I think its time to let you guys have at it

[ejw2076]

I have decided to invest in a home theater system and as of right now I have nothing. My goal was to get a setup that is done right, without costing a fortune and I think I have a list of components that achieves that. I think the final step is to put it past the AVS forums to see if any home theater gurus have anything to add. I chose a CRT because the system will be in a smaller room, and I will be sitting about 8 feet from the screen; 34" is just what I want. As far as the cables go, I really dont know if they will or wont improve picture (especially at only 8') but they seem to be better made than some of the others out there. I really need something that wont split on me since I will be moving 2 times in the next year and a half. If any of you have any comments or suggestions on the choices I have made please post them.

Display:
Sony KD-34XBR960 – 34” widescreen HDTV CRT monitor (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-M9eXGQKGrgy/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=KD%2D34XBR960&i=158KD34XBR)
$1495.00

Receiver:
Boston Acoustics AVR7120 – 7.1 channel audio/video receiver (http://www.bostonacoustics.com/home_product.aspx?product_id=330)
$981.64

Speakers:
Aperion Audio Intimus 532-LR Bookshelf Speaker (pair) (http://www.aperionaudio.com/products/product-detail.aspx?id=4&catId=5&catName=Aperion+Speakers)
$360.00
Aperion Audio Intimus 422-LR Satellite Speaker (pair) (http://www.aperionaudio.com/products/product-detail.aspx?id=126&catId=5&catName=Aperion+Speakers)
$200.00
Aperion Audio Intimus 533-VAC Center Channel Speaker (http://www.aperionaudio.com/products/product-detail.aspx?id=51&catId=5&catName=Aperion+Speakers)
$280.00
HSU VTF-2 MK 2 – 10” Powered Subwoofer (http://www.hsustore.com/vtf2.html)
$526.00

Other Components:
Sony DHG-HDD500 DVR – 60 hour HDTV DVR (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-b1Ra9DakjUI/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?I=158hdd500&search=DHGHDD500)
$539.98
Xbox 360 Game Console (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/xbox360/xbox360customize.htm)
$439.99

Accessories:
PureAV AV51000-08 - 8' Silver Series Component Video Interconnect (2) (http://catalog.belkin.com/PureAV_detail.process?Product_Id=178479)
$85.85
PureAV AV50000-08 - 8' Silver Series Toslink Digital Fiber Optic Interconnect (3) (http://catalog.belkin.com/PureAV_detail.process?Product_Id=178567)
$95.23
100’ 12ga Speaker Wire (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-155)
$42.63
Dayton Banana Plug Pair Set (5) (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=091-1165)
$22.90
Dayton SW-12 – 12’ Subwoofer Cable (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=181-642)
$11.84
PureAV™ Home Theater Battery Backup with AVR Technology (http://catalog.belkin.com/PureAV_detail.process?Product_Id=195291)
$243.44
Omnimount 20.0 Wall Mount (2) (http://www.aperionaudio.com/products/product-detail.aspx?id=46&catId=9&catName=Speaker+Stands+and+Wall+Mounts)
$82.00

Total: $5406.50

[Q of BanditZ]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=3

You may want to post this somewhere in that area of the forum as well.

You've chosen some very nice hardware.

Relevant to this forum: The XBR960? You've chosen the best widescreen CRT tube on the market. Hell of a price too!

The XBR960 is considered a reference monitor in many professional circles to this day, especially if you get it ISF calibrated, which I highly recommend. :)

I love my XBR960! You won't regret it! :)

[kny3twalker]

just let me say this Boston Acoustics must be new to the AVR market cause I never never they made AVRs and I have owned some of their speakers

anyways my point is why did you choose them? and then I would never spend a grand on a AVR without HDMI switching


and the HD DVR you choose uses TV Guide Service
its horrible if it even works as I understand it

your battery backup, component and digital audio cables seemed way over priced

I would put more money into other items

like getting floor standing speakers

[nick2003]

Yeah those cables are definatly overpriced. And if i was going to buy a new receiver right now i'd definatly get one with hdmi switching your going to be sorry if you don't sense with hd dvd and blu-ray coming out whichever one you choose your hdmi input on the tv is going to be used by that so no more inputs for new things that come out (or your hd cable or satalite box).

[ejw2076]

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]just let me say this Boston Acoustics must be new to the AVR market cause I never never they made AVRs and I have owned some of their speakers

anyways my point is why did you choose them? and then I would never spend a grand on a AVR without HDMI switching


and the HD DVR you choose uses TV Guide Service
its horrible if it even works as I understand it

your battery backup, component and digital audio cables seemed way over priced

I would put more money into other items

like getting floor standing speakers[/QUOTE]

Yes, this is Bostons first AVR. I did quite a bit of reading about this reciever and have heard nothing but good things (even at its msrp). Do I need HDMI for blue-ray and HD-DVD, or is that if I am only using 1080p? But if you have any suggestions, please post them.

The DVR I chose was one of the few HD recorders I could find that arent satellite recievers; and of those that arent, most, if not all use the tv guide signal. Some of my other options were:
RCA DVR2160
Panasonic DMR-EH50
Pioneer DVR-533H-S
The Sony had the largest recording capacity for the price, and I read some good things about it.

Cables seem to be a tough subject in the home theater world, but my motive for spending this much isnt for the signal quality (i've read a number of posts from people saying they cannot tell the difference), but for the physical quality of the cable. It seems to be more solid, and will hopefully hold together through my moves (the last time I moved I lost a couple cables).

I couldnt find any power cleaner/ups other than belkins, and from what I've seen most home theater warranties dont cover damage from power.

I'm in a smaller room so floor standing speakers are out, but maybe after I move; aperion has the upgrade for free option up to a year after. I appreciate your comments, it got me thinking a little differently about the components I've chosen and perhaps I'm rationalizing with some of them. I really dont want to put this much money into a system without first being sure it is the best I can get for the price. If you have any suggestions for other components please put them up. Thanks.

[kny3twalker]

Yes, this is Bostons first AVR. I did quite a bit of reading about this reciever and have heard nothing but good things (even at its msrp). Do I need HDMI for blue-ray and HD-DVD, or is that if I am only using 1080p? But if you have any suggestions, please post them.

no Blu Ray and HD DVD will require HDMI or DVI with HDCP

but more importantly I think would be using a upscaling DVD player for old DVD movies
and still having another HDMI input for high def content on disc

I mean VHS looks terrible on HDTVs, but DVDs will always look pretty good just not as good as HD discs

~1k receivers
Yamaha RVX 1600/2600
Onkyo TX-SR803
Denon AVR 3806
Pioneer VSX-74TXVi/VSX-72TXV

you will need to do your own research as to which is for you though
and there are more expensive models of course
I have just been looking at the 1k receiver market with HDMI switching myself

The DVR I chose was one of the few HD recorders I could find that arent satellite recievers; and of those that arent, most, if not all use the tv guide signal. Some of my other options were:
RCA DVR2160
Panasonic DMR-EH50
Pioneer DVR-533H-S
The Sony had the largest recording capacity for the price, and I read some good things about it.

rent a HD cable DVR from your cable company for the time being
at least until a usable guide if figured out for HD DVRs

you might still consider the Sony, as long as TV guide works, make sure you buy it from somewhere you can easily return it

Cables seem to be a tough subject in the home theater world, but my motive for spending this much isnt for the signal quality (i've read a number of posts from people saying they cannot tell the difference), but for the physical quality of the cable. It seems to be more solid, and will hopefully hold together through my moves (the last time I moved I lost a couple cables).

true but you can buy them cheaper
even the Pure AV cables

I bought 50 dollar component Pure AV cables on Amazon for 20 dollars
so search online
and check out the powerbuys for cables and the forum sponsors
like bluejeancables, ramelectronics, and monoprice (<<cheap cables)


I couldnt find any power cleaner/ups other than belkins, and from what I've seen most home theater warranties dont cover damage from power.

the warranties are complete scams
basically as I understand it, you would need to have an attorney be able to prove their product failed causing the damage to your equipment
using home owners insurance would be easier and better

but unless the belkin can turn off the system in case of a surge like UPSs for PCs
I would not spend that kind of money

why not just buy a surge protector and a UPS
I really do not buy into the whole clean power thing
I would rather have bigger speakers personally
LOL

I'm in a smaller room so floor standing speakers are out, but maybe after I move; aperion has the upgrade for free option up to a year after. I appreciate your comments, it got me thinking a little differently about the components I've chosen and perhaps I'm rationalizing with some of them. I really dont want to put this much money into a system without first being sure it is the best I can get for the price. If you have any suggestions for other components please put them up. Thanks.

well then save your money for the next bigger size once you move instead of buying into the expensive powerstrip

anyways you could simply turn down the sound with floor standing speakers
or is there simply not enough room???

[mterzich]

If you'll be moving twice in the next 1 1/2 years, you may not want to get a CRT. I own one of those suckers and it is heavy (I wish I had never gotten it for that reason). When I moved it upstair, my neighbor and I were almost laid up. Now to move it a few feet again, I'll have to impose again on my neighbor. If my flat panel ever fails, I'll have to think long and hard before I'll ever move it back down stairs.

[kny3twalker]

wait a second, that completely bogus

what about furniture? nice wood furniture weights alot more than a 250 lb TV
Armoires, Beds, Couchs, loveseats, dressers, Tables, washer, dryer, etc.....

ever move a piano? now thats something you do not want to have to move

worrying about a TV's weight cause you move is the dumbest reason that I have heard not to get a CRT

if you cannot get a friend to help you move, then there is probably little chance you will be moving much heavy furniture much less a TV,
if you are not doing the moving(hiring movers) what do you care?

mterzich, if you want a LCD or plasma go post there
but do not spam here with that BS

[kny3twalker]

I felt the same way also. That's why I canceled my order on the Sony KD-30XS955 because the weight is way beyond than what I first thought. I fear dropping the TV and cracking the case. And no one is here around me to move a 150 pound object. If Sony would make this TV 40 pounds lighter, like the Toshiba 30HF85, I would let the order go through. I do weight lifting sometimes, and 110 pounds is the maximum I can lift.

you cannot be serious, you and a friend TOGETHER cannot lift a 150lb TV, yet you by yourself can lift a 110 lb TV

I personally think you canceled the order cause you cannot afford this TV nor the LCD XBR or you knew it would cost you alot to send it back

cause not really sure why you have decided you need to personally create a dozen or so open boxed items for retailers

either that or you were not giving the whole story about all the TVs you have purchased

there is an excuse for everything in life.....

[squonk]

[QUOTE=cireaasirefan] I fear dropping the TV and cracking the case. [/QUOTE]


As they say, actual experience is the best teacher. ;)

[Ratman]

Funny... I had no problem carrying/moving/setting up a 216 lb. F38310 with the help from another 50 year old friend.

Heavy yes... impossible no. Not if you really want to purchase a TV.

[squonk]

[QUOTE=Ratman] Not if you really want to purchase a TV.[/QUOTE]


I think you've hit the crux of it right there. This is a neverending soap opera that involves speculating about TVs, posting misinformation about TVs, posting erroneous information regarding TVs, airing vendettas against certain brands of TVs, ordering TVs, cancelling orders, buying TVs and returning them, but never actually buying, keeping and using a TV. It is truly unbelievable.

[greenland]

[QUOTE=cireaasirefan]I felt the same way also. That's why I canceled my order on the Sony KD-30XS955 because the weight is way beyond than what I first thought. I fear dropping the TV and cracking the case. And no one is here around me to move a 150 pound object. If Sony would make this TV 40 pounds lighter, like the Toshiba 30HF85, I would let the order go through. I do weight lifting sometimes, and 110 pounds is the maximum I can lift.[/QUOTE]

Walt: I hate to be the bearer of disappointing news, and I am reluctant to break your heart. But, I have dried my eyes, and squinted through swollen eyes to save you further grief and disappointment.

You know that Offical 34XPR970 thread that someone has started, and has been filling in the details on HDMI etc. Ignore that item. It is not for you. Why, you may well ask. Because the 34XPR970 is far heavier than the set you just cancelled. I hope that will save you the anguish of having to cancel on another order after having belatedly discovering how much it actually weighs.No need to thank me. I just want to save you from the agony of the weight.

[squonk]

[QUOTE=cireaasirefan] And no one is here around me to move a 150 pound object.[/QUOTE]

I would think the with the combined strength of waltchan, cireaasirefan, koratdenkiworld, letterstoher, U2Psycho that this would be a piece of cake to lift.

Here's how I would plan it if I were you (all):

U2Psycho should lift the back, since he's probably the strongest (and nuttiest).
Then put Cireaasirefan on one front corner and koratdenkiworld on the other front corner. Have waltchan help out U2Psycho in the back since waltchan is probably the weakest. Letterstoher can be the spotter and guide since he appears to be the smartest among you. Certainly don't allow waltchan to be the guide since he doesn't appear to know what he's doing.

Now if you drop the TV and crack the casing (again), blame it on U2Psycho. He probably doesn't have any credit cards in his name so you could preserve your buying privileges. Just make sure you all get together and get your story straight. What did you in last time was waltchan would contradict cireaasirefan, who would then contradict koratdenkiworld etc and it was a big circle jerk.

Hope this helps and let us know how it works out.