What The Fidelity??

brianpack:
1. keep in mind that most pro installers get a piece of whatever gear they sell you, so their advise is undoubtedly colored
2. you don't give specifics about your room, use (movies, music), etc., but i'll assume you're shopping for a mainly HT system. accordingly, i'd opine that the tektons are very well-regarded speakers which should serve you well and save you some $$$; i believe they also have a no-hassle return policy if you don't like 'em. the paradigms are also well-regarded but not necessarily better.
3. i've been taught that the low-priced tvs you get at costco or walmart really are prone to failure and that the $1500 and-up major brand models are significantly better made and a better investment. that said, esp. given the rapidly evolving technology i wouldn't drop 4 grand on a 55" tv--the panasonics you mention should be fine if you really feel compelled to upgrade.
4. not being a big movie guy, i don't see a ton of difference in picture quality between most name brand bluray players (consumer reports seems to rate all of 'em "excellent"); upgrading your samsung wouldn't be a top priority unless you're also listening to a lot of music.
5. your denon avr seems to be a midrange 2009 model and probably worth upgrading. separates will typically sound better than avrs--anthem, integra, arcam etc. get recommended alot. note that processors, in particular, depreciate extremely quickly and you might want to look at good used gear to avail yourself.
just my opinion. keep us posted.

Whatever you do make only one change at a time and give yourself and teh gear some time together before changing something else. BE sure to apply free easy tweaks like adjusting speaker placement, changing ICs to others you might own, etc. along the way as needed before taking the next big step.

I would not trust any sales/service person telling you to change everything at once for any reason. Probably just trying to ride any upgrade fever you might have.

"pro pitcher"

Hi Brian,

Wow. Lots of changes are certainly happening or possibly happening in your house! Can I offer two initial thoughts:

1) Each custom installer or dealer sells particular brands. If one dealer openly bashes another dealer or product be careful. In high end audio and video there are lots of great products. There are differences but they are nuanced and often personal preference. Make sure that when it is your system, it is YOUR preference. Listen to advice but you should make the final decision.

2) VIDEO PRODUCTS: TV sets depreciate at an astonishing rate. I personally recommend that you look at hometheater.com for good reviews on TV sets and technologies. In fact, drop the editor Scott Wilkinson an email with your video questions. The top TV brands for plasma tend to be Panasonic and Samsung. They are both excellent. LG is fine too. Generally you don't need the top model but can get away with the second or third in line saving you thousands. A 55" at a 4k price point is too much $$. You can get. 65" of comparable quality from Panasonic or Samsung at that price. Unless it is the Sharp Elite, it isn't worth it in my opinion.

3) AUDIO: audio is a totally different beast. Speaker tech doesn't change as radically as TVs so out your $$in the best speakers you can. Do not. I repeat, do not buy speakers blindly! Visit and listen to the models. There are differences and you may like one over another. Paradigm is a great brand; however there are other great speakers out there too.

4) Bluray: Oppo Digital is hands down the best player out there and it's $499 with a new model coming. Oppo is the standard that all other Bluray players are measured against. Stick with Oppo. NAD is a GREAT brand but I feel very strongly about the Oppo and the new model has 4k up scaling and that helps future proof things a bit. Most dealers cannot carry Oppo units so they are not an option for them to sell.

5) HDMI Don't pay $100 for an HDMI cable. Monoprice redmere cables are fantastic as are Bluejeanscable cables or Tributaries. A dealer has 50%-$100% markup on those accessories. I have all three of those brand cables myself in a very high end system. Don't be fooled there. Read blue jeans cable web site for great info.

'm confused about the processor. Is he giving you an NAD demo or something else???? NAD makes great products. I've owned NAD myself and been very happy. Also all demo units should be sold at $50% off list at that price point.

FINALLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, what is it that you don't like about your current setup? If you can't identify that, then you won't necessarily be solving your problem and simply buying upgrades and spending $$ all the time. I've been an audio and video guy for years and years and I've meticulously built a system that I have fallen in love with. It's not about the equipment but the music and the movies--the experience. So just be careful and listen and try before you buy and shop around at other audio stores in your area. YOU are the client and you shouldn't feel pressured. If you do that's a warning sign.