Advice on starting from scratch

[admin_exported]

I would greatly appreciate some advice on a new setup that I am planning. I have been looking at so many different products that the initial feeling of being a kid in a sweet shop is rapidly changing to the fact that my head is starting to hurt.

Feel free to point me in the direction of other posts or links if you feel I am repeating what others have already solved.

So down to business. My builders have started work and I have an opportunity to build a system from scratch, one opportunity I have been waiting (and saving) for for a long time.

In essence I have one main room which I would like to use as the main home cinema and music room (kid free) and then an open plan area (3 separate rooms with an open plan feel). I also have a decent cupboard which my wife has given me permission to store all the "tech man things" as she so eloquently puts it. I would like to link both the main room and the open plan area together and also split the open plan area into two zones enabling both zones of the open plan room to have the same or different audio. The open plan area must only have in ceiling speakers and the main room have "style" type surround speakers such as the b+w MT-30 setup. I plan on eventually having a projector in the main room but for now both the main room and the open plan room will have wall mounted TV's (already owned)

I would like to build the system bit by bit and would like to upgrade to 3D when it is more widely available. Budget circa 8k

I have little or no experience in this area thus far but have read a lot. What I am after is advice on what equipment to buy and to ask for any advice from all you experts so as to avoid any foolhardy mistakes. Now is my chance to conceal all wires etc

Thank you in advance for any advice

 

[bigboss]

You really need to speak to a local AV specialist who is CEDIA certified who will help you with your needs.

What's your main room's dimensions? For TVs, look at the Panasonic VT20 series (50 & 65 inch models).

One thing I would suggest is to conceal a HDMI 1.4 cable from the tech cupboard to the place where you will have your projector in the future. It will save you a lot of trouble later.

I think the next issue of What Hi-Fi has a round up of style speakers (July issue, in shops in June). You should look at the B&W MT30 or FPM series & Monitor Audio Radius HD or Apex to start with.

Choice of receiver is dependent on which speakers you choose. Depending on your listening preference, look at Denon, Yamaha & Pioneer.