Hello Outlaws:

I'm building a HT system, and would like to get your opinions on this config...

I have this equipment in my 14' wide x 22' long x 7.75' high room:

HDTV: Toshiba Ultravision 65S500
DVD: Denon DVD-2200 (component, Video2)
Set-top: Moto DCT5100, Comcast Digital Cable
(component, Video 1)

I'm considering this audio setup:

PrePro: Outlaw Model 950
Power: Outlaw Model 755 (or, 770...?)
Fronts: Paradigm Reference Studio 40 (2)
Center: Paradigm Reference CC-570
Surrounds: Paradigm Reference ADP-470 (2)
Subwoofer: Paradigm Reference Seismic 12

...with a Pronto or somesuch integrated remote controller to make it esay for the family to use.

Questions for the Outlaws:

1.) Will the bass management for SACD in the Denon be sufficient for SACD, or whould I invest in an ICBM?

2.) Since the 755 and 770 are the same size, does it make sense to spend $500 for 2 additional amp channels for future expansion? Or, should I go with a 755 and buy 2 Model 200s when I need the power?

I plan on documenting this install and will share with you guys as I move along...

BTW, the DVD-2200 is a worthy purchase... I had trouble justifying the -2900 or -5900; but I can tell you that this is a super machine for the price. The picture is exceptionally film-like and free of artifacts! Awesome job, Denon!

TIA,

-don strimbu
Bartlett, IL USA

1. With your speakers, the 950's analog bass management may take care of you for SACD and DVD-Audio (it's what I use for DVD-Audio with Studio 60's, Studio CC, and a mix of Studio ADP and Axiom M3ti surrounds).

2. If your room is compatible with a 7.1 speaker setup, I do recommend going to it at some point, and the 770 would make for a more painless transition. A pair of 200's offers little to no difference in cost overall (maybe $100 or $150 more than a 770, factoring in shipping) and lets you postpone that cost until it's needed. They would take some extra space at that time, but not much. Both options are equally reasonable -- if budget's an issue go with the 755 and add 200's later, or if rack space is an issue go with the 770 now.

------------------
gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

Gonk - you're the man. Thanks for the quick reply!

I'm going off to ponder the whole 5.1 / 7.1 thing for a day or two; then I'll put in my order.

The Studio/40 system (with Paradigm's speaker stands) with a CC/570, (2) ADP-470s and a Seismic-12 is just a few hundred $$$ less than the Studio/60s with a CC470, (2) ADP-470s and a Seismic 15... any commentary on that swap?

I know I'm being fickle, just can't help it...



Thanks again!


-don

I don't know how much difference there is between the 40's and the 60's -- the 60's have some more bass extension, obviously, but with a sub in the mix it isn't as critical. Both centers are good, but without having compared the two (I'm running v.2 Studios) I'd lean toward getting the 570 if possible. I haven't heard the Seismic subs either, but I'm running an Outlaw LFM-1 in a similar sized room (20' wide, 17' deep, 8' high) and that 12" sub takes care of me very nicely so I suspect that the Seismic 12 would be sufficient for your space.

As for the remote, I'll chip in my usual recommendation: Home Theater Master MX-500 (or its big brother, the MX-700).

------------------
gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links