Click above for more info.
OK, I plan to eventually upgrade my old Denon AVR5700 to an AVR5800. The
newer model has more watts per channel, support for EX/ES sound formats,
better support for SACD and DVD-Audio, more inputs, and a better layout of
the speaker connections. This upgrade is near the top of my list.
Click above for more info.
Once I have an EX/ES decoder I will need to install a rear center speaker.
I have already pulled the wire. I'm thinking about putting a single
Definitive Technology BPVX/P on the rear wall. I'll use the non powered
version since getting an AC circuit to that wall proved to be nearly
impossible.
Click above for more info on the BPVX/Ps.
I want to upgrade my audio wattage and quality with an outboard amplifier.
A major issue is finding a good multichannel amp that has more than 200
watts per channel and yet maintains a reasonable price.
I am now thinking I want some Marantz MA 700 monoblocks. They are 200 watts
into 8 ohms, are not very expensive, and I can always add another monoblock
if I need another channel.
Marantz's web site.
Take a look at Bob Carver's Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature
amplifier. Two problems with this though. Not enough channels for EX/ES
sound tracks which means I'd have to use the internal Denon amp, or find
something else. Also the THD+N specs on this amp are not very clean. I have
not made up my mind yet.
Click above for more info.
Check out this amp from Sim Audio. The Titan Multi-Channel amp looks nifty. I don't know if its in my price range yet. I checked. Nope, $7,000.00 for an amp is not in my budget.
I want to be able to play both SACDs and DVD-Audio discs in my system.
Numerous issues have kept me from upgrading though. The lack of any digital
outputs on players is a big hang up. Until the music producers and
hardware vendors agree upon an encrypted digital output we are all stuck with
analog outputs only. Also I want a combination player. Not two boxes for
two formants. Maybe some format will win and resolve that problem. The only
box that comes close to meeting my needs is way too expensive at over
$5,000.00 and still has analog out only. Here are some existing boxes.
Maybe if I get really bored and have no other projects I might end up with
one of these.
DVD-Audio player.
Multi-channel SACD player.
When I have a true high resolution multi-channel player I will need to get
rid of my old cheap KLH speakers and purchase a pair of Definitive Technology
ProTower 400s. This way I will have matching direct forward radiating,
rear speakers. Seems that most dipolar speakers are not suited for music.
Click above for more info.
I need a high definition TV. Problem is that the price/performance for what
is on the market today sucks. These first generation devices are not
as refined as I'd like and lets be honest, who pays $15,000.00 for a TV?
Not me. I'm going to wait at least until mid 2001 and see what products
are available and for reasonable pricing. Hopefully around $3,500.00 or less.
In the mean time, take a look at this 73" Rear Projection HDTV from
Mitsubishi. This monster would look good in my home theater.
Click above for more info.
Once I have a HDTV I'm going to need some HD related products and video
scalers as well. I'm looking at the iScan Pro line-doublers/upconverter
from Silicon Image to de-interlace my VCR, Tivo, and other SVHS sources.
Click above for more info.
Might as well get a HDTV DirecTV receiver for the big screen. I don't think
there is much HD programming to date but maybe that will improve soon.
Click above for more info.
I really like my Toshiba DVD player. Too bad it doesn't support progressive video. I'm going to have to upgrade some day. Check out their current top of the
line DVD player. Looks nice. One technical issue I still have with the
current version of progressive players is that the MPEG chip creates an
interlaced image from a progressive file. A different chip then de-interlaces
the bitstream. Its time for SOMEONE to make a MPEG chip that simply dumps
the already progressive video. Talk about reducing components and cost.
Click above for more info.
I'm fairly sure that I want some more Richard Gray's Power Companies in
my system. I want a 400S for my 3 front speakers and maybe a 1200S for the
receiver, proposed amplifier, and other high current devices.
Click above for more info.
Along with the Richard Gray's I'm thinking about purchasing a PS Audio Power
Plant P600 to drive my digital components and turntable. This will most
likely replace my Monster Power HTS5000 some day. These items are expensive
so it may be a while.
Click above for more info.
I want to ditch my crappy CD player and purchase this little gem of a CD
transport. Great reviews on the Sim Audio Moon Eclipse and it looks very
nice. This would make visitors notice the hardware.
Click above for more info.
Perpetual Technologies makes a great upsampler and DAC. Check out these two
nifty products with a great price. I'm willing to bet the Moon Eclipse paired
with these two products will be the cat's meow. I hear rumor that PT is
going to release a new upgraded product soon so I'm holding off just a bit
longer before I purchase these. These products got rave reviews!
Click above for more info.
I need to get my home theater PC into a component looking case instead of the
nasty beige looking desk side version I have today. It needs to blend in
and look good. Take a look at this. Very nice.
Click above for more info.
Once I have my outboard amplifier, I plan to purchase a THX certified equalizer
to smooth out the frequency response of my room. Rane makes some great
devices for this and they are THX Ultra certified. You need all 6 channels
calibrated
to accomplish this. There are two products. The main THX44 and a THX22 for
the surrounds. Of course you need an analyzer as well.
Click any image for more info.
OK, well thats enough day dreaming for now. I'll add more later.
Last updated: Sun Jun 3 02:39:59 CDT 2001