Talstarone's Home Theater Hang-Out

[progers13]

Originally Posted by Fors*

I sure hope the government doesn't drag it's feet on that....you know how they can be with the red tape, especially the IRS.

I know. I had to file my 2009 taxes, then do an ammendment for the home buyer credit (because that piece had to be snail-mailed in). I applaud them for making people do it that way, because it means they're investigating the purchases to prevent fraud.

I got the refund already for the the 2009 taxes (direct deposit, I had it in 8 days), but the $8k is supposed to take between 8 ~ 12 weeks (no direct deposit, they will be mailing me a check ). I'm only 2 weeks in on that one.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by phansson

Good morning Todd,

Glad you have a plan for your system. Upgrading takes a good plan to get to a certain point. Adding a turntable should be fun.

It will be interesting to see how your system changes.

When does the paint start?

Hi Patrick,my Friend.
I hope you are enjoying a Great Day,thus Far.

Thank You for your Kind Comments,also.

It looks as if painting will begin Sunday afternoon(After Church)
I will see if my Dad is doing better physically(He has a Nasty Cold or Flu)
And my Dad never says he feels bad.
Even when he almost died from his Heart,
before the Surgery in 2005.

But he admitted it today.
He sounds terrible.
But he wont stop.

He has gone to the bank and then said he was going Grocery Shopping and also going to PetSmart for Dog Food.

But my Brother-in-Law has volunteered to help(or even do it all).
I gave them the Philips HTiB,they are using now in their Spare Bedroom that was converted to a "TV Room".
So,I told him when I decided I was going to upgrade,that if my Sister didn't mind(and he was interested)I would give him enough gear to move up to a Seperates System.

He seemed very interested.
So when I told my Sister that Dad was sick,her Husband said he would gladly paint.
But all I really need,is for someone to tape the baseboards and cut in down there.
Since kneeling and squatting are very Difficuly Moves for me to make.
Then I could do all the rest with a roller and an extension pole.

And part of the closet will need to be brushed.
And if we do most of the detail work Sunday I can spackle Four Holes,I need to fill in.
Then it would have time to dry,set,get sanded,and painted over(If I finish Monday)

So,today(or possibly tomorrow) I am ordering my new Futon.
As I am looking for the Best Price but also the Best Quality,and Company with good Business Record.
So, in March,I will completely do my room over.
New "Chaise Lounge" style Futon(which is 20 inches narrower)
But when folded out to bed size for my Memory Foam Matress(its the same size as my current futon)
Its just the way it Folds and Unfolds.

So,I will also have the room Painted and a Black Sheet tacked up on my White "Popcorn Textured" Ceiling.
And curtains hung for the Wall with my Projection Screen.
And A Window Shear type of Material that will pull closed and cover my Star Wars all,and eliminate reflections from the Frames.
But keep my surround Free to project its Bipolar 180 degree pattern.

I will also get my closet completed(Which means part as my Media Center for Blu-Rays,DVD's,CD's,SACD's)
and the rest for displaying my collectibles.

So the last piece of furniture I have is a Combination NightStand and Blu-Ray Cabinet.
That will be removed from the room.

So only one tiny table will remain for holding drinks while listening to Music or watching a Movie.
So,just two short A/V Racks and my Front Speakers(along with my Futon)
Will be all thats left on the floor in the Room.

So,It will be a tremendous change in the look and feel of the room.
Not to mention freeing up even more Free Space which will really Help.And,Because my Yamaha requires an On-Screen Set-up for setting levels,crossovers,balances,I have a way to handle that.

Before the Projector and Screen I had a 37 inch LCD TV.
I gave that to my Dad for use in his Bedroom.
He originally had a 26inch LCD in there,previously.

So,two times I have had to adjust settings I carried the TV in there,hooked up a spare HDMI cable and worked on my settings.
Now I am getting an inexpensive Fixed Wall Mount and will permanently Mount the 26 inch LCD to my Wall.

And when I close the curtains(while the screen is retracted)the TV will not be visible.
And when I have the Screen Pulled Down it will be in front of the TV.
Hiding it there as well.

So,March will see a Complete Change in my Room.
There will be very little BedRoom Part to it,at All.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by -dase-

Thanks Todd, if you get a few free minutes check out the pics too . I am really excited about your display closet, as well as all the other changes you mentioned. I believe one step at a time is the best approach . Congrats on all the upcoming changes. As for me, I am just going to kick back and enjoy it for now (while slowly adding to the slush fund ). Take care!

That is One Amazing System,-daze-,my Friend.
I left a Rating and a comment.

I just have to say,Unbelieveable!
You have come a long,long, way from your start and your Polk Speakers.

I am Very Happy for you,my Friend.

I Truly Love your System.
It is Everything I could dream of in a Home Theater.

[Fors*]

Good morning Todd...ready to pull the trigger on a futon today?

[crazyBLUE]

Good Morning Todd !

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by Fors*

Good morning Todd...ready to pull the trigger on a futon today?

Good Morning Fors*,my Friend.
I hope the Weather(Snow and Wind)Isn't too bad up in your area,Buddy.

And I have been up since before 2AM this morning scanning more and more for the Futon.

So,it will get purchased today.
I now just need to make 100% sure it isn't sold locally,at a similar price(including State Sales Tax)Where I can have it delivered or get my Brother-In-Law to pick it up.

But no matter if it is here(local)or not.
It will be paid for today.

I will just make sure to call the prospective 2 or 3 dealers I have narrowed it down to.
So,I can check and see if I can get a real person on the phone,just in case there is an unforseen issue.

How are you,my Friend?

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Good Morning Todd !

Good Morning cB,my Friend.
How is Thursday Morning treating you?

Good,I sincerely hope.

I know you dont have one,but you do know someone(or maybe more individuals)who do have one.The New Emotiva UPA MonoBlock Amp ?

A Good Model and Investment ?
Or not worth twice the price of the UPA-2 ?

As, I have switsched up my plan somewhat.Before I get a single new Speaker.
I will add all the Amps I want to get first.

I Plan on a Six-Channel System,like Fors*(Due to costs in another Speaker and another Amp Channel.)
I had considered getting Two UPA-2's and my Rotel Bridged.

This would handle Five Channels and the Yamaha could handle the 6th Channel.
Also it gives me a Two-Channel Amp for Music,and allows me to use what I also,already have.

So $648.00 for the Two (UPA-2 Amps)

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by talstarone

Good Morning cB,my Friend.
How is Thursday Morning treating you?

Good,I sincerely hope.

I know you dont have one,but you do know someone(or maybe more individuals)who do have one.The New Emotiva UPA MonoBlock Amp ?

A Good Model and Investment ?
Or not worth twice the price of the UPA-2 ?

As, I have switsched up my plan somewhat.Before I get a single new Speaker.
I will add all the Amps I want to get first.

I Plan on a Six-Channel System,like Fors*(Due to costs in another Speaker and another Amp Channel.)
I had considered getting Two UPA-2's and my Rotel Bridged.

This would handle Five Channels and the Yamaha could handle the 6th Channel.
Also it gives me a Two-Channel Amp for Music,and allows me to use what I also,already have.

So $648.00 for the Two (UPA-2 Amps)

Todd ~ All is well Thank You .

From what I have seen & heard The new UPA-1 is an excellent Mono amp . It will be better than the UPA-2 because it has more power & only the one channel . Jason is vary happy with his & can't wait to get the other 2 for his front sound stage .

As far as cost , That would be up to what you are willing to spend for what you want .

I have been thinking of adding them to my front L/R for my 2-channel enjoyment . I have seen & read where MonoBlocks sound better .

[MikeDaWiz]

Good Morning Todd. I hope you are feeling well today. Sorry to hear about you r dad being sick, It is going around. My mom was sick, then my dad, now I am getting sick. I just hope I can Nip it in the bud before it gets worse. And Congrats on the Futon!

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by MikeDaWiz

Good Morning Todd. I hope you are feeling well today. Sorry to hear about you r dad being sick, It is going around. My mom was sick, then my dad, now I am getting sick. I just hope I can Nip it in the bud before it gets worse. And Congrats on the Futon!

Morning,Mike,my Friend.
Sorry to hear about the Family getting sick,Buddy.

Also,not sounding too good,that you believe you might also be getting sick.I certainly Hope you aren't.

Like you said, "Nip it in the Bud" Deputy Barney Fife from the Big City of Mayberry.

But I hope you do get better,Buddy.
Just keep any sign of a fever down and try some Thera-Flu or other medicines to see if they provide help.

I was curious Mike abouth the Speaker wire problem you Had with your Home Theater's Polk Center Speaker.
The run of wire that was messed up,did it have Banana Plugs for the End that went in to the Center Speaker?

Or was it bare wire to the Center Speaker.
Just seeing what it might have been.

Did you permanently replace it with a different run of wire?
And if you did,is your Home Theater back to running at Full Strength?

[crazyBLUE]

Todd ~ have A great day , See Ya soon !

[MikeDaWiz]

Originally Posted by talstarone

Morning,Mike,my Friend.
Sorry to hear about the Family getting sick,Buddy.

Also,not sounding too good,that you believe you might also be getting sick.I certainly Hope you aren't.

Like you said, "Nip it in the Bud" Deputy Barney Fife from the Big City of Mayberry.

But I hope you do get better,Buddy.
Just keep any sign of a fever down and try some Thera-Flu or other medicines to see if they provide help.

I was curious Mike abouth the Speaker wire problem you Had with your Home Theater's Polk Center Speaker.
The run of wire that was messed up,did it have Banana Plugs for the End that went in to the Center Speaker?

Or was it bare wire to the Center Speaker.
Just seeing what it might have been.

Did you permanently replace it with a different run of wire?
And if you did,is your Home Theater back to running at Full Strength?

Thank you for your concern about my health Todd. I really do hope i can get over it soon. Although, Missing a couple of days of work would be nice I have PTO hours anyway.

As for the Center Speaker problem: Yes I had the end connected to the center terminated with Banana Plugs. I did permanently replace it with a different run of wire and i have had no problems thus far.

[SeanMF]

Good morning Todd! Have you ever considered the xpa-3 for your front 3 speakers? Also look on emotivalounge for people selling emotiva amps. You could pick one up cheaper there. That is where I bought and sold my xpa-3 when I had it.

[progers13]

Good morning Todd!!! How are you today?

[Travis]

Hey Todd,

Glad to hear progress is happening with your painting. Too bad your dad is sick. At least you can get your brother-in-law to help and make your dad rest.

Not a bad idea on going for amps first. You got the SACD coming, great. Amps may be a cheaper endeavour and less time consuming than deciding on speakers. Maybe?

Any line on what SACD to buy first. I only have a few. A couple Diana Krall, Pink Floyd, and Getz & Giberto. Would like to get some more and really thinking on Dire Straights, a bit pricey.

Just got the credit card bill for our trip to San Diego and wife's present. I will not be shopping for a while. But when I do, I am going to have fun (she hasn't got a leg to stand on).

Thinking a 1080p projector with 100" screen is where it is going to be next. As much as I want new speakers, dreaming about three 683's, not having a 1080p screen is important with Blu-ray. Even though my 32" 720p Toshiba is still good and SVGA Optoma is good too. Thinking a 1080p is the next step. Got the HD sound, so now time for the HD picture.

My Wants
new projector
new speakers
new CD player
new BD player
extra 2 ch amp (or 5)

[phansson]

Originally Posted by talstarone

So $648.00 for the Two (UPA-2 Amps)

Good morning Todd,

If you are going to listen to 2 channel , why not go with the UPA-1 Monoblocks! That would might be interesting.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

Good morning Todd! Have you ever considered the xpa-3 for your front 3 speakers? Also look on emotivalounge for people selling emotiva amps. You could pick one up cheaper there. That is where I bought and sold my xpa-3 when I had it.

Hi Sean,my Friend.
I hope your Day is Going Well.

Thanks sincerely for the Information on the Emotivalounge.
I will certainly give that a Thorough Look.

It will be The Last week of March before I purchase the First Amp.(Hopefully a Two-Channel so it will help with my Music Performance also)

But since I have planned on buying Amps in Both Late March and Late April,I can be Flexable.
I wouldn't mind getting Brand New Amps.
But if others are as Picky and take care of their equipment like I do with mine,I will have NO Problems.
Though my First Choice may be Older Rotel Amps to Match my Rotel Amp and Pre-Amp.

Well,Thanks to Rich,I have the Name of the Paint Color I Most Likely Will Use for my Room(To be Painted Sunday and/or Monday)
As my Dad is at the Doctors Now.
And to get him to admit he is sick takes an act of Congress.
To get him to go to the Doctor is akin to the Parting of the Red Sea.

(If I dont use the exact color it would be a shade darker.)
But with Colors in Pictures and then also appearing on Computer Screens.
The True Shade can often show up slightly different then it appears in Real Life..

I have ordered my New Futon Now.
So,next week I will have a "Chaise Lounge" Style Futon with Adjustable Back Angles and Lower Leg/Feet Angles,as well.

So,I will have the Support and Comfort I have needed to really enjoy watching Movies.
And the way the Futon Folds its the same size when in Bed Mode(So My Memory Foam Matress will still fit,Perfectly)But I will gain almost 2 Feet of Floor Space in my Room
(not counting when I get my Closet converted into a Media Center/Display Cabinet in March);
will give me another few feet of space cleared up.

Just in time for a New AV Rack.
Since my current Short Rack is full,and I have Dennis being so Kind as to send me a SACD Player.
Then I need room for My Current Rotel Amp and the Two Amps I will purchase by the end of April.

I have had One Issue,I didn't take into Account.
Since my Yamaha AVR(will function as my Pre/Pro when I have my Amps)
It Requires an On Screen Display to set Sound Levels,Crossover Points,etc.
I didn't take that into account when I set up my Projector(Kindly Sold to Me by Big Daddy)
So the 37 inch Sanyo LCD TV I had been using for Video,I gave to my Father.

He has it in his Bedroom(where it replaced a 26inch LCD TV)So now the 26 inch isn't being used,at all(We have a 26 inch LCD in my Mom's Bedroom,37 inch LCD in my Dad's Bedroom,a 51 inch Projection in the Living Room,and a Sony Front LCD Projector with 84 inch Screen in my Room.)

So,I am buying an inexpensive Fixed Position TV Wall Mount from MonoPrice.
I will mount the 26 inch LCD to that in my Room.

When the Projector is not in use I will Have curtains that cover that wall,so the TV wont be visible.And when the Curtains are pulled open for the Screen to Come Down the TV will be hidden behind the Screen.

So by the End of March(Lord Willing)and I am Physically Capable,my Room will Look like an Entirely New Place with Each Change and Addition adding a Positive Enhancement to My Room,System,and Set-Up.

So,I want to say Thank You to Everyone on the Forum.
Your Ideas,Systems,Determination,and Love for this Hobby-Life Style has been a Wonderful Inspiration to Me.

So,Sincerely,Thank You All.

[talstarone]

I Want To Give A Huge THANK YOU To RICH (NaturePhoto 1)

This Outstanding Individual And Member Of Blu-Ray.Com

Is An Outstanding FRIEND.

Out Of His Kindness And Generosity, Rich Gave Me Completely FREE

A Pair Of The New,High-End And High-Quality VALAB KING SPEAKER CABLES.

Along With A Pair Of The High-Performance And High-End VALAB KING Silver InnerConnect Cables.

These Are By Far The Finest Cables I Have EVER OWNED,Or EVEN SEEN....

I Love These Cables(And In Time,When My Finances Will Allow)I Look Forward To Adding These VALAB KING CABLES To ALL My Connections!!!!

Here Are Pics Of The Pair Of Speaker Cables And The Pair Of InnerConnects.
And A Link To VALAB(And Rich May Have More Info And Links To These Cables That Are Beyond Anything I Could Ever Dream Of Owning.


http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-Audio-Lab

SILVER INNERCONNECTS(W/RCA PLUGS):






SPEAKER CABLES(W/SPADE CONNECTIONS):










THANK YOU RICH !!!!

[Fors*]

That is very cool of you Rich....excellent gesture on your part!!!

But shouldn't you be outside shoveling that 18" of snow you are getting? (Sorry, but I had to throw that at someone, as I have had my share of the white stuff, which by the way is now downgraded here to only 3"-6"...yeah!)

[talstarone]

Also,I want to Say,THANK YOU To Dennis(db01)

For Going out today and shipping Me a FREE Sony SACD(CD/DVD)Player

You Are Truly A Wonderful Member and Friend,Dennis.

And THANKS To ALL The Members Of Blu-Ray.Com

The Nicest And Most Incredible Individuals On The Entire Net.


THANK YOU DENNIS,MY FRIEND!!!