Kal's Home Theater & Bar! (Lots 'o pics)

[kennyt]

Originally Posted by kal

While the Acurus stuff has served me well, I'm looking at upgrading the electronics and will likely be replacing it with an Anthem Statement D2 as the preamp/processor (with the excellent Gennum VXP processsor), along with their P2 and P5 amps to go 7.1 (a couple of extra Paradigm Signature ADP's needed then...). It never ends.

You will love theD2,it's agreat unit and now that it comes with Anthem's own room correction, it is one of the best deals in high end audio as well, I have had the new model w/ARC for a few weeks and am writing up the review now, it's exceptional! Their Amps are really good too, they might be a little more laid back than the Acurus, which is a good thing!

Enjoy the persuit of perfection!

[Butch]

This theater is terrific. I have to hit pause when I need to go get a beer. I'm afraid if I had this set up that I would never leave the house!

I had the Signature Servo in my theater for about 3 weeks while my Paradigm Reference Servo 15 v2 was being repaired. I can tell you that I did not want to give it back. I've not heard a sub that could do justice to a fretless bass guitar the way that thing did.

This is indeed an expensive hobby. My problem is that I have a champaign appetite but a beer budget. I try to get the best bang for my buck as each one is hard to come by. At least, with this hobby, even a 5 figure income can share in some of the enjoyment normally reserved for those with 6 figure incomes. It just takes us a little longer to get there.

[kal]

Thanks for the compliments Butch!

I'm surprised that you heard such a difference in the Signature Servo vs. the 'regular' Servo-15. Mine's only the 'regular' one (bought long before I had the Sig's). I may have to consider upgrading....

Kal

[prerich]

Beautiful system - once again I must say that the Servo 15 is one of my all time favorite subs! Love your gear, furniture - its just real nice!

[Butch]

Originally Posted by kal

Thanks for the compliments Butch!

I'm surprised that you heard such a difference in the Signature Servo vs. the 'regular' Servo-15. Mine's only the 'regular' one (bought long before I had the Sig's). I may have to consider upgrading....

Kal

The difference in the two subs was not so much in bass extension or loudness. The Signature has much better pitch definition. It just sounds smoother.

I listen to music more often than I watch movies. 95% of the time, when listening to music, I turn the sub off and use pure direct mode circumventing my pre/pro tone controls. In doing so, bass management is also defeated. The Studio 100's bass extends easily down to around 35Hz, negating the need for a sub most of the time. I also had difficulty in getting a seamless crossover (using the X30) with the Servo 15. However, when the Signature was in the loop, and using its built-in cross over, I was able to get near perfect integration with the main speakers. The Signature seemed to energize the air in the room without sounding boomy as was sometimes the case with the Servo 15. It just seemed to reinforce the base already present in the main speakers. The Servo 15 added bass to the system. The signature blended bass with the system.

I have been, and still am, pleased with the Servo 15. It is an awesome subwoofer, outperforming everything I listened to in its price range. This thing will test the structural integrity of your house. The Signature takes the Servo's power and authority and adds that last bit of refinement that makes it an excellent musical performer.

[deacongreg]

Originally Posted by kal

Thanks Ken!

While the Acurus stuff has served me well, I'm looking at upgrading the electronics and will likely be replacing it with an Anthem Statement D2 as the preamp/processor (with the excellent Gennum VXP processsor), along with their P2 and P5 amps to go 7.1 (a couple of extra Paradigm Signature ADP's needed then...). It never ends.

The one thing I'm still completely happy with is the Zenith 1200 (aka rebadged Barco Cine 8 Onyx) CRT projector. I prefer it to every latest and greatest digital (including the JVC RS1/RS2) under $20K that I've had the chance of seeing. Eventually the higher end digitals will come down in price, but for me coming from high end CRT, it's just not there yet. I'm not the only one it seems: I was emailing with Gary Reber (Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Widescreen Review) recently about the CRT projectors they use in their two reference theaters - A Sony G90 and a Runco 1200 (rebadged Barco Cine9). He had this to say:

"We love our 9-inch CRT projectors, even though we have our pick of the leading edge D-ILA, SXRD, and DLP projectors, which we also have on-hand at Widescreen Review. We are installing a factory-new Sony VPH-G90 this Friday and over the weekend, as a replacement for our broken one."

I don't have the room for a Barco Cine9 (throw distance issue and people bumping their heads in the second row), but I'd love to see one in action!

I tell ya, home theater is a (very expensive!) disease!

Kal

Yes, but nothing gives you that type of pleasure, or satisfaction. Congratulations on a superb theater.