2. home-theater
  3. 1348672412

What The Fidelity??

OK. So here is what I currently have, followed with what I was thinking of doing and ending with what a "pro installer" is recommending. Who can give me some opinions and insight?
Three years ago we moved into a new place and I called an installer to get things going. I only had Klipsch ref-62's for fronts and a 150.00 Samsung Blue-ray while watching a 46" panasonic plasma from COSTCO. That's it. He set up a Denon avr1910, Apple TV and a Belkin surge protector. Wireless control with a "genious 900 remote.
Time for an upgrade. I have ordered the Tekton Pendragons. Eric Alexander paired the M-lore center channel and sides for a 5.0 system. (I'll wait for now on the sub). I'm thinking either a 55" or 60" Panasonic VT50 or GT50. Room treatments from GIK (Brian has been quite helpful).
So, a new "pro installer " came over and right away said I have to forget about everything I have been thinking. He said the Pens would be too bright (Really!). The Denon is also too bright and harsh. The Blue-ray is crap. And finally, the TV's we buy at retail stores are also crap. They are tier 3 models. He can get the top tier models (better glass, better construction) and calibrate it before the install.
His line up is....
NAD T 757 receiver
NAD T 767 Blueray
Paridigm Studio 20 fronts
Paridigm Studio 10 rears
Paridigm Studio CC 490 center
J-29 speaker stands
Paridigm dual 12" ultra cube subs
HDMI Cable
He also suggests a processor (a 5,000.00 demo for 2,800.00) This total comes to around $14,000.00 not including the demo but it does include install, programming and calibration). So the question is......My price point with the Tekton speakers, GIK and HDTV would be around 7,500.00. Should I follow the expert advice or will my present components do the job?? By the way, the Samsung UN55ES8000ss is 4,000.00!
128x128brianpack

Showing 1 response by brianpack

brianpack's avatar
brianpack OP
35 posts
 
Thanks you guys for the responses and the advice. Internetmin....the recommendations are much appreciated. I will check out oppo? and read some reviews. To clarify, after I mentioned keeping the Denon, he said " OK keep the Denon but there's no use getting the Paridigm......it won't be any good. Hmmmm. But then he said to get a processor. Which leads to a very interesting commentary. Have you ( or anyone ) ever heard of HDTV models available in "tiers" or "grades". He suggested that any TV bought at Best Buy or COSTCO or wherever is low end. The glass is cheap and the build is crap. ( these are his words ). He, though, can get high end with real high quality glass and construction. He's not comparing Runco to Samsung......he's comparing Samsung to Samsung, the same ES8000 model, only with an upgrade!! Personally I don't believe it.
And Jaxwired.......I'm a sound guy as opposed to a music or movie guy. I love smooth, warm music.....even if it's jamm'in and loud. The SOUND has to feel good. Even in movies, clarity and precision are more enjoyable than crash and bang. So maybe I am a tube amp guy after all .
Thanks again
More to discover