Well....a year later and the theater is coming along. It all started with some renovations to the room, which required removing a lolly pole and adding cast iron beam supports so we could have the space for seating an a 10 foot wide screen. Projection is a HD Mistubishi. For movies Def Tech 7004 towers provide the main thrust along with a Def Tech 2500 center. So all of the fronts have powered subs. There is also a SVS 16-46 subs to go VERY low. From thicker carpet padding the lined curtains, this room is very low on reflections. Sonics are beautiful. Emotiva amps and the UMC-1 processor pull it all together. I've heard a lot of great theater systems and mine is right up there. I plan to eventually install a bigger screen/projector and go higher end on the speakers, but this is really working beautifully for now.
For music there is my new Merlin TSM-MXr speakers on Skylan 4 post stands, mated to a Manley Stingray II tube amp. The music part of the system is 100% isolated (even on it's own power leg) from the theater system. Sources are currently being auditioned and this whole system is never at rest. A 2nd system upstairs at the fireplace is being setup now with Martin Logan Motion 4 speakers, MJ Acoustics sub....and I'm looking for a 2nd tube amp!
You can see a nice slide show of the progress here:
Along with a dedicated Oppo, this feeds the theater for Blu-Ray, Netflix and more!
Rega Rega Apollo
Borrowing this while Prima gets work done!
Emotiva UMC-1
After a few months buyers can cheer! The UMC-1 is working flawlessly and bests far more expensive units due to a terrific preamp section.
Rogue Audio Metis
Modded Metis is currently sleeping while I build a 3rd system.
Denon AVR
You know! It's one of those 700 dollar do-it-all units. I use it to test stuff fast and power my kid's mini theater.
Emotiva UPA-2
Small amp for rear channels
Emotiva XPA-3
Seriously good theater amp runs three front speakers beautifully.
Odyssey Audio Stratos
Modded Stratos is sleeping for now, but I plan to unite it with the Metis for 3rd system soon. I do use it for 2 channel audio on occasion with the theater speakers.
Merlin Music Systems Merlin TSM-MXr
The latest TSM-MXr monitor speakers. Go listen to everything else and then buy these. IMHO the best small monitor available.
Definitive Technology BP-7004
Towers are ideal for theater usage. Powered subs are fed by LFE cable in each speaker and the smaller sub for the center channel
Manley Laboratories Manley Stingray II
The newest version of the classic Stingray has various tweaks and a remote!
Emotiva ERD-1
Rear channel speakers that replaced more expensive models that I never liked. Another amazing value and a true switchable di/bipole.
Definitive Technology CLR-2500
A full range center and a must in a bigger theater room. Very impressive against my previous B&W and Paradigm centers.
Martin Logan Motion 4
For my small living room system. Ideal for their size and sound quality flanking our fireplace. Matched to a sweet MJ Acoustics Sub.
SVS 16-46
A big SUB! Hard to beat for home theater and surprisingly musical as well.
MJ Acoustics 150 MKII
A truly musical smallish sub. Best for music, very fast and a great match for the Merlins and ribbon speakers. A bit better than REL, which I believe was the point!
Skylan 4 post
Great custom stands mated to Merlin TSM-MXr speakers.
