[Clueless in OK]

Just moved into a new house. I have an 18' x 23' room (18 feet front to rear) that I want to install a home theater system.

My budget is around $5000.

I would prefer a projector over an LED or LCD TV.

I need everything - Projector, screen, receiver, speakers, blu ray, remote, etc.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with the various options out there.

Looking for some guidance.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ozar]

I need everything - Projector, screen, receiver, speakers, blu ray, remote, etc.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with the various options out there.

Hello and welcome to the forums! :wave:

I have no experience with projectors and screens so won't comment on those.

Otherwise, for receivers take a look at Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha. Onkyo seems to be the most bang for the buck, currently.

Speakers are the hardest component to choose in my opinion, unless you can listen to each brand and model in the same room with the same source. I'd recommend going with a separate subwoofer option such as Hsu, Outlaw, or SVS. Those that come with complete speaker sets usually won't match the quality and output of the brands I've mentioned. Of course there are exceptions, and other good brands.

For remote controls, I have three pretty good ones, those being the Logitech Harmony One, the URC-R50, and the URC-WR7, with the last one being my favorite, and the least expensive of the bunch.

I'd personally recommend calling various vendors and talking to someone in sales rather than paying the online price for most of these things because they will frequently give you a much better deal if you talk to them in person.

 

[drumslinger]

I will know your feeling soon enough. We are fixing to move into our newly built home as well and the game room will become the media room which is pretty close to yours (21 x 16.5). 8 months and finally a walk through this Friday...YES!!

 

[tonyvdb]

$5000 for a budget is a decent amount to work with but the projector alone will run you at least $1500 for decent. Panasonic or Epson have great models in that price range.
A screen will cost around $400 for a decent one and the rest is for mostly the audio side.
This SVS speaker system along with this sub is a great start.

 

[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
As far as Projectors go, I really think Sony's SXRD create the most lifelike images. Sony's Digital Projector Technology is so good that almost every Movie Theater that is switching to Digital Projectors (a huge amount due to the myriad savings including no more Shipping of Film Prints)
This Sony SXRD Projector Retails for $4000, but Amazon is selling it for almost $1000 less:http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VPLHW30AES-300-Inch-1080p-Projector/dp/B005GUAIJW
Here is a Review:http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony_vpl-hw30es_3d_projector_review.htm
And Here is one from a major A/V Magazine: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/test-report-sony-vpl-hw30es-3d-hd-projector

With roughly $3000 remaining, I would get the Onkyo TX-NR709 which can be found for around $400. If you live near a Fry's Electronics, they are blowing out 709's and the even better 809 for even less to where the 809 costs around a 709 costs. The major upgrade with the 809 is the addition of the HQV VIda Processor which is one of the finest offered on an AVR/SSP.

For Speakers, I would look at the Klipsch Icon W-14 which retails for $599, but are available from Newegg for $199 a Pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780083
They are available in a Natural Wood Finish or Black Ash. I would get 3 Pairs.

For a Subwoofer, I would go with Dual HSU VTF-2 MKV's. Truly a fantastic Subwoofer and would truly transform your Home Theater into a Theater. http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html
They sell for $519 each plus Shipping.

For Cables, Monopriice will save you a fortune and that is the way I would go to stay close to your budget.
While this proposed HT goes slightly over $5000 and does not yet include a Screen, it offers Speakers that are of a way higher quality than what should be possible for $199 a Pair, an AVR that Retails for between $899 and $1099, a Subwoofer than shames many $1000 Subwoofers, and a Projector that outperforms Projectors costing $10,000 just a few years ago. Provided $5000 is not a strict budget, this HT would be outstanding, If the budget is absolute max, I suppose you could go with only 1 Subwoofer, but going with 2 would add so much when working with this big of a Room.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[ALMFamily]

I would be curious as to which is more important to you - audio or video. That may skew your budget one way or the other.

 

[Clueless in OK]

audio is more important. I want to feel like I am at the theater.

 

[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
If wanting a Projector, Video becomes important as when talking about around 100' Screen a low quality PJ looks pretty bad. Also, without a Projector, it is impossible to feel like you are at a Movie Theater. Truth be told, this gear will sound better than many run of the mill Movie Theaters. The proposal I laid out would honestly sound great as the Klipschs are super efficient. That is they will play super loud with not much AVR Power, but are also a high quality pair of Klipschs. The HSU Research VTF-2 sounds amazing when using just one, but really becomes something special when using 2 of them. And lastly, the Onkyo sounds great for the price with an excellent Amplifier Stage, Audyssey MultEQ XT Room Correction, THX Post Processing and more.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[needspeed52]

Hello,
As far as Projectors go, I really think Sony's SXRD create the most lifelike images. Sony's Digital Projector Technology is so good that almost every Movie Theater that is switching to Digital Projectors (a huge amount due to the myriad savings including no more Shipping of Film Prints)
This Sony SXRD Projector Retails for $4000, but Amazon is selling it for almost $1000 less:http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VPLHW30AES-300-Inch-1080p-Projector/dp/B005GUAIJW
Here is a Review:http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony_vpl-hw30es_3d_projector_review.htm
And Here is one from a major A/V Magazine: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/test-report-sony-vpl-hw30es-3d-hd-projector

With roughly $2000 remaining, I would get the Onkyo TX-NR709 which can be found for around $400. If you live near a Fry's Electronics, they are blowing out 709's and the even better 809 for even less to where the 809 costs around a 709 costs. The major upgrade with the 809 is the addition of the HQV VIda Processor which is one of the finest offered on an AVR/SSP.

For Speakers, I would look at the Klipsch Icon W-14 which retails for $599, but are available from Newegg for $199 a Pair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780083
They are available in a Natural Wood Finish or Black Ash. I would get 3 Pairs.

For a Subwoofer, I would go with Dual HSU VTF-2 MKV's. Truly a fantastic Subwoofer and would truly transform your Home Theater into a Theater. http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html
They sell for $519 each plus Shipping.

For Cables, Monopriice will save you a fortune and that is the way I would go to stay close to your budget.
While this proposed HT goes slightly over $5000 and does not yet include a Screen, it offers Speakers that are of a way higher quality than what should be possible for $199 a Pair, an AVR that Retails for between $899 and $1099, a Subwoofer than shames many $1000 Subwoofers, and a Projector that outperforms Projectors costing $10,000 just a few years ago. Provided $5000 is not a strict budget, this HT would be outstanding, If the budget is absolute max, I suppose you could go with only 1 Subwoofer, but going with 2 would add so much when working with this big of a Room.
Cheers,
JJ

Jack, how about the HSU hybrid 5.1 package, four HB-1 MK2's, one HC-1 MK2 center and a VTF-2 MK4 priced at $1249, he can always add the second sub when funds are available. I don't know why I'm asking you my friend, it's the OP's decision. The 709 or 809 would drive this setup easily. I checked Frys I did not see any deals on the 809 or 709.
Jeff

 

[needspeed52]

Just moved into a new house. I have an 18' x 23' room (18 feet front to rear) that I want to install a home theater system.

My budget is around $5000.

I would prefer a projector over an LED or LCD TV.

I need everything - Projector, screen, receiver, speakers, blu ray, remote, etc.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with the various options out there.

Looking for some guidance.

Thanks in advance.

WELCOME Clue, I have a suggestion for your BD player, the Panasonic BDT 220, about $135, CNET Editors Choice, also see my post above for speaker setup, again welcome to the Shack.
Jeff

 

[ALMFamily]

As usual, JJ is spot on - if you are looking for a theater-like experience, video will be just as important as audio and you cannot go wrong with the system he suggested.

 

[Jungle Jack]

Jeff,
The HSU Package is a great idea as well and would come up just a little more expensive. The advantage would be having a true Center Channel, but when using a PJ and Screen the OP can actually benefit from having identical Speakers for all Channels thanks to being able to setup the Front Stage behind the Screen. Moreover, there would also be an extra Icon for use as a Surround Back Speaker in addition to them originally being $600 a pair. So I do think the Icons are nicer looking and with a more heavily braced Cabinet. I especially like the Icons in the Natural Wood Finish. Both Speakers are Horn Loaded, which I think is a great idea with a pretty big Room where you want as much clean output as possible.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[needspeed52]

Jeff,
The HSU Package is a great idea as well and would come up just a little more expensive. The advantage would be having a true Center Channel, but when using a PJ and Screen the OP can actually benefit from having identical Speakers for all Channels thanks to being able to setup the Front Stage behind the Screen. Moreover, there would also be an extra Icon for use as a Surround Back Speaker in addition to them originally being $600 a pair. So I do think the Icons are nicer looking and with a more heavily braced Cabinet. I especially like the Icons in the Natural Wood Finish. Both Speakers are Horn Loaded, which I think is a great idea with a pretty big Room where you want as much clean output as possible.
Cheers,
JJ

JJ, that is more practical and having the extra Icon for a back channel would help a lot with some extra output, I forgot the OP was going the PJ route so yes having identical speakers for the front stage would be ideal, I did not know the Icons were better braced and looked so nice, I've owned Klipsch Chorus back in the day and really have had no experience with them since, you suggested the Icon for my wife in another post, I thank you for that. I think the OP would be very happy with your suggestion and especially with dual VTF's. Good call my friend.
Jeff

 

[ElectMonkey]

I wish I have $5000 to spend on home theater :-\

 

[HTip]

I agree with JJ that video is just as important as audio to get the HT experience. When selecting a projector also make sure it is for home use and especially for home theater. Be aware that the entry level model of Epson (Pro Lite 3010) has no lens shift possibilities so mounting could be an issue. And with most projectors you should be able to darken your room as a bat cave

Audio is even more difficult, because your choice depends largely on your personal taste. And matching is everything, so choose the speakers to your liking which sound good with i.e Onkyo.

Last but not least, equipment is not everything. Proper placement and setup is vital to the best listening experience. And I won't start on acoustic treatment

 

[Jungle Jack]

Hello,
I hope the OP has not been scared off as there has not been another Post from him. With $5000, there is definitely a quality HT to be had.
J

 

[drumslinger]

JJ,

I'm not the OP but I took your advice and jumped on 3 pair of the Klipsch Icon W-14 for my new home (room size 16.5L x 21.5W) along with the Onkyo TX NR709. Subs will have to hold for now until we move in next week. We are in a 2 bdrm apt right now and it's cramped! lol Acoustic treatments will be done after i analyze the empty room to see where my peaks and dips are and apply treatment accordingly. Thanks again.

Cary

 

[Jungle Jack]

JJ,

I'm not the OP but I took your advice and jumped on 3 pair of the Klipsch Icon W-14 for my new home (room size 16.5L x 21.5W) along with the Onkyo TX NR709. Subs will have to hold for now until we move in next week. We are in a 2 bdrm apt right now and it's cramped! lol Acoustic treatments will be done after i analyze the empty room to see where my peaks and dips are and apply treatment accordingly. Thanks again.

Cary

Cary,
Welcome to HTS. You got a fantastic value and I realy think you will love how it sounds. You got an almost $3000 setup for around $1000 and better sill a fantastic AVR that compares with ones costing in the thousands and those Klipschs are just an insane value.
Cheers,
JJ

 

[Clueless in OK]

JJ,

Thanks for the guidance.

After reviewing the posts, I will definitely go with the Onkyo TX-NR709 AVR. I couldn't find the $400 deal at Fry's, but found it for $500 at another supplier.

On the speakers, momma wants in wall speakers. I noticed some HIW-1 Horn In Wall speakers at HSU. My package would be (4) of the HIW-1 in wall speakers, (1) HC-1 MK2 Horn Center Channel, and two of the HSU VTF-2 MKV's or two of the HSU VTF-1 MK2 subwoofers. Is this OK or should I fight the wife on the Klipsh speakers and HSU VTF-2 MKV subs -- if this is a better system let me know.

Before you recommended the Sony VPL HW30AES ($3000 price). I was focusing on the Panasonic PT-AE7000U ($2500 price) or the Epson Home Cinema 5010 ($2600 price). Is the Sony the best?? Where would the others rank??

Thanks again for the guidance. There are so many options out there, getting advice from an expert helps lessen the fear of buying the wrong thing.

Clueless

 

[tonyvdb]

In wall speakers are always a compromise in sound quality unless you spend a fair bit more. The Klipsh would sound much better.