Team-BHP - The Home Theater thread

Hi,
So I have a very simple query. I am looking for a soundbar for my bedroom tv, since I find the tv sound output to be lacking. I am also trying to build a complete set for my room, with a console and replacing the current tv as well.

I had first looked at bose solo 5 initially but did not find it VFM. Since then I have looked at JBL SB350 and SB250 both of which are wireless soundbar with subwoofer as well.

Just wanted some suggestions for which soundbar to purchase for a 10x12 room. The budget is around 27k.

Expert suggestions needed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnredkar (Post 4334681)

As you say, the only remaining option is Marantz. And I may have to buy it without audition. The only thing worrying me is that they have a slightly warmer sound compared to CA. So currently, I will keep my CA 540v3 also. Worst case, I can use Marantz as a processor & CA as amplifier.

There are 2 things in MZ 1608 that 1508 does not have: video processing & bi-amping capability. The first will simplify my wiring, the latter has a potential to give me better sound by using 4 amplifiers for 2 channels.

- Prasad

Sorry, saw this post too late. Do go for the 16xx series than the 15xx. Apart from the bi-wiring advantage, 16xx also has assignable zone2 pre-outs in addition to the front pre-outs. So you get more options play around with connecting your current CA stereo amplifier. I am using NR1606 with a Rotel 6 channel power amp and Polk Audio Floor standing speakers.

Also, the 50W amplifier in NR series is quite capable and more powerful than my previous Yamaha AVR which was rated at 105W. In fact, there is only a very slight difference in sound when I connect the speakers directly to my AVR and by routing it through my power amp which is rated at 150W.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holyghost (Post 4365500)

I went for the latest NR1608 with the HEOS capability; bought it from Mr. Palani of Audio Planet. I am using the bi-amping capability to drive my Quad 11L bookshelves. No other speakers/subwoofer is attached. The 50W from the Marantz, even though not as powerful as my earlier CA (they also quote their watts realistically), is pretty loud for my requirements. The Marantz sound is slightly warmer than the more clinical CA amps. However the separation and sound-staging is very good. Overall very happy with my purchase. And since I don't plan to use multi-zone capability, the CA might be on sale pretty soon.

Hey guys, I want to set up an mid level-ish HT system at my place near Delhi. I'm kind of a noob at this, and I'd like some professional help with the set up. Anyone know of a good, honest, and reliable consultant or someone to that effect in Delhi?
What I'm looking for is this:

A projector screen of about 150", a 7.1 set-up good enough to give me the fuzz, inputs for today's common tech, my video game consoles, an Apple TV and a STB. The system would mostly be used for movies, gaming, and sports. It will sit in my bedroom. The room right now is a shell, so all manners of installations including damping, sound proofing etc. can be carried out.

Any and all suggestions here, or pointers on the web somewhere welcome. It's quite overwhelming for me, and I perceive me as technically literate. :)

Since you looking for a 7.1 setup I am assuming you are not interested in DOLBY Atmos. You should look at it . It is the new standard in immersive audio that simply put adds speakers all over the room but more specifically in a home environment adds height speakers in the ceiling or upward firing speakers on top of your current speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling. The speaker configuration changes from a standard 5.1/7.1 to 5.1.2/7.1.4 etc .I am mentioning this since you have an option of custom installation.
Any mid level AVR( Audio video receiver) which is going to be your HUB has Atmos these days. All you consoles/units go into the avr through HDMI and the HDMI out from the avr goes to your tv/projector. Some brands to look at are Denon/Yamaha/Onkyo.
Coming to the speakers most mainstream companies now have Atmos speakers to compliment their standard 5.1/7.1 systems. There are a billion brands but to name a few check out Wharfdales/Polks/Kef's/q-acousitcs and Dynaudio.
For projectors have a look at Benq,epson sony.
There are enough shops around Delhi. Go there and demo and demo some more. You have a fairly basic requirement and most shops will sell you a package that should fulfill all your requirements.

So I went to a Home Theatre "experience centre". They had three demo rooms, and were quite excellent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigron (Post 4372405)

Thanks, yeah, I looked at atmos, and the experience centre had a room with 7.2.4 setups, 4 atmos speakers. The atmos speakers enhance only atmospheric sound, and yes, they can enhance the experience, but there's a proper lack of content supporting atmos. I will probably go with a two-sub set up, so 7.2 is taken care of. Will take a call on atmos at the time of installation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigron (Post 4372405)

Any mid level AVR( Audio video receiver) which is going to be your HUB has Atmos these days. All you consoles/units go into the avr through HDMI and the HDMI out from the avr goes to your tv/projector. Some brands to look at are Denon/Yamaha/Onkyo.
Coming to the speakers most mainstream companies now have Atmos speakers to compliment their standard 5.1/7.1 systems. There are a billion brands but to name a few check out Wharfdales/Polks/Kef's/q-acousitcs and Dynaudio.
For projectors have a look at Benq,epson sony.

Here's what the guys have come up with for now:

Projector: BENQ 1080
Screen: Grandview Liberty fixed, curved
AVR: Marantz
Speakers: Origin Acoustic
Sub: Sunfire

In addition to consulting, installation etc, these guys also integrate room electronics and the HT set-up into one app controlled automation thing. Works pretty well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by punto_ (Post 4332711)

Jamo speakers + AVR was going to close to 60K - not in a position to spend so much at this time. I have picked up Yamaha YHT-1840 for 29300 from a retailer. This sounds definitely better than the Soundbars I have auditioned from Yamaha, Klipsh, Jamo, etc.

This set came with 5.1 speaker setup and one advantage with this AVR is it supports both active and passive Sub. This came with a 6" Sub which I swapped with my car's Sub (12" Rockford fosgate P1 Punch series), bass is much deeper. :D
Yamaha sub is doing its duty in my Punto (Advantage: Boot space saved!)

I will live with this setup for now and upgrade the front speakers at a later time.

Thanks for your inputs!

Upgraded the Front speakers with Klipsh R-14M model, the sound is much improved - happy with the setup now. They sound much larger than they are. :)

http://www.klipsch.com/products/refe...shelf-speakers

Cables need to be hidden for cleaner look.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cowardly Lion (Post 4388714)

Planning to buy an AV Receiver. Budget in the region of about 75k. Currently have explored a couple of options from Marantz, Pioneer and Yamaha. White/Grey mrkt - all ok. Please advise in case someone has done some due diligence in recent past.

There is nothing like due diligence and a right value in this field. :D
Pick a set of Audio files + Video files put it on a USB drive and visit all the Hi End dealers and audition them.

At the end of it you yourself will know which combo you like and which combo you dont like. Since there is a vast spectrum depending on the budget. Set your budget and look within your range.

The usual results would be
1. You end up increasing the budget post audition
2. Decide to go only with a 2.1 setup initially and build up later

So first do your research and then check with others once you shortlisted the models.
clap:

Okay, so all mid priced AVR's will have more or less the same set of features and combinations. The difference is going to be in the room correction technology they use. D/M use Audyssey where as Yamaha has its YPAO and Onkyo uses AccuEQ.
I would personally recommend the Denon x3300/3400. It has all the latest immersive codecs ,XT32, all popular streaming services, zone 2 A/V and Pre outs should you upgrade to a more demanding/different speaker system down the line and need more power. It will probably be a little over your budget but is a genuine step up from the x2300.

BHPians,

Any reviews on the KEF T205 / KEF T305 Home Theater Systems?

Am looking for slim home theater speakers due to space constraints (in White :uncontrol).

The KEF T-Series (T205, preferably) is the only one that (currently) matches my configuration aesthetically but is proving to be very difficult to locate - no (US) dealers have this in-stock.

FYI, this is my current set-up (which I love!):

Center: BIC America Acoustech Platinum Series PL-28
Front L&R Tower: BIC America Venturi DV64
Rear Surround L&R (Bookshelf): BIC America DV62si
Subwoofer: BIC America Acoustech H-100
Receiver: Marantz NR1601

Ideally, I wouldn't replace this setup unless I were stepping up to Definitive Technology / KEF / Klipsch towers & smaller rear-surrounds, but you know how it goes...

Probably won't be replacing the receiver for a while. The Audessey tuning thingamajig tunes the speakers well (but you do have to fine tune, a lot, to adjust the sound right to your liking).

Quote:

Originally Posted by reihem (Post 4389776)

What are the best banana plugs available in India ? I need 16 in all, for a bi wired setup between my Marantz integrated amp and a pair of Wharfedale diamond 220s. Very confused by the offerings I see online. Either they cost nothing or cost a fortune.

Somewhat standard buy is Deadbolt. I have got 12 pairs during black friday sale on Amazon for about $20. Not sure why the same thing costs 4k in amazon.in.

Not sure if there are any good/ equivalent in local makes. MK plugs I had tried a while ago were very poor.