S.R.P. $1,000.00
DVD-2900
Progressive Scan DVD-Audio/Video Super Audio CD Player • Powered by the Silicon Image/DVDO PureProgressive (SiI504) Decoding Engine - highest quality progressive decoding engine available • PureProgressive decoding features high speed ultra-resolution DSP at 6 Billion Operations Per Second (6 GOPS)with 64Mb external SDRAM • 4 fields (2 frames) digital video processing for optimum motion detection and compensation • Accurate 2:3 pulldown detection and reconstruction, even with inaccurately flagged content • Optimum processing for film content, video content, graphics content and mixed-mode content • 12fps(Animation), Video overlay detection and processing • New 'Chroma Bug Free' Mitsubishi MPEG/DVD-Audio Decoder • Sony CXD-2753 Second Generation DSD Decoder • High resolution Analog Devices ADV-7300, 12 bit/108 MHz, 4:4:4, Video D/A Conversion system featuring Noise Shaped Video processing - interlaced and progressive output • 4x Oversampling Progressive and 8x Interlace output • 2X DVD read speed; 4X CD/CD-R/CD-RW read speed; with 8MB drive buffer memory • Built-in Dolby Digital, dts, DVD-Audio and discrete SACD decoders with 5.1 analog outputs • DENON designed, Burr-Brown 24-bit, 192-kHz DSD-1790 Audio DACs that decode PCM and DSD signals discretely with no down-conversion of DSD • Full Digital Bass Management for DVD-Audio, featuring Analog Devices Melody 32-bit processor; 80Hz crossover with 12dB high and 24dB low pass slopes; Adjustable delay time(0-15ms)and Channel Levels • Full Digital Bass Management for SACD; 80Hz crossover with 6/12dB slopes on all channels; Adjustable channel levels • MP3 Playback • Plays Audio/Video CDs; DVD-Audio/Video; Super Audio CD; DVD+/-R/RW(conditional); Audio CD-R; Audio CD-RW; MP3 CD-R/RW (128 or higher kbps recommended) • JPEG photo file viewer, Kodak Picture CD and Fujicolor CD compatible • 24/96 digital output; optical and coaxial • 4:3 Shrink and Zoom Controls • Pure Direct Modes to defeat unneeded portions of player for the ultimate in audio performance • 2 box, 5 block internal layout to isolate analog, digital and video circuits • Wideband relay switched component video output • Variable Black Level (Setup): 0 and 7.5 IRE • Passes below-black (PLUGE) on progressive and interlace outputs • 5 Picture Memories, with adjustable tint, brightness, contrast, sharpness and Gamma • SuperSub Alias Filter on Progressive and Interlace for Luminance and Chrominance signals • (1)Composite and (1)"S" video outputs • SRS TruSurround • RS-232C and remote in/out ports • Glo-Key remote control • Dimensions: 17.1"w x 5.2"h x 13.0"d • Weight 17.6 lbs. • MSRP $999
Yamaha NS-555 (main speakers)
Type: 3-way, 4-speaker bass-reflex floor standing tower speaker
Magnetic Shielding: Yes
Bi-wiring Connectivity: Yes
Woofer: Dual 16cm PMD cone
Midrange: 13cm cone with Waveguide Horn
Tweeter: 2.5cm Aluminum Dome with Waveguide Horn
Input Power (Max/Nominal): 250 W/100 W
Sensitivity: 88 dB/2.83 V/1 m
Frequency Response: 35–35,000 Hz
Impedance: 6 ohms
Dimensions (W x H x D): 222 x 980 x 345 mm
Weight: 20 kg
Klipsh RS-7
Surround Speaker
Specifications
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
58Hz-20kHz ±3dB
SENSITIVITY:
98dB @ 2.83 volts/1 meter (equivalent sound energy)
POWER HANDLING:
150 watts maximum continuous (600 watts peak)
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
8 ohms
ENCLOSURE TYPE:
Bass reflex via dual side-mounted ports
DRIVE COMPONENTS:
Two-way system using two 1" (2.54cm) titanium dome compression driver tweeters with 8" (20.32cm) square 90°x60° Tractrix® Horns and one 8" (20.32cm) aluminum cone woofer
TWEETER:
Two K-122-K 1" (2.54cm) Titanium dome compression drivers
HIGH FREQUENCY HORN:
8" square 90°x60° Tractrix® Horns
HF CROSSOVER:
2000Hz
WOOFER:
K-1084-SB 8" (20.32cm) Cerametallic® cone / cast polymer frame
INPUT CONNECTIONS:
One set of binding post speaker terminals
DIMENSIONS:
9.45" (24cm) x 22.5" (57.6cm) x 9.5" (24.3cm)
WEIGHT:
24 lbs. (10.8kg)
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL:
Medium density fiberboard construction (MDF)
FINISHES:
Matte-finish Black or White vinyl
SVS 25-31PC-Plus subwoofer
Basic Specs
525 watt RMS BASH amplifier
25 Hz tuning point (variable to 20, 16Hz)
+/- 3 dB 20 Hz-100 Hz
32.5" tall, 16" in diameter
Hitachi 16:9 Digital HDTV Monitors
Experience Hitachi superior projection television performance without an integrated tuner with the 16:9 Digital HDTV Monitor line. This sleek high definition monitor features exclusive technologies developed to work seamlessly together to deliver a bright, sharp picture for an unmatched widescreen experience. Hitachi high performance CRTs and lens systems and the exclusive VirtualHD™ processor deliver an unmatched widescreen experience, regardless of the signal source. Highly refined Hitachi core technologies are seamlessly integrated to produce the most advanced Digital HDTV Monitor in home theater.
Bello AVS-422T tv stand
"damn, I didnt know prince could Ball like that" - Charlie Murphy
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, RR: 80 Reply 3, posted (8 years 8 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 6473 times:
Count me in as an audiophile. Here is some of my gear.
I have 2,000+ LPs, 100+ reel to reel tape, plenty of compact disc as well as 8track tapes many that are quadraphonic.
You've never experienced an audio experience until you've heard quad reel to reel or audiophile half-speed master pressings on LP.
This was my system last year. New additions not pictured in this photo are my Yamaha K-550 and Go Video VHS/DVD combo, The Kenwood on the top right is in my basement now.
Marantz 4400
Quadraphonic receiver (can be used as preamp)
Instead of VU meters or leds, this has an osciliscope that shows direction, shape and output level of sound
Amplifier
RMS Power Per Channel 50x4, 125x2
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.15%
Power Bandwidth 7 hz to 70 khz
Intermodulation Distortion (IM) 0.15%
Denon DP-47F
Turntable
Sumiko Blue Point
Phon cartridge
Magnetic Coil
12 - 50,000Hz
Output Voltage/Channel 2.5
Channel Separation (dB) 35
Channel Balance (dB) 0.5
Stylus Impedance (Ohms) 47,000
Tracking weight 1.7 - 2.1
Marantz 5220
Cassette player/recorder
Yamaha K-550
Cassette player/recorder
The best of both worlds. This deck is one of the first to have a 'METAL' position yet has analog VU meters and open face for easy cleaning and demagnatizing.
Technics RS-858US
Quadraphonic 8track player/recorder Mines is on the left
Teac A-3340
Quadraphonic reel to reel player/recorder
Other gear I have:
Superscope TDR-830 by Marantz stereo 8track player/recorder with Dolby (TM)
Technics 1200 MK2 turntable
Sony CD changer
Philips S-VHS
Go Video VHS/DVD
Tannoy loudspeakers (4 of them)
Marantz CD-400B disc demodulator
Panasonic SE-Q404 quadraphonic headphones
Sony MDR-V600 stereo headphones
Entertainment center furniture; Great American Oak.
One of the last enclosed entertainment systems with shelves deep and wide enough for older audio components and still can accomodate a big screen televison.
Still on my wish list:
Two McIntosh vaccum tube amps
VIP turntable
CED video disc player
Betamax player/recorder
Laserdisc player
Soaringadi From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 472 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (8 years 8 months 4 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 6443 times:
Galaxy5, and Superfly..... those are great systems, man u guys really are "audiophiles". Too much technical info. for me though.... ha ha.
Hey Galaxy5 I was also thinking about the Klipsch speakers, but just want to ask you that are they a good replacement for the Polk set ?
FlyVirgin744 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (8 years 8 months 4 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 6435 times:
My system is Martin Logan Electrostats.
Panels rule and cones drool! For transparant sound, you need transparent speakers!
My 5.1 system:
Fronts:
Surrounds:
Heres my apartment. COLLEGE IS GREAT
For power and processing, I use the Rotel RSP-1068 processor and Rotel 200Wx5 @ 8 ohm amp.
LY7E7: Just bought my parents some B&Ws for their bedroom, sound awesome!
Galaxy5: Awesome job with the SVS sub, I'm saving for one of those right now. I'm using a JBL right now.
Superfly: The paragon of the analog system. When I have the funds one day, I'll build an analog system like that!
Sometimes I go about in pity for myself and all the while a great wind carries me across the sky.
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, RR: 80 Reply 7, posted (8 years 8 months 4 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 6418 times:
LY7E7: I have a question though; don't you miss the ability to enjoy DVD-A/SACD?
Not sure this will answer your question but anyway here goes. Back in 1972 Sony came out with the 'SQ' qradraphonic decoding system for LPs. My Marantz has the SQ-A full logic decoding chip mounted underneath the system. It's the same technology used in today's home theater systems and even some movies from that time were made using surround sound.
When I play back my DVDs and VHS tapes that has 5.1 surround, my 28 year Marantz decodes and separates the independant channels just as the new home theater systems do.
So actually I do have a home theater system.
As far as the SA-CD, I've heard once on a demo at a store and I was impressed. Not sure if I'll get one or not.
Can I just buy the player and hook it up to my system of does SA-CD require a certain type of reciever?
Sccutler From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 5091 posts, RR: 28 Reply 9, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 6396 times:
(Looks at Superfly's setup. Drools.)
Supe, all those beautiful pieces of hardware are the products of ingenuity and capitalist investment in R&D.
Stop backing all these silly leftists!
(Heavy, mechanical breathing sound; "Superfly, you have no idea of the power of the dark side!")
I am getting stereo envy. Bad.
==
BTW, fixed the air pump on the Eldo today, next week she gets the old 8-track deck back in the dash, and a new set of 6x9's in the top well in the back. And maybe new front speakers, too, since one of the 3 1/2" Kenwood coax speakers I put in 12 years ago seems to have developed a buzz. Dang.
Car needs a lot of love.
But she'll have an 8-track again, and what could be wrong with that?
...three miles from BRONS, clear for the ILS one five approach...
FlyVirgin744 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, RR: 1 Reply 10, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 6381 times:
Ok I'm trying again with my apartment pic.
Sometimes I go about in pity for myself and all the while a great wind carries me across the sky.
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, RR: 80 Reply 12, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 6369 times:
Sccutler: all those beautiful pieces of hardware are the products of ingenuity and capitalist investment in R&D.
Very true. However there was better control over predatory capitalism back then. From the New Deal up till the 1980s there were many advancements in audio, video, aviation, automobiles, etc.
How the predatory capitalist are running things now and well, look at the crappy products on the market today; Deawoo mini systems, Honda Pilots, 7E7, OK, OK I am going on a tangent.
Great to here the Cadillac is getting the original 8track player!
Did you ever find the 1976 Cadillac complimentary tape?
Last week at a thrift shop I picked up a 1977 Oldsmobile 8track tape.
If I see a 1976 Cadillac tape, I'll mail it down to your office.
I always keep my eyes open for those car manufacture 8track tapes.
Henry Mancini, Donna Summers, Andy Williams and Daryl Hall & John Oates all on the same tape!
FlyVirgin744:
That is an awesome set up there!
I have like half of those records on the wall.
One important part of my system is the 1:200 scale Olympic Airways A340.
Matt D From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9502 posts, RR: 51 Reply 16, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6323 times:
Whoa now!!!
You're playing my song.....
Anyway, I'm with Superfly in that I love the analog sound. But I've also somewhat embraced the digital format. You're probably not likely to find a system like mine anywhere. I'm not one of these "hard core" audiophiles that are more into prestige (such as a $15,000 Theta CD player). But I have my system, which is my pride and joy.
Anyway, here are a couple of pix of my system. They are a couple of years old, and from my place in Orange County. Well I live in Riverside now, but rebuilt more or less the same basic layout.
Yes, I know it's not encased in fancy furniture and there's a big ass spiderweb of wires and cords behind it...but who cares? It looks good to me.
And most important...it works!
But I have made a couple of changes to this system since these pictures were taken. First, the reel to reel in the far left side of the picture is an Akai GX-635DB. I have since upgraded to an Akai GX-747DBX (Superfly will know what this is!). The older Akai now resides in my closet (along with two other Teac X-2000R's). Also, the CD player just below and to the right of the center is a Technics SLPD-987. I have replaced that with a Denon DN-C615.
Other components shown and still in service are:
Teac X-2000R reel to reel
Denon DN-790R cassette deck
Denon DRM-740 cassette deck
Yamaha KX-930 cassette deck
Bose AM-5 speakers (my dad has offered me his barely used Infinity Kappa 7's...if I could just figure out a way to get them here)
Phillips CDR770 CD-R deck (which I have never really been happy with and will probably be the next thing I replace. There is a Denon model that I am seriously considering)
Gemini PDM-12 mixer
2 Gemini CDJ-10 CD players
American DJ "output meter" (this serves no real useful purpose other than looking neat!)
Technics SH-GE50 equalizer
Kenwood VR-505 amp/tuner (the only receiver I could find in my price range that had the necessary three (yes 3) tape loops.)
Although I love my CD's and mixing, my heart still belongs to the tape decks, the pride and joy of my system.
The legendary Teac X-2000R (and I just happen to have both reels shown on this one):
and the Denon DN-790R....which combines Old School ruggedness and reliability with modern looks and technology
I never really was into vinyl all that much. I dabbled with it a little when I was young, but once I started building my system, I jumped right to CD...
FlyVirgin744 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, RR: 1 Reply 17, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6322 times:
All my airliner paraphanalia is at my home in West Palm Beach. I was originally gonna make the opposite wall kind of like a Pan Am motif. But my roomate wanted the whole back wall dedicated to Led Zep. Shes also the one who put up all the records on the wall. Nice girl. Glad you guys like my system. Spent enough intern money on it
Sometimes I go about in pity for myself and all the while a great wind carries me across the sky.
Boeing7E7 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 18, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6319 times:
I love my:
Lexicon MC-12 (Balanced) coupled to my LX Amps and Definitive Technology speakers. All 11 of them plus two subs. Three behind screen and eight surrounds in a 16 seat theater. Yummie!
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, RR: 80 Reply 19, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6317 times:
Glad Matt D finally chimed in!
I was the only member of Airliners.net to visit Matt D's studio back in December 2001.
His system rocks!
FlyVirgin744:
I got a lot of my gear pre-Ebay, so I got most of it really cheap.
I paid $350 for my Marantz 4400, yet it's on Ebay now for over $1300.
The Marantz 5220 cassette deck I got at a garage sale for $5. Still Works fine.
The Teac A3340 Reel to Reel deck I picked up at a pawn shop for $135. I've seen those on Ebay for as much a $775.
The Denon turntable I got used for $200.
The quad 8track deck was $3 at a thrift shop and that's been on Ebay for as much as $250.
The furniture was on clearance at The Good Guys for $750. It's list price was $1400 but it was a discontinued year end clearance model.
All the other items I bought new or paid the price on Ebay.
Matt D From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9502 posts, RR: 51 Reply 20, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6316 times:
So when are you coming down to beautiful Riverside to see the "updated" system?
Have you used any of those 3M tapes that I sent you for Christmas?
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, RR: 80 Reply 21, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6313 times:
Have you used any of those 3M tapes that I sent you for Christmas?
Yes Santa!
j/k
I still need to get you that 'ultimate audiophile recording'.
When you left your last job, I thought you fell off the radar permanently.
I'll have to do a 'buddy tour' of SoCal. You know the ones that I don't tell family about so I am not obligated to sit in traffic for 3 hours to see them.
My last two trips to SoCal was so dominated by family that I didn't a second to see any friends.
It's not easy to see Pasadena, Norco, West L.A., Irvine, West Covina and Northridge in 3 or 4 days.
FlyVirgin744 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, RR: 1 Reply 22, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6310 times:
Superfly: Every piece of my system from the plasma TV to the monster cables was purchased on ebay or www.audiogon.com. Plus I'm always on the lookout for goodies at flea markets.
I'm just at the point where I can't spend anymore on audio
Good to know its not too expensive though!
Matt D, did you just buy that Akai GX-747DBX because it has 747 in it?
Sometimes I go about in pity for myself and all the while a great wind carries me across the sky.
Matt D From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9502 posts, RR: 51 Reply 23, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6307 times:
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, RR: 80 Reply 24, posted (8 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 6307 times:
FlyVirgin744: Good to know its not too expensive though!
Actually a lot of it is expensive now thanks to ebay.
Bring back the Concorde
25 Matt D: Hey Superfly: When I left the *ahem* gas company, I knew I was going to need some time to get settled in and that I wouldn't have time for this at wor
26 Superfly: Matt D: I may have to do some upgrades soon. I need to buy a new stylus and the A3340 is acting up. I've been using my A2340 as back up. It does every
27 Matt D: What's it doing? I don't know of too many other quad reel to reels. But if you want to buy one new, there are two decks that I know of still available
28 Superfly: I think I was one of the three that responded to your departure thread. I wont be in the market for any new reel decks in the near future.
29 Matt D: I'll make you a sweet deal on that Akai deck.
30 Superfly: Matt D: Those are some nice decks! I'll mention it to my roomate. He has gone over board on ebay buying all sorts of LPs and turntable gear. I have so
31 Matt D: Ouch....that sounds like a lot of issues. Yeah, that would probably be your best bet-find another one and use the current one for spares. Well I hope
32 Matt D: Just found this one, and it's sort of in your neck of the woods. You might be able to check it out before you buy it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI
33 Superfly: Matt D: I happen to know the seller if this item. When you came up to San Jose back in 2001, I might have briefly mentioned a store up in Berkeley cal
34 Superfly: Matt D: Spoke to my roomate last night. I at least have him on the fence about buying your reel to reel deck.
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 472 posts, 
From Israel, joined Jun 2004, 2218 posts, 
From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38502 posts, 
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, yes I'm an old-fashioned stereo man, what else 
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