Another newbie seeking ideas (1 Viewer)

Hi -

I'm looking to set up a home theater in our basement. The space involved is probably 15x9 with rather low ceilings (with the oddly placed heating duct, say anywhere from 6.5 feet to 7.5 feet).

I've not set up any sort of surround sound environment since my college days, when I bought a Kenwood Dolby Surround circa 1992 and hooked it up to a Bose (shut up) center channel, two Infinity bookshelfs up front, and my old Pioneers in the back. Subwoofer? No way to plug one up.

So, now that the TV is dying, I'm looking to redo the whole thing...here's what I'm thinking.

Television - Philips has a 34" HDTV flat panel with 16:9 screen, selling for $1300 - question: will I really notice a difference in a room that size if I get a 30, 32, or 34? Any recommendations?

Speakers - I'm leaning toward the Wharfedale Diamond MovieStar 800 package, approx $800. However, I've never spent this much on speakers, so comments welcome.

Receiver - no idea - what would be a good match, in the $300-400 range, for recommended speakers?

DVD player - it's about 4 years old, so I guess it's old tech. I'll replace it someday, unless you guys think it'll work fine.

If you need more info, just ask - and thanks in advance for any recommendations. All told I'd like the TV+speakers+receiver to come in under $2500. Maybe wishful thinking.

Andy

I’ve never seen the Phillips, but I’m sure that it is good. You might check out the Samsung 30”, 16:9 set. While it is not so big, it is a price performer. You will notice a difference between 30”and 34”. I’m not aware of any 32”, 16:9 displays, most are 4:3.

For audio, you could check out the Rocket
ELT package at $900.

It consists of four two-way satellites, an excellent three-way, four speaker center and a 200 watt sub. AV123 will package up a Denon 1804 for another $350, for a total of $1,250—right in your ballpark.

I don’t own this setup, but I have heard it demonstrated in Dallas a few months ago and I consider it an outstanding HT system at that price.

Cabinets are cherry-stained birch, so if prefer black, you might want to consider something else.

Thanks!

I have seen the 30" Samsung, and was considering that originally - my wife is the one who is pushing for something larger to make up for the lack of vertical height compared to our current 27" standard set (nevermind that letter-boxing cuts into that considerably). Might still go for the 30" and find some way to elevate it within our entertainment center.

I'll definitely look into the ELT package - thanks again!