Talstarone's Home Theater Hang-Out

[teach454]

Hey there Todd,

Glad to see things are coming along with your upgrades nicely. I hope all goes well this weekend so you will have some time to enjoy the new members of your HT family and you're able to

So have you narrowed down what speakers you are looking at. Or are you still in the research stage of that process.

Well have a great weekend Todd and take care.

Garry

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by gates70

Cool, can't wait to see pics of your new room !

That makes Two of us,my Friend.
I am ready to get the closet set-up for Media Storage
(lower 40 to 50%)With some
Stackable Poly Modular File Cabinets.
I have 2 already and am going to
add 2 or 4 more.
Then it would be 2 high and 2 wide/
or 2 high and 3 wide.

Then I can keep ALL of my Manuals and related information.
Also all of my receipts for easy access for Movies,Music,Equipment,and Furniture.
Then have two of the cabinets for keeping all of my
Spare/Extra Cables(Both Audio and Video)
and recharging gear.
Also,my spare connectors(like Banana Plugs and Spring Clip Pins)And have it devided into Video and Audio.Or by Quality,or some other way.

Then above that area a Section to keep my
Blu-Rays,DVD's,SACD's,CD,s,etc.

Finally,at the(Upper 50 to 60%)
of the Closet with Adjustable Shelves and dividers for Displaying
the Few Collectibles I have currently.

The 1/6th Scale (12 inch)Figurine of a Terminator T-800 in Black
from Sideshow Collectibles.
With switchable hands,and Two different Rifles and Weapons he
can Hold and Use(Courtesy of Sean,You,And Everyone Else and I dont mean to exclude anyone.I am Greatful to All of You)

Then the Awesome Gentle Giant Bust of Neo(Keanu Reeves)From the Matrix(That You Kindly Gave Me)With his coat and Sunglasses(he wore when they went fully armed to take care of Business).

And a Gentle Giant Mini-Bust from the Star Wars Classic Line
(of a Clone Trooper Lieutenant)
from Episode II:Attack of the Clones.

Then(for now)my Final Collectible
a Set of Authentic Metal "Dog Tags"
Military ID from Quantum Mechanix for
Starbuck(Lt/Capt. Kara Thrace) from the Recent Battlestar Galactica Show on Sy Fy.

And,also a piece that Wont go into the Closet.
The Force FX Lightsaber of Darth Maul that is
Mounted on my Star Wars Wall.

So,Converting my closet is really going to be a Change Over Addition,that I cant wait to get started on.

After the Room:Changes,Additions,and Asthetic Improvements.

Its time to add Amps and Speakers.
(With Paradigm Monitors leading the Pack)
Though some of their Cinema Line Looks Good.

I am also Looking at PSB,Energy,Infinity,Definitive Technology,and a few other brands,that receive Great Ratings,Awards,and Reviews.

But if I can just practice patience,I hope for Emotiva UPA-1 MonoBlock Amps and Emotiva UPA-2 Stereo(Two Channel)Amplifiers;
To Power Paradigm Monitor Line Speakers.

Thanks,Gates For All the Help,Posts,and Research you have
Kindly Helped me with,my Friend.

So,Again,I do want to Let You Know,that I Am Still Very Greatful
To You Gates.

[Rob71]

Can't wait to see pics of the closet/media storage area. Sounds like it will be a great addition to an already amazing space. Also sounds like you have some impressive collectibles that definitely will look good on display.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by teach454

Hey there Todd,

Glad to see things are coming along with your upgrades nicely. I hope all goes well this weekend so you will have some time to enjoy the new members of your HT family and you're able to

So have you narrowed down what speakers you are looking at. Or are you still in the research stage of that process.

Well have a great weekend Todd and take care.

Garry

Good Saturday Afternoon,Garry,my Friend.
Its Great to Hear From You Today.

I Hope Your Saturday(And Start to the Weekend) Is going Well and Turning Out to Be All You Wanted
(and Looked Forward to)

Thank You for the Kind Comments and Good Wishes,Buddy.
Things are delayed a few days(Due to my Dad's Illness)But the Painting will be Completed by this Time Next Week,
at the Very Latest.

Then I will be able to convert the room with the Paint
(which should help the Contrast and Black Levels my Projector Casts on the Screen)
And the new Furniture(which will provide much more comfortable seating)So,I can last longer and spend more time enjoying my Movies,then I currently can.

It will be wonderful to find myself relaxing to some Soothing Music
from the SACD Player.

And find it to be possible to watch Two Movies in a Day without Pain Interupting Movie Time.
And Thanks to Dennis sending me the SACD Player(As a Truly Generous Act of Kindness).
While I Go Ahead and Connect the Rotel Amp,
I Have Owned this Whole Time to my Yamaha AVR's Pre-Outs.

And I do have the Speaker Brand Chosen,that I Would Like to make the Upgrade to.
Though,I havent ruled out Several other Brands at the Current Time.

While Price,Availability,and Other Changes and Additions may somewhat
Alter what I do get in the End.

But More External Amps will be my First Move.
I would Perfer New,But I wouldn't be too hesitant to get something
from Audiogon(Or an Audio Store that Dealt Used,Demoed,and Display Sample Products)
Like Audio Advice,my Favorite
"Local" Dealer(Though after
almost 20 years of doing business with them;we have both
moved a couple of times.Each time,lengthening the Distance
Between Us(And the Drive Time)Which is difficult on me.)

http://www.audioadvice.com

But before I do Pull the Trigger on the First Amp or Speaker,
I will Do ALL I can to get out there and Audition
some comperably priced gear.

It was a Joy to hear from you Again,Garry.
And I Sincerely Hope You and your Family Have a
Great Saturday and a Wonderful Weekend.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Can't wait to see pics of the closet/media storage area. Sounds like it will be a great addition to an already amazing space. Also sounds like you have some impressive collectibles that definitely will look good on display.

Hey Rob71.
I appreciate your Comments and Your Post.

Its especially nice,considering the Talent you possess in wood working.The Shelving and Cabinets you have built are Extremely Impressive.

And the Collectibles you have on Display,focusing in on
the Horror Genre,are Spectacular.
As well as the Sci-Fi Collection you Have (of Both Movies and TV Shows).

I think a lot of Your System,Your Additions,Your Collectibles,
Your Room,and All You Have Devoted to Your Impressive Set-Up.

Your Thought,Time,Work,Sweat,and everything else you have spent and used to get to the Point You are At,Now.
Which Is One Wonderful Set-Up.

So,Again,Thanks for the Post.
I Hope you Enjoy a Great Saturday and the Rest of Your Weekend.

[^Lestat^]

Todd loving the additions hope that you are doing well. Have been busy and I am sorry if i have not been around as much as before. I will try my best to keep in touch.

[Travis]

Well Sunday morning is here. SH!T just one day left and I gotta do a bit of marking this afternoon. So work starts today.

Todd,

Glad to hear your dad is gonna swap out the rack for you. Sorry he is sick but it is good you got him to see a doctor. Sounds like it is a real battle getting him to do that.

Lestat,

Good to see ya. How ya been?

Gotta go get some coffee. Waiting for wife to get up so I can listen to some music. Feel like some Jazz this AM, maybe some sax, Archie Shepp or Houston Person. Think that is all I have. I'll go search amazon for Jazz Sax, and Blues Guitar while I'm there. Haven't ordered music in a long time.

[gates70]

Originally Posted by talstarone

That makes Two of us,my Friend.
I am ready to get the closet set-up for Media Storage
(lower 40 to 50%)With some
Stackable Poly Modular File Cabinets.
I have 2 already and am going to
add 2 or 4 more.
Then it would be 2 high and 2 wide/
or 2 high and 3 wide.

Then I can keep ALL of my Manuals and related information.
Also all of my receipts for easy access for Movies,Music,Equipment,and Furniture.
Then have two of the cabinets for keeping all of my
Spare/Extra Cables(Both Audio and Video)
and recharging gear.
Also,my spare connectors(like Banana Plugs and Spring Clip Pins)And have it devided into Video and Audio.Or by Quality,or some other way.

Then above that area a Section to keep my
Blu-Rays,DVD's,SACD's,CD,s,etc.

Finally,at the(Upper 50 to 60%)
of the Closet with Adjustable Shelves and dividers for Displaying
the Few Collectibles I have currently.

The 1/6th Scale (12 inch)Figurine of a Terminator T-800 in Black
from Sideshow Collectibles.
With switchable hands,and Two different Rifles and Weapons he
can Hold and Use(Courtesy of Sean,You,And Everyone Else and I dont mean to exclude anyone.I am Greatful to All of You)

Then the Awesome Gentle Giant Bust of Neo(Keanu Reeves)From the Matrix(That You Kindly Gave Me)With his coat and Sunglasses(he wore when they went fully armed to take care of Business).

And a Gentle Giant Mini-Bust from the Star Wars Classic Line
(of a Clone Trooper Lieutenant)
from Episode II:Attack of the Clones.

Then(for now)my Final Collectible
a Set of Authentic Metal "Dog Tags"
Military ID from Quantum Mechanix for
Starbuck(Lt/Capt. Kara Thrace) from the Recent Battlestar Galactica Show on Sy Fy.

And,also a piece that Wont go into the Closet.
The Force FX Lightsaber of Darth Maul that is
Mounted on my Star Wars Wall.

So,Converting my closet is really going to be a Change Over Addition,that I cant wait to get started on.

After the Room:Changes,Additions,and Asthetic Improvements.

Its time to add Amps and Speakers.
(With Paradigm Monitors leading the Pack)
Though some of their Cinema Line Looks Good.

I am also Looking at PSB,Energy,Infinity,Definitive Technology,and a few other brands,that receive Great Ratings,Awards,and Reviews.

But if I can just practice patience,I hope for Emotiva UPA-1 MonoBlock Amps and Emotiva UPA-2 Stereo(Two Channel)Amplifiers;
To Power Paradigm Monitor Line Speakers.

Thanks,Gates For All the Help,Posts,and Research you have
Kindly Helped me with,my Friend.

So,Again,I do want to Let You Know,that I Am Still Very Greatful
To You Gates.

No problem Todd, anytime I can help just ask !

[SeanMF]

Good morning Todd! How goes the room revisions? Painted yet?

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

Good morning Todd! How goes the room revisions? Painted yet?

Hey Sean,my Friend.
I hope you have had a good weekend so far.
Especially with the new Awesome Gear you have added.

The painting got delayed this past Thursday.
My Dad is the type who is never sick,and never has to go to the Doctor.
But this last Thursday he was so bad off that he had my Mom set him up a Doctors Appointment.

He ended up with an Upper Respitory Infection and Strep throat.
So he has pretty much been bed riden and resting/sleeping as much as he can.

So,I told him Thursday Morning to not worry about painting.
As he said he would be able to help.
But I couldn't do that to him.

The paint and walls and room will still be there later in the week or next weekend.
So,looks as if we will tackle it sometime between Thursday and next Sunday.

The SACD Player from Dennis,is due to arrive tomorrow.
Then the new "Chaise Lounge" style Futon originally showed a Delivery on Monday from UPS Tracking.
But this Morning its showing Tuesday for the delivery date.

But I wont assemble it untill I get the room painted.So after thats done and the painting is done.I will add the SACD Player and go ahead and connect my current Rotel Amp to my Yamaha AVR.

Then do some curtain work in the room,along with you and brokenthumbs idea of a black sheet on the ceiling.
And,hook up the Sweet Cables Rich hooked me up with.

Then I can start on the closet transformation.
So,I will have a room that looks entirely different (and much better)in about two weeks.

I cant wait to get all my Collectibles out
(Like that Awesome T-800 1/6th Scale Terminator Figurine from Sideshow Collectibles;that You and others Kindly Got me for Cristmas).
Its exactally Likes Gates,But Black Metal instead of The Shiny Metal Look.

And,I look to watch a few more movies this month and listen to some Music(along with a SACD or two) since I will have a much more comfortable seating arrangement.

Then in Late March I will either get an Emotiva UPA-2 or UPA-1 MonoBlock.And the same in late April.Another UPA-2 Amp or another UPA-1 Monoblock.

If I get the 2 UPA-2's(along with my Rotel Bridged to run my Center)I will have all but my 6th Channel on External Amps(and my Yamaha just as a Pre/Pro and powering my 6th Channel:Rear Surround).

Or if I get the Two MonoBlocks(which I may do for better Music Performance)I will have the Yamaha power the 2 Side Surrounds and the One Back Surround.(As I am only going to go with a 6 channel System.It will save me Money in the cost of a 7th Surround Speaker and a 7th External Amp Channel)

As,in Late May,I will start changing all my Speakers.
My first move will be to replace the Polk Audio Center Channel and the Polks in Front.

Then after that,I will keep using my 4 Bipolar Klipsch Surrounds for a month or two(to get some Blu-Rays,SACD's,and a Third UPA-1 MonoBlock,if I am using the Monoblocks.)

Then have my Surrounds replaced around Thanksgiving with the Good Sales.

So,I have a lot I am looking to do,that will take the rest of this year(including a New Blu-Ray Player,like the Oppo BDP-83, or the new Lower Priced Model they have)

Then I can move my Blu-Ray Player to the 51 inch Toshiba in the Living Room(So my Dad and I can watch some movies)And,I will be getting him a Soundbar for the Living Room TV for Christmas)

I have enough gear here,to set up almost 2 Full 5.1 channel Systems.But my Mom wont let me put a 5 channel set-up in the Livingroom.So,only the Soundbar and Blu-Ray Player will be passable to her.

Then in 2011,I will move to a True 1080p Projector,and Lord only knows,what else after that.

I would love some gear like your new Arcam,Oppo,Cary and Mirage.But,you my Friend,have a system I cant come close to(At least not on Social Security Disability)

But how do the Mirages sound with Music from the Cary.Pretty good,I would imagine.

Enough so,I could add Mirage to my list of speakers that would make Great Use with Both Movies and Music?

And sorry for babbling on,Buddy.
It seems I do this after I take that 2nd 60mg Morphine Dose.

But,I am Extremely Thrilled and Happy for All you have Put together,my Friend.
It is Two Awesome and Amazing systems.

And before I forget,where did the NAD 6-Channel Amp for the Living Room System,come from?

Thanks,Again,Sean.Have a Great Sunday,Buddy.

[SeanMF]

Here Todd are some links for you. Vann's usually has quite the discount on mirage speakers and klipsch (and others) from time to time. Just a matter of waiting it out. I have these rosewood ones coming wednesday.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

Here is where I got the NAD amp:

http://home-audio.audioadvisor.com/s...=and&view=list

Looks like the one I had (which I think is regularly $1600...on sale for $499) is no longer available. Rhett found the NAD amp and I bought it. It's a solid amp and I'm glad I got it.

Edit:
The Mirages sound amazing with the Cary tube amp. I had them cranked loud last night and it didn't miss a beat.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by ^Lestat^

Todd loving the additions hope that you are doing well. Have been busy and I am sorry if i have not been around as much as before. I will try my best to keep in touch.

Its Great to Hear From You,Lestat.
I hope You have been Doing Well,My Friend.

I can certainly Understand with your Work Schedule,there is not a Lot of Time Left for the Forum.
But You are Always Welcome Here,No Matter When,Buddy.

I Am Glad You Stopped By,and I Hope You Have a Wonderful Week Ahead of You.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

Here Todd are some links for you. Vann's usually has quite the discount on mirage speakers and klipsch (and others) from time to time. Just a matter of waiting it out. I have these rosewood ones coming wednesday.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

Here is where I got the NAD amp:

http://home-audio.audioadvisor.com/s...=and&view=list

Looks like the one I had (which I think is regularly $1600...on sale for $499) is no longer available. Rhett found the NAD amp and I bought it. It's a solid amp and I'm glad I got it.

Edit:
The Mirages sound amazing with the Cary tube amp. I had them cranked loud last night and it didn't miss a beat.

Thank You Sean.I Sincerely Appreciate the Post and the Links.

I know you have been Extremely Busy with All of the New Additions.
Getting everything connected and working with Wire Management,Placement,Settings,and Adjustments.

I can imagine the notes from that Cary Tube Amp must sound Golden,my Friend.
Have a Good Time working on everything.
And I imagine you are probably Putting Together Some Great Wire Management while you go forward,with listening to Everything, to Fine Tune All of the Settings.

Enjoy your Time,my Friend.
And,I dont think it can be said enough,
That New Gear(Especially the Cary Tube Amp)Is Just Amazing.

[SeanMF]

Originally Posted by talstarone

Thank You Sean.I Sincerely Appreciate the Post and the Links.

I know you have been Extremely Busy with All of the New Additions.
Getting everything connected and working with Wire Management,Placement,Settings,and Adjustments.

I can imagine the notes from that Cary Tube Amp must sound Golden,my Friend.
Have a Good Time working on everything.
And I imagine you are probably Putting Together Some Great Wire Management while you go forward,with listening to Everything, to Fine Tune All of the Settings.

Enjoy your Time,my Friend.
And,I dont think it can be said enough,
That New Gear(Especially the Cary Tube Amp)Is Just Amazing.

Everything is done and hooked up in the bedroom. Even did the wire management. Spent about 7-8 hours total doing all the wires. The bedroom gallery is up again with pictures of things setup and the wire job I did. Give it a look Todd. I'm sitting back enjoying Kung Fu Panda with Colby (he arrived at 6am this morning).

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by Travis

Well Sunday morning is here. SH!T just one day left and I gotta do a bit of marking this afternoon. So work starts today.

Todd,

Glad to hear your dad is gonna swap out the rack for you. Sorry he is sick but it is good you got him to see a doctor. Sounds like it is a real battle getting him to do that.

Lestat,

Good to see ya. How ya been?

Gotta go get some coffee. Waiting for wife to get up so I can listen to some music. Feel like some Jazz this AM, maybe some sax, Archie Shepp or Houston Person. Think that is all I have. I'll go search amazon for Jazz Sax, and Blues Guitar while I'm there. Haven't ordered music in a long time.

Hey Travis,My Friend.
I hope your Day has been a Good One,So Far.

Hope you are still staying Motivated to stick with your Food Adjustment.
Looking forward to hearing some good results on March the 17th.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

Everything is done and hooked up in the bedroom. Even did the wire management. Spent about 7-8 hours total doing all the wires. The bedroom gallery is up again with pictures of things setup and the wire job I did. Give it a look Todd. I'm sitting back enjoying Kung Fu Panda with Colby (he arrived at 6am this morning).

Cute Kid,there Uncle Sean.
I can see he is into the Movie.

One of the Top Ten Movies,I want.But,like others its still over $20.00(Which just trips me out)Since its Not Been a New Release for Quite a While.
But,it will drop Eventually(Just like when I was waiting on Ratatoulie).

But,It can really take some time to get things connected,Set,Cleaned,Wire Management taken care of.
But once it is,you dont have to worry about it,unless you change up some of the Components and Cables.

I know you mentioned Linn and xlo for some of your cables.What are you using for Speaker Cables in the Bedroom.Or,are you a Cable guy.That believes a Cable can change fine details in the way a System or Component Sounds.(Which,I will Gladly Admit,I Am)And have been from the very Beginning.

I dont know if you are aware but there is a site called Used Cables.
Where they Sale New and Gently Used Cables(From the Basics to Transparent and Everything inbetween)
I am somewhat anxious to give Emotiva Cables a try if I get amps from there.

I will say,that I am Very Glad you didn't "Settle" for anything with these Purchases,my Friend.You wanted some of the Best and got it.
So,for that I will say Kudos for Sticking with your Goal.

[SeanMF]

Originally Posted by talstarone

Cute Kid,there Uncle Sean.
I can see he is into the Movie.

One of the Top Ten Movies,I want.But,like others its still over $20.00(Which just trips me out)Since its Not Been a New Release for Quite a While.
But,it will drop Eventually(Just like when I was waiting on Ratatoulie).

But,It can really take some time to get things connected,Set,Cleaned,Wire Management taken care of.
But once it is,you dont have to worry about it,unless you change up some of the Components and Cables.

I know you mentioned Linn and xlo for some of your cables.What are you using for Speaker Cables in the Bedroom.Or,are you a Cable guy.That believes a Cable can change fine details in the way a System or Component Sounds.(Which,I will Gladly Admit,I Am)And have been from the very Beginning.

I dont know if you are aware but there is a site called Used Cables.
Where they Sale New and Gently Used Cables(From the Basics to Transparent and Everything inbetween)
I am somewhat anxious to give Emotiva Cables a try if I get amps from there.

I will say,that I am Very Glad you didn't "Settle" for anything with these Purchases,my Friend.You wanted some of the Best and got it.
So,for that I will say Kudos for Sticking with your Goal.

I am using monster speaker wire. That will change at some point. Right now I'm using 2 linn and 2 xlo ic's. I just spent a ton lately and unfortunately cable upgrades are a long ways off. My living room setup is in need of a decent avr or pre/pro and acoustic foam panels to cover the black sheets (it's 2 total and doesn't look that great....i'm a perfectionist) on the ceiling. Always something to do.
I bought Ku Fu Panda within the past month as it dropped to $19.99 or $19.50. I myself checked the price on that almost daily and jumped on it when it went under $20. That is one movie that has held it's value. Remarkable considering it has been out awhile now.

[Travis]

Good Morning,

Drinking coffe getting ready to head out the door. Luckily, my work is a 5 minute walk from my home.

Cables?

I have my Pioneer DVD hooked up with some Audio Technica cables, for SACD. when listening to a CD I will go between Analog and Digital, I can't hear the difference. I usually just listen to CDs with DIG. Wondering if player would benefit from Valab/King cables. A system is only as good as the weakest link. The multi-format Poneer may be it. Maybe, my ear is not that discerning. Or a bit of both.

If I get a new CD player, talking about them last week, I will have to get some new cables. Very interested in those Taiwan cables from Kevin. I only have half a dozen SACDs, luckily most are hybrids. May have to let that part of my system die when the Pioneer player dies. I'd love to keep it going and even get into vinyl, records not clothes, but money being what it is, I have to pick my battles. I think CDs and BDs may have to be it. Especially since I spend 90% of the time with movies rather than music.

Have a good evening; I hope to have good Monday.

[MikeDaWiz]

Good Evening Todd, Sean, Travis, and everyone! Sorry I havent been around for the past couple of days, and thank you for all the wishes of good health! I am feeling much better. I have just been relaxing and getting some much need rest in.

I am sorry to hear about your Father Todd. How is he doing?

I got the Monitor 60s and they sound awesome! They go really well with the CS2. I will get some pictures up hopefully, though I am thinking of doing alot of wire management before I do so it might be a longer wait. I am still having a problem with the 2-channel setup. After I hooked up the right speaker with the new cable it started working, but after awhile the same thing happened. It gets muffled and low, like the connection is loose. Everything is secure and in its proper place. I hooked up the Klipsch speaker and it is doing the same thing. This Leads me to believe that it is a problem with the Amp because it does it with the Tuner as well. Though I even Hooked it up to the B-channel Right speaker connection and it does the same thing. I dont understand it. Does Anyone Have any Idea what it could be?

[talstarone]

Glad you are doing better,Mike,my Friend.
Also,Thank You for the Kind Wishes for my Dad.

I left a Post on your thread talking about your two-Channel System.

Also very Glad for you in getting the Monitor 60's.
They really are some Great Speakers for the price.

Have a good time at work,buddy.
Hope you find yourself at home with a chance to rest soon.

Bad thing is,now I'm sick.
Started feeling a little odd Friday and Saturday.
Then went to Bed early yesterday.

Only to wake up to a Fever and terrible sore throat and headache.Should have figured with my Dad being sick.
So,I am Very Greatful I have time to rest,this week.

Hopefully feeling better and ready to tackle the
painting at the end of the week and the weekend.

Any body get the lisence plate number of that 18-Wheeler that ran me over.....