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Is $18,000 enough for a high end HT?

This will be my first attempt at building a HT. My room size is: 19'L x 11'2"W x 8'H. This room is a library. I want high-end stuff. I want my windows to rattle when the Apollo 13 takes off. I want to be tempted to get up and dance when a good music score comes on. I want to build it myself as I think it would be a lot of fun. I have plenty of vacation time that I could use. The following is what I would expect:

1. A projector with Texas Instruments' Mustang/HD2 and 16:9 aspect ratio
2. Recessed screen
3. 5 on or in ceiling speakers (Thiel or Triad I’m thinking)
4. 1 Subwoofer
5. DVD player
6. Power Conditioner
7. Processor
8. A 5 channel Amplifier
9. Cables for the items on the list

When I priced every thing I wanted individually the price came to over 25K. Bare in mind $18,000 is a lot of money for me. However, I figured since we spend a ¼ of our lives watching TV it is well worth the investment. I invested some money a few years ago explicitly for my HT. Besides, I figured if my wife is not happy with all the money I will be spending, I could just say, that I am not taking the money from our cash flow, rather from a fund specifically set up for a HT. I am thinking maybe I should pull money out now. But is 18k enough? I am not willing to spend that kind of money if I will not have a great HT. Perhaps I should wait a couple of more years until I save up more money and the technologies go down in price. (I'm concerned that I will say that in two years again as I did two years ago. There are always newer technologies coming out.) I have no experience with any dealer and want to know if I could expect such a deal from a reputable authorized dealer. I read in Robert Harley’s book: “Home Theater For Everyone” that choosing the dealer is far more important then choosing the manufacturer of the components. In my experience for other purchases I find this to be very true. It seems there will always be tech support issues. Also, when I want to upgrade and add components, the dealer will know exactly what I have and all of my issues and I would be able to get his/her valuable input. I plan on adding within the next year or so, an AMX system for control, a video processor and an HDTV set top box.

The cables I would start off not so high end as I want to see for myself over time if they make a difference. However, the cables that would go in my ceiling I would want high end because it would be a big pain to replace those. I would also be flexible with the projector, I would settle for a refurbished or demo unit (with valid warranty). I would even settle for a good one that has an HD1 chip and an XGA resolution. I have seen some of those and they are definitely good enough.
captaincapitalism
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
$18k does not = high end, in HT. It may, get you some respect. I only know this from reading, but Wvick seems to know the deal. peace, warren
jrwr7
211 posts
 
Hey Y'all,

I agree with Bulldogger, if you do some research and buy wisely, you can get a very respectable HT system within your price range. I've purchased more than 50% of the system I've put together used on Audiogon. I'm very happy. Good luck and happy hunting.........John
quicke
35 posts
 
First of all, don't let others define high-end for you. It's too easy to feel bad that you didn't buy a fashionable brand. Remember, there are definitely value brands that qualify as high-end.

I read the book too and let me just say after visiting 13 high-end shops in 6 different states, they are all just retailers with personal biases and profits/commissions critical to their recommendations. Only one did not openly make suggestions and attempt to influence my perception of equipment. In fact, when I asked this guy what he liked, his response was, "It doesn't matter what I like." He passed the test, but my $30K was slumming in his shop.

Two suggestions regardless of what you buy, 1) find a custom installer who will quietly sell below manufacturers numbers; they're out there. And/or 2) buy used.

You can hit your number if you pass on the DLP and buy a rear projection. Remember HD-DVD is coming and it ain't an incremental change. Spend moderately on the video side it is going become obsolete much faster than speakers and amps.

Also, something that is overlooked by most, the room accoustics. Listen to lot's of stuff in different environments. Ask the demo folks to move the equipment into a second room. I have listened to nice equipment sound like crap in one room and really fine in other rooms. You may need a minimum of $2-3K for room treatments.

Good luck. Unless your going to have a revolving door in your media room and continually trade stuff, take your time.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
You don't have to spend 10k on a DLP system, buy a good XGA or WXGA LCD (Sanyo, Sony, etc) for ~$5,000 new.. see www.projectorcentral.com and www.avsforum.com. buy a Da-Lite screen instead of Stewart and save $$$$ with little difference (IMHO.. later upgrade as necessary). fixed screen is cheaper than motorized..
www.avsforum.com (Talk to Jason) can provide Bomb suggestions, service and $$$...

The recommendation on room treatment is critical.. If you find a decent in-wall let me know.. I'm looking to simplify but the all have sucked for me at dealers....... limited here in Colorado Springs.

Also don't forget power treatment
krelldog
323 posts
 
5000.00-Plasma TV(forget the projector) 4000.00 Martin Logan Ascents(fronts) 2800.00 Martin Logan Descent Sub 1700.00 Martin Logan Scripts(rear surrounds) 1700.00 Martin Logan Cinema(center channel) 3000.00 Classe SSP 30 Pre/Pro 4000.00 Classe CAV 180 5 Channel amp 1500.00 Marantz DV 8300 Grand Total-23,700+1300.00(power/surge)= 25000.00 I guess you can't have it for 17000.00(new/retail) So use this as a guide. Modify it to your needs/tastes Shop on Audiogon. Look for some 2nd hand bargains,and I'm sure you can put together a killer system. Alot of us could only dream of having 17K from jump street for H/T. Good Luck
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