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Post by davidl81 on Dec 16, 2019 12:31:58 GMT -5
Guys, I am helping a buddy and looking to set up a Theater room setup for about $5000 total. I am thinking to dedicate about $2500 for a projector and screen and the remaining $2500 for audio. So for $2500 I will need to get a AVR (price points won't work for a Pre/Pro and amps) and a 5.1 speaker set up. We may do Atmos but we can neglect them from this budget.
So I am thinking on the AVR finding something in the $750 ish range. Hopefully find some used Marantz or Denon unit that can do 4k, HDR, and Atmos. So that is going to leave me with about $1750 for the speakers. I have thought about Emotiva T1, C1 type of speakers, but honestly the 4 ohm load on an AVR kinda scares me. Anyone here run these on an AVR with any issues? If not Emotiva any other ideas what speaker set ups to look for. He wants tower speakers for the L/R and a decent C. Basic wall mounted speakers for the surround channels. Sub wise there are tons of options in the $500ish range and we do have some flex on the budget so I don't have to be dead set at the $5000 total number.
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Post by creimes on Dec 16, 2019 14:05:05 GMT -5
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Post by emofrmcgy on Dec 16, 2019 14:44:28 GMT -5
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Post by davidl81 on Dec 16, 2019 14:51:00 GMT -5
I do need it to support 4K HDCP and I would like for it to support Atmos. But I am not married to Marantz
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Post by davidl81 on Dec 16, 2019 14:57:50 GMT -5
Separates are really not going to be in his budget anytime soon. Not everyone is going to want to drop 3-5k just on a processor and amps. So what I am trying to do is put something together around the price point he feels good spending and gives 90% of what you can get with separates.
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Post by Zombie on Dec 16, 2019 15:24:57 GMT -5
Maybe look at the Denon AVR-X3500H. It's considerably marked down at Crutchfield. I recently bought the Denon AVR-X4500H, Martin Logan 60XT's and the 50XT center. I got them all at a greatly reduced price and the speakers especially because the newer model (60XTi) had just come out. I typically buy the newest and greatest but they were so cheap I just couldn't turn it down. I'm in the process of breaking them in (about 35 hours thus far). So far, they sound excellent. They're 4 ohm speakers and the Denon drives them no problem. But I do have two Emotiva amps so I'm only going to use the Denon as a preamp/processor. They will be going in my new HT in roughly 2 weeks if all goes as planned.
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Post by creimes on Dec 16, 2019 17:07:30 GMT -5
Separates are really not going to be in his budget anytime soon. Not everyone is going to want to drop 3-5k just on a processor and amps. So what I am trying to do is put something together around the price point he feels good spending and gives 90% of what you can get with separates. Re-certified V3 XMC-1 from Emotiva and a used 5ch amp to start out with, UPA-500, UPA-5, A-500 or an outlaw or some other brand that can be found for decent prices on the used market ?
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Post by emofrmcgy on Dec 16, 2019 17:13:34 GMT -5
Separates are really not going to be in his budget anytime soon. Not everyone is going to want to drop 3-5k just on a processor and amps. So what I am trying to do is put something together around the price point he feels good spending and gives 90% of what you can get with separates. Re-certified V3 XMC-1 from Emotiva and a used 5ch amp to start out with, UPA-500, UPA-5, A-500 or an outlaw or some other brand that can be found for decent prices on the used market ? But it needs Atmos..
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2019 17:46:34 GMT -5
Receiver options - accessories4less. Many are refurbs but not necessarily, could be open box that can't be sold retail. (I've bought 2 receivers from them, all good) I like Denon, there are some very goods deals (AVR-X-4500H, AVR-X-3600H & AVR-X6500H 11.2-Ch x 140 - $1600) If Integra intrigues you, google the model# to verify it does NOT have HDMI issues. (mine works perfectly) Insure the receiver has 7.1 (5.1) preamp out so they can get a seperate power amp later and/or run atmos from receiver amps.
For 4 ohm speakers- HI CURRENT is a must. I've powered the T2 with 2 different Denon receivers (besides HT equipment) no problem. Unless he has something in mind, look at the emotiva airmotiv bundle- they were on sale
fyi, could get LCD panel instead of projector
Audioholics Product of the Year- Denon AVR-X3600H 11CH AV Receiver $1100
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Post by creimes on Dec 16, 2019 18:12:15 GMT -5
T1+, C1, A1 Pair, A-500 amp all new from Emotiva with the 10% off is $1598 then try and find a new or used AVR that does 4K and Atmos for future use(Marantz AV7702) or for another $999 a 4K XMC-1 for a total of $2597, sub would add like you mentioned around another $500 or so and as far as projector the Optoma UHD50 and screen wise a DIY screen or wall paint to keep cost down. Used Av7702 - www.usaudiomart.com/details/649565935-marantz-av7022-av-preprocessor/UHD50 is $999 or the UHD60 is $1799 at the following place, UHD shows out of stock with more on the way but $999 is a great price, my buddy has the UHD51A and i really like it www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Home-Theater-Projectors/ci/11106/N/3544148464
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Post by Soup on Dec 16, 2019 18:59:56 GMT -5
That is my machine listed in the ad!
Thanks for the shout out!
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Post by davidl81 on Dec 17, 2019 21:11:26 GMT -5
Separates are really not going to be in his budget anytime soon. Not everyone is going to want to drop 3-5k just on a processor and amps. So what I am trying to do is put something together around the price point he feels good spending and gives 90% of what you can get with separates. Re-certified V3 XMC-1 from Emotiva and a used 5ch amp to start out with, UPA-500, UPA-5, A-500 or an outlaw or some other brand that can be found for decent prices on the used market ? I have eliminated Emotiva from the processor side because frankly this needs to be something dummy proof that just works. Also they want to be able to airplay Bluetooth etc to it. I know the Emotiva would sound better, but to him simplicity and the extra features will an advantage over ultimate sound quality. I do think the Emotiva speakers are a great value for the price and that may be the choice for the speakers.
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Post by creimes on Dec 17, 2019 22:27:25 GMT -5
Re-certified V3 XMC-1 from Emotiva and a used 5ch amp to start out with, UPA-500, UPA-5, A-500 or an outlaw or some other brand that can be found for decent prices on the used market ? I have eliminated Emotiva from the processor side because frankly this needs to be something dummy proof that just works. Also they want to be able to airplay Bluetooth etc to it. I know the Emotiva would sound better, but to him simplicity and the extra features will an advantage over ultimate sound quality. I do think the Emotiva speakers are a great value for the price and that may be the choice for the speakers. Well that Marantz AV7702 I listed above is only $650
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Post by davidl81 on Dec 18, 2019 9:37:13 GMT -5
I have eliminated Emotiva from the processor side because frankly this needs to be something dummy proof that just works. Also they want to be able to airplay Bluetooth etc to it. I know the Emotiva would sound better, but to him simplicity and the extra features will an advantage over ultimate sound quality. I do think the Emotiva speakers are a great value for the price and that may be the choice for the speakers. Well that Marantz AV7702 I listed above is only $650 I do like the Marantz and I think they make quality stuff. The AV7702 I think can't pass HDMI 2.0 video, I think (may be wrong) that it is only HDMI 1.4. But still even that and a A-700 gets up there on the cost. I did think about taking money away from the projector (we talked about LCD since you can get an 85" for $2500ish, but he really wants a 100-110" screen) and going to a Faux 4K DLP unit since you can find them for about $1000-$1500. I just really like my Sony and I have seen a few ES285's on AVS with low hours for $2500 or so. And to me the PQ improvements will outweigh the SQ benefits he could get by re allocating the money (at least for his uses). So this is what I am thinking at this point Sony Projector DYI Screen Emotiva (T2 on sale at $699) Emotiva C1 Center Emotiva E2 Surrounds Some fairly inexpensive in ceiling speakers (maybe similar to the Monoprice I have) Subwoofer in the $600ish range (maybe the S15 at the $800 price point) AVR that can power the speakers and is 4ohm stable Now ideally I would tell him to get a used AV8802A ($1500ish) and the A-700 amp ($600) since that would out preform most AVR's, but its the jump in price. I will throw out those options to him though because the improvements in SQ are pretty big for the $1200ish delta in price.
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Post by emofrmcgy on Dec 18, 2019 11:56:15 GMT -5
Mk1 vs Mk2 differences are discussed HERE You're correct, mk1 doesn't have HDMI 2 or HDCP 2.2.
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Post by creimes on Dec 18, 2019 14:50:53 GMT -5
Mk1 vs Mk2 differences are discussed HERE You're correct, mk1 doesn't have HDMI 2 or HDCP 2.2. i was pretty sure my MK1 passed 4K ?? and it was an Atmos processor but these formats change so much i can't keep up.
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Post by creimes on Dec 18, 2019 15:14:10 GMT -5
Well that Marantz AV7702 I listed above is only $650 I do like the Marantz and I think they make quality stuff. The AV7702 I think can't pass HDMI 2.0 video, I think (may be wrong) that it is only HDMI 1.4. But still even that and a A-700 gets up there on the cost. I did think about taking money away from the projector (we talked about LCD since you can get an 85" for $2500ish, but he really wants a 100-110" screen) and going to a Faux 4K DLP unit since you can find them for about $1000-$1500. I just really like my Sony and I have seen a few ES285's on AVS with low hours for $2500 or so. And to me the PQ improvements will outweigh the SQ benefits he could get by re allocating the money (at least for his uses). So this is what I am thinking at this point Sony Projector DYI Screen Emotiva (T2 on sale at $699) Emotiva C1 Center Emotiva E2 Surrounds Some fairly inexpensive in ceiling speakers (maybe similar to the Monoprice I have) Subwoofer in the $600ish range (maybe the S15 at the $800 price point) AVR that can power the speakers and is 4ohm stable Now ideally I would tell him to get a used AV8802A ($1500ish) and the A-700 amp ($600) since that would out preform most AVR's, but its the jump in price. I will throw out those options to him though because the improvements in SQ are pretty big for the $1200ish delta in price. As far as projector, does the Sony have something over the Optoma units ?? my buddies UHD51A seems really nice and looks great and does run real 4K but I don't know a whole lot about the newer stuff since my HC3500 is about 3 years old now. I think the hardest part is the processor or receiver, getting all the new stuff in a receiver that has decent amplification or preouts for future amp upgrades is really costly, i remeber my AV7702MK1 having 4k passthrough so wouldnt that have to be HDMI 2.0 ?? Also if you are integrating a sub you could get the T1+ a bit cheaper than the T2 on closeout as the T1+ would be 10% off. Chad
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2019 15:42:19 GMT -5
Always start with a good foundation- Speakers and power amp, everything else is and will be upgradeable. T2 or T1+ $699, T0+ $399, Center $250- 399 and $200 reward for your next order. The folded ribbon tweeters are hard to beat. Basx A-700- $599 minus $200 rewards is $399 Total $1900 < $1000 for a receiver because you can get one with "assignable" amps for Atmos (Denon AVR-X3600H) Subwoofer-?
Later- RSL Speakers (ceiling) for Atmos- $125 each.($500) That would not be a bad start.
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Post by creimes on Dec 18, 2019 16:01:24 GMT -5
Always start with a good foundation- Speakers and power amp, everything else is and will be upgradeable. T2 or T1+ $699, T0+ $399, Center $250- 399 and $200 reward for your next order. The folded ribbon tweeters are hard to beat. Basx A-700- $599 minus $200 rewards is $399 Total $1900 < $1000 for a receiver because you can get one with "assignable" amps for Atmos (Denon AVR-X3600H) Subwoofer-? Later- RSL Speakers (ceiling) for Atmos- $125 each.($500) That would not be a bad start. Are you able to combine the 10% BasX/Airmotiv and the Tiered pricing Hair Nick ??
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Post by davidl81 on Dec 18, 2019 16:50:20 GMT -5
I do like the Marantz and I think they make quality stuff. The AV7702 I think can't pass HDMI 2.0 video, I think (may be wrong) that it is only HDMI 1.4. But still even that and a A-700 gets up there on the cost. I did think about taking money away from the projector (we talked about LCD since you can get an 85" for $2500ish, but he really wants a 100-110" screen) and going to a Faux 4K DLP unit since you can find them for about $1000-$1500. I just really like my Sony and I have seen a few ES285's on AVS with low hours for $2500 or so. And to me the PQ improvements will outweigh the SQ benefits he could get by re allocating the money (at least for his uses). So this is what I am thinking at this point Sony Projector DYI Screen Emotiva (T2 on sale at $699) Emotiva C1 Center Emotiva E2 Surrounds Some fairly inexpensive in ceiling speakers (maybe similar to the Monoprice I have) Subwoofer in the $600ish range (maybe the S15 at the $800 price point) AVR that can power the speakers and is 4ohm stable Now ideally I would tell him to get a used AV8802A ($1500ish) and the A-700 amp ($600) since that would out preform most AVR's, but its the jump in price. I will throw out those options to him though because the improvements in SQ are pretty big for the $1200ish delta in price. As far as projector, does the Sony have something over the Optoma units ?? my buddies UHD51A seems really nice and looks great and does run real 4K but I don't know a whole lot about the newer stuff since my HC3500 is about 3 years old now. I think the hardest part is the processor or receiver, getting all the new stuff in a receiver that has decent amplification or preouts for future amp upgrades is really costly, i remeber my AV7702MK1 having 4k passthrough so wouldnt that have to be HDMI 2.0 ?? Also if you are integrating a sub you could get the T1+ a bit cheaper than the T2 on closeout as the T1+ would be 10% off. Chad The Optimas are nice, I had one before and I liked it. The Sony is a true 4k and has a little bit better PQ, but you are correct the difference is not huge. And if I had not seen the Sony I would be perfectly happy with the Optima. So that may be really worth looking at because that can be a $1000 savings that could go to audio. The 4K pass through is weird since all new 4K stuff is HDCP and that only works on HDMI 2.0. My SR7009 was the same way, it could pass 4K video, but practically noting worked since all 4K is also HDCP, thus the MKII on the 7702 which was an upgrade to the HDMI board. I did see the discound on the T1s, but for $60 more might as well get the T2s.
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