![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Joined: Jul 2013
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Dedicated Home Theater upgrade thoughts?[b][/b]
Current list of equipment... m80's/vp150/qs8's/pb2 plus in a (5.1 setup) Yamaha rxv4800.....needs replacing Panasonic AE8000U pj 120in. screen ...upgrade to AT screen so I can place front speakers behind screen(major waf).Room is 17'x15' with two rows of seats.
first question, what AVR should I be looking at to replace my failing (low audible buzz from all speakers)Yammy? I was looking at the Marantz 7007? Should I upgrade to 7.1 with two more qs8's behind seats or is that just a waste of money? Current sound is good but I want that wow factor. Any other tips or advice is much appreciated.
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Joined: Dec 2008
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axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
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I'd be looking at the less expensive Denon vs the Marantz since they are for all intents and purposes, the same units, or look at a comparable Onkyo. Whether you go up to 7.1 depends a lot on the size of your room . There isn't so much info on those extra channels vs 5.1,...personally I think you'd get more benefit from upgrading your centre channel to a VP160 or 180, and maybe considering adding a second sub(later) if you have room, before adding more surrounds on the speaker side of things.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Joined: Jun 2003
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axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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I agree with Adrian. It's one of my hobbies.
Unless you have significant space behind your seating position, going to 7.1 may not be the best bang for your buck (at least that was my experience).
I'd upgrade the center channel, and then look at room treatments, including light control if you need it.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Thanks for response....800 to upgrade what I consider a good center channel already doesn't seem like the way to go unless I can sell the vp150 to offset. Would rather spend the extra on a bigger amp....maybe bi amp the mains instead of 7.1 would be more effective since the back row is pretty much against the wall.
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Joined: Jun 2003
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axiomite
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axiomite
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I hate to break this to you, but there are MANY forum regulars who upgraded from the VP150 to either the 160 or 180 and won't shut the hell up about how happy they are. And I think that the VP150 does not have high resale value now due to introduction of the others.
I really don't think that a bigger amp is going to make more audible difference than the other things that have been suggested. Your room isn't THAT big, and unless you are determined to cause hearing loss, I don't see how having more unused watts is going to help. I added an 200wpc Emotiva XPA-3 to my 130wpc Onkyo 805 and I really want to notice something besides the blue LED's, but I can't.
And I don't believe in the biwiring/biamping thing.
Is your system not loud enough?
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Joined: Apr 2003
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Is your system not loud enough? ![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3967964/maximus.jpg)
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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System is plenty loud enough but seems to strain at reference levels (with the exception of the bass...blows the roof off the place). I pretty much have to replace the amp unless i can find the ground loop or what ever is causing the hissing/humm from system. I am Starting with a clean canvas for the HT Room except for the speakers and sub. Looks Like I will be a busy boy for the next 6 months or so. Guess ill start by sound proofing the room first then test everything in its new home. I must admit..the vp180 looks bad ass.
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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BTW, I do have some hearing loss,lol...use to be a car stereo installer many years ago...won a state spl contest back in the late 80's....woohoo! wait...what do you say...speak up. lmao.
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,422
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Sep 2004
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Hey Scott.
I could go into one of my detailed responses, but let me break it down for you:
VP150 has about $0 resale value. I know, I still have mine sitting in a closet on a shelf doing nothing because the VP180 is AWESOME!
I was a Pioneer Elite fan for a number of years, but switched to Onkyo and absolutely love it. Not a fan of Marantz. Not that they are crap, just better performance/price can be had with Onkyo/Denon.
If your room is only 17 feet deep, go 5.1. Sure, wire it up for 7.1 (or 7.2), but spend the bucks elsewhere.
I went 7.2 (as of today with the addition of my 2nd sub), but anyway, that was because my room is 24 feet deep and has 2 rows of seats with a few feet behind the back row even. I can't say that I am blown away with the extra 2 channels, but I am glad that they are there since my room is fairly deep.
If you really want some WOW factor, get a newer model center channel, new receiver, and then spend some money on acoustical treatments in the room (this is not soundproofing - two total different subjects). You will really like additions of bass traps and acoustical panels at 1st reflection points. Acoustical panels are next on my 'must do' list. In fact tonight I am going to find the 1st reflection points and tomorrow my fabric samples are arriving. I can't wait to get those done.
Take any additional money left over and get bass shakers, a separate amp, and a popcorn machine. Those will really add some wow factor.
Ok, so it was a longer reply, but I need to run... Literally. Just 4 miles tonight. Then calibration time. YAY!
Farewell - June 4, 2020
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![](/boards/images/icons/default/book.gif) Re: Dedicated HT Upgrade Help...
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Thanks Nick...I will take all the advice I can get. Most of my time will definitely be spent on making the ROOM sound good first...then I will look into upgrading center speaker. Does anyone here have their speakers placed behind the screen...does it change the sound?
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