need help choosing components... (1 Viewer)

[Matty Seals]

we are about to do a entertainment center in our great room. it's main function is to be a living room where the family can hang out and watch tv/sports/movies and listen to music.

the room is 32' x 18' with 14' ceilings.

right now i'm in the phase of getting my ideas together, researching various equipment, designing the layout for the room, and contact different installers and getting quotes.

i've decided to go with a 63" - 65" plasma as the main screen, with 37" plasma/lcd screens on each side for watching multiple sports games. the screens will be mounted to the wall over the fireplace.

total budget for room including all equipment, cabinets, and furniture is 125k -150k

i've drawn up a few diagrams in MS Paint of how i think the room will be done. if anyone knows how to post these i will gladly give everyone an idea of what the room is like. i made a list of components/speakers i'm considering...

COMPONENT OPTIONS

Krell...
Processor: Showcase Processor 4000 x 1 = 4000
Amplifier: Showcase 7 - 125w x 7 5500 x 1 = 5500
DVD Player: Showcase DVD 3500 x 1 = 3500

Rotel...
Processor: RSP-1098 3000 x 1 = 3000
Amplifier: RMB-1075 - 120w x 5 1200 x 1 = 1200
Amplifier: RB-1080 - 200w x 2 1000 x 1 = 1000
DVD Player: RDV-1060 900 x 1 = 900

Anthem...
Processor: AVM 30 3000 x 1 = 3000
Amplifier: PVA 2 - 125 x 2 650 x 2 = 1300
Amplifier: MCA 30 - 225 x 3 1800 x 1 = 1800
DVD Player: ??? 600 - 1200

Anthem Statement...
Processor: Statement D1 5000 x 1 = 5000
Amplifier: Statement A5 - 225 x 5 2500 x 1 = 2500
Amplifier: Statement P2 - 325 x 2 2500 x 1 = 2500
DVD Player: ??? 1500 - 2500

Parasound...
Processor: Halo C 1 6000 x 1 = 6000
Amplifier: Halo A 52 - 125 x 5 2000 x 1 = 2000
Amplifier: Halo A 21 - 250 x 2 2000 x 1 = 2000
DVD Player: ??? 1500 - 2500

Bryston...
Processor: SP 1.7 4700 x 1 = 4700
Amplifier: 6B SST - 300 x 3 4400 x 1 = 4400
Amplifier: 9B SST - 120 x 4 4100 x 1 = 4100
DVD Player: ??? 2000 - 3000

as for the components, i really don't know where to begin. i've heard great things about all above option plus many i havn't listed. i'd like to make sure that whatever speakers i choose are properly powered. how dangerous is it giving speakers more than their RMS? i would like to give the L/C/R channels 250 - 300 watts because most of my speaker choices are in that range and give the suuround sides and rears 125 - 150 watts. my ideal setup would be a 3 channel and a 4 channel, but most companies only make 2 channels or 5 channels. so, is it better to underpower the center channel or over power the rear channels? please list any other options you feel i should consider. also, you'll see under the dvd player i have left question marks and a price range for the component who do not have matching dvd players. please list dvd players that would compliment each system.

i posted a list of the speakers i'm looking at so you can get an idea of what i want...

SPEAKER OPTIONS

B&W...
Front Speakers: Nautilus 803 2500 x 2 = 5000
Centre Speaker: Nautilus HTM1 2000 X 1 = 2000
Side Speakers: Nautilus SCM1 1100 x 2 = 2200
Rear Speakers: Nautilus SCM1 1100 x 2 = 2200
SubWoofer: Velodyne DD-15 3000 x 1 = 3000
TOTAL = 14400

Paradigm Reference...
Front Speakers: Studio 100 1100 x 2 = 2200
Centre Speaker: CC-570 800 x 1 = 800
Side Speakers: ADP-470 475 x 2 = 950
Rear Speakers: ADP-470 475 x 2 = 950
SubWoofer: Servo-15 1500 x 1 = 1500
TOTAL = 6400

Paradigm Reference Signature...
Front Speakers: Signature S8 2700 x 2 = 5400
Centre Speaker: Signature C5 2500 x 1 = 2500
Side Speakers: Signature ADP 1150 x 2 = 2300
Rear Speakers: Signature ADP 1150 x 2 = 2300
SubWoofer: Signature Servo 3200 x 1 = 3200
TOTAL = 15700

Krell Resolution...
Front Speakers: Resolution 2 4000 x 2 = 8000
Centre Speaker: Resolution C 3500 x 1 = 3500
Side Speakers: Resolution 4 1500 x 2 = 3000
Rear Speakers: Resolution 4 1500 x 2 = 3000
SubWoofer: Resolution Sub 5500 x 1 = 5500
TOTAL = 23000

I threw the pardigm reference in there because i've heard very good things about them. in the B&W setup i also might think about using the Nautilus 802. i might end up using the velodyne subs no matter what speakers i go with. i don't want the bass to overpower the speakers, but i want to feel it. i'm pondering a single DD-15, dual DD-12's, or maybe even 2 DD-15's. please list any other options you feel i should consider.

which speakers/components would match up the best?

well, you get a general idea of what the room is like and what i'm going for. please let me know what you guys think. sorry for the long post, just wanna do the research and get it done right the first time... even though i know i can't go wrong any way i go.

i will also post this over in the speaker forum and see what those guys have to say.

thanks

 

[MikeDuke]

Well, That is quite a list. I have the Krell Showcase pre amp with Bryston 4b-ST and 5b-ST amps. I like the Krell allot, but I don't think it would be a wise choice for your situation. If I was spending that kind of money, I spent enough already , but still more to go, I would look to a preamp like the Anthem or maybe even Thetadigital. The Bryston amps are very good. I have no desire to change them right now.

As for speakers, I have not heard any of those except the B&W. They were good, but to complicate the situation I would also through JM Labs into the mix.
JM Labs
Diva Utopia 11,500
Center Utopia 5,000
Sub Utopipa 6,000(if needed)ie no velodyne
I think the Electra surrounds I think 1700
Also, if you can get them the 937Be for fronts instead of the Divas for 8,000.
24,200-20,700 for speakers with the sub.
Good luck and have fun

I have the JM Labs 927Be's
JM Labs CC-901 center
JM Labs SW900 subwoofer
All good stuff.

P.S I know that this is a sensitive issue, but do not go cheap on cables. My experience has shown that they make a difference

 

[mackie]

Matty - I wish I had to make a decision like the one you're about to make. Go with the Anthem AVM Processors & amps combo. I have Paradigm Studios and love 'em. Might get a break on price if you buy all from the same dealer. These are serious contenders that are worth what you pay for them. In my opinion, some of the other components you listed aren't worth the price. Just because you have the cash doesn't mean you have to spend it all. On some of the money you save you could put it toward a projector and screen. Plasmas are nice, but there's nothing like a monster screen to watch movies on.