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
willgolf
933 posts
 
OMG those are massive.  I think you will be unbelievably happy with the choice and you save a ton of money.  I have a black wall on that side of my theater room so my DI in wall speakers are not obtrusive at all.  That will be a cool look.  I have grill for the speakers which makes them a little less intimidating also.  Yes, it took me awhile to get mine so keep following up.  The subs he built for me a massive also.  I think you can see my theater room on the virtual forum under willgolf if you want to get an idea.  Congrats!!!!
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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.
Post removed 
audio2design
1,351 posts
 
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.


Stick to the B&W. They are in a whole different class from the Tektons. They are much better and will be fine for both.

If you are not spending 10-20K on room acoustics and treatments cut your budget to 50K. You are throwing away the rest. Seriously.

In wall speakers placed in a standard wall are not great. If you aren't willing to rebuild the wall to create a proper stuff structure for them don't bother at least for the main surrounds. You are throwing money away.

Screen material is more important than the frame. What are you choosing for the material. This can have a bigger impact than the projector.

I would run a dedicated high current AC feed to a sub panel in the room. A single feed with a sub panel is electrically much better than multiple lines.

I tend to agree that Mac tends towards the euphonic not accurate and not best for HT though your processor when it does room correction will fix a lot of that. Their HT amps may behave differently. Odds are you would be as or more happy with all Bryston at the same or far less money.

Build the room. They audition mains. They get a center that matches and possibly the main rears. Matching the rest is not overly critical.
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