Swampfox_12's Profile

Raymondleggs:

Considering the room, 5.1 can work in smaller spaces, the idea here was to show an example of a starter system that offers excellent performance on a budget. When you add in three more speakers, sub, cables, and A/V receiver, you getting into the next price tier of recommended systems.
I know the market has complete surround systems that go for around $350, but the audio quality will not measure up compared to systems like the one listed in the article.

The speakers will reach select US dealers by mid July.

http://www.davoneaudio.com/storefinder.html

-Keep what matters and get rid of the rest. You'd be surprised what you can live without in a small space.

-Can't part with your stuff? find a creative way to reallocate your furniture. Buy a ottoman with storage inside the base. Jack your bed up and store off-season clothing.

-Got a large music collection? rip your CDs to a secure and reliable hard-drive and sell off your albums. If you're a vinyl fan, make sure that ottoman can handle 13" x 13" :)

Fun, fun, fun. I truly admire your home.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please do not try this at home. This trick was performed by amateurs and should not be replicated." DIY people beware.

love the door mat, great house.

The iPad may have potential, but without an IR or RF module built-in and reliance on your home network, a dedicated universal remote will still be faster, more responsive, and able to perform complicated tasks. Besides, for day to day use, a giant remote to channel surf is cumbersome and ridiculous.

Hello all, sorry I'm late to the party, let's address some issues and questions that have been brought up.

An Airport Express can easily be used in conjunction with the Audioengine. For $99, it's a great way to stream your iTunes library directly to your theater system. I didn't mention it because you could use the PS3 for music storage and playback considering it's large and expandable hard-drive. If you looking to hook up your iPod, simply use the supplied mini-cable and plug in to the top of the powered Audioengine speaker. You can also use a docking station and utilized the Audioengine's USB power port as well. (As a side note, the Airport Express can not used as a wireless solution for surround sound, it's only for music)

If you want the Audioengine to multi task, you can use an inexpensive analog switcher to help accommodate several audio sources. (TV, cable box, Wii, etc) As for hook-up, all you need is standard red and white RCA cables

If you're looking to expand from 2.1 into 5.1(or beyond) you could potentially use the Audioengine as powered surround speakers, but this system was recommended specifically for those folks you can't expand into the surround domain. Don't get me wrong, a movie experience is always better in surround, but for those who are unable to accommodate surrounds, take pride in a quality stereo rig, it will provide lots of cinema enjoyment. My next HT post will highlight a 5.1 system and discuss ways to expand from stereo, including how to use an Audioengine W1 & A5 speakers for a wireless surround solution.

M-Audio is another good speaker option, very respected in the pro-audio industry. As for those annoying LED lights, a tiny piece of electrical tape goes a long way.....B&W speakers and Rotel electronics are nice step-up choice as well.

When you get down to it, Plasma technology does have richer blacks and if calibrated properly can out-perform LCDs, though not by much. However it's tough to make a buck in the plasma game, so many of world's best Plasma companies are no longer producing sets. (R.I.P. Pioneer) Plus, if you live in smaller space, plasma sets don't go below 42" which means you will be buying LCD or LED technology.

$348 is a fair price for sub with fantastic bass control and aesthetic appeal. The market is full of cheaper options but many products don't meet the performance, value, and style criteria that has been set for these system recommendations. When it comes to subs, they are a great addition to most home theaters. The .1 in 5.1 is for LFE (Low Frequency Effect) and without a sub, you'r missing out on a portion of the audible experience. Worried about the neighbors? Turn down the volume:)

One more thing, I want to set the record straight on surround sound in general. Many people think home theater is ONLY about loud explosions, bullets whizzing by your head, and T-Rexs marching through your living room. Yes, home theaters can do that quite well, and I for one love that sensory experience. What most people don't realize is that home theaters can show the subtle nuances of a movie scene that would be lost without surround sound. What an example? Watch the movie "Ray." In one scene, Ray Charles (played by Jamie Foxx) is in a restaurant with his future wife talking about how being blind sharpens his sense of hearing. He give an example of hearing a hummingbird hovering outside a window. At first the woman doesn't understand, then she closes her eyes and hears the light whisper of bird wings buzzing around her. She smiles and you will too. It's a beautiful scene and really allows you too connect with the characters. The surround flutter is momentary and soft but it draws us into the movie in a way that wouldn't be possible without surrounds. One reader on this post commented that rear speakers are only there to produce background noise. No, a dump-truck picking up trash at 7AM is annoying background noise, The surround effects are artistically mixed into a movie for the sole purpose of engaging the audience. Loud or soft, you have to respect the craft.

Ragan

I can now tell my wife what I want for Christmas....

While I admire your detailed plan of attack, the biggest obstacle you face is getting over the need for surround speakers. Yes, there is no doubt a 5,6, or 7.1 system will convey the movie experience better than a sound bar or stereo configuration, but in order for this to be a reality, the speakers must be GOOD. This is not a personal putdown, but a crappy 5.1 Sony speaker system will never sound as good as a decent pair of bookshelf speakers. It's true the Sony system will give you the sensation of surround sound, something even the best stereo setup can not achieve, however the sonic fidelity is completely lacking with Sony. Tiny plastic speakers and a sub will not match the level of sonic performance that can be found in a speaker from a reputable company. (To be fair, Sony makes great TVs and Blu-ray players but is not really a contender in the speaker category)

I promise you, if you go to a non-chain store establishment, and demo a comparison between good bookshelf speaker and Sony setup, you will chance your mind in a heartbeat. Now, it's not to say you can't expand on a home theater in stereo. When it comes to your budget, start with quality over quantity and slowly work your way into more speakers (Hopefully from the same manufacturer) If you're concerned about aesthetics, the audio industry does provide speakers with musical merit that are not just large boxy eye sores. Also consider the fact that your music will sound much better as well. Ballpark Price Examples: Cambridge Audio, Audioengine, PSB, and Paradigm all have great value and sound. As a audio industry professional, I sincerely hope this helps. Enjoy!