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firestorm · 07-26-2006, 01:24 AM

I've been hanging around here for a while, and I finally have some pictures worthy of sharing.

Equipment:
- Yamaha RX-V1300 6.1 Receiver
- Sony Wega KV-27FV16 (only tolerable thanks to 16x9 wide mode)
- JVC XV-N50BK DVD Player (thanks Sony, for the POS DVP-S360)
- Home Theater Master MX-500 universal remote control

Speakers:
Mains - Paradigm Monitor 7 floorstanders
Center - Paradigm CC-270
Rear - Boston Acoustics HD8 bookshelves
Sub - DIY Dayton 15" Quatro w/ 240W plate amp in a sealed 2.48c.i. enclosure.
Speaker cable - Belden 5000 12guage wire recently replaced 16 guage Monster XP wire.

View from the "Sweet Spot":

Screenshot in 16x9 Wide/Squeeze Mode:

I'm very happy with this setup, with the exception of the fact that it is in our living room and the TV is small. The room is actually large enough, but the arrangement of doors, windows, etc... result in less than ideal acoustics. With Ben's (our 1 year old son) toys strewn about, it feels cramped at times. The HT adversely effects the layout of the rest of the room. I have a feeling we'll be in a new house before I get a chance to finish the basement.

The picture on the Wega is outstanding, and the resolution terrific with 16x9 wide mode (AKA squeeze), given the small 27" size. I love the JVC DVD player, given our current needs, aside from a long delay during layer transitions.

The Paradigm Monitor 7 floorstanders, tied with the Yamaha RX-V1300 receiver, are by and far my favorite components. The sound quality, imaging and pure output of them are perfect for our needs and tastes. They sound wonderful with music, and can hold their own as far as output, even without the subwoofer.

Last... the DIY sub is crisp and clean, and punches hard, but it can be mildly boomy up high (likely room acoustics), and doesn't reach 20Hz with as much authority as 30Hz. The smallish sealed enclosure was a rushed first stab at a cabinet for this combo, and I've been waiting for an opportunity to build a vented cab to replace it. But, for under $300, this sub is no slouch! Who knows... may build a servo sub to replace it.

The current arrangement of furniture has provided a huge leap in acoustics. Facing down the length of the room, plus having no windows behind the speakers, has dramatically reduced reflections. It also allowed placement of the surrounds slightly behind the listener, making them harder to locate by ear. The 'Digms also sound better, but the biggest improvement has been with subwoofer. The sound has flattened out considerably, and is very acceptable as is. The draw back is that the room is not nearly as open as it was before (more pictures later).

Obviously, I went for big sound over big picture. That's just how it worked out. Even if I hadn't promised to wait 5-10 years before buying a new TV, I believe I would have still put an emphasis on sound; particularly due to our 2 channel (music) use.

07-26-2006, 01:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
firestorm Actor Join Date: Sep 2005	Firestorm's HT I've been hanging around here for a while, and I finally have some pictures worthy of sharing. Equipment: - Yamaha RX-V1300 6.1 Receiver - Sony Wega KV-27FV16 (only tolerable thanks to 16x9 wide mode) - JVC XV-N50BK DVD Player (thanks Sony, for the POS DVP-S360) - Home Theater Master MX-500 universal remote control Speakers: Mains - Paradigm Monitor 7 floorstanders Center - Paradigm CC-270 Rear - Boston Acoustics HD8 bookshelves Sub - DIY Dayton 15" Quatro w/ 240W plate amp in a sealed 2.48c.i. enclosure. Speaker cable - Belden 5000 12guage wire recently replaced 16 guage Monster XP wire. View from the "Sweet Spot": Screenshot in 16x9 Wide/Squeeze Mode: I'm very happy with this setup, with the exception of the fact that it is in our living room and the TV is small. The room is actually large enough, but the arrangement of doors, windows, etc... result in less than ideal acoustics. With Ben's (our 1 year old son) toys strewn about, it feels cramped at times. The HT adversely effects the layout of the rest of the room. I have a feeling we'll be in a new house before I get a chance to finish the basement. The picture on the Wega is outstanding, and the resolution terrific with 16x9 wide mode (AKA squeeze), given the small 27" size. I love the JVC DVD player, given our current needs, aside from a long delay during layer transitions. The Paradigm Monitor 7 floorstanders, tied with the Yamaha RX-V1300 receiver, are by and far my favorite components. The sound quality, imaging and pure output of them are perfect for our needs and tastes. They sound wonderful with music, and can hold their own as far as output, even without the subwoofer. Last... the DIY sub is crisp and clean, and punches hard, but it can be mildly boomy up high (likely room acoustics), and doesn't reach 20Hz with as much authority as 30Hz. The smallish sealed enclosure was a rushed first stab at a cabinet for this combo, and I've been waiting for an opportunity to build a vented cab to replace it. But, for under $300, this sub is no slouch! Who knows... may build a servo sub to replace it. The current arrangement of furniture has provided a huge leap in acoustics. Facing down the length of the room, plus having no windows behind the speakers, has dramatically reduced reflections. It also allowed placement of the surrounds slightly behind the listener, making them harder to locate by ear. The 'Digms also sound better, but the biggest improvement has been with subwoofer. The sound has flattened out considerably, and is very acceptable as is. The draw back is that the room is not nearly as open as it was before (more pictures later). Obviously, I went for big sound over big picture. That's just how it worked out. Even if I hadn't promised to wait 5-10 years before buying a new TV, I believe I would have still put an emphasis on sound; particularly due to our 2 channel (music) use. __________________ My Movies: http://movies.tjapkes.com Last edited by firestorm : 09-06-2007 at 04:48 PM.