guitarist155's theater

[guitarist155]

(Update: note to those who read first posts.. this was a very early thread and a lot has changed since, please read on )


Original thread post: [ this is my temp theater, it is in my room until I get the basement apartment finished and the theater built.

Gear: monitor 60 mains, CS2 center, monitor 40 surrounds, 2 x psw10 subs, ps3, pioneer vsx-517. optima hd70 Projector, bluejeanscable series-1 to PJ

gear left to add: 4 crown xls amps, onkyo pro pr-sc886 pre, seating transducers, svs LFE sub. mainlobby home automation software and control server.

and I will be adding a solar system to take everything off grid.

I was originally going to get B&W but some very expensive other hobbies like: photography, robotics and a recording studio took that money quickly lol, and the newegg deal on these speaker was wayyyy to good to pass up. so I decided to get these and then later (when out of school and working ) go with a high end B&W system or M&K and build a theater I can use to mix in as well.]

[guitarist155]

just did a little test. mounted my PJ on a tripod and projected a 120'' and 140'' screen on the wall where the theater will be. everyone agreed the 140 was the way to go. I would love to put in a motorized screen and a small flat screen but it looks like the 140s are hard to find or expensive. so I might have to go fixed. did find this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D1 not sure how long it would last. not ready ready to get it yet though, so I can keep looking.

[Fors*]

Looks nice guitarist. What kind of projector are you using? I bet you can't wait for to get your basement finished. I have to admit that I can't imagine how "big" 140" is for viewing. Sounds quite amazing if you ask me.

I can't help but wonder if the 60's are in some way reflecting off of the sub with it located there. The best way to find out might be an SPL meter. But if it all sounds good to your ears, than that is all that matters.

Nice job and looking forward to the completed project.

[Grevlin]

Originally Posted by guitarist155

just did a little test. mounted my PJ on a tripod and projected a 120'' and 140'' screen on the wall where the theater will be. everyone agreed the 140 was the way to go. I would love to put in a motorized screen and a small flat screen but it looks like the 140s are hard to find or expensive. so I might have to go fixed. did find this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D1 not sure how long it would last. not ready ready to get it yet though, so I can keep looking.

The "free shipping" makes me suspicious - I'm pretty sure shipping is extra because of the special truck. I was looking at 120" fixed, and the shipping averaged about $100. Not sure how the seller is offering the free shipping.

The prices for screens seem to spike a bit when you reach 120" and greater. I put up my DIY screen to buy me some time for further research.

[guitarist155]

I am using an optima hd70.

that free shipping threw me too, I just found a bunch more on projector people but they are 135''. this one is about the same price plus shipping of about $80 http://www.projectorpeople.com/scree...roductID=22931

might end up saving up some more when I get the screen and get this http://www.projectorpeople.com/scree...roductID=22920

[guitarist155]

Just got some photos up of my blu ceiling in my current room. wish I could put it in the new theater.

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by guitarist155

Just got some photos up of my blu ceiling. wish I could put it in the theater.

Ok that looks SICK. Nice touch

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by guitarist155

Just got some photos up of my blu ceiling in my current room. wish I could put it in the new theater.

I really like your style guitarist...very nicely done with the blu ceiling. Excellent job you have done so far!

[guitarist155]

Ok been using the new APC H10 for a couple of days, so here are my thoughts.

connected: on this unit I have a PS3, VCR, 110wpc receiver, PS2, 2 psw10 subs, and my projector.

setting up.

The unit is very sturdy with a very heavy gauge, detachable power cord.
it comes with removable rack ears. this is great for those of us who use 19'' racks, no special shelf and faceplate required.

12 volt trigger input: allows you to turn the delayed outlets on and off using a device with a trigger out. I.E if your receiver has a trigger out it can be used to delay turning on the sub and external amp until after the receiver to avoid causing a loud ( possibly damaging ) pop.

Easy to figure out how to work. I figured out how to set all the settings without ever opening the manual.

The leds are dimable and can be turned completely off to avoid distraction.
--------------------

use

my power is pretty stable at almost exactly 120v but has been known to go down to 116v and up to about 124v. I am using the unit on narrow voltage regulation to keep the voltage within 5% of 120v.

turning on the receiver, the subs, PS3 and the projector was enough to drop the voltage and cause the H10 to boost it back up. With these items on I am using about 40% capacity.

to switch the coil taps to boost or cut the voltage. the H series use relays. this creates a click sound when it switches, this is not noticed under normal movie watching or music, however during quite parts you would be able to hear it if you were about 10-15 feet from the unit. Mine does not have to switch that often so I do not have an issue with this, however if it was constantly having to switch to regulate, the noise might be an issue.

------

using a kill-a-watt meter I found the unit does draw between 2-3 watts when off, meaning it is not truly off. this could be annoying for those trying to get rid of phantom electronic devices as it must be unplugged to be truly off.

-------
now the fun part.

for a test I threw in death cab for cutie: plans. I know this album very well and have listened to it on many systems, it is very balanced and has a great freq range.

I was not expecting any change in sound quality from this unit, just protection. so what I heard took me by surprise. the bass was tighter, the sound stage was more defined and wider, the highs were more crisp and overall it just sounded cleaner. not only could I hear what was hard panned left and right as well as the phantom center, but everything else as well. things panned at 11 and 1 could be placed more easily in the mix and were not as muddy.

I was amazed, too amazed. so I unplugged everything and connected it back to the surge protector I had been using. and what do you know IT DIDN'T SOUND THE SAME.. so I reconnected the H10 and there it was again. the whole system just opened up.

this unit has really amazed me. the only thing that bothers me slightly is the lack of series mode protection like my furman units have. I do intend to get a furman power factor pro for my amps when I get them and will probably plug the H10 unit into a furman ( this is common ) so I have the protection and current reserve of the furman with the voltage correction of the H10. for anyone on the fence I think this is money very well spent. great features, quality, and even a cleaner sound for $100

[DonRSD]

Originally Posted by guitarist155

Ok been using the new APC H10 for a couple of days, so here are my thoughts.

connected: on this unit I have a PS3, VCR, 110wpc receiver, PS2, 2 psw10 subs, and my projector.

setting up.

The unit is very sturdy with a very heavy gauge, detachable power cord.
it comes with removable rack ears. this is great for those of us who use 19'' racks, no special shelf and faceplate required.

12 volt trigger input: allows you to turn the delayed outlets on and off using a device with a trigger out. I.E if your receiver has a trigger out it can be used to delay turning on the sub and external amp until after the receiver to avoid causing a loud ( possibly damaging ) pop.

Easy to figure out how to work. I figured out how to set all the settings without ever opening the manual.

The leds are dimable and can be turned completely off to avoid distraction.
--------------------

use

my power is pretty stable at almost exactly 120v but has been known to go down to 116v and up to about 124v. I am using the unit on narrow voltage regulation to keep the voltage within 5% of 120v.

turning on the receiver, the subs, PS3 and the projector was enough to drop the voltage and cause the H10 to boost it back up. With these items on I am using about 40% capacity.

to switch the coil taps to boost or cut the voltage. the H series use relays. this creates a click sound when it switches, this is not noticed under normal movie watching or music, however during quite parts you would be able to hear it if you were about 10-15 feet from the unit. Mine does not have to switch that often so I do not have an issue with this, however if it was constantly having to switch to regulate, the noise might be an issue.

------

using a kill-a-watt meter I found the unit does draw between 2-3 watts when off, meaning it is not truly off. this could be annoying for those trying to get rid of phantom electronic devices as it must be unplugged to be truly off.

-------
now the fun part.

for a test I threw in death cab for cutie: plans. I know this album very well and have listened to it on many systems, it is very balanced and has a great freq range.

I was not expecting any change in sound quality from this unit, just protection. so what I heard took me by surprise. the bass was tighter, the sound stage was more defined and wider, the highs were more crisp and overall it just sounded cleaner. not only could I hear what was hard panned left and right as well as the phantom center, but everything else as well. things panned at 11 and 1 could be placed more easily in the mix and were not as muddy.

I was amazed, too amazed. so I unplugged everything and connected it back to the surge protector I had been using. and what do you know IT DIDN'T SOUND THE SAME.. so I reconnected the H10 and there it was again. the whole system just opened up.

this unit has really amazed me. the only thing that bothers me slightly is the lack of series mode protection like my furman units have. I do intend to get a furman power factor pro for my amps when I get them and will probably plug the H10 unit into a furman ( this is common ) so I have the protection and current reserve of the furman with the voltage correction of the H10. for anyone on the fence I think this is money very well spent. great features, quality, and even a cleaner sound for $100

was the sound REALLY that much better?
why would that be?

[guitarist155]

well I have very tuned hearing from doing studio work, so what might be big to me could be almost inaudible to some. there are those who say they can't hear the difference between an mp3 and a cd after all.

however to me. yes, it was that much better. it was very clear and defined. the lows are very tight a now and I can't place where they are coming from any more ( used to be able to tell with some notes )

why this is. well the unit does too much for me to really know. it could be the voltage being stabilized or the filtering or even the isolation between components. but as with other components, the only way to know if you could hear a difference is to try it. my receiver isn't very expensive so it might have a power supply that can benefit from it more than someone with a higher end receiver or maybe I have more noise in my power. ( just noticed the ceiling light dim when the ac kicked on )

i didn't get it expecting a sound improvement, because I didn't hear anything I have come to expect filtering to fix ( noticeable hum etc. ) mainly just for protection of the gear, so for me the sound improvement was a huge plus.

[JasonR]

I noticed a difference with my APC as well, on the audio side but not the visual. I wouldn't say it is an enormous impact, but noticable and well worth the price tag. I did not expect it either, it was a nice surprise.

The peace of mind doesn't hurt either.

I had the main breaker on my house trip three times. The last time it happened my surge protector that was connected to my home theater equipment quit working and smelled of electrical burn. I am not sure if it was a short in the surge protector or what, I just know it has not happened since I got my APC H15. Thank god none of my equipment was damaged.

I got my APC H15 for $100, it was well worth it to me.

[guitarist155]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I noticed a difference with my APC as well, on the audio side but not the visual. I wouldn't say it is an enormous impact, but noticable and well worth the price tag. I did not expect it either, it was a nice surprise.

The peace of mind doesn't hurt either.

I had the main breaker on my house trip three times. The last time it happened my surge protector that was connected to my home theater equipment quit working and smelled of electrical burn. I am not sure if it was a short in the surge protector or what, I just know it has not happened since I got my APC H15. Thank god none of my equipment was damaged.

I got my APC H15 for $100, it was well worth it to me.

I haven't seen a difference on the video side either.

[guitarist155]

well construction of my theater and basement apartment is underway and moving fast we are framing and plumbing now (not a lot to frame) then comes the conduit and circuits. so I will be starting a construction thread in the next couple days. I'm exited

[Hammie]

Very cool. Looking forward to seeing the thread!

[guitarist155]

well the new theater is in and I have posted some new pictures, I am going to try and post the construction photos soon in the construction thread..

I am still putting things away and have to buy the flat screen for behind the screen.. I also need to put in the baseboard.. I am waiting on my claim from the lightning surge before I can purchase much but should be getting some pics of the rack in the equipment room up soon. so much more to do as well, New theater seating will be within a year and buttkicker LFE setup as well as an svs sub

[guitarist155]

So it is now looking like i will soon be purchasing an onkyo tx-nr709.. though I have looked at a 1008 I believe I will put the money difference into an amp or a much better sub.. I will also be purchasing a Panasonic BDT310 and hopefully that 40in LED for behind the projection will be soon to follow.. the new gear is so close i can taste it I have been having withdrawals from being HDMI free since the lightning..

[bz1080p]

Welcome to the HT Galleries
I just got back from the Gaylord Opryland

[Fors*]

Wow, it has been 2 years since you started your thread....how time flys. You did a great job........for the new sub, are you still going with SVS like you said 2 years ago?

[guitarist155]

I'm hoping to get an svs, yet it all depends on if my claim is honored for the damage from lightning as to when I will get the svs. I have researched and still think they are the best for the money and have a great form factor..

and thank you, it was a bit slow going at first, doing all the wiring and automation my self, and the construction with help from my dad but it turned out fantastic. I am going to get more photos up soon, I am waiting on the new gear so that I may do the wire management in the rack and equipment room it is a bit of a mess in there with the make shift setup to replace the lightning hit equipment.