LED Backlighting HT

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I'm getting a new LED TV as I'm tired of swapping lamps every 18-24 months. As such, I'm probably going to get a new stand and was thinking of adding the Cyron lighting to ease my eyes when watching TV at night. Plus, it's an easy add-on and looks pretty fucking sweet. The rope light I tried a few years ago worked like shit after the first month.

Anyone given the LED bars a whirl in their HT/comp set-up?

[Heath Ledger]

What projector do you have are you selling it?

I go through 1 bulb a year with mine so far.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Just a 52" Mitsu DLP TV.

If you didn't know, something like this is what I'm talking about:

http://images.blu-ray.com/htgallery/8268.jpg

[PM5K]

Do they still make those ambilight sets?

[TwAnKiEs]

Phillips still makes it.. I loved mine when I had it..... I am thinking of getting an LED TV come January\Feb :wow

[EricB]

Im jealous. LED TVs are the shit.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

So I finally pulled the trigger on the 55" LED and new AVR.

Don't mind the cables, or mess for that matter, this is just the temp set-up until the paint dries on my speaker stands and I get my new speaker cables.



Will update when the new rig is complete.

[TwAnKiEs]

congrats .. so how you liking it? I decided to go for a 46 inch LCD (Toshiba) it was only $850 at best buy.... the blacks on it are way better than the others I had.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

There are obvious differences coming from the sever year old Mitsu DLP. The Mitsu was loud, had a lot of bleed in and the colors would wash out at different viewing angles. None of that exists with this LED, at least that I've noticed thus far.

And BR at 1080p is absolutely mind bottling.

That said, it isn't a perfect set. There are flashlighting issues but nothing that should bother the average Joe. It is mainly noticeable when switching sources/inputs.

80% complete:

[resistanze]

What model is that? Is it an edge-lit or local dimming LED backlight?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

It's the C6300 and it is edge-lit. I believe the B8500 is the only local dimming set Sammy currently makes. Honestly, the difference in PQ wasn't worth $1,000 to my eyes.

[TwAnKiEs]

Very nice setup! The input thing is normal I think ( mine does the same thing)... Anyone know a good place\website I can get a sound bar at a good price?

[resistanze]

It's the C6300 and it is edge-lit. I believe the B8500 is the only local dimming set Sammy currently makes. Honestly, the difference in PQ wasn't worth $1,000 to my eyes.

Yeah, I can understand that. And those edge-lit displays are thin as a motherfucker. Over the holidays I was opting between a high edge plasma (Panny V10 series) or a LED (either edge-lit Sammy or local dimming LG with the fugly bezel). I chickened out and just went with a 55" LCD for almost half the price. I'm gonna wait a few more year to hop on the bandwagon.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

There are obvious differences coming from the sever year old Mitsu DLP. The Mitsu was loud, had a lot of bleed in and the colors would wash out at different viewing angles. None of that exists with this LED, at least that I've noticed thus far.

And BR at 1080p is absolutely mind bottling.

That said, it isn't a perfect set. There are flashlighting issues but nothing that should bother the average Joe. It is mainly noticeable when switching sources/inputs.

80% complete:

http://i42.tinypic.com/15riafo.jpg

cool rig. what avr is that? onkyo?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

cool rig. what avr is that? onkyo?

Denon 2310CI.

Got a great deal on it or else I would have rolled with Onkyo like I have been for the last 15 years.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Well, now let's see if I can make pretty speaker cables from this:

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Not like anyone cares, but I think the speaker wires came out pretty good. Still have some dusting to do.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2l0qw4.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2i07zep.jpg

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Denon 2310CI.

Got a great deal on it or else I would have rolled with Onkyo like I have been for the last 15 years.

That's a pretty sweet receiver. Do you run your video thru it. I always bypassed it. I have the train of thought that the less devices you run a signal through, the more likely you'll get a clearer signal.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Not like anyone cares, but I think the speaker wires came out pretty good. Still have some dusting to do.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2l0qw4.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2i07zep.jpg

:lol this is actually better than porn for me. Posts are the only way to go.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

The ABT chip in the Denon is supposed to deinterlace extremely well. Right now, I have the Denon set as a passthrough for the PS3/BR and to scale the signal from the DirecTV HR20.

Still way too early, though. Probably take a couple months of playing with the settings to see which device, TV or AVR, does a better job with the video.

First time using Audyssey and I have to say it does a pretty damn good job.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

:lol this is actually better than porn for me. Posts are the only way to go.

Oh yeah?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

The ABT chip in the Denon is supposed to deinterlace extremely well. Right now, I have the Denon set as a passthrough for the PS3/BR and to scale the signal from the DirecTV HR20.

Still way too early, though. Probably take a couple months of playing with the settings to see which device, TV or AVR, does a better job with the video.

First time using Audyssey and I have to say it does a pretty damn good job.

Well it may be a different ball game being that it utilizes hdmi. I'm wanting to either get a demon, onkyo, or rotel for my next avr

what's audyssey? One of those useless soundfield thingys?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Oh yeah?

http://i43.tinypic.com/x6dhkx.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2mrruw0.jpg

Closeup porn:

http://i41.tinypic.com/72aeye.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/vervv6.jpg

nice. 10 or 12 gauge? More leg

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Well it may be a different ball game being that it utilizes hdmi. I'm wanting to either get a demon, onkyo, or rotel for my next avr

what's audyssey? One of those useless soundfield thingys?

Indeed it is. I was skeptical, too, but it does an admirable job. It was dead nuts on speaker distance and the like.

Plus, I don't know where my SPL meter is and I don't feel like buying another one.

The Onkyo SR-707 is $550 at 6th Ave right now. Rotel? I almost bought one a few years ago but decided against it. It was double what I paid for the Denon.

I'm of the belief that you should buy the least expensive AVR that fits your needs and spend the money saved, which really is nil in the grand scheme of HT, on upgrading speakers.

Now I have to decide if I should stick with Paradigm or give B&Ws a whirl.

And those are 12 gauge care of Blue Jeans Cable.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Indeed it is. I was skeptical, too, but it does an admirable job. It was dead nuts on speaker distance and the like.

Plus, I don't know where my SPL meter is and I don't feel like buying another one.

The Onkyo SR-707 is $550 at 6th Ave right now. Rotel? I almost bought one a few years ago but decided against it. It was double what I paid for the Denon.

I'm of the belief that you should buy the least expensive AVR that fits your needs and spend the money saved, which really is nil in the grand scheme of HT, on upgrading speakers.

Now I have to decide if I should stick with Paradigm or give B&Ws a whirl.

And those are 12 gauge care of Blue Jeans Cable.
Blue jeans cables, huh? Need to check them out. I'm more than satisfied with my Toby speakers. I just need to switch out the drivers in a couple and it'll be back up to par.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Well, she's done for now. Big pictures, ftw.



http://i44.tinypic.com/zn9elc.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/710gty.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/k13w95.jpg

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Went with the Ikea LED dioders. The pic has seven 9" strips attached together, but it was too bright and a tad more than the baby Ikea transformer could handle. Damn thing kept flickering on and off so I had to pare down to five. There are also four round LEDs, one behind each front and two under the top shelf.

It does wonders for reducing eye strain from watching the bright set in the dark.

Now on to fixing my lawn.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2efrfx2.jpg

[Slydragon]

Went with the Ikea LED dioders. The pic has seven 9" strips attached together, but it was too bright and a tad more than the baby Ikea transformer could handle. Damn thing kept flickering on and off so I had to pare down to five. There are also four round LEDs, one behind each front and two under the top shelf.

It does wonders for reducing eye strain from watching the bright set in the dark.

Now on to fixing my lawn.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2efrfx2.jpg

Nice, I wish I could go all out on surround sound but living in a apartment it does not make sense, so I have a cheap Sony home theater in a box set up.

I got a 65" DLP Mits tv and love the huge size.

[Cry Havoc]

How much did you pay for those DLF? Not only are they functional, they look freaking amazing.

Not trying to be nosy, but I have a plasma, so I'm not sure if they'll affect the picture quality, but since Plasma TVs thrive in the darkest environment possible, I'd definitely looking into picking up a set.

I really stretched the legs of my speakers yesterday. Was watching Band of Brothers on Blu-Ray, and I turned the volume up to see what it would be like. Even with just the two main tower speakers, I could feel the entire room shaking. I couldn't even turn them up all the way... I got to -10 DB and felt like I was actually being thrown back in my chair. But the speakers performed admirably, they didn't distort at ALL, and the explosions were incredibly full, had an almost violent punch, and amazing bass, even without the sub hooked up. :tu Nothing like a good home theatre set up.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

The round LEDs were $40 and the pack of four light strips was $50. I have the multicolor which has seven different colors and they also sell just neutral/white lights. Cyron makes a 6 light strip kit that comes with a remote for $120.

I doubt they'll be used daily, but it definitely gives a cool look to your HT for get-togethers, parties, etc.

Here is the white:

http://i43.tinypic.com/raq801.jpg

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

So I went ahead and bought new speakers. Detail/clarity and imaging is vastly improved. And the sub is ginormous. Plays nice, tight, clean bass but can hit you in the chest when need be without muddying up the waters.

Big sub means big pics...

http://i53.tinypic.com/flamir.jpg



Size compared to the rest of the set-up

http://i53.tinypic.com/2h4kodg.jpg


And that's Vudu on the screen. I'm pretty impressed with the PQ and layout thus far. Some minor buffering with the stream at times, but considering the size of the 1080p stream and the mediocre at best speed on my end, it's understandable. Think it's going to be a nice addition to Netflix for those occasional impulse insta-rents.

Still not happy that DD+ audio isn't working with the PS3 for either Netflix or Vudu. They need to get that shit right.

[MannyIsGod]

I haven't watched anything lately but DD was working for me on my PS3.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Standard Dolby works fine. I'm talking about DD+.


I don't know if the difference will be discernible to my ears, but I'd sure like to find out since it's supposed to be available.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Velodyne?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

http://i53.tinypic.com/flamir.jpg



let there be bottom!!

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

No, it's a 15" Rythmik.

Made by some dude down in Austin.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

What size is that LED?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

55

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Great setup! :tu

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I hate when I get this bug...

Just bought some Energy rears to finally go 5.1.

They were only $105 shipped so not much more damage done. Though I now have to find stands for them and get to fishing the wire across the room.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

No, it's a 15" Rythmik.

Made by some dude down in Austin.

Damn! A 15"?! Geez. Sounds like something I would do. My AV receiver finally broke down a while back but I got two subs on the L and R and they both have 2-10"s in them. I've pissed off many a neighbor. :D

[Cry Havoc]

I've been happy with my HT for a while now. Just got GT5 and man, it looks and sounds amazing.

[Spurstro]

I've been unable to convince my wife to let us purchase floor standing speakers because she thinks they are too big. I told her we would have to spend more on a set of bookshelf speakers if we wanted them to sound good.

If you had to choose a 5.1 set, which brand would go for?

There's the Definitive Pro Cinema 600 that one of our friends has and it sounds more than fine to us. Do you think it would even be worth paying that much for such small speakers and just choose some cheaper models?

Thanks for any advice.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I would never buy a set. You're better off piecing together your system bit by bit. Start with mains and a decent sub or just mains.

Don't chintz on your sub or center channel, if/when you add one. They'll make or break your system.

And I do think spending the money for speakers is worth it. It's the main component of your system.

What's your price range? More music or more HT/TV?

There are a ton of great speakers like NHTs, Energys, Polks, KEFs, Ascends, etc that aren't too steep in price and are a great way to start any system. There are also a ton of different opinions on each of the speakers. Go out and give a listen to a few different brands if you can. Find out what you like and what you don't.

And Viva, you know what's better than one 15" sub?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

2!!!

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Hell, you could build a system with those CB-5s and it might be perfect for your room, depending on the size. Three pairs would run you $315 and if you add a Hsu VTF-2 for $319, you're under what the DefTech system runs. Plus, you'd have a timbre matched 6.1 system if you wanted.

The problem with most of the HTIB sets is that the subs usually suck donkey balls and the voices from the center sound muddy and/or veiled.

I can't tell you at what price you'd find diminishing returns.

Some people run those Insignias or Polk Monitor 30s, which are both less than $80/pair IIRC, and are completely happy with their sound quality.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

2!!!

It's already been decided. I'm buying another sub in the Spring.

Running 5.2 with those massive subs makes me giddy.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

It's already been decided. I'm buying another sub in the Spring.

Running 5.2 with those massive subs makes me giddy.
Nice. You mean now there's dedicated 2 channels of LFE or are you just splicing the line? Remember that the mains, rears, and center run at full range so you can get a sub for all those as well. But I'm pretty sure you're aware of that.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Just going to split the line out from the AVR.

Should be the easiest and most cost effective solution.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Just going to split the line out from the AVR.

Should be the easiest and most cost effective solution.

Cool. Just checking but you checked your amp and sub impedance to make sure it can handle it, right?

[Spurstro]

I would never buy a set. You're better off piecing together your system bit by bit. Start with mains and a decent sub or just mains.

Don't chintz on your sub or center channel, if/when you add one. They'll make or break your system.

And I do think spending the money for speakers is worth it. It's the main component of your system.

What's your price range? More music or more HT/TV?

There are a ton of great speakers like NHTs, Energys, Polks, KEFs, Ascends, etc that aren't too steep in price and are a great way to start any system. There are also a ton of different opinions on each of the speakers. Go out and give a listen to a few different brands if you can. Find out what you like and what you don't.


I would be buying these speakers for a HT/TV setup. They won't be for music or gaming.

Right now, I'd like to spend 500 dollars.

The thing is I've been OK for so long now without any true HT setup, so I don't want and see the need to go all out. However, I also don't want to end up wishing I should have paid just a little bit more afterwords.

I really like the sound of the DefTechs and Polks. I have heard a Klipsch
set and it sounded too high (if that even makes sense).

My wife doesn't care to go any bigger then the Polk Monitor 30s, so that might be by best bet.

She's on a big fix about Best Buy's no interest for 36 months, so she's willing to sign off on getting the DefTech's for me at $800. She said it would be my birthday/Christmas present. I know Best Buy is expensive and I could get better deals. But if she likes them and is willing to get it for me I'm wondering if I should just let her. That's why I was inquiring about that HTIB.

Thanks for the advice, but it pretty much confirmed to me what I already thought and that I should build everything up separately.

[Spurstro]

Damn, never thought I'd be bargaining or getting permission from the wife about electronic purchases.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Damn, never thought I'd be bargaining or getting permission from the wife about electronic purchases.

:lmao now that's funny

[Spurstro]

:rollin

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

She's on a big fix about Best Buy's no interest for 36 months, so she's willing to sign off on getting the DefTech's for me at $800. She said it would be my birthday/Christmas present. I know Best Buy is expensive and I could get better deals. But if she likes them and is willing to get it for me I'm wondering if I should just let her. That's why I was inquiring about that HTIB.

Thanks for the advice, but it pretty much confirmed to me what I already thought and that I should build everything up separately.

I think you'll be happy with the DefTechs. Of course, you could also take a gander at the B&Ws, Energy and Polk Tsi's Best Buy has at their bullshit Magnolia Centers.

Just saying.

And you aren't the only to think Klipsch speakers sound a little bright.

I just stripped the only screw that keeps the damn speaker stand level. Damn you , China.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Cool. Just checking but you checked your amp and sub impedance to make sure it can handle it, right?

No, haven't checked yet and honestly, I'm just toying with the idea right now. Haven't really had enough time to break in this sub. But you know how it goes when you get that thought in your head with this kind of hobby.

I'll figure it out when the time comes.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Since getting the rears, I've had terrible headaches from the ringing off the back wall.

So I invested a little scratch in some acoustical treatments and placed three up front and three in the back of where I sit. Sadly, I can't put any treatments on the side wall due to the layout of the room.

The difference is flat-out amazing and it absolutely changed the sound of my system.

Thumbs up.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

And yet another new addition.

This will probably be the last until the snow is all gone. Getting a little too much feedback from the room right now and hopefully this integrates the sub into my room much better.

http://www.avguide.com/sites/next-tech-guide/files/dspeaker.jpg

But really, I just like playing. But not enough to actually do the tweaking myself.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I must say, this little sub EQ is amazing.

I recommend it to anyone with a mid to upper tier sub.

Sound quality is much improved. After EQing, the bass is much more refined and doesn't hang in the room anymore.

And it is probably the easiest audio device I've ever used. Set-up and calibration was done in less than 5 minutes.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

that sub didn't come with a built-in crossover or eq?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Of course it did.

But it comes nowhere near the refinement of the 8033.

[DarkReign]

Audiophiles Unite!

I dont even know what the fuck you people are talking about in this thread. I understood "woofers", "speakers", "A/V" and had to discern what "AVR" meant.

I bought a package surround sound system (Bose). Its good, not nearly great.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Audiophiles Unite!

I dont even know what the fuck you people are talking about in this thread. I understood "woofers", "speakers", "A/V" and had to discern what "AVR" meant.

I bought a package surround sound system (Bose). Its good, not nearly great.

yeah. Bose's subs plays a middle C which is atrocious.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Audiophiles Unite!

I dont even know what the fuck you people are talking about in this thread. I understood "woofers", "speakers", "A/V" and had to discern what "AVR" meant.

I bought a package surround sound system (Bose). Its good, not nearly great.

Poser.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Figured I'd give a little sample since I'm done for now. The tiny Flip Mino mic surprisingly held up better than I thought.:

EDIT: YT is the devil.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Just b/c I like posting in this thread.

No EQ = Blue

EQ'd = Red

http://i54.tinypic.com/2qdqves.jpg

[Spurstro]

Hey DLF,

Know a good place where I could find some covers to cover my speaker wires that run along the floor moldings to the rear of the room?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Home Depot and Ace carry generic stick-on covers. I used a product called CordMate to hide some of the wires up front. I used the adhesive and also used a few 1/2" screws to secure them.

Amazon also carries it but it can get pretty pricey for the runs if it's a long distance. It's why I drilled through the floor for my rear runs.

If it's carpet, then you could also snake it underneath.

And they also have paintable, self-adhesive speaker wire that runs around $80 for a 25' run.

EDIT: Here's a good start on raceways:

http://cableorganizer.com/cable-raceway/plastic-basic-raceway.html

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Just b/c I like posting in this thread.

No EQ = Blue

EQ'd = Red

http://i54.tinypic.com/2qdqves.jpg

Damn. Those mids are vicious. I bet your ears don't fatigue.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Not in the least.

I played around with sub location and finally found the optimal spot. Response is pretty flat and decay is excellent. As expected, it sounds extremely tight and articulate. Simply put, it's the best bass I've ever had in my room.

http://i53.tinypic.com/ff4zkh.jpg

Free software is pretty cool:

http://i53.tinypic.com/2j0gkjm.jpg

[Spurstro]

Home Depot and Ace carry generic stick-on covers. I used a product called CordMate to hide some of the wires up front. I used the adhesive and also used a few 1/2" screws to secure them.

Amazon also carries it but it can get pretty pricey for the runs if it's a long distance. It's why I drilled through the floor for my rear runs.

If it's carpet, then you could also snake it underneath.

And they also have paintable, self-adhesive speaker wire that runs around $80 for a 25' run.

EDIT: Here's a good start on raceways:

http://cableorganizer.com/cable-raceway/plastic-basic-raceway.html


Thanks

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Not in the least.

Sans EQ



Free software is pretty cool:

What is it?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Room EQ Wizard:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/roomeq/

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Could not wait any more. Still not done, though.

http://oi54.tinypic.com/2ir252v.jpg

[Cry Havoc]

That looks extremely tight, DLF. Love the touch of the statues on each side of the console. :tu

What are the photos in the upper right and left? Self-taken or purchased?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I bought those online from a place that did HDR photos on stretched canvas. They were extremely cheap($79/each) and very cool. Sadly, they went out of business years ago. IIRC, it was run by a 22 year old art history major so it doesn't surprise me. Their page has been under construction for over a year so it looks dead in the water.

Artocity.com

EDIT: If I was looking now, then I'd probably go with something like this:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/4724437780_661da26f85_b.jpg

From Not A Gallery, which I just found out is run by that same kid.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

So I installed a shaker tonight. It's a semi-wireless kit that allows me to hide the amp behind the couch. Just watched The Losers and this little thing makes the experience that much more immersive. And the painter's tape is to cover where my dumbass fell into the couch.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2lic4ci.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/tasmtc.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/28hnymw.jpg

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Cool, man. How low do those go? Are you in a house? If you're not, your neighbors must like you.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Specs say down to 5 Hz but that'd be with some serious, audible bottoming out. Sounds like someone is hitting it with a hammer.

I get usable output to roughly 12-15 Hz, which works well since I use a 10 Hz high-pass filter on my sub EQ to protect my subs and the shaker is also in that signal chain. The HPF is nice because it also boosts 15-25 by 3-5 dBs. There will also be an in-line low-pass filter(FMOD) at 50 Hz to restrict the shaker.

Still some dialing in to do this weekend.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

you're moving a lot of wind there.

I don't know if you're into The Orb. It's ambient, spacey, atmospheric, tripped out music. Anyway, when I first got into audiophile stuff I read in a mag that a good way to test your boom is to play the first track off their Orgus Terranus disc. Boy, was it. The whole album is good, but that first track is moving lots of air.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Don't know The Orb and couldn't find the album you referred. A good organ track will go down to 16 Hz with authority.

For HT, the window blow-out scene in Cloverfield is recommended as is How to Train Your Dragon, in its entirety.

The giant dragon crash scene in HTTYD has content down to 3 Hz, which is a system killer. Many o' subs have gone into protection mode playing that scene.