My $650k house is now going to be an $850k home

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by kennyt

I'm with Andrew on the speakers, keep it all in the same company. Close timber match is just that, CLOSE! I take it to the next level and believe in using the same amps for all channels (an axiom I am currently slightly breaking) as that can affect transitions as well, even when using different lines within a manufacturer.

Hell, you bought the SC-1, don't skimp elsewhere and do it half...... well, you know where I'm going. I for one LOVE my Meridian 861, nothing i have found does as well, especially when paired with a Meridian player! Theta is really nice too, not quite as smooth as the Meridian gear to my ears, but very accurate.

So you're saying I shouldn't save money with a Goo Screen with the SC-1?

I really want the Meridian HD DVD player, so I'm hoping to combine that with the new Meridian processor that has HDMI, etc. I'll wait if I have to and use NAD products that I can move to the bedroom after.

I'm going to fly out to Colorado sometime soon to listen to Avalon Acoustics for their "Symbol System," Robert Harley told me I had to audition them so I'm going to get around to it (albeit year or so after being told that).

[deacongreg]

Originally Posted by Robinson_A

I wouldn't go Maggies for the sides and rears, for the wall mounted MMG's are a bit of a hassle and won't look as good as your ML's. They are good for the money but I would use ML's inwalls for the rears and sides.

Meridian is good. McIntosh is very solid and lends a bit of richness to the ML's but I would seriously look into Bel Canto. You could Mono block every channel for the price of one McIntosh amp by going Bel Canto. If your space is large (sounds like it will be) I would feed the ML's 1000 watts per channel. The Meridian/Bel Canto matchup is AWESOME!!!!

Don't forget Krell. They have a grip of new processors coming early '08.

You may have to double up on the center channel for a screen that size...

Wow Andrew, that says a lot right there. That you are recommending the Bels over our favorite, the Mcintosh power amps. You know I`ve heard both. But not in the same room side by side.

[glocksout]

The SC-1 is custom built for your installation, so this will be absolutely beautiful. Sam Runco is supposed to visit you or something, but he retired.

I might suggest Halcro for your amplifier/processor.

[deacongreg]

Originally Posted by Lotus

So you're saying I shouldn't save money with a Goo Screen with the SC-1?

I really want the Meridian HD DVD player, so I'm hoping to combine that with the new Meridian processor that has HDMI, etc. I'll wait if I have to and use NAD products that I can move to the bedroom after.

I'm going to fly out to Colorado sometime soon to listen to Avalon Acoustics for their "Symbol System," Robert Harley told me I had to audition them so I'm going to get around to it (albeit year or so after being told that).

Well, now with the Warner Brothers pull out, you won`t need the Meridian HD DVD player now!!

[rlpiii]

I too built a custom home in DFW, TX about a year ago, and what Ken said early on in the thread about expecting higher costs and longer build times is very true. The builders schedule ends up being controlled by when/if his subs get around to doing what they are supposed to do. My 3-4 month home build ended up taking nearly a year.

With as much money as you are putting into your theater, you really should consider Halcro. I have the SSP-200 and I'm using two McIntosh MC207 amps - everything is bi-amped.

I am not a big fan of Martin Logan though - every time I listened to them they beamed, but it has been a while since I listened. I have not heard any of the new stuff yet.

Good luck with the building process - it wore me out. I think was about ready to strangle the builder by the time it was finally finished.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by rlpiii

I too built a custom home in DFW, TX about a year ago, and what Ken said early on in the thread about expecting higher costs and longer build times is very true. The builders schedule ends up being controlled by when/if his subs get around to doing what they are supposed to do. My 3-4 month home build ended up taking nearly a year.

With as much money as you are putting into your theater, you really should consider Halcro. I have the SSP-200 and I'm using two McIntosh MC207 amps - everything is bi-amped.

I am not a big fan of Martin Logan though - every time I listened to them they beamed, but it has been a while since I listened. I have not heard any of the new stuff yet.

Good luck with the building process - it wore me out. I think was about ready to strangle the builder by the time it was finally finished.

I'm not worried about the building process at all. The builder is family and thus I really have no worries.

As for the processor. I'm going to wait it out. The speakers for the theater will likely be the Avalon Acoustics Symbol Series with VTL amplification (3 S400s). The MLs and Bel Cantos are going into my stereo listening room.

I think the processor will come down to the new Arcam FMJ model and a Meridian processor.