A trip to IndyKlipschFan's Home Theatre!

[DrWho]

So I was down in Indy yesterday and Colter arranged for us to go visit Indy's theatre.

Just before the visit Colter and I were messing around with some

speaker projects, one of which included installing new crossovers in

his lascalas (which did make a difference afterall!) and setting up a

multi-speaker ABCDEF system. But we'll save that for another thread.

The reason I bring it up is because we both still preferred his old

stock cornwalls over the upgraded lascala during our comparison testing. The prefference difference was

slightly smaller after turning on the subwoofer, but alas the cornwalls

still found our favor.

So going into Indy's place I was reminding myself to stay open-minded and forget that I liked the cornwalls so much more []

Ok, now about the theatre...

First of all, it was visually very stunning. Even though it wasn't all

completely finished it still looked mega cool and it really felt like

you were in a real movie theatre.

I'm not sure, but I get the impression that Roger is more impressed

with his picture than he is the sound quality....considering he spent

such a long time showing off the projector with all his fancy HDTV or

whatever. I must confess that I am by no means a video buff and

therefore I don't I was fully able to appreciate the quality of the

image. Heck, I would be satisfied with a little 27" tube TV in his

setup! lol. The only thing I can say is that the normal video feeds

look like crap in comparison!

After the projector demo Roger busted out an Eagles music concert dvd

thing. Like always I had no clue who the eagles were until I started

recognizing a few songs. Anyways, the sound quality was insane,

especially for a live recording! If anything (and this is a stretch),

the only problem I had was the top end seemed a bit hot. It was

probably a combination of the recording (I was familiar with a few of

the mics they were using on stage, which I happen to know are hot in

the top end as well), but also the lascalas as well. Nevertheless, it

was by far the best sounding system I've heard and makes me wanna go

back and demo the Klipsch THX Ultra 2 system again to get a comparison.

The dynamics were just unreal and the Ultra subs were dialed in very

well and sounded amazing. Indy said that he hadn't changed anything

since Trey had dialed in everything (basically setting all the speakers

to 0 on the dial and matching the sub volume).

We then busted out the Fifth Element (not sure why...I think it was

because Colter hadn't seen it). The sound quality on this movie was

definetly much worse than the Eagles dvd. After a while the ear learns

to adapt, but it was such a contrast. Having perfectly timbre-matched

speakers all around makes such a difference. Up to this point I was

thinking of giving up on surround sound because I always find it

distracting and taking away from the movie. The Fifth Element is one of

my fave movies so I've seen it quite a bit on my own system and towards

the end of the movie I realized that I wasn't noticing the surround

speakers! I then made an attempt to listen to them and I was amazed at

how enveloping the sound was. It was the first time I have heard a

non-distracting surround system and I found it very encouraging.

One other thing I wanted to note is that the acoustics in his room were

amazing....and he basically had a big empty room with a "couch" in the

middle! Colter and I were talking about it quite a bit and figured that

the diagonal corners, "raised cieling" (what was that thing called?)

and open entance (there was a good 6 feet wide opening to the room)

probably had a lot to do with it. Indy hinted that he originall intened

to put acoustical treatment in, but I don't think that will be

necessary. We had it pretty loud at times and the room was nowhere near

overloading.

Both Colter and I noticed the noise from the fan on the projector

during quite segments and found it a bit distracting (probably because

the noise floor would otherwise be extremely low). This would be

something easily remedied though with some absorbtion panels around the

projector...I've got an explanation here somewhere on how to easily get

rid of fan noise (though I suppose another option would be to change

out the fan).

We didn't get to hear the karaoke system (not plugged in yet?), but I

was surprised to see Indy using Mackie amps and my favorite dbx graphic

EQ's [] He's got a really nice setup in that closet and I can't wait

to hear him singing through it (yes, I did notice your singing through

the Eagles dvd! lol)

The popcorn machine was cool and the popcorn tasted great. There's a

funny story about that too...During the fifth element colter choked on

a piece of popcorn and was coughing hard for awhile (like he had a

scratchy throat). He got up and asked if he could get a drink out of

the pop dispensor in the other room and me and Roger were sitting there

for a bit and Roger asks if Colter was ok (cuz he kept on coughing).

Colter said no and we were like ahhhhhhh, time to go to the rescue! But

if was HILARIOUS because the chairs we were in recline

electronically....and it felt like it took forver for the chair to go

down so that we could get out of the huge things. We then finally get

the bloody things down and go to see what we can do and find Colter

wiping up pop off the counter. The pop dispensor shook up the pop so it

exploded when colter was in a rush to get a drink. Here we thought he

was dying when he was just annoyed with the silly dispensor.

So ya, I think that's everything. I regret not taking some Nightwish down with me as I would really have loved to hear it.

Oh btw, Roger is powering everything with a Denon 3802! I have never

felt that the amplifier makes as big of a difference as some make it

out to be (as long as its operating in its linear range). I would be

curious to hear his setup with his fancy Aragon electronics upstairs,

but I can't imagine it getting much better.

[Zen Traveler]

Thanks for the review drwho. I was impressed with your knowledge at the Klipsch Pilgrimage and appreciate that you know your stuff-- But you didn't understand why Indy pulled out the "Fifth Element," to show off his killer system, and have never heard the Eagles concert DVD! []

I am glad to hear another rave review of the Denon. Even if, I personally have my HT setup wrong, (as per another thread) I am glad I chose the right brand of receiver.[]

[DrWho]

lol

I wasn't sure why Fifth Element because I knew the sound quality wasn't

the best (was expecting finding nemo or LOTR or something like

that)...though I suppose that turned out well because we got sucked

into the movie regardless. As far as the Eagles dvd...the sound quality

was amazing but the music wasn't exactly my cup of tea. I certainly

enjoyed it, but I'm more into the harder stuff (must be my rebellious

youth tendancies). [] (I would definetly purchase the dvd if I had

more money).

[hwatkins]

So I was down in Indy yesterday and Colter arranged for us to go visit Indy's theatre.

Both Colter and I noticed the noise from the fan on the projector during quite segments and found it a bit distracting (probably because the noise floor would otherwise be extremely low). This would be something easily remedied though with some absorbtion panels around the projector...I've got an explanation here somewhere on how to easily get rid of fan noise (though I suppose another option would be to change out the fan).

Oh btw, Roger is powering everything with a Denon 3802! I have never felt that the amplifier makes as big of a difference as some make it out to be (as long as its operating in its linear range). I would be curious to hear his setup with his fancy Aragon electronics upstairs, but I can't imagine it getting much better.

Yo Doc - I would be interested in any reference on getting rid of fan noise. I have a problem with the media center for my Pioneer plasma and really don't want to try and change out until I find a quiet one.

As to the 3802 - I have been a fan of mine for the last several years. I really don't get why it doesn't get rave reviews, but it will need to break before I remove it from my set up.

I do like the Eagles DVD - it is very well done. I would also recommend the SACD of Dark Side of the Moon for another great mix.

Cheers..

[DrWho]

Yo Doc - I would be interested in any reference

on getting rid of fan noise. I have a problem with the media

center for my Pioneer plasma and really don't want to try and

change out until I find a quiet one.

As to the 3802 - I have

been a fan of mine for the last several years. I really don't get

why it doesn't get rave reviews, but it will need to break before I

remove it from my set up.

I do like the Eagles DVD - it is very

well done. I would also recommend the SACD of Dark Side of the

Moon for another great mix.

Is your pioneer plasma a projector? The easiest thing to do is build a

box around the projector and cover the inside of it with absorbtive

material. You'll have to keep plenty of room for airflow out the front

so that it doesn't overheat. An extension to this idea is to exhaust

the fan....attach some tubing up to the mouth of the fan and then guide

it up through a hole in the cieling, or wall or something so that the

air blowing ends up somewhere outside the room. You will still want to

build the box around the projector, but you can make it a tighter fit

(where the absorbtion is touching the sides of the projector) which

will make it even quieter. Don't forget to leave room or exhaust whever

the intake to the projector is too (if you're blowing air out, air has

to be coming in from somewhere else). And don't forget to put the

entire box on a hinge of some sort for when you need to change out the

bulb []

Listening to Dark Side of the Moon was part of a recording class I took

a while ago. It was always fun tearing apart good recordings and

learning how everything was done.

[jacksonbart]

Sounds like a sweet system, thanks for the review. I agree with TDK, there is nothing wrong with Denon

[IndyKlipschFan]

The easiest thing to do is build a box around the projector and cover the inside of it with absorbtive material. You'll have to keep plenty of room for airflow out the front so that it doesn't overheat. An extension to this idea is to exhaust the fan....attach some tubing up to the mouth of the fan and then guide it up through a hole in the ceiling, or wall or something so that the air blowing ends up somewhere outside the room.

========================================================================

Already thought of that... and looking into it too... I think people call them 'hush boxes'? I guess my excitement on the Infocus 7210 and the Day Lite screen was just the awe factor... it does look great.. Colterphto1 had never seen it too. So many on here said you will never know till you get it home as to how it will really look. I am very happy with this combination visually. The dealer is working on a box for me to get this result too. HDTV is just insane detail wise your right. You can see the sweat droplets on a persons face on close ups or bad make up jobs too..LOL.. Digital TV is still very very good but compared to bad feeds on regular TV yes those images do not compare at all and are average at best. (You blow up crap just get more crap..LOL ) Come on Jan 2007.. when everything is at least Digital.. Monday night football, The World series...etc., trust me, in some ways is better at home than live..

So the reason I chose this movie? You said you had seen The 5th Element.. So that had made sense to me for you to see/ hear it again. It also has a great deal of different types music as well.. lots of great explosions... Including the diva scene... etc etc is why I chose it.. Last, again, you were familiar with it too. LOTR is a very cool dark vivid movie would what take 3 hrs to view too..LOL.

As Far as the Eagles.. Just great musicians overall.

Yes, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Toy Story... are even more amazing... Soundtrack wise, and visually too. I figured stay with different music and some great visuals too.. Cartoons always look incredible, as a given, on big projector screens. When you can do sound and effects in a controlled environment, it is even more so a incredible thing to hear. I will be happy to show you next time as well. Nemo has to be a demo for everyone to experience. The effects here are off the charts fantastic!

As far as the sound... I am very lucky, all my split la scalas have the AL- 3 networks too... They do just blend perfectly together.. The Klipsch KA1000 THX sub amp with the 2 KW 120THX subs.. so 1000 watts of pure low end..IMO just enough but not boom boxy allows for a solid tight very powerful low bottom for sure.

So next time bring on the Nightwish.. or whatever else... (I was going to play more music then Michael needed his beauty sleep..LOL.. Actually he had a very early photo shoot Sunday AM.)

Just in stereo the La Scalas shine.. in the corners in the 17' wide room. Allow La Scala's to be used for HT, and you get a more powerful experience like you said. The La Scala's blend so nice, you get lost in the movie if it is a good one.. If it isn't a good movie, (If recorded well) you can at least love the dialog/ action/ music too.

Next time for sure... Bring some music..

Glad you enjoyed it the HT and the listening experience.

Roger IndyKlipschFan

[hwatkins]

Thanks Doc - Pioneer has a seperate tuner/connection box called a media center for their Plasma displays. The box actually sits with my equipment (makes wiring very simple). I had considered some of your thoughts, but in my case I can't exhaust into anything other than room space. I may well learn to live with it - as you noted it is only during quiet stretches that it is noticed (actually - air handling in the room HVAC can create a higher floor noise, so I am being a bit picky).

Indy - I have seen your pics and many, mucho kudos - looks great.

I just finish replacing a broken rptv with a fireplace and a 50 inch plasma on top of a fireplace for my room - pics later...

[IndyKlipschFan]

For those that are interested, the pics are here... http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/618612/ShowPost.aspx

In the Architectural section. I do have to laugh.. So many of you said, "Wow, when I got my HDTV projector I found myself watching the wildest stuff just because it was in High Def...etc" I often laughed a little at you thinking yeah right..... Well, I watched a whole travel show on Thailand. LOL It was just amazingly beautiful on a 106" screen. (So guilty of doing the same thing.)

The Denon 3802 sound wise, for movies or really for stereo audio, too, does a great job. I hate the remote.. Maybe that is just me. I hope when all is settled in to get one of the more universal everything in one remotes. I am very tempted to bring the Aragon downstairs.. Having said that, The downstairs HT does still sounds very good with the Denon 3802. And the upstairs system seems to love the Aragon Stage One, with the 2007 Amp anyhow. (the pic in my avatar) The K horns, vertical CW (now used as a horizontal center), and a RSW 15 sub with RS 7 surrounds.... never sounded this good before.

I hear great things about Sunfire..B&K .. or who knows.. maybe Klipsch will do something with Jammo as well. I like the idea of separates too. I think most of the sound formats have settled down some.. After going to CEDIA my search is for something that has great specs, and probably a solid high current power to feed these wonderful Klipsch speakers we all love. Not in any hurry for now. Not even sure if I could hear a difference to justify it too. Almost kind of sad, yet a wonderful surprise as well. An 11 year old amp... still rocks.

[formica]

Thanks for the review...

It's true that the 5th Element soundtrack is a little flat... but Milla

Jovovich makes up for it []. OTOH, The Incredibles has a great soundtrack

& visuals so it makes an excellent demo movie.

BTW, for the projector fan noise, I'd be a little more hesitant at

switching out the fan for a low velocity unit given the cost of the

bulbs. A hush box is probably a better solution and the ducted

versions perform best. Those who are interested, do a "hush box"

search on AVS for a ton of info.

Rob

[IndyKlipschFan]

Milla Jovovich mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm is right.

Jane March (one of my personal favs...)

Demi Moore.. Oh my, and STILL looks hot!!

Man, Bruce Willis gets all the luck!!

[DrWho]

BTW, for the projector fan noise, I'd be a little more hesitant at switching out the fan for a low velocity unit given the cost of the bulbs. A hush box is probably a better solution and the ducted versions perform best. Those who are interested, do a "hush box" search on AVS for a ton of info.

It wouldn't have to be a lower velocity fan to make less noise...Manufacturers are just hesitant to serate the edge of all their fans in the off chance some idiot decides to put his fingers through the hole while the fan is running. Once it's mounted up high and out of reach this shouldn't be an issue []

[j-malotky]

Now Im not sure if I want to see / hear Rogers system next summer as I am sure I will want to replace my surrounds with LAS[]

Actually, I can't wait to hear it. Im interested to hear the

surround imaging. It is amazing what my Heresy's can do, even

imaging between my sides and mains sounds great. LAS's have to

sound awesome.

JM

[J.4knee]

Dr Who,

Great review, especially since I consider your input very impartial recollection of what you heard and saw. Thanks for posting this. I have both the Eagles DVD concerts and yes the sound quality is amazing on both. I have three LS across the front and I believe you gave a very apt description of how a properly set up LS HT rig sounds.

Indy,

Con-friggin-gratualations on getting this done, I must admit I was a little surprised to hear such a glowing review given you drive it with a receiver, that is a true testament to the capability of the Denon 3802. I know you have touted the THX Ultra II as the definitive sub for a Heritage rig and after our experience in Indy I am very much inclined to agree with you. Your rig has got to sound amazing with the LS all the way around backed up by the THX Ultra II in the bass department. Again congrats on the completion of your theatre project.

[IndyKlipschFan]

I tweeked in the Topps.. a little better stereo imaging.. (it was very good to start with) with a laser pointer..

wooodog would of been proud.

I also replaced the blue milk carton with a black one.. (cosmetics)

Got the other TV in, to the left of the screen.

Watched Monday Night Fotball (terrible game sloopy as heck) and last night a little bit of the World Series.. You get soo drawn into the action, it is almost better than being there... (Ok not quite.. but in a different way it is.. and face it, the food and comfort level are a LOT better at home..LOL)

Nov 7th Colts on MNF will be off the charts. They are 7-0 and face New England.. I am feeling even more confident as time goes on that we just might make it to the Super Bowl this year in Detroit. I better start making friends with PICKY fast!! hahahahahaha I can't even imagine a good hotel room?