Kevinicus

Mostly it's the construction, but also the automation and calibration.

Ugh, these installers are frustrating. So reluctant to actually work with what the customer wants. I had pretty much decided to go with a guy after meeting with pretty much all of them around here. I told him the equipment I was looking to go with based on the features I want in my theater. I am perfectly willing to go through him to get the equipment he carries, but I am not goimg to get something if it doesn't meet my standards. He actually said this: "It seems as if you are trying to combine AVS/DIY with contracting a A/V specialist. I am very wary of these types of projects, mostly due to the overwhelming amount of "bad" or "poor" information and misleading ideas, concepts and protocols. If you prefer to approach your project as a DIY, it might be better for you to use another contractor. Trying to manage, design, integrate and program such a project is very difficult as it is; then throw in DIY variables/directions will just complicate the project even more. I have been down this road more than once, and prefer not to travel it again. " I can understand reluctance to work with people who think they're an expert in everything, but I just want to have input into the main equipment, and I would defer to his expertise for design, setup, and installation. I don't think it is too much to ask to work with the equipment I select as long as it is capable of functioning together. What would he say to someone who called up and said, "Hey, I have this projector, screen, and speakers, can you build me a home theater?"

If I decide to do the baffle then I'll do the cinemas. The extra cost for the cinema's isn't much, especially if I save a little with DIY subs. We'll see what we can get worked up design wise and figure it out from there. I'm definitely ready to get moving on things. I've got a lot of demolition to get done here the next couple of weeks (not going to pay someone to do the one thing I feel comfortable with). Who knows, maybe I'll have more budget to spare than I think, and if the baffle thing can work, then I can go with the 904s instead of the 325s.

Yeah, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get to hear the Cinemas, but family stuff cropped up. I'm sorry you had to drag them upstairs for nothing. Nonetheless, I was impressed with Klipsch, and didn't find them bright or harsh at all. I actually felt like I could make out more detail than with most speakers I've heard. I'm still tempted to jump in and get some cinemas, but I would definitely have to see what can be figured out on the design and budget end of things. That sub is just massive. With the exception of 2 towers, it might be able to fit all the speakers I've ever owned inside of the space it occupies, and I wouldn't be surprised if it could fit one of those towers too. I definitely may consider the DIY subs. If I can get a couple of 18's done for less than the SVS subs, then that maybe the way to go.

I dunno, some guy called Scooby or something like that.

I will. The THX's I was considering before were the 7800's (for LCR) and KS-525's (surrounds). If I am to consider the Cinemas, I have to look at building a baffle wall, and I am a little concerned about eating up space with that. I have some big decisions to make, and to baffle or not will have a major impact on the design of the entire room.

Haha, well I am installing much more than just the speakers, and none of them have indicated they wouldn't install what I wanted, but they are definitely resistant. Of course when it comes to screens/projectors they seem even worse and with some of them I get the feeling they don't know what they are talking about. It's like they don't understand that masking is to block out part of the screen with different aspect ratios and not something that blocks out the image to make it a certain shape. I honestly don't have an opinion on Klipsch either, as the only thing I've heard was some reference ones at Best Buy. Those weren't even in the Magnolia area and were out in the main area where I couldn't hear them well at all. I'm going to someone's house this weekend to hear some Reference and Cinema's.

Hello everyone. I am in the process of building a home theater, and I've been talking to a lot of the installers in the area. I have been recommended by some that Klipsch speakers would be a way to go (possibly the THX Ultra 2 line. Now, anytime I mention this to one of the installers, they immediately start saying that they don't sound that good and they have other speakers that are better. Now, I realize, that they want to nudge me towards lines that they sell, so that they can make more money, but is that all it is? They seem to do this with projectors and screens too (which I have already made my decision on). Does anyone have a positive experience with an installer?