My goal here was to build a great stereo music system, while still accomodating movies in a theatre setup. The screen retracts when not in video mode, avoiding a reflective surface in the middle of the 2-channel speaker configuration.
powered, 3-10in woofers, 95 lbs; LFE driven by SSP-75's sub-out; L/R driven by low-pass output from SA-11
Pioneer Elite DV-47A
progressive DVD with SACD and DVD-A capability
JVC HRS-9600U
S-VHS VCR, the last of a line
Sony SAT-T60
DirecTivo receiver with additional 40 GB hard drive
Sharp DW100U
LCD front projector; 1000 lumens, 1024x768 progressive display with component, RGB, S-video, composite inputs
Stewart custom order
92" diagonal
Better Cables Silver Serpents
for all video and surround equipment
P S Audio Power Director
basically a bunch of Ultimate Outlets in a single rack unit; permits control of relatively unsophisticated units through micro control of outlets.
Marantz RC5000
programmable remote control - the computer that runs all the equipment! Necessary for sanity's sake. Probably the most useful $500 investment in the entire system.
System edited: The CJ Premier 15 was just not enough gain, so it's been replaced by an EAR 834P. It's better in the bass, has at least 10dB more gain and is quieter overall. I've had enough of complexity, so the biamping has been taken out of the system, and I'm seeking a single 5-ch amplifier to replace the 2-ch Classe and the 3-ch B&K.
The stereo signal path is already as short as possible and no longer than any other typical 2-channel system. The turntable /phono preamp plugs directly into the SA-11 preamp, and which connects to the power amps and then to the speakers.
It's the main channels of the HT system that goes an extra step: DVD -> SSP75 prepro -> SA11 pre -> power amps -> speakers.
I got permission to dedicate a room to theatre/concert hall precisely by ensuring to the wife that the movies would work well, and in particular, trivially. She's not willing to press a fourth button on the remote, so rearranging furniture is absolutely and totally out of the question.
My screen is retractable, and it's rolled into the ceiling when listening to stereo. I suppose someone will explain how this DOES affect the 2-channel system, but I sure can't hear it.
Try to keep the two seperate at all cost. If you could put the two at opposite ends of the room so the stereo side does not have a screen or tv between the two speakers. The effects speakers could then be placed well away from the stereo speakers and all you would have to do is arange the chairs/couch for which ever system you were listening to. This may sound dumb for your room but in some situations it works great. If not I would still do what ever it takes to keep the stereo side as "short signal path" as you can.
