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newbie needs equipment help

#1
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6/21/09 at 9:46pm
  • Joined: June 2009
  • Post Count: 4
Hello all,

I am helping a friend buy equipment for his home theater. The problem I have is that I am a bit of a novice and do not want to mess it up. I would rather not make a mistake in purchasing. I was planning to install the equipment myself as well, but have someone program (calibrate) the receiver because I heard that can be quite difficult. Here is the equipment I plan on getting...Any questions/thoughts/concerns would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mits 73" DLP (Due to the space I have)
Definitive Technology (D.T.) bipolar surround speakers (4)
Denon AVR-3808CI Receiver
D.T. Mythos STS Tower with Subwoofer (2)
D.T. Mythos Three Center Speaker
Amplifier (unsure which kind?).
Pre-Amp???
Surge Protector (Panamax?)
I have run 16 gauge 4-conductor wire.

I have a strong feeling I am missing a few things but please give me any feedback on what I chose as well as any other pieces of equipment that I require. Thanks again in advance.
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#2
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6/22/09 at 4:08am
  • Joined: December 2003
  • Location: Charlotte, NC
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

That Denon pushes 130w per channel, so you probably don't need an amplifier unless you just really want to have more power. Either way you do not need a pre-amp since the Denon will serve that purpose.

I assume you and/or your friend have demoed the DefTechs. They are good speakers, but you should always demo speakers to make sure they fit you.

The only thing that stands out to me as missing is a BluRay player.
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#3
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6/22/09 at 4:30am
  • Joined: December 1969
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

I would have recommended 14-gague wire over 16, but you should be fine. Agree that there is no need for an amplifier or pre-amp. The receiver has an amp built in that is more than adequate for this system. And calibrating the receiver isn't difficult at all. A cheap analog sound pressure level meter from Radio Shack and a system calibration disc like Digita Video Essentials or Avia II will get you through it. The Denon also has the Audessy auto-calibration system, but you'll still want a calibration disc for the video side of things. Maybe hold off on that SPL meter until you've run the Audessy, then pick one up if you think the system needs further fine-tuning.

The picture will need to be adjusted from the factory settings, which are always wrong (set to make the picture stand out on the showroom floor, not to accurately reproduce the incoming signal), to the point where you may think there's something wrong with the TV the first time you turn it on. That's a common experience for new HDTV buyers. Get that calibration disc before to get the TV and adjust the settings before you watch any "real" material. (And then write then down in case a power outage causes the TV to lose them.)

Regards,

Joe
My Home Theater

My DVD Collection

My niece, "Miss Goofy Face"
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#4
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6/22/09 at 4:31am
  • Joined: December 1969
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

P.S.

Does your friend already have a DVD player? What is the source for television - over-the-air antenna? Cable? Satellite? Does he have HD or regular service?

Joe
My Home Theater

My DVD Collection

My niece, "Miss Goofy Face"
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#5
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6/22/09 at 11:15pm
  • Joined: June 2009
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

Thanks for the help. Really appreciate it. I actually forgot to list it but i will also be adding a Blu-ray player as well. He is gonna have Dish Network as well as Digital Cable. That is my plan anyway.
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#6
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6/22/09 at 11:16pm
  • Joined: June 2009
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

Also, is the installation of all this equipment difficult?? I do not want to screw it up and cause any problems. Thanks again.
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#7
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6/23/09 at 2:52am
  • Joined: December 2003
  • Location: Charlotte, NC
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

Installation should be pretty simple:

1 - HDMI from BluRay, cable and satellite to Denon 3808
2 - HDMI from Denon to Mits
3 - Speaker cable from Denon to each speaker

Then just adjust the audio using an SPL meter and adjust the TV using a calibration disc and you should be in good shape.
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#8
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6/23/09 at 4:56am
  • Joined: August 2000
  • Location: Southaven, MS
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

Seth gave you basic instructions on how to hook things up. Installation requires running wires in a way they you don't trip over them. I ran all of my wires in the wall and through the attic over my room. Installation requires calibration of the sound and video. At a minimum that will be using a mic connected to the receiver and a DVD with test screens. I used Video Essentials DVD and a Radio Shack SPL meter. I also plotted the in-room response of my sub and added a parametric EQ. Installation should require teaching your friend how to operate everything so they don't call you at 3am asking you why they see video from a DVD but sound from the satellite. I simplified the operation of my system with a Harmony 880 remote control. Difficult? No. In fact it's one of the best parts of this hobby for me. It just takes some planning.

-Robert
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#9
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6/25/09 at 10:28pm
  • Joined: June 2009
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Re: newbie needs equipment help

Thanks for the help. Based on what I am hearing, it does not seem that bad. To comment on Robert's post, since the house is new construction, the wiring was actually run through the walls and into the attic. Also, another small question, the STS Tower, do they need to be placed on the floor or can they be placed on a shelf? I am thinking floor but just thought I would ask. This will tell me the proper placement for these speakers. Thanks again.
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