$3,500 vs. $39,999? What you get for the money?

$3,500 vs. $39,999 ? What you get for the money.On our website, we have home theater media room packages that range in price from $3,500 to over $100,000. So if you’re thinking of buying equipment for your media room, what should you expect to get for $3500 and what $39,000?

For starters, the $3,500 home theater media room is based on entry level products from some of the manufacturers we represent. We change the equipment periodically so that we offer the best value we can for the money. Right now, that would include a Pioneer 5.1 channel receiver with HDMI switching, up to a 100″ film screen, an Optoma 1080p projector, mount, 2 ? HDMI interconnect cables for components, a 5.1 surround sound speaker system, a bluray DVD player, surge protection (very important) and basic installation.

When someone calls on this package, I always first ask what size the theater room is that they are planning to install it in. This system wasn’t designed to be installed in a huge room so we need to clear that up pretty quickly. The last thing you want to do is buy a system, any system, and be underwhelmed. The $3500 home theater media room package has other limitations as well and the biggest is with the projector. This is a $1,000 1080p home theater projector ? currently one of the least expensive ones on the market. That means no lens shift and limited throw distance. So, the projector has to be mounted in a very limited location. Don’t misunderstand – done right, this system would satisfy a lot of people. But it does need to be done right and it does have limitations.

Now, what does $39,999 get you? Well, with that kind of money, you move into the world of “audiophile” and “videophile” equipment. We’ll start with speakers. That kind of money buys a Snell THX Ultra2 7.2 system. The “.2″ in the system represents two Snell Basis 550 subwoofers (with 2 ? 12” woofers each!) Make no mistake; this is a world class speaker system that would make you think twice about ever going to a movie theater again. You’ll hear soundtracks differently than ever before. I often find that I hear things in movies that I’ve watched 1,000 times that I’ve never heard before. The level of detail and the subtle nuances are brought to life in a system like this. The electronics in the system are also top notch, and THX Ultra2 certified. This home theater media room package use Parasound electronic products (they are the company that supplies some of the electronics to George Lucas’s Skywalker Ranch and has been credited in the Star Wars films.)

Before I continue, one thing I should mention is that when you move into a system like this, you have to apply the “weakest link” theory ? the system will only be as good as its weakest link. So, that means high end video and audio cable interconnects, high end speaker cables, high end surge protection? you get the idea.

For the video side of things, we use a JVC DiLA 1080p projector and a Stewart filmscreen (long noted as the industry reference screen.) Even out of the box, this is an incredible video system. It’s jaw-dropping when properly calibrated.

$39,999 is a lot of money for anything, especially an entertainment item. Obviously not everyone will be in the market for a system on this level. But whether you’re a DIY’er or you hire a company to do the work, try to go out and see a system like this to allow you to have a reference level that to compare and then strive to come as close to that as possible in your system.

We’re just finishing designing our $100,000 home theater media room package. That will take the reference level to 11!

-Clay Hankins is the CEO of The Audio Guy, LLC located in theDallas, TX area and serving the Dallas Home Theater, Media Rooms and surroundingDFW area markets.

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Interior Design and Home Theater

Luxury homes and audio video do not have to be mutually exclusive. There, I said it. One of the greatest obstacles in the path to a beautiful home ANDmodern technology is closed mindedness. Audio/Video integrators can work handin hand with interior designers so that the end user/home owner can have both abeautifully designed home and the latest technology. Fortunately, manufacturersof a/v equipment are spending a great amount of energy designing products thatseamlessly integrate into décor without drawing attention to themselves. Some,like art frames for flat panel TV’s are even covering up technology when it isnot in use!

There are products that completely disappear into the environment.For example, some manufacturers make speakers that can be textured and paintedover. Imagine how happy a home owner would be with a beautifully faux finishedwall or ceiling that didn’t have to include an ugly speaker grill! There arealso speakers that can be covered with art fabric to look like a paintinginstead of a speaker. Whole home automation products can be incorporated tocontrol lighting scenes that interior designers can use to accent the areasthey want to stand out. Not only does this give the homeowner control of thelighting and moods, it can be used to control electricity costs as well byproviding remote access to the smart systems of the home.

So, all you interior designers – take heart! There are product that will enhance the lives of your clients without destroying the vision of your project. Give us a call so we can help direct you to those products.

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Custom Home Theater vs. Home Theater in a Box

Custom Home Theater vs. Home Theater in a Box

Budget is generally one of, if not the, most important factors when designing a home theater. In the entry level arena of home theater, many manufacturers sell some variation of a “home theater in a box.” For sure, some of these systems can quite adequate at fitting many consumers’ needs.  Now, for arguments sake, we need to eliminate anything that most home theater companies would not use (read dirt cheap here) and anything that has a price tag over, say $1000. The reason for the former being obvious, the reason for the latter exception being that most of us could put a pretty decent system together for the $3,000 you would pay for some Bose systems. So for the purpose of this article, I’ll compare a system that I looked at on line that includes a Denon AVR1612 receiver and a 5.1 set of Klipsch speakers for about $800 to a custom home theater that’s around $1300.

The Home Theater in a Box System

The Good

First, the products in the home theater in a box come from very well respected companies. Both companies are known primarily for their audio products and do not make microwaves, refrigerators, TV’s, weed eaters, etc.  Denon makes A/V electronics, and Klipsch makes speakers.

The Bad

Though the quality of this particular system is not an issue, it does have its limitations. The Denon is rated at 75 watts per channel and is a 5.1 receiver. That means no 7.1, ever, and no multi-zone capability. The multi-zone or 7.1 may not end up being a big deal but if it ever is, it’ll be time for a new receiver. The Klipsch’s biggest limitation is the subwoofer. At 80 watts and with a 6.5” driver, it won’t deliver impact bass for home theater especially in a room bigger than a small bedroom.


The Custom Home Theater

Now that we’ve looked over the Home Theater in a Box, let’s presume our client has decided to call in a home theater company. For argument’s sake, let’s say the client is trying to do an average theater, maybe 13’ x 18’.

First, the theater in the box is not going to cut it. That system would be way underwhelming because of the above noted issues.  I would recommend a Denon AVR1912 and a Polk T1 satellite system with a Paradigm PDR100 subwoofer. This would bump up the budget about $500 at retail (less if done in a theater package) but would be an entirely different system. The sub would be able to handle a room of that size (it has a 10″ speaker and 300 watts of power), and the receiver (90 watts per channel) has the option to expand to either 7.1 or could run a second set of speakers in another zone AND play something independent of what’s on in the home theater.

Understandably, a few hundred more dollars may be a deal breaker for some, but if I was asked my advice on the set up, I would tell someone to wait a little, save their money and get the right gear. Remember, you’re paying an experience. And although the theater in the box would work in that example, it would be line asking a 4 cylinder car to pull a trailer up a mountain incline. You might make it to the top, but it probably won’t be a great experience.

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How to Audition Loudspeakers, Part II

AUDITIONING LOUDSPEAKERS (PART II)

 

In my last post, I discussed the first steps in the process of finding new loudspeakers for your home theater system.  The information in this post will complete that process.  Before we dive in, I want to note that these steps could be used to audition any piece of audio equipment, such as receivers or media players, not just loudspeakers.  Now, let’s find some great new speakers!

 

Narrow the Field

 

This stage is crucial and can be tricky.  If you audition too many speakers, you won’t be able to keep them all straight.  But, if you audition too few, you may be ignoring your best option.  I recommend that you choose three to five contenders using the following criteria:

  1. Budget:  Know how much you want to spend before you begin this quest.  Keep in mind that your speakers are often the most important aspect in determining your system’s overall sound.  Also, remember that while electronics will eventually become obsolete, speakers that are well maintained can last for decades.
  2. Independent Reviews:  Educate yourself on the subject, and see what experts are saying.  However, don’t put too much stock in specifications and measurements – your ear alone must be the final judge.  What really matters is the sound that gives you the most enjoyment.
  3. Dealer Advice:  Once you have a few ideas, contact a reputable home theater dealer, like The Audio Guy, and discuss your plans.  The dealer may have personal experience with some of the speakers you would like to audition and may have some suggestions that you had not yet considered.

 

Audition

 

Finally!  The time has come to start listening to your future speakers!  Before you start listening, though, try to arrange your audition so that it is as scientific as possible.

  1. Location:  If at all possible, try to audition your new speakers in your current theater/listening room.  Speakers’ performance is very dependent on the room, so hearing all of your contestants in the same space (if not your space) is key.
  2. Equipment:  Every piece of equipment in your system adds a signature to the sound.  Make sure that the signal path remains the same for each audition.
  3. Volume:  Some speakers respond to electric signals more efficiently than others.  So, before you begin each audition, make sure that you test the playback level with an SPL meter (using this measurement as your guide, the volume setting on your receiver may not be the same for all auditions).

 

Once you have made the necessary preparations, begin listening to your reference material.  It may help to prepare a list of criteria by which you will evaluate the speakers.  For example, there may be tiny musical details that you discovered while exploring your reference recordings; tonal balance among all of the instruments; width, height and, depth of the soundstage; and dynamic contrast, just to name a few.  Listen through your reference material many times, focusing on just one criterion with each run.  As you listen, take plenty of notes.  Otherwise, your listening sessions may blur together unintentionally.

 

After exploring the characteristics of the potential speakers, it is time to make a choice.  Let your notes be your guide.  I suggest looking for indications that you really enjoyed the experience, that you lost yourself in your reference recording.

 

Choosing new loudspeakers can be a big decision, but the process doesn’t have to be mysterious or stressful.  You don’t even have to have “golden ears”.  By following the steps outlined in this series of blog posts, you can be confident that you have made an informed, well-researched decision, the results of which you will certainly enjoy for years to come.  Enjoy your new speakers!

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How to Audition Loudspeakers

AUDITIONING LOUDSPEAKERS

 

With the arrival of the New Year, many people are starting to plan upgrades to their home theater systems.  Because of the plethora of excellent manufacturers available, choosing new loudspeakers for your theater can be a daunting task.  But, with a little time and patience, you can find the ideal speakers for your space.  In this series of posts, I will outline a step-by-step process for auditioning loudspeakers for your system.

 

Calibrate Your Ears

 

Ideally, your speakers should reproduce music and movies in such a lifelike way that you feel as if you are at a live performance or in the middle of the action.  So, the first step to finding great speakers is to research the sound of live performance and excellent theater.  Fortunately, the D/FW area offers plenty of opportunities to do so.  For music lovers, I suggest buying tickets to a favorite group when they pass through on tour.  Alternatively, you could attend a concert by one of the areas excellent local ensembles, such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Wind Symphony, or the North Texas Wind Symphony.  Those three groups would be particularly good choices because they all have produced audiophile quality recordings that are readily available (more on that later).  For movies, I suggest seeing a screening at one of the area’s smaller art theaters (they often offer Hollywood titles as well as art films).  These theaters generally have sound systems that are better calibrated and maintained than those in larger theaters.  Finally, while you are listening, take notes: What do you hear?  Where in space do you perceive the musicians when you close your eyes?  How many individual instruments and voices can you identify?  What sounds can you also feel (for example, kick drums often will “thud” in your chest)?

 

Find a Great Recording

 

Now that you know what ideal sound reproduction would be, it’s time to find a reference recording.  This recording will be your faithful companion as you begin to audition candidates for your new speaker system.  It would be in your best interest purchase a CD, SACD, Audio DVD, or download high resolution FLAC or ALAC files for this purpose.  Compressed MP3 and AAC files will only distort your ability to make an informed decision.  Choose two or three contrasting tracks, and become very familiar with the music.  Listen on your current system, on friends’ systems, and with good headphones.  Again, make some notes: What elements of the live performance does the recording reproduce well?  What elements does the recording reproduce poorly?  If you chose to attend a performance by one of the three D/FW ensembles listed above, you might consider using one of the following recordings as your reference:

 

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos / Paganini Rhapsody

Stephen Hough performing with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (Andrew Litton, cond.)

Hyperion Records

This live recording of the Rachmaninov piano concertos is widely hailed as one of the best available.  It would be a fun experiment to compare a live performance of a piano concerto in the Myerson Symphony Center to the performances on this recording.

 

Lincolnshire Posy: Music for band by Percy Grainger

Dallas Wind Symphony (Jerry Junkin, cond.)

Reference Recordings

Percy Grainger composed some of the most timeless music in the wind band repertoire, so you should have no trouble finding a DWS concert with a little Grainger on the program.  Moreover, Grainger’s music is filled with tiny details – perfect for putting new speakers to the test.

 

Encryptions

North Texas Wind Symphony (Eugene Migliaro Corporon, cond.)

GIA Publications

This recording includes music by some of today’s most important composers, including Joseph Turrin and Michael Colgrass.  The NTWS often performs works by these composers, and tickets to their concerts are very affordable.  The recording engineer, Bruce Leek, does an excellent job of capturing the acoustics of Winspear Hall.

 

Now that you have completed your homework (and I hope you had fun in the process), it’s time to begin auditioning your new speakers!  More on this process in my next post.

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Made In America

Is it possible to build an entire home theater from American speakers and electronics?

One of the wonderful perks of being an Audio Guy is the opportunity to be exposed to the vast array of audio and video equipment that passes through our office.  This is also a curse, since exposure to so much new gear encourages a person to start dreaming of ever more intuitive combinations of equipment and more engaging home theater systems (such dreams have proven hazardous to many a wallet).  A few months ago, I noticed a Triad subwoofer passing through, and I took an interest in the company.  Most Triad speakers are built to order in Portland, OR, making them one of the few speaker companies that still manufactures their product in the USA.  That discovery sparked a personal research project – could I design an entire home theater using only components manufactured in the USA?  (A brief disclaimer before I reveal the results of my experiment – I make no claim that any of these components might be considered “budget”.  There are certainly better price/performance values to be had in many of these categories, but that wasn’t the object of the project.)

Speakers

Finding speakers was the easiest portion of my quest; Triad Speakers* was the obvious choice.  Triad maintains an enormous catalogue, ensuring that they can provide speakers for any situation and any budget.  In addition to their subwoofers, Triad also offers complete lines of in-room and in-wall main and surround speakers, ensuring perfect timbre matching across all channels.  In fact, every in-room speaker that Triad builds has an in-wall equivalent, so customers never have to sacrifice audio performance for interior design.

Screen

As it turns out, two of the world’s most respected filmscreen manufacturers are headquartered in the United States.  First is Stewart Filmscreens* of Torrance, CA.  Since 1947, Stewart has produced the screens against which all others are measured.  Stewart’s products are made of the most innovative materials and are manufactured to the absolute highest standards.  The company has undertaken some of the most ambitious and innovative projects in film projection history.  These screens reflect an absolutely spectacular image, as described here by Audio Guy owner, Clay Hankins.  In addition to their stock sizes, Stewart can create custom screens for almost any application. Second is Severtson Screens* of Mesa, AZ.  Severtson lists an impressive list of clients, including IMAX theaters.  Their screens offer a variety of technologically advanced coatings that optimize the viewing experience for different locations with different lighting characteristics.  While not quite as customizable as Stewart screens, Severtson’s products present excellent value and are all made in the USA.

Projector

One of the world’s most recognizable projector companies, Runco, is headquartered in Beaverton, OR.  Runco distinguishes itself by providing cutting edge technology, including 3D and LED projection, and by devoting itself entirely to home theater projection.  Many of Runco’s products carry THX certification, and their installation gallery is a testament to their high level of flexibility and functionality.

Processor/Amplifier/Receiver

This category is a bit trickier.  Most major manufacturers, focusing on including ever more technology and functionality while maintaining a low price point, have relocated their electronics manufacturing overseas.  However, there are still a few excellent options for those specifically looking for a domestically manufactured product.  Anthem* is the sibling company to Paradigm speakers.  Though the company is headquartered in Ottowa, Canada, I thought that it would still be appropriate to include it in this post, since some of its manufacturing facilities are in the USA[1].  Anthem has an excellent international reputation.  In professional installations, its equipment is used by both NASA and the French national radio station (broadcasting from atop the Eiffel Tower), just to name a few.  The technology behind Anthem’s products is developed in the Paradigm Advanced Research Center (PARC), which houses an anechoic chamber that is reputed to be one of the quietest places on Earth.  This facility allows Anthem to conduct exhaustive testing on every new product before releasing it to consumers, ensuring incredibly exacting performance.  Though Anthem’s product catalogue may seem a bit sparse, their focus seems to be on producing a few exceptional products rather than many mediocre ones.  Some other companies that also manufacture excellent home theater electronics in the USA include McIntosh Labs of Binghampton, NY and Cary Audio of Apex, NC.

Source Components

Finding domestically manufactured source components for a home theater was the most difficult portion of this project, since the DVD and Blu-ray revolutions have largely been led by companies based in Southeast Asia.  However, there are some outstanding North American options.  Do note that with all of the following products, you will pay a substantial premium for their expert craftsmanship and reference-grade performance.  For video playback, you might consider the DX-5 Universal A/V Engine by Ayre Acoustics of Boulder, CO.  The DX-5 is based on the world-class Oppo video decoding board, but the similarities to Oppo players end there.  The engineers at Ayre have created a source component tailored for the most discriminating videophiles and multi-channel audio enthusiasts.  Or, if your tastes run more towards computer audio or CD playback, you might explore the offerings from PS Audio*, also based in Boulder, CO.  Their CD/DVD-A player and DACs are some of the finest in the industry, not to mention that their touch screen interfaces are absolutely stunning.

Power Conditioning

To think that I almost forgot power!  It would be a shame to have all of this lovely Made in the USA equipment and then have nothing but the wall socket to send it power!  Fortunately, PS Audio offers the perfect solutions in this category.  Trusted by world-class recording engineers and home audio enthusiasts alike, these conditioners are simply excellent.  From their Dectet Power Center to the immense P10 Power Plant, PS Audio has an array of power products that offer unmatched protection for your investment.

The research involved in writing this post has made it one of my most enjoyable to date.  As I continue to upgrade my own theater, I look forward to including products by one or more of these companies.  For more information on these and other Made in the USA products, and to discover how you can integrate them into your home theater system, just call the Audio Guy!

 

[1] Only Anthem’s A/V separates are manufactured in North America.  The company’s receivers and integrated amplifier are manufactured overseas.

*The Audio Guy carries these products

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The last piece of the puzzle, for now.

Almost a year ago, we decided it was best for the company to move locations and open a showroom. Many factors were considered while making that decision and I am happy to say that this vision has almost reached completion. We are planning to open the doors sometime in early November.

We carry several lines of speakers and electronics that we have been very dedicated to that have served us well and that will continue to be a part of our lineup. But, as we near “opening day”, we have recently added McIntosh Labs to round out our fine selection of high end equipment. Along with our excellent budget components and speakers along with our other high end gear, adding McIntosh gives us a full selection of components to fit within most everyone’s budget.

As we get ready to showcase the equipment, we will have on display budget friendly products Onkyo and Denon as well as higher end electronics from Anthem and McIntosh. We will also feature speakers from Paradigm and Focal and yes, even a few turntables! We will have 2 separate theater room and a dedicated 2 channel listing room complete with acoustical treatments. We will also have a display area with home automation items as well some additional a/v gear for various install situation.

We would love to have you come in to visit us and see what The Audio Guy is all about. We aren’t your typical big box audio store with 50 pairs of speakers on display, 500 TV’s, nor will we ever be a dealer for every brand known to man. I started this company because I had a passion that I wanted to share with others, and we have continued to stay true to that path. Every brand we carry was chosen carefully with that philosophy in mind, and we don’t intend to change that as we move forward.

Though this list is not definitive, and may change, our line up now includes:

Electronics:

McIntosh Labs

Anthem

Halo by Parasond

Marantz

Denon

Onkyo

Yamaha

 

Speakers:

Focal

McIntosh Labs

Paradigm

Polk Audio

Sonance

 

Video:

Sony

Epson

DPI

LG

Samsung

 

Home Automation:

Control4

Clare Controls

Lutron

 

Cables:

AudioQuest

WireWorld

Binary Cables

Perfect Path

Ethereal

 

Acoustic Treatments:

3D Squared

Cinema Tech

Episode

 

Furniture/Seating:

United Leather

Cinema Tech

Standout Designs

Vutec Art Screens

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