After scouring the net for every piece of information available on how to build a good home theater system, I can finally say I've arrived at a plateau. I'm satisfied with what I have -- for now, at least, while I'm still making what I make. Which is not much.
Even with that said, I may still be likely to make small changes in the near future. Right now, I'm having a hard time deciding whether I should stick with the Cary pre/pro or move on to HDMI, with the NAD T175,or whether I should get a floorstanding GR20 or GR60.
Of course, this all depends on deals. If I find something I want at an acceptable price, I'm jumping all over it. A deal is too expensive to pass up if only for a 10% increase in sound quality. We will see...
50-inch Pioneer Elite Kuro plasma. Hands down the best HDTV as of yet, except for its larger 60-inch brother. The Pioneer Elite is the final word in picture quality; in my opinion, there's nothing like it in the consumer market.
Monitor Audio GR10
The Monitor Audio - Gold Reference bookshelf speaker. I compared it to its cousin, the S10 of the Silver line, and preferred it slightly over the latter for its improved imaging and depth of soundstage. Obviously the negative is that it lacks bass.
DH Labs Silversonic Q-10
I replaced the brass plate between the double binding posts with 6-inch pure silver cables. Although I don't quite believe in expensive cables, these were the only ones I could find, provided I wasn't up to making my own.
Proceed AMP-5
5 channels of 125w each. Wider soundstage when compared to Odyssey Monoblocks and easily as dynamic, warmer sound. The Odysseys have more air, but that's something I can overlook. Keep in mind though that I didn't bother to burn them in past longer than a week. I shouldn't have to work hard just to get good sound.
VMPS Larger
Dark oak Larger sub with a Megawoofer and SR-71 cabinet insulation. It hits hard, but I haven't been successful in tuning the passive radiator to blend in with my mains, yet. If anyone knows how to do this, please help!
Blue Jeans Cable Belden 5T00UP 10 AWG
Can you believe people are willing to pay up to $10,000 for a foot of Anjou Cables? I have a hard time imagining that the rest of their system could even add up to $1 million, just to make their cable investment "worth it". If I had more money, I would upgrade my speakers; maybe a Dali Helicon. These cables will stay where they are...
Cary Audio Design Cinema 6
You could hear more into the audience... This pre/pro excels in detail.
Osiris Reference 24
The best monitor stands under $500. A steal if you ever run across them. They are often compared to Target MR stands, but what can I say? These look so much better for a comparable weight. Sand or shot fillable. The two massive round pillars are unlike anything else.
It's nice to see someone who appreciates the quality and performance of the Pioneer Elite plasma. Yes they cost more, but they're worth it. I weary of the "cheaper" mentality of the mainstream media which touts the CCS (cheap chinese s**t)products out there, many of which have no service or parts support. If all purchases were based on price, every one would be driving Yugos. Kudos for basing your AV system on a superb plasma display - yes, plasma has a much better picture than LCD.
