2. home-theater
  3. 1052501972

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
joew
61 posts
 
I hate when people throw around "this isn't high-end" and phrases like that.

High-end is what you make it. If it looks and sounds good to you then it's high-end. You could spend $18k on a pair of stereo speakers ferchrissakes.

What kind of system do you have now? What is your current HT equipment?

Da-Lite fixed screen...$1000
Sanyo PLV-70 projector $5000
B&K Ref30 pre/pro $1200 used.
Panasonic RP-91 DVD $400 used. (Best picture you could ever want)
Paradigm Servo-15 sub $1200
Odyssey Stratos stereo amp $1000
Odyssey Stratos HT3 3 channel amp $1400
Panamax M5510 power filter/condition/protector $1100
If this will be a HT ONLY setup then go for the similar-sized speakers all the way around...if you will play music as well then go for larger mains and smaller surrounds.
For music AND HT go with:
Revel F30 floorstanders (pr) $2500 used
Revel F20 rears (pr) $1200 used
Revel C30 center $1000 used
Go with Revel F20 front mains if this will be just a HT setup (although the F20's are AWESOME speakers no matter what the application...some people want more bass in their music for larger rooms and the F30's offer that).

Cables are also personal preference but I use all Bettercables stuff...all those cables for a whole system can get pricey...figure about $3k for decent cabling without breaking the bank.

Man I wish I had that kind of money for a HT shopping spree ;)
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Well, I don't know whether it's enough for "high end HT", but I can tell you it's not nearly enough for your username... ;^)
taters
1,149 posts
 
I think rather than worry about how much you are going
to spend,find a competent dealer to put a system together
for you.I believe in HT installation is everything!
joejr
42 posts
 
Yes you can,Their are two types of Audio/Video Philes,The must have Brand Name Hunters and the Music and Movie lover's.Do your homework well,Seek individuals that truly know what they are talking about,for example most High End Sales persons are that Sales people,More interested in profit than the final performance of your system.Yes their are very honest and knowledgeable sales people, Get References,before wholeheartly trusting any specific person.Audiogon is a great place to build a so called reference system for at least 40% of Retail.In other words you should be able to build a $30K to $40K system with the budget of $18K as you Mentioned.Take your Time $18K is alot of money.If i could help you please email me,I'll be more than happy to help.Thanks JOSE
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,685 posts
 
Jeow wrote: "If it looks and sounds good to you then it's high-end." By that token, anything is high end including a $20 table radio.

OTOH, I agree with your specific suggestions and reiterate that the OP should avoid in-ceiling speakers all around.
More to discover