Seb Posted April 28, 2002 Share Posted April 28, 2002 "Infact, when I was talking to them, one of the guys actually did the cupping of the hands and said, "So you like THIS kind of sound", imitating a horn. I did the hand infront of the face, "So you like THIS kind of music", he was pushing BOSE for our music room. He had a good laugh, and I had a good walk out of there." That is a good one!! You know what, you should do research yourself, and a lot, and listen to the knowledgeable people on this board, and then use the salesperson for two things: pricing and pricing. I am sorry to say that as a salesperson myself, however when one sees a $35,000 customer walk in, he thinks "ok I'm going to milk this guy for all he's got" most of the time. Of course, I wouldn't do that, but I'm not a regular salesperson. So what he'll do is push the equipment he gets the most money off of (whatever manufacturer offers the best margins), and sell you lots of accessories and gimmicks you don't necessarily need. Very often, in fact, I have seen some salespeople be jealous, and despise rich people, and then brag about how much they milked the customer in the back room. Not pretty. Therefore, I think you should trust the neutral but enthusiastic advice you can find for free here, then go to a salesperson, tell him "I want this this this and that", maybe ask him his opinion on a couple things you're less sure of, tell him you want a very good price (without telling him how much you can spend). Two advantages: 1) you'll have neutral advice in hand and will be able to talk to the sales guy as an equal or even superior, and he won't try to milk you because he won't want to risk losing the sale. 2) you won't ask any hard work from him putting together all the stuff and thinking of combinations. when somebody walks in and knows what he wants, 3/4 of the job is done. we are therefore much more incline to give the person a discount of sorts. oh, and try not to talk to the manager too much, there are exceptions but sometimes the manager is the best salesperson in the store. you don't want the best salesperson, you want the best advisor. two VERY different things. To be clear, I'd like to state what I would go for in terms of speakers: RF-7s for the front soundstage. RF-5s in the rear (if you want to save money, and who doesn't?). Twin CS-Ultra package for the subs. as for the amplification, I think good advice has been given here, you really can't go wrong with that ATI package, saw it in action at the Montreal hifi show... a dream come true! a good thing is to have a friend as the salesperson. however, please note that even that advice isn't completely neutral, as his recommendations will focus only on what is offered in his store. nobody will tell you "go to that store, they have a better product we don't have", not even a friend. The best would be to have a neutral audio/video specialist/installer, he would be most helpful. I have an idea and may eventually start a business such as that, with no affiliation to equipment manufacturers, completely neutral. Except I'm not sure people would really see the immense value offered by this. I don't know if you can find someone in your area like that, but I do know that the closest thing is this bulletin board. Do you really think you could go more wrong on any Klipscher's suggestion than on a commissioned dealer's? Since we are not seasoned videophile, I would advise posting on another specialized board, they will surely recommend a lot of equipment, pick the one that surfaces the most or that fits the bill best for you. Again, can't do worse than a salesperson's suggestions! ------------------ http://members.fortunecity.com/sebdavid - go laugh at my crappy website/equipment http://www.dvdprofiler.com/mc.asp?alias=Sebdavid - go laugh at my puny little DVD collection Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 28, 2002 Author Share Posted April 28, 2002 THanks for the advice Seb. I did not make it there today anyways. Luckily, my school district's brains (i use that loosely) thought this week was Easter so I have a four day weekend, no school last friday or this monday, so i will make my trip there tomorrow. My friend is very honest, even suggested grado's over thier house brand, senn. they don't even sell grados every time i have tried to get a username at the home theater forum, they don't approve it. apparently justin scott is not a real name... ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 Ok. Here is the system they configured for me, after 2.5 hours at Tweeter. Pioneer Elite VXS-49TX Pioneer Elite DV-47A Misubishi HSU776 REL Stratus III Sub (2) RF-7BA (4) RS-3IIB (2) RC-7BA (1) Yamaha DLP Projecter (200 inch max screen size) Stewart FireHawk or GreyHawk screen 150 inches He was actually able to pretty much hook up everything for me as if it were in the home theater I am building. I must tell you, I was amazed at how good this sounded. I am going with the Pioneer receiver for quite a few reasons, wonderful OSD, audoi congifugurating speaker setup (amazing how this works!) multi room output, more than enough power, all the great DSP's and formats supported, THX ultra 2 certified... I am in love with this receiver, and it will cost less than half the price of seperates, and I heard the B&K's connected to the Klipsch's, and you know, I can really live with save a few thousand with the all in one. The DVD/SACD/DVD-A/CD player, also Pioneer Elite, provided excellent picture quality, and even better sound quality. I listened to a single REL subwoofer setup and I liked it. IT certainly beat out teh RSW-15, and costs less. The REL Stratus III has great controls on the back for crossovers and phase's etc, much better than any other sub I have ever seen. The built in amp is top quality, and so is the sound it puts out. The Bass was not ...directional... as some subs are. You could not exactly tell where the bass was coming from, you just knew it was there, and trust me, it took no imagination to find the bass. It hit lower and louder than most everything else in the store, it murdered the Mirage subs for price/performace. Even looking beyond that, I think it preformed better, in addition it has a smaller foot print, and a more stylish look to it. The Yamaha projecter had a better picture than the Sharp. We used it on T2 Super Bit (what we tested eveything on for the movie setup). Very nice picture, the CRT did have better contrast, but the price and the maintenance keeps me away from that. I decided against getting a Faroudja NR Series Video Scaler. The picture quality enhancement does not qualify the price, which is not much, but still. I listened to the Mirage vs. Klipsch. The Klipsch's certainly won. And you could really tell that the Mirages need more power. So, having read that, anyone want to guess what my new quote is at, installed? I am anxious to see what you guys think I should be paying for this. ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iDunno Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 is the REL Stratus III Sub a discontinued model? I can't seem to find it on the REL site... $15,000? This message has been edited by iDoNtKnOe2k1 on 04-29-2002 at 05:25 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 Just to clear something up. I am getting two REL Stratus III's, not just one like the setup I heard today. No one wants to guess the cost? remember, the first quote was $35,500, and we have up'd the anty on the speakers here and moved around a few other things. Whoever gets witin 500 bucks of the price, well you get to be within 500 bucks of the price I was quoted today. ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m00n Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 Dude, I have one thing to say to you... INSANE!c>. Someone has got the HT bug bad! Don't they have some kind of Home Theater Ananamous group you should go sign up with? ------------------ the m00n system RF-7 Front floors RC-7 Center RS-3II Surrounds (May update to RS-7) RSW-12 Subwoofer Harman Kardon AVR 520 Toshiba SD 3205 DVD Samsung 27" Flatscreen c>Microsoft XBOXc> f> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 quote: Originally posted by iDoNtKnOe2k1: is the REL Stratus III Sub a discontinued model? I can't seem to find it on the REL site... $15,000? I meant the Strata, I am now looking at upping the anty even more for say a REL STORM III, STADIUM III, and maxing out at a STENTOR III. I would get dual subs on all of these. ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 With everything installed, everything as in all the video and audio equiptment, the grand total is $17,762.89. Much better than the $35,500 from earlier haha. That puts the total I saved at $17,737.11, and this is before ever going to the manager for a further discount (my consultant said that the manager would go lower if I needed/wanted to). So, I have $24,237.11 extra for this home theater. I could either upgrade everything, spend it on seating and finish off the lighting, get a major DVD, SACD, DVD-A library, or save the money for upgrades in the future. What do you guys think? ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iDunno Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 lets see here... Pioneer Amp: 2k Pioneer DVD: 1k Misu VCR: 400 would be my guess REL subs: 2k RF7: 2200 a pair 4.4k RF3: 850 RC7: 700 Yamaha DLP: 7k Screen: 1k $19,350 or $20k me win? edit: Dammnit i type so slow This message has been edited by iDoNtKnOe2k1 on 04-29-2002 at 05:41 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iDunno Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 Up the REL Subs to a better model...try the dual 10in model ...get two of those and youll be good The ones you are getting look too puny This message has been edited by iDoNtKnOe2k1 on 04-29-2002 at 05:43 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 Maybe next time So, you guys think I am getting a good deal on this? I am awaiting TheearS feelings on a 'good deal'. he seems to never be satisfied till he gets it below cost haha. so, ears, is this a good deal or not? certainly better than the deal Audio Deminsions gave me, those B@$T@RD$! If it was anyone else, they might have just said, ok, and wasted >$17,000! Glad I have you guys, and common sense, to get advice and price it. The only other dealer I could go to only sells BOSE and B&W, but for the DLP projecter and Screen, I KNOW i can get them to beat anything Tweeter offers, they are trying to sell more high end vid. than any other HT store in Texas, and the nation for that matter. No. 1 sells in HDTV's allready. oh yeah, found my two HDTV's at Tweeter for $200 and $400 cheaper than what I paid... dang. ohwell, the extra money was worth having them sooner, cept i could have gotton the Medallion and gotton a built in decoder and IEEE... dang. ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 quote: Originally posted by iDoNtKnOe2k1: Up the REL Subs to a better model...try the dual 10in model ...get two of those and youll be good The ones you are getting look too puny Looks can be deceiving. A single Strata III sounded better than a RSW-15, and was ~half the cost. ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m00n Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 What should you do with the extra money? Pft... that's an easy question to answer. SEND IT TO ME.... You obviously have tons of it. Share the wealth. ------------------ the m00n system RF-7 Front floors RC-7 Center RS-3II Surrounds (May update to RS-7) RSW-12 Subwoofer Harman Kardon AVR 520 Toshiba SD 3205 DVD Samsung 27" Flatscreen c>Microsoft XBOXc> f> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 quote: Originally posted by m00n: What should you do with the extra money? Pft... that's an easy question to answer. SEND IT TO ME.... You obviously have tons of it. Share the wealth. would'nt you like that?! no, gonna keep all the money for me, none for you! hehe. maybe i can get a new car LMAO. My 2001 Accord needs a new audio system, I could put some of the money into that, but i would have to sneak it around my parents haha, so doubt that will happen ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skonopa Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 I'd say, spend a few extra hundred dollars and go with a pair of Storm IIIs over the Strata IIIs (hell, you are still saving better than $17 grand over your original quote!). I have a REL Storm III (in cherry) myself and it sounds AWESOME!! I listned to both the Strata III and Storm III side-by-side and I liked the sound of the Storm III better. I could only imagine how a pair of these babies would sound, especially since you have a larger room than I do that your are installing this equipment into. In the grand scheme of things here, the small additional cost by going to the larger model would be well worth it, especially in your case. To be honost, I'd seriously consider going even to the Stentor III for your installation (3 models up from the Strata III). I'd think the Studio III would be to much for your installation. ------------------ Steven Konopa Fredericksburg, VA Another proud member of the "Klipsch Klub". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 you think so? even if i am using two strata III's? hey ears, where are you? wondering if I am getting a deal here. ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forresthump Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 Justin go over to the stupid wow Thread and run your thread Count up. LOL I want to see the rich American Punk square off against the Rich A-rab punk. LOL ------------------ go forth & hump the world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin_tx_16 Posted April 29, 2002 Author Share Posted April 29, 2002 No thank you ------------------ -justin SoundWise Support A technical help site created by me and my fellow Klipschers I am an amateur, if it is professional; ProMedia help you want email Amy or call her @ 1-888-554-5665 or for an RA# 800-554-7724 ext 5 Klipsch Home Audio help you want, email support@klipsch.com or call @ 1-800-KLIPSCH RA# Fax Number=317-860-9140 / Parts Department Fax Number=317-860-9150s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skonopa Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 Justin says: you think so? even if i am using two strata III's? hey ears, where are you? wondering if I am getting a deal here. I say: Yes, at the very least I'd think in the long run, for a little extra cost, you'll be happier with a pair of Storm IIIs over a pair of Strata IIIs. With the kinda budget you are working with, this would be a very small cost increase and you are still saving considerable money over your original quote. I'd also still not rule out SVS although I have not heard these sub myself. ------------------ Steven Konopa Fredericksburg, VA Another proud member of the "Klipsch Klub". This message has been edited by skonopa on 04-29-2002 at 11:05 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seb Posted April 29, 2002 Share Posted April 29, 2002 I would definitely up the ante in the bass section, and drop those RS-3IIs for something more manly, either RS-7s or a direct-radiating speaker, don't know what sounds best to you. it seems like a dramatic mismatch, all that Ref 7 series and the 3's in the middle... no way! DO NOT rule out SVS. I think that for the money you cannot go wrong on those, with all the praises they got from everyone. I feel a pair of Ultras would go along with your system better than the Strata, and you'd get more bang fro the buck than the Storms. As far as spending the rest of the money... easy one: SOFTWARE. You should be spending half your budget in software anyways in the long run, you can do it in the short run, good for you! I always crave more DVDs, whereas I could actually live with my present system, which sucks, esp. compared to yours! Or you could SAVE the money, but I doubt that's an option in your mind... Just think, you could be coming back from the DVD store with a MOUNTAIN of DVDs in your hands, and spend all summer watching those! Okay I am drooling now. Back to Counter-Strike! ------------------ http://members.fortunecity.com/sebdavid - go laugh at my crappy website/equipment http://www.dvdprofiler.com/mc.asp?alias=Sebdavid - go laugh at my puny little DVD collection Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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