kde

The only thing that was plugged in was a wireless router for the ADT Pulse security system. This however was plugged into a secondary surge protector that is plugged into a separate outlet (however likely on the same circuit though).

I have had my system set up and running fine for a long time -- everything is neatly wired and in a rack set up connected to a furman elite conditioner. After not turning on the system for a week... I turned it on tonight and noticed a hum in the speakers. Everything is quiet until the audio signal is picked up and then the hum starts and does not go away. I have the Emotiva UPA7 to the UMC1 with PS3 and Directv. Thoughts?

I have the UMC-1 / UPA 7 powering the Ultra II 7.2 set and I really like it. I haven't had issues with the UMC-1 (once you get past the learning curve). Most people with the UMC get excited and then start to not like it as it takes time to get used to... then once you have everything set as you like... it's a terrific unit. I also have an apple tv, ps3, directv all hooked up to it with no interconnect issues. No speaker popping, etc. Just make sure you set it up right -- meaning which equipment piece you want to turn on first etc. I use one of the URC remotes. This setup replaced a Pioneer Elite AVR (that I rally liked).

When is it "appropriate" to make the jump to a Furman Elite power unit? For example, I like the idea of the Furman products and view them as a long-term investment that will last a long time. I have one hooked up to my main system (Emotiva separates with THX Ultra II), but it seems that a regular power conditioner would be fine with an AVR and smaller speaker setup... right?

Are there tvs (or "panels") around that do not include speakers? If I will use a surround set up... I would ideally like a clean edge around the viewing area and no built in speakers. Seems like this would be a target market for a tv manufacturer. Right now, my Pioneer plasma has detachable speakers and they have never been out of the box. Nice to have that neat black trim -- clean and simple.

If I want to go the in wall speaker route for the L & R, but the only place I can put them is much higher than ear level (say ~8 feet high from the ground and ~8 feet away from the edge of the tv)... will the in wall reference series work... or will I need something that I can angle back towards the seating position? Most of the in wall speakers I see are positioned right next to the tv and therefore directed to the listening area. I am concerned how in walls will work if they are flush against the wall and pointing straight out and not pointed to the seats. Ay advice?

Many people are mentioning "tuning". What is the best way to have this done? Are you talking about running the AVIA (or whatever) dvd or really having a professional come to the house and make adjustments? I would assume that 99% of the "normal" people take the tv out of the box and simply plug it in.

Tough call. I would have to side on the Reference Surround setup. Here is why....to me, even 60" isn't very large so I don't think I would be wowed by that. The Reference System would indeed provide the wow factor. I've personally owned that setup myself. I found if I sat 3" from the 19" TV, it was the same effect as watching a 60" TV at 11ft. funny! I guess that a large tv and surround sound out rank furniture also!

Thanks to all and thanks to Audible Nectar for the lengthy and informational post.

Given the level of response to this initial question -- I think this next question may be interesting to ask. How do you weigh the impact of a nice tv set up versus the sound in a home theater experience? For example... would you rather have a 27" standard tv and a reference surround set up... or a 60" flat screen with no surround sound? I am grateful that I'll have the ability to have both... but wondering which most people would prefer (especially from a Klipsch forum)!

Thanks for all the replies! Terrific information (that I trust -- appreciate all the viewpoints). Nice that I was able to post this quickly at work and come home to have knowledge to make a decision. I passed on a few deals yesterday during Cyber Monday to not make a rush decision. I'm thinking that these same deals will surface around Christmas and Super Bowl. My TV will be in a well lighted room with a wall of windows. The other thing I will consider is that this set up will be viewed by many angles as it will be in an open living room (the second unit will be a more traditional setting, but will likely get matching units). I have a 6 year old Pioneer 50" plasma that has been great, but now thinking about LED for this purchase.

About to purchase two new tv's -- likely the same model for two 60"s. Been out of the market for awhile -- what are the thoughts for plasma versus LED (assuming LCD's are past)? I hear that plasmas may be better for sports with a higher refresh rate, but that both have nice pictures. Looking now at the Samsung 59" plasma.

Yes... but does anyone have experience between a soundbar versus the LCR? How different is the sound? Is the only reason to go with the soundbar for design aspects?

Thanks for posting the link -- however I don't think that we will go as far as in room accoustics for this room. This will be more for comfortanble interior design and watching games on tv while being in the kitchen, etc. What are the forums thoughts a soundbar in this situation? Seems like it would be a clean set up to have everything mounted in the stone enclosure.

I was thinking about the reference in-walls for the L & R and then mounting the C under the TV in the cut out space. I think I can get the tv and the speaker in the arranged space. Does it matter that the L & R would be so far from the TV (maybe 6 - 8 feet on each side)? I also like the Gallery series and will look into them, but the ideal design would be flush mount in-wall. As far as my "mistake"... I don't think the bigger speakers were ever in the running for this audience (my parents). I'd love them in my house though.

In the attached picture -- I am asking for advice on what type of speakers to use in this configuration. This is a living room in a new home construction where a 65" tv will be mounted into the stone opening. 5.1 -- I can figure out the sub and the ceiling speakers, but looking for help with the LCR. The L & R would need to be mounted on the walls to the side of the stone work (potentially mounted in the sheetrock) with the C under the tv... or I could do a soundbar and keep everything tidy in the stonework. All the wire is run in advance and will run to a closet for hidden equipment. Purpose would generally be tv or listening to music for social settings (ex. parties)... not in depth detailed listening. Equipment will be powered by a Pioneer SC-35 or 37 or equivalent. Purposely not listing budget as I am more interested in the appropriate set up versus the cost. Not looking for floorstanding speakers in this situation. Really would appreciate any and all feedback. First time posting a picture... so hoping it works.

I'm looking at the same speakers -- interested to hear if you go with the brackets. Our new construction is getting wired on Monday.

Anyone with in wall speakers?

What are the best in wall speakers that Klipsch offers (besides the THX Ultra II -- assuming there is one)? Do in wall speakers have the "same" (relatively the same) accoustincs? I am wanting to have flush mount speakeres in a new construction project and wondering the best option. Thought about a soundbar, but leaning towards L, R, C configuration. Any issues with the sheetrock having problems with the sound / vibrations?

What are the forum members' thoughts on soundbars? For an application in a living room to be flush mounted under a flush mounted 60" screen -- these seem like a pretty option, but would the sound be in the same range as having the right and left mounted vertically beside the tv? Is the technology there yet?

What is the recommended gauge of speaker wire? Likely a 5.1 system with runs upto 30 - 40 feet. Secondly, do wall connectors add diminished sound by "breaking the connection"?

Looking for the best way to ensure A/V wiring is done correctly in a new home construction. Can anyone point me to the some good information / research?

I decided to try the easy route and simply email DTV instead of dealing with the phone. Not sure if tis is purely coincidence but since I had them look into my situation -- the DVR has been working better. I would think that I qualify for one of their better customers -- they did say in an email that 'there top engineers were working my issue" (JOKING -- they did say this, but joking that I believe it). I probably will call in when I watch some of my recorded shows and ask for a newer model. I'm running the HR-21.

Anyone else having recent trouble with their Directv DVR freezing? Several times a day mine freezes for 30 seconds... and then resumes after ~30 seconds. Sometimes it locks up and I have to hit the red rest button (missed a few suppossed to be recorded shows). For what it's worth - my model is an HR 21.

Odd... why include it in the first place if it isn't going to be put into action??? Thanks for following up...