2. home-theater
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Something amazing - what would you buy

I am putting in a home theater that I want to use for a music listening room too.  The goal is putting together something amazing.  I joined the forum because I've been looking for a good source of information whose livelihood doesn't depend on me buying what he/she sells. 

The list below (suggested by a local retailer and leading candidate to sell it to me) is just the equipment for the room and I'm looking for the Forum's insight on how they would amend it.  Only the first two items have been purchased.  Everything else is open to revision.  If you're looking for a number, the current budget is $150,000 for the equipment only.  Installation and setup costs are on top.  The only things I'm keeping from the current setup is an Apple 4k TV and the air in the room.  Everything else goes.  I have a 1Gb internet speed connection in the room if that is helpful.  

Rather than get into room configuration and its important role in the choice, assume that the list below is appropriate for the room.

Projector + Screen
• Sony VPLVW915ES Laser Projector mounted to a pre-wired position (back-ordered).
o https://www.sony.com/electronics/projector/vpl-vw915es/buy/vplvw915es
• Panamorph DCR-S2 Cinema Format Projector Conversion Lens (on hand)
o https://www.panamorph.com/
• Screen Innovations 130” Fixed Screen On Wall 2.35 widescreen format.
o https://www.screeninnovations.com/screen/zero-edge-pro/

B&W Speakers
• 800D3 Front Towers Qty 2
o https://www.bowerswilkins.com/home-audio/800-d3
• HTM1 Center Channel w/stand
o https://www.bowerswilkins.com/home-audio/htm1-d3
• CWM7.3S2 In Wall Surround Channels Qty 4
o https://www.bowerswilkins.com/custom-installation/in-wall-speakers
• CCM7.3S2 In-Ceiling Atmos Channels Qty 4
o https://www.bowerswilkins.com/custom-installation/in-ceiling-speakers
• DB2 Subwoofer Qty 2
o https://www.bowerswilkins.com/home-audio/subwoofers

Audio Equipment – McIntosh
• MX170 Processor
o https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/home-theater-processors/MX170
• MC462 Front Channel Amps
o https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC462
• MC257 Center + Surrounds
o https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC257
• MI254 Atmos Channels
o https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MI254
• MPC1500 Power Center
o https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/specialty-products/MPC1500

Universal Controller Savant + Video Source Kaleidescape 4k Player
• https://www.savant.com/host
• https://www.kaleidescape.com/wp-content/uploads/KaleidescapeStratoS_SpecSheet_2020.pdf

Thanks for your help,
txhometheater
Ag insider logo xs@2xtxhometheater

Showing 11 responses by txhometheater

Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
That's exactly where I started.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
Maxwave - I agree a local installer is a requirement.  The same lack of depth in the equipment that leads me to ask for the views of the Forum on it, has me convinced that I wouldn't do the setup without a professional.

Also, you guys are starting to change my view on the setup.  Where I was thinking the 800 d3 could do double duty as a front speaker for the HT and a main speaker for the audio system, I may be better off with Tekton HT setup and a separate if co-located HiFi system.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
Willgolf - I'm sorry to hear of the declining sight.  That must be very hard, especially for a home theater enthusiast.

I appreciate your comments on the B&W.  I think of them as the prettiest girl at my very small school of experience.  Certainly open to better (prettier) experiences now.

I am planning on in-wall speakers on the sides.  I was thinking the floor standing speakers will give a better performance than speakers in the wall for the front (but open to education).  No thought either way about in the back of the room.

I did feel like I was getting steered to Savant.  My experience with Control4 is limited to a Las Vegas hotel I like.  It seemed straightforward and that appeals to me.

I am thinking about a music server.  I know even less about those though.

I agree about the power conditioner.  They spec'd a Mcintosh one in what I have, but I have no idea on how to judge those, past knowing I need one.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
Good questions.  You're not nosy at all.  My friends who play poker tell me if you can't spot the patsy when you sit down to a game, it's you.  I didn't have to spend much time reading threads on Audiogon to realize I am the patsy here.

80% movies, 20% 2 channel music, but I've heard if you get a good theater system you'll find yourself listening to more concert films.

Sound performance characteristics - I do love the accuracy that I've heard from Martin Logan and have no great love for over-mixed bass.  I also think I don't have enough experience to answer the question as well, nor as thoughtfully as I would like to.

Magnolia - yes.

Others - My background is as a retail box consumer who has only just become aware of different/better options.  So I've not listened to many.  The best sound I've ever heard was Nautilus speakers with Mcintosh amps at a local high-end store.  The descriptions I've read of Sonus Faber make me think I would like those.

Walls -  Yes, to the covering.  No to the location of the walls.  It's an existing room that I won't be able to change the shape or size.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
Nothing.  Ignorance of other better options at a similar/better price.  They are the beginning point.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
When I started I was thinking two big B&Ws upfront and visible with a center channel too, and everything else B&W hidden behind fabric-covered walls around the room, or up in the ceiling.

Now I am beginning to think I should hide all the speakers for the HT setup (now thinking Tektonic or Legacy Silhouette) and then run a parallel but separate 2-channel system (B&W or something else) for the 20% of the time I am listening to that.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
Wow.  Good comments and I appreciate the thought and effort.  

To answer the questions - 
Southlake near Dallas.
No plans for analog.
13 channels is the current plan (L/R/C, 4 on the walls 4 in the ceiling, and 2 subs)

Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
Okay.  I changed the speakers to Tekton Design Ulfberht (9.x.4).  The R/L/C will be visible but the sides and back will be in-wall.  I haven't decided on subwoofer count yet, hence the "9.x.4"  

Hat tip to willgolf for the introduction.

I probably won't see them for three months or so based on the back-ordered woofers at Tekton Design.

I'm a little worried the Ulfberht's will overpower the room visually if not sonically, but the reviews are too good to ignore.  My wife can exercise good judgment and better taste in the other rooms in the house.

Only amplifiers and a screen left to pick.   
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
I haven't picked a processor yet.  The recommendation I got was for a McIntosh MX 170, but in doing the research I think the Trinnov 16 might be a better way to go.

I look forward to having it set up so I can take some pictures to share.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
audio2design - Absolutely.  I've had two groups come by, one big-box retailer and one regional hifi/HT chain.  If you have a Dallas/Ft. Worth/North Texas referral, I am open to it talking with them.

Soix - Thank you.  I'll go look at it.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
txhometheater OP
12 posts
 
Maxwave - Thank you for the surge protector idea.  I ordered one today based on the comment.

Audio2design - The acoustics comments make sense.  Any suggestions on whose to buy?

As far as a screen, it looks like the consensus for 4k is woven in case I end up with the center channel behind the screen.  The HT is an interior room, so no light issues.  Any suggestions?  I like the idea of one that adjusts sizes.  Seymour is the only one I've seen do that.

I have in mind removing all the sheetrock and getting back to the studs as I thought it would make the wiring easier and allow for a sound barrier and then rehang the sheetrock
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