Equipment & Product Recommendations

AV Receiver: Yamaha RX-V863 | Info

Price: $999.99 | Buy It Now

We were very impressed with the feature set on this receiver. It can handle up to 8-channel audio, and offers plenty of music (and video game) surround modes. The RX-V663 decodes all the latest audio formats (Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD) natively and offers more than enough audio and video connections. The highlight of the connectivity options are the 1080p compatible HDMI (Version 1.3) switching (3 inputs/1 output) and 1080p upconversion, but the RX-V863 also includes component (3 inputs/1 output), s-video (5 inputs/ 1 output), and composite options for connecting a variety of video sources. All speaker connections are via 5-way binding posts and the amplifiers are assignable - meaning that you can choose to bi-amp the fronts, or send a couple of powered channels to Zone 2. It also includes dual subwoofer outputs. This is a great feature that we see creeping down product lines to appear in lower-priced models.

Useful Features

Alternates: Denon AVR-2308CI ($849) info; Harman Kardon AVR 347 ($899) info

Speakers: NHT Classic 3 Series | info

Price: $2200

This 7-speaker system includes two of the NHT Classic Three speakers, a matched Three C center channel, a pair of Absolute Zero speakers for the surrounds and another pair of Absolute Zeros for the Surround Back channels. We reviewed the CLASSIC Two system and feel that the added extension provided by the Three's is well worth the additional $150 per speaker. These speakers are the update (replacement) for NHT's Super Audio line of speakers. This will be a surround system worthy of two channel music as well as chest-pounding theatrical use.

Useful Features

Classic Three*	Three C Center	Absolute Zero Surrounds/SB
45Hz-20kHz	78Hz-20kHz	71Hz-20kHz
87 dB/1W/1m	87 dB/1W/1m	86 dB/1W/1m
8 ohms	8 ohms	6 ohms
20-150W Rms	20-200W Rms	20-100W Rms
(1) 6.5" aluminium woofer (1) 2" aluminium dome midrange (1) 1" aluminum tweeter	(2) 6.5" aluminium woofers (1) 2" aluminium dome midrange (1) 1" aluminum tweeter	(1) 5.25" polypropylene (1) 1" aluminum tweeter
13.75" x 7.5" x 10.375"	7" x 21.875" x 8.25"	9.75" x 5.625" x 7.25"
20lbs	20lbs	8lbs
3-way Acoustic Suspension	3-way Acoustic Suspension	Acoustic Suspension
$800/pair	$600/ea	2 x $400/pair

*Unless you really want a floorstanding speaker, we feel that the Classic Three's are a better value than the Classic Four's which simply adds a passive 10-inch woofer to make a 4-way system.

Alternates: Axiom Audio Epic 60 System (~$2,420); RBH Sound MC Tower System (~$2,500) info

Subwoofer: EMP Tek E10s | Info

Price: $499 | Buy it Now

When shopping for a ~$500 subwoofer we had to really rack our brains to decide on which one to feature. There are quite a few, and indeed we have a hard time recommending the featured model over the alternatives. Still, EMP has been a solid, reliable brand and it's takes up a bit less room than some of the competition. If you have the money, we recommend getting two subs. If you are space-conscious, then look to Velodyne for some smaller models (but expect to pay a premium for the engineering).

Useful Features

Alternates: Axiom Audio EP350 v2 ($670) review; Boston Acoustics PV700 ($499)

TV: Westinghouse TX-42F430S 42" LCD | info

Price: $1,299 w/stand | Buy It Now

We've reviewed both the generation 1 Westinghouse displays and found them to be exceptional. Since then, the company has resolved some of the 1080p resolution issues they had in the earlier models and presented a very nice evolution of affordable 1080p LCDs. This display features native 1080p with support for 24p frame rates. An integrated QAM and ATSC tuner means that you'll have no difficulty receiving the best possible HDTV channels - even without a cable box. To top off the features, Westinghouse include two down-firing 10W speakers and 4 (four) HDMI inputs in addition to the pair of component video inputs and available legacy connectivity (composite/S-video/HD15). High definition LCD has never been cheaper.

Useful Features

Universal DVD Player: Oppo DV-981HD | Info

Price: $229 | Find the best price online

This player features DCDi video processing from Faroudja and the ability to output HDMI 1.1a for a true universal player that can handle DVD-Audio and SACD discs. The player upconverts content via HDMI up to 1080p and even includes an HDMI cable.

Useful Features

Alternates: Samsung BD-P1400 ($399.99) info; Oppo DV-980H ($169) info

Interconnects and Speaker Cables

With the system we put together you may need to make a long run to the projector -and that alone can run from $65 up to whatever lanegth you need. For the rest, you won't need many cables, but for the subwoofer and connecting any additional peripheral devices you may have, we suggest at least:

• 2 meter HDMI cable from DVIGear $35 | Buy It Now
  
• 1 meter Velocity optical cable from Impact Acoustics $9.55 | Buy It Now
  
• 12 foot Velocity subwoofer cable from Impact Acoustics $12.85 | Buy It Now
  
• Velocity RCA Y-cable for subwoofer $6.03 | Buy It Now
  
• 100ft 12AWG Velocity Bulk Speaker Cable from Impact Acoustics $76.24 | Buy Now

Total System Price: $5,366 (including cables)

Any system recommendation at this price is going to have compromises and this system is no exception. However, with that said, this system will truly outperform its price point by a wide margin. This is a system that will get you set up nicely and leave you content - until the next upgrade! With a little time and effort by using the tools recommended, Avia or Digital Video Essentials, and the Radio Shack SPL meter, you will learn about your system and have a slick home theater that will work just as well for music as it does for movies.

Enjoy the home theater!!!