logo Sign In

The best upgrade for a home theater?

Author
Date
Author
Time
 (Edited)
Post link

My granddad just recently came into a crapload of extra cash (no, no one died), and has decided to give his home theater a mega-sized upgrade. Since I'm the only one in the immediate family that's technically savvy (read: I can use the Internet), he asked me for some advice. I figured that I'd suggest the best technology available. This is what I plan to tell him so far:

1080p HDTV: Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U
7.1 Channel Sound System: Cambridge SoundWorks Newton MC650HD 5.1 Home Theater System + 2 MC650HD Speakers
Profile 2.0 BD/DVD Player: Panasonic DMP-BD50

Right now, he could get these for $6,400 (and that's without searching for a deal, which I'm sure we can find). Are these good choices? Does anybody have any suggestions?

Author
Time
Post link

I have a 42" 1080p Panasonic plasma from their previous generation, and it's fantastic. Reviews of the current gen are even better because they finally got the contrast to where it needs to be to dethrone CRT. The one you've selected is certainly a great choice.

However, at the price of that TV, you're venturing into front projector land. Having owned many front projectors, I can tell you that it's definitely the way to go for true theater-like entertainment. Would his room allow for a projector?

For the speakers, I've owned plenty of those also. My favorites in your price range are Ascend Acoustics. Their speakers are ridiculously accurate and well-built at a really good price, although they do have a relatively new high-end model called the Sierra-1 that costs a bit more. You can use the system calculator on their site to put a package together and add up the cost. I recommend the following:

CMT-340 SE for L/R/C

CBM-170 SE x 4 for the surrounds

For the subwoofer, take a look at SVS. Really cool cylindrical subs.

Forum Administrator

MTFBWY…A

Author
Time
 (Edited)
Post link
Jay said:
Would his room allow for a projector?

 

Sadly, no. The TV will be placed in a corner, and there isn't an adequate wallspace that's convenient to sit around (most of the chairs are facing away from it, there's pictures everywhere, etc.). Which sucks, because I was wanting to get that R2-D2 projector.

Author
Time
Post link

The AVS forums were recommended to me by a friend when I started looking for a 5.1 system.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

F Scale score - 3.3333333333333335

You are disciplined but tolerant; a true American.

Pissing off Rob since August 2007.