What The Fidelity??


OK. So here is what I currently have, followed with what I was thinking of doing and ending with what a "pro installer" is recommending. Who can give me some opinions and insight?
Three years ago we moved into a new place and I called an installer to get things going. I only had Klipsch ref-62's for fronts and a 150.00 Samsung Blue-ray while watching a 46" panasonic plasma from COSTCO. That's it. He set up a Denon avr1910, Apple TV and a Belkin surge protector. Wireless control with a "genious 900 remote.
Time for an upgrade. I have ordered the Tekton Pendragons. Eric Alexander paired the M-lore center channel and sides for a 5.0 system. (I'll wait for now on the sub). I'm thinking either a 55" or 60" Panasonic VT50 or GT50. Room treatments from GIK (Brian has been quite helpful).
So, a new "pro installer " came over and right away said I have to forget about everything I have been thinking. He said the Pens would be too bright (Really!). The Denon is also too bright and harsh. The Blue-ray is crap. And finally, the TV's we buy at retail stores are also crap. They are tier 3 models. He can get the top tier models (better glass, better construction) and calibrate it before the install.
His line up is....
NAD T 757 receiver
NAD T 767 Blueray
Paridigm Studio 20 fronts
Paridigm Studio 10 rears
Paridigm Studio CC 490 center
J-29 speaker stands
Paridigm dual 12" ultra cube subs
HDMI Cable
He also suggests a processor (a 5,000.00 demo for 2,800.00) This total comes to around $14,000.00 not including the demo but it does include install, programming and calibration). So the question is......My price point with the Tekton speakers, GIK and HDTV would be around 7,500.00. Should I follow the expert advice or will my present components do the job?? By the way, the Samsung UN55ES8000ss is 4,000.00!
128x128brianpack

Showing 1 response by loomisjohnson

brianpack:
1. keep in mind that most pro installers get a piece of whatever gear they sell you, so their advise is undoubtedly colored
2. you don't give specifics about your room, use (movies, music), etc., but i'll assume you're shopping for a mainly HT system. accordingly, i'd opine that the tektons are very well-regarded speakers which should serve you well and save you some $$$; i believe they also have a no-hassle return policy if you don't like 'em. the paradigms are also well-regarded but not necessarily better.
3. i've been taught that the low-priced tvs you get at costco or walmart really are prone to failure and that the $1500 and-up major brand models are significantly better made and a better investment. that said, esp. given the rapidly evolving technology i wouldn't drop 4 grand on a 55" tv--the panasonics you mention should be fine if you really feel compelled to upgrade.
4. not being a big movie guy, i don't see a ton of difference in picture quality between most name brand bluray players (consumer reports seems to rate all of 'em "excellent"); upgrading your samsung wouldn't be a top priority unless you're also listening to a lot of music.
5. your denon avr seems to be a midrange 2009 model and probably worth upgrading. separates will typically sound better than avrs--anthem, integra, arcam etc. get recommended alot. note that processors, in particular, depreciate extremely quickly and you might want to look at good used gear to avail yourself.
just my opinion. keep us posted.