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Make me Jealous/Inspire me! Let's see the killer setups

I'm drooling over some of these! But seriously -- you had me at "Grado SR60s." Those are my fave headphones! When I win the lottery, I'm going to buy 18 or 20 more pairs so that I am never without them. And I am not joking.

Our house got hit by lightning July 4. Fried our 6-year-old 60" Mitsubishi DLP. We have been without a "big" TV since. I'm glad DH got me a Panasonic flat-screen for my birthday last year. That one survived the zap without any problems. But we are currently researching and trying to decide whether to ditch cable for download only, but I'm stuck on trying to find one simple solution for Netflix and Hulu. (I'm irked that Hulu isn't available on my Panasonic 570 Blu-Ray. They say they're not gonna offer the firmware update for any 2010 models.)

If I could find one box that would download both Hulu and Netflix, I think I'd be ready to get the new TV and box setup and ditch cable entirely. We've got two ATV2 units ready and waiting to be hooked up (one for each TV in the house). We are waiting to figure out a setup before we buy a big TV. I am also researching speakers -- might just go with a HK Soundsticks array. I've had mine for years (through at least 4 different Apple desktops!), and I still love them.
 
readsomething said:
I'm drooling over some of these! But seriously -- you had me at "Grado SR60s." Those are my fave headphones! When I win the lottery, I'm going to buy 18 or 20 more pairs so that I am never without them. And I am not joking.

Our house got hit by lightning July 4. Fried our 6-year-old 60" Mitsubishi DLP. We have been without a "big" TV since. I'm glad DH got me a Panasonic flat-screen for my birthday last year. That one survived the zap without any problems. But we are currently researching and trying to decide whether to ditch cable for download only, but I'm stuck on trying to find one simple solution for Netflix and Hulu. (I'm irked that Hulu isn't available on my Panasonic 570 Blu-Ray. They say they're not gonna offer the firmware update for any 2010 models.)

If I could find one box that would download both Hulu and Netflix, I think I'd be ready to get the new TV and box setup and ditch cable entirely. We've got two ATV2 units ready and waiting to be hooked up (one for each TV in the house). We are waiting to figure out a setup before we buy a big TV. I am also researching speakers -- might just go with a HK Soundsticks array. I've had mine for years (through at least 4 different Apple desktops!), and I still love them.
Click to expand...

You have a coupleoptions for hulu and netflix. You can get a ps3, xbox 360, or a roku and they each have their pros and cons.
 
I'll Have to Snap some Pictures. I have ATV2's in 3 locations for a total of 4. They are all being served from My 21" 2011 iMac with about 6tb of Drives online now. My HT in the Basement consists of an Optoma HD 20 Projector and 65" screen, the screen Drops in front of a 65" Mits DLP TV. That TV is being fed by an ATV, I feed the Projector off a Oppo 93 Blu Ray Player

In my Living room I have a 2.1 Audio Setup, with an ATV 2 hooked via HDMI to a 22" LCD Monitor streaming Apple Lossless files, as well as SACD capability and a Audio Technica Turntable. For Video I have an ATV 2 hooked to a 50" LG Plasma TV, hooked to an Onkyo 605 Receiver, hooked to a Boston Acoustics 5.1 surround speakers.

In the Kitchen I have an ATV 2 hooked to a 20" vizio Panel.
 
Bye Bye Baby said:
I really like your setup. I especially like the B&Ws that you have amped. A couple of questions:

How do you find audio quality with your separate amps?

Do you notice a difference between separates and integrated receivers?

I only ask as I am currently contemplating going down the separates route. It is very expensive and I am wondering if it is worth the investment?

Thanks and cheers.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the compliment!

I immediately noticed a difference when I migrated from a Denon 3808 receiver to the external amps.

However, you need to look at what your options are in your budget. Higher end integrated amps may sound as good or better than some external amps. Companies like Anthem, Arcam, and Rotel have integrated amps (receivers) that may sound MUCH better than some lower end amps. However, I have compared Emotiva amps to Rotel and prefer the sound of my Emotiva ones better.

Then you need to look at amp designs. There are tube amps and solid state. Solid state then has really two main options A/B and D class. There are w few H class amps coming out. I prefer the A or A/B class amps. My Emos are A class. Rotels are D class which are digital and sound very tinny to me.

Are you looking at moving towards mono blocks or a multi-channel amp?
 
Hammie said:
Thanks for the compliment!

I immediately noticed a difference when I migrated from a Denon 3808 receiver to the external amps.

However, you need to look at what your options are in your budget. Higher end integrated amps may sound as good or better than some external amps. Companies like Anthem, Arcam, and Rotel have integrated amps (receivers) that may sound MUCH better than some lower end amps. However, I have compared Emotiva amps to Rotel and prefer the sound of my Emotiva ones better.

Then you need to look at amp designs. There are tube amps and solid state. Solid state then has really two main options A/B and D class. There are w few H class amps coming out. I prefer the A or A/B class amps. My Emos are A class. Rotels are D class which are digital and sound very tinny to me.

Are you looking at moving towards mono blocks or a multi-channel amp?
Click to expand...

Thanks for your time. Much appreciated.

I am looking at two systems.

The first is mono blocks for use with B&Ws diamond speakers. I was looking at macintosh amps. But I am unsure abut two things:

1. What receiver would compliment this package?

2. Is it generally better to keep amps and receivers in the same brand?

The second is B&W CM 8s or 9s with very good separates A/V receiver and a multi-channel amp. I was thinking of Marantz, but I have read that they do no go well with B&W.

I would probably want to keep the option of 7.1 surround for both systems even though I might start out in stereo.
 
By receiver do you mean preamp/processor? If you're going to buy separate amps then you should use separates for the sound/video processing as well.

BTW, take a look at Bryston amps. Wonderful amps and the best warranty in the industry.
 
Nice setups everyone!

I did a low budget setup in the spare bedroom but it sounds good enough for me.

IMG_1927.jpg



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photo-113.jpg
 
sandyjmacdonald said:
Two MDD Powermacs. Nice.

How did you hide all the cables? Did you run them behind the drywall?
Click to expand...

I ran all the wires down the stud bay behind the TV and center channel speaker to a hole at the bottom of the wall with a wall plate around both. The rear speakers are run down to the basement above the drop ceiling and come up behind the drywall where the TV cables are.

I used CL2 rated wire for everything in the walls.
 
zwodubber said:
I ran all the wires down the stud bay behind the TV and center channel speaker to a hole at the bottom of the wall with a wall plate around both. The rear speakers are run down to the basement above the drop ceiling and come up behind the drywall where the TV cables are.

I used CL2 rated wire for everything in the walls.
Click to expand...
How did you handle the power cable for the TV?
 
MovieCutter said:
Living Room:

-125" 16:9 HD projection screen (drops via electric motor in sync with dimming house lights on remote command)
-1080P HD projector
-Tivo Series3, THX certified
-2010 Mac Mini with 16TB DroboPro and Plex interface
-Pioneer VSX-1021 Airplay receiver with 7.1 surround
-XBox 360
-Nintendo Wii
-iPad/iPhone control capability
-AppleTV 2 for wireless Airplay from iPad
-two-keg bar and popcorn machine

Bedroom:
-8-core Mac Pro for work, attached to"
-ceiling mounted Samsung 55" LED display (for play)
-27" ACD (for work)
-the 55" tv rotates 180 degrees to face my bed where I can then connect my laptop via in-wall HDMI and play source material from the theater downstairs.
-in-wall Cat6 connecting Mac Pro to Mac Mini server and Drobo in living room

Basically, I have my entire media collection (about 6 TB worth) on the DroboPro. I can access any data from any computer over the hardline gigabit network or wirelessly on my Airport network. Can control the Mini from any computer, iPad, or iPhone, as well as remotely control lights, air circulation, and theater functions with Harmony One, iPhone, or iPad.
Click to expand...

sweet mother...
 
MovieCutter said:
-in-wall Cat6 connecting Mac Pro to Mac Mini server and Drobo in living room

Basically, I have my entire media collection (about 6 TB worth) on the DroboPro. I can access any data from any computer over the hardline gigabit network or wirelessly on my Airport network. Can control the Mini from any computer, iPad, or iPhone, as well as remotely control lights, air circulation, and theater functions with Harmony One, iPhone, or iPad.
Click to expand...

While I was running the wires in my "theater" room, I was thinking of running cat5e through out the house and moving the router and server into a closet. I have a 16 port switch laying around but then I just got lazy. Maybe that will be my next project...
 
zwodubber said:
Added a dedicated circuit to a new outlet behind the TV. Ran 14/2 romex to the panel with a 15A breaker. If I have to pull the TV off for any reason I'll snap a pic.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. In my living room, I had an electrician come out and add an outlet for a bit over $100.

I was wondering if there was a solution to the issue that I haven't seen, since I have another TV that is hanging, but it sounds like you did something similar.
 
Uofmtiger said:
Thanks for the info. In my living room, I had an electrician come out and add an outlet for a bit over $100.

I was wondering if there was a solution to the issue that I haven't seen, since I have another TV that is hanging, but it sounds like you did something similar.
Click to expand...

I did it because I had the materials and know the trade. Honestly I know a few people who ran the power cable through the stud bay with the wires.

Off the top of my head I don't believe it violates any NEC codes, the only issue it may cause is some noise in the low voltage speaker wire and HDMI wires but unless you are a serious audiophile you would not notice the difference.
 
zwodubber said:
I did it because I had the materials and know the trade. Honestly I know a few people who ran the power cable through the stud bay with the wires.

Off the top of my head I don't believe it violates any NEC codes, the only issue it may cause is some noise in the low voltage speaker wire and HDMI wires but unless you are a serious audiophile you would not notice the difference.
Click to expand...
I have read that there are fire codes against running the power cable through the wall.
 
Also, $100 is about a standard price. To do it yourself (I am NOT recommending you do this) you'd pay $40 for 100' of wire, and depending on what kind of outlet he put in $7 - $15 for the box, outlet and plate and another $7 for the breaker. $4x.xx for labor is not bad at all.

----------
Uofmtiger said:
I have read that there are fire codes against running the power cable through the wall.
Click to expand...

That would most likely be correct, anything in wall needs to have a cl2 or above fire rating. This is why I ran the outlet but off the top of my head could not remember the exact wording from the NEC book.
 
When I did my CCTV I ran siamese 16/2 + 2PR24 CAT 5e CL2R. I tend to go overboard when it comes to things like this.


photo-114.jpg
 
MovieCutter said:
-the 55" tv rotates 180 degrees to face my bed where I can then connect my laptop via in-wall HDMI and play source material from the theater downstairs.
.
Click to expand...

People tend to forget about this wonderful, inexpensive accessory (mini display port to HDMI) that will mirror any content that you can get onto or through your laptop. Yes, you need a cable, but you can view anything on your computer on a large HD screen, such as I do with my super Vizio 47" full array LED 3D TV. You don't even need a remote- and it comes with a trackpad and keyboard! (macbook). I'm hoping that someday we will be able to do all of that wirelessly over an ATV via Airplay.
BTW- love my ATV for all that it DOES do.
 
moore2772 said:
People tend to forget about this wonderful, inexpensive accessory (mini display port to HDMI) that will mirror any content that you can get onto or through your laptop. Yes, you need a cable, but you can view anything on your computer on a large HD screen, such as I do with my super Vizio 47" full array LED 3D TV. You don't even need a remote- and it comes with a trackpad and keyboard! (macbook). I'm hoping that someday we will be able to do all of that wirelessly over an ATV via Airplay.
BTW- love my ATV for all that it DOES do.
Click to expand...

What's your point? you still have to rotate the TV and either way you are plugging in a wire... I'd rather have it installed behind the wall rather than dangling across a room. Or am I missing something here?
 
Simple & child friendly

My home entertainment set up is part mine part girlfriends but all child friendly !

I've just moved in with my girlfriend and have began the turning of her to the apple side :)

Sorry no pics

FRONT ROOM
-LG 42" HDtv
-Virgin Media 500gb TiVo box
-LG Blu-ray player
-Wii
-Sky + (now inactive since virgin rode into town) **going soon**
-Mac Mini HTPC set up mini display to HDMI
- 4 gig ram
- 120gb installed drive holds apps/docs/photos
- 500gb time machine external
- 320 iTunes external
- JBL speakers
- Wireless keyboard & Magic Trackpad

We watch a lot of tv shows USA imports and the TiVo box is simply amazing it makes most channels look HD and is so better than the sky boxes.

BEDROOM

-40" Samsung HDtv
-Virgin media HD box

OTHER EQUIP
-iPads x 3 all first gen 1 for me 1 each for the kids (yes I know that sounds excessive but it's their room tv's & DVD players +portable DVD player + portable gaming device + education tool ie vetch + photos of mummy)
-Dell laptop ~ my good lady's
-500gig time capsule currently inactive
-iPhone 4 ~ hers
-iPhone 3GS ~ mine

The iPads have some media on them but the big thing is the home sharing option on them which is a god send I have added ratings to all the films and will do in the future as the plan is to move all the DVDs on to the mini with the films rated I have set the kids iPads to U & PG films only so they can only get the family/kids media

They can then watch what ever they want in their rooms at bed time.

We have a USA iTunes account and have got quite a few TV shows & films so all the iOS devices carry remote and can control the content

future additions.............
Apple tv in the bedroom
MacBook air for me :p
New iPhone for me
More storage as the DVDs go on so possibly a drobo
 
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