Home Theater System

"It is not what you see and hear...it is how"

 

 

This is Home Theater System. It is a room that I designed myself as a perfect blend of visuals and surroundings to avoid the feeling that you are on a cinema...instead you will feel cozy and warm in a place completely sealed from outside noise and lights. You will be transported to the concert hall or the movie stage. This is my place. WELCOME!

My system is compound of different brands, but the main components are derived from two great brands: Rotel and Definitive Technologies. I selected Rotel after auditioning several brands mainly for the way it reproduce both music and soundtrack. Their HT processors are amazing and their Power Amplifiers and powerful and defined. For speakers, I decided for Definitive Technologies after listening hundreds of speakers. I'm 70% Videophile and 30% Audiophile, so I love the dynamic sound and the punchy bass that only D.T. may provide.

I purchased the majority of my equipment at Precision Audio in Puerto Rico. They not only sold me the equipment, but also helped me with the design of my room. They also provided me with all the illumination and seating and installed all the equipment. They are what I consider a turnkey solution dealer. Highly recommended.  

 

 

To see pictures of my room, please click HERE

 

The detail description of my System's Components are:

This is the heart of the system, the Rotel RSP-1098 HT Processor. This is their latest model and the first one that provided a TFT Monitor where you may see any video source. It is also very useful to see information without turning on the TV Projector:

"In keeping with Rotel's Balanced Design tradition, our engineers specified high performance elements from several cutting-edge suppliers. For example, Cirrus Logic's CS49400, a 32-bit digital signal processor, decodes surround formats like Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS ES (matrix and discrete), DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6. The CS49400 even has the number-crunching ability to process Rotel's own 7.1-channel Extra Surround mode for enhanced enjoyment of virtually any source. And, of course, HDCDc and MP3 capability, too."

This is the Rotel RB-1080 Power Amplifier that feed the Main Left and Right Speakers. Great sounding amplifiers for both stereo and Home Theater:

"The RB-1080 rests close to the pinnacle of Rotel's two channel power amplifier designs. Power output of 200 watts per channel (20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 0.03% THD into 8 ohms) is extraordinary. The Rotel-made toroidal transformer feeds separate power supplies for each channel, each with its own rectifiers, voltage regulators, and capacitor banks. Damping factor, at 1,000, shows this amplifier's unparalleled ability to lock onto the most difficult speakers to precisely control diaphragm motion and give you the best sound quality. Switchable balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs provide flexible system interface. Front panel heat sinks add a strikingly dramatic look and serve a functional purpose by enhancing heat dissipation even in cramped environments. And a separate input and output for 12 volt "trigger" signals makes this amplifier well suited for fully integrated systems with total remote control capability."

 

This is the Rotel RB-1095 Power Amplifier that feed the Center Channel, Side and Back Surround Speakers:

"Producing a full kilowatt (1000 watts!) of output power, Rotel's RMB-1095 is a stunning realization of Rotel's capabilities in amplifier design. It is, for all intents and purposes, a multi-channel version of the RB-1080 stereo power amplifier, already recognized as one of the finest amplifiers available at any price from any manufacturer. Rated at 200 watts per channel (all 5 channels driven into 8 ohms, 20 Hz 20 kHz, less than 0.03% THD), the RMB-1095's power supply is built around two 1.2 kVA toroid transformers. Eight 15,000 uf British-made BHC slit foil capacitors provide prodigious storage capacity and combine with 30 150 watt/15 amp output devices for uncompressed reproduction of the most dynamic source material. A sophisticated “over current” protection circuit with front panel LED indicators guards against potentially harmful operating conditions. Special “current absorbers” minimize turn-on surges while gold plated balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs provide easy connection to a variety of controller/preamplifiers. Heavy rear casters assist in placing the amplifier."

This is the Rotel RB-1050 Power Amplifier that feed the Zone 2 Speakers, located in my terrace:

"Ideal for demanding custom installations, the ultra-stable RB-1050 combines audiophile sound quality and bullet-proof circuitry. A multi-mode amplifier, the RB-1050 develops 70 watts per channel for stereo reproduction. Individual sensitivity adjustments and auto on signal sensing circuitry allow use with a variety of distribution devices or processors. Buffered line level outputs allow multiple amplifiers to daisy chain from a single source. The toroid-based power supply and high damping factor ensure precise control of virtually all speakers. 12 volt trigger jacks and a detachable AC cord make this amplifier ideal for remote operated distributed audio systems. A front panel LED array shows clipping and protection modes for quick system analysis."

This is the Sanyo PLV-Z2 LCD Projection HD Ready TV. This is a great bang for the buck. The High Definition images looks awesome in this inexpensive projector:

The PLV-Z2 is a native 16:9 widescreen format projector with three 0.7" 1280x720 resolution LCD panels. It is rated at 800 ANSI lumens of brightness, and 1300:1 contrast.The Z2 features manual vertical and horizontal lens shift that lets the user adjust the position of the projected image relative to the projector. It also offers an adjustable lens aperture that lets the user select either optimum brightness or optimum contrast depending upon the best option for the particular viewing environment. Air intakes are on the rear and bottom of the unit, and exhaust is out the side, making it suitable for easy shelf-mounting on a rear wall.

Vutec Matte White Electric and Remote Controlled Screen:

Dual Mount 16:9 Electric Screen - 52" x 92" x 110"D

These babies are an amazing pair of speakers. They are the new Definitive Technologies BP7001SC speakers with integrated Sub-Woofers. There are several reviews raving about them, but you need to actually hear them to make a good judgment. For speakers that rocks for both stereo and HT, these are the ones:

"A mind-boggling sonic achievement"
—Gary Merson, HDTV Insider

The engineering team responsible for the new BP7001SC is
especially proud of their work on this second landmark member of the 7000 Series. It was designed to make many of the performance breakthroughs spearheaded by the BP7000SC available to a broad range of enthusiasts. In fact, considering its smaller size and lower price, the new BP7001SC is in some ways almost as impressive as the BP7000SC. It combines a bipolar array similar to that used in the BP7000SC with what is basically a built-in SuperCube® I (10" SuperCube® Technology sub driver, two 10" infrasonic radiators and a 1500-watt class D amp)in each stylishly sleek cabinet. The sonic performance of the BP7001SC is actually dramatically superior to the former flagship system, the BP3000TL, which makes it a tremendous value as well as an outstanding performer. It also features the new signature styling as well as a choice of piano-gloss black or piano-gloss golden cherry finish.

Specifications: Dimensions: 48"H x 8.4" W x 15"D. Freq. Response: 13 Hz – 30 kHz. Rec. Assoc. Amp.: 20 – 600 watts/channel.

This is the D.T. C/L/R 3000 Center Channel Speaker with Integrated Sub-Woofer. Center channels usually don't have the deep bass to match the left and right main speakers. Some people says that center channel information don't require that. This speaker have exactly the same drivers as the main ones but also have an integrated Sub-Woofer and for HT soundtrack, they ROCK!:

The revolutionary new C/L/R 3000, C/L/R 2500 and C/L/R 2300 feature powerful built-in powered subwoofers driven by our Infinite Power Source Technology amplifiers. Their upward-firing long-throw woofers only require 1" of clearance, so they work perfectly whether you open-mount your center channel or put it in a cabinet. Remember: The purpose of putting a subwoofer in the center channel, beyond putting more bass energy into the room, is really to add full range bass and sub-bass capability to the center channel itself. The difference this makes is absolutely audible and very dramatic. This gives you a truly full dynamic range capable/full frequency range capable center channel, which allows you to set the center channel setting on your Dolby Digital decoder to large and fully realize the performance potential of the full range center channel program material as it was intended to be reproduced by the director.

C/L/R 3000 Specifications: Dimensions: 25"W x 8 5/16"H x 16"D. Response: 19-30 kHz. Nominal Imp.: 4-8 ohms. Rec. amp: 20-400 watts. Built-in sub amp: 150 watts RMS. Drivers: 10" sub, 2 cast-basket 6.5" bass/midranges, 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter. Auto On/Off: Signal sensing. Finish: piano gloss black or golden cherry. Tri-wireable. Retail: $999 ea.

These are the D.T. BPVX/P Surround Speakers. I have four of them for a real 7.1 setup. They are great match for the other ones utilizing similar driver but also have the advantage that VERY FEW surround speakers have...they have a power Sub-Woofer integrated, so actually you may hear an explosion coming directly from them instead of re-directed to a S.W. For DVD-A and SACD playback, they completely fill the stage. Only drawback is that you need to connect each one of them to a power outlet. I accomplished that by physically locating an outlet behind each speaker, so the cable is invisible:

Our top of the line BPVX/P is an extraordinary bipolar surround speaker which includes built-in powered subwoofers which allow you to fully experience all the dynamics and full range excitement present in the rear channels of Dolby Digital*, DTS* and Dolby EX* program materials. These full range digital technologies are now used for both music and movies, and enable the producer to direct the lowest bass frequencies into the rear/surround channels, if they so desire, (and they do)! It can be a true revelation when you hear this program material properly reproduced with the full range information in the rear, as the producers intended. Jeff Cherun of Home Theater described it well when he reviewed the BPVX/P, "the rear of the room really came alive as you could instantly hear the bass...its pretty amazing what's back there."

BPVX/P Specifications: Dimensions: 11 3/8"W x 7 3/4"D x 22 1/8"H . Response: 23-30 kHz. Imp.: 4-8 ohms. Rec. amp: 20-400 watts. Built-in sub amp: 125 watts RMS. Drivers: 2 cast-basket 6.5" bass/mid, 2 cast-basket 6.5" subs, 2 1" pure aluminum domes. Auto On/Off: Signal sensing. Finish: Gloss black or matte white. Retail: White - $699 ea., Black - $749 ea.

This is the new D.T. Reference Super Cube Sub-Woofer. You may think it is an overkill to have a system with so many S.W. and also have this, but I use it for just the very LOW frequencies and to move air for special effects. The result is that in movie soundtrack, your body will actually vibrate and while listening to music or watching concerts, you feel the bass punch in your body:

The SuperCube® I & II have set new performance standards for high-output ultra-compact subwoofers. With the new SuperCube® Reference, Definitive sets new performance standards for subwoofers period! The Reference incorporates a 14" version of the 10" SuperCube® Technology driver pressure coupled to two 14" infrasonic radiators. All this is powered by an 1800-watt class D amplifier. The result is astounding high-definition bass performance extending effortlessly down below 11 Hz. Each SuperCube® Reference goes lower than and has dynamic impact and output capabilities almost equivalent to that of four SuperCube®I subwoofers combined. Slam, pace and rhythm are exemplary as is the ability to actually shake cement slab foundations. A complete complement of inputs and controls, including continuously variable level, high-pass, low-pass and phase controls, speaker and line level in and out, and LFE Direct in, are included on this surprisingly compact and stylish cube. The SuperCube® Reference will be available in piano-gloss black or golden cherry. Available Now!

Specifications: Dimensions: 16.9"H x 16.7"W x 16.7"D. Freq. Response: 11 – 200Hz.

This is my Yamaha DVD-S2300 Universal DVD player. It plays all available formats including SACD and DVD-A. This unit was selected as the DVD Player of the year by "The Perfect Vision" magazine.

Yamaha DVD-S2300 DVD-Audio/Video SACD Player 2-in-1 design plays DVD-Audio and SACD discs to bring you the highest quality from every kind of disc. * DVD-Audio and SACD playback * DVD-Audio and SACD circuits completely independent * High performance SACD DACs for all channels * 192kHz/24-bit audio DAC * 54MHz/12-bit video DAC * CD-R/RW *1, VCD and MP3 *2 (multi-session) playback * DTS and Dolby Digital decoders * Bass Management processing and subwoofer/bass management out for DVD-Audio and SACD enjoyment * Video Off mode * Advanced Surround mode * Cinema mode selection (Normal, Cinema Image, User) * Remote control in/out for extended IR code (for custom installation) * Independent digital and analog power circuits and transformers * Large disc stabilizer * Anti-resonance double top and bottom covers

For TV and High Definition Programming, I use the services of Dish Networks and have the 6000U HD recevier. I currently have the following HD channels:
  1. Discover HD Theater
  2. HDNet
  3. HDNet Movies
  4. HBO HD
  5. Cinemax HD
  6. Pay Per View HD
  7. CBS HD
  8. ESPN HD

The Model 6000U High definition television (HDTV) receiver lets you enjoy television entertainment in a whole new way. Sharper images and clearer sound bring television programming to life right in your living room with picture quality that is 6 times greater than standard television. This receiver allows viewing of standard or high definition television programming, and offers 5 different methods for displaying non-HD 4:3 images on 16:9 HDTV screens.

This is my JVC Digital VHS model HM-DH30000. I have some D-VHS tapes and the image is awesome. I hope High Definition DVD comes out soon.

You've discovered digital TV's superior picture quality, and now you want to capture those digital broadcasts in all their high-res glory. No problem! JVC's HM-DH30000 connects to a compatible HDTV tuner via an i.LINK™ (IEEE 1394) connection, and uses high-capacity D-VHS tapes to record HDTV broadcasts at full resolution. This innovative VCR also upconverts or downconverts HDTV recordings on playback to match the television's display rate — even when connected to a regular analog TV!

Digital VHS currently offers the highest resolution recording and playback of any consumer video format, delivering a level of clarity and detail that surpasses even DVD! A single DF-420 D-VHS tape can hold up to 3.5 hours of material recorded at a display rate of 1080i, including a 5.1-channel Dolby® Digital soundtrack.

But not only does the HM-DH30000 record digital signals; it can also record analog signals in Super VHS's impressive 400-line resolution. S-VHS ET capability gives you S-VHS-quality recording and playback using high-quality standard VHS tapes. And for playing back VHS and S-VHS recordings, this deck makes use of JVC's most advanced DigiPure circuitry, with time base correction to remove jitter from the video signal and a digital comb filter to fight dot crawl. This circuitry delivers crisp image edges and clear color separation without bleeding.

Need a convenient way to archive your Mini DV footage? The HM-DH30000's second i.LINK input and advanced MPEG2 codec let you make gorgeous D-VHS copies of your Mini DV movies. And home video enthusiasts will love JVC's Video Navigation System — it enables the VCR to store the titles, dates, and tape locations of approximately 2,000 individual programs! The system assigns a number to each of your cassettes, which you mark on the tapes themselves. Then, when you want to find a particular show, just browse through the program memory menu. Once you've found the show, the VCR prompts you which tape to insert. It even remembers where on the tape the program begins, fast-forwards or rewinds to that point, and begins play!

The use the Monster HTS 2600 to help clean the power of some equipment. It also blends very nice with my Silver/Black Rotel gear:

Home Theatre Reference PowerCenter HTS 2600 is the way to go if you need solid, no-nonsense power conditioning and protection. This reliable and attractive component has Monster Clean Power Stage 2 v2.0 filters, three patented discrete filter sections (ultra-high current audio, video, and low current audio) and a remote activation circuit for auto turn-on of switched/timed outlets. HTS 2600 comes with an extra-long high-current 8 foot PowerLine™ 200 power cable and has a 2960 joule rating for surge and spike protection. Twin LED bars meters indicate input voltage and current usage.
 


This is the Richard Gray's RGPC 400 SubStation that I used for my Amplifiers, processor and DVD:

Huge Isolation Step-down Transformer Re-invents “Balanced Power” utilizing 240-volt line for total isolation of AC circuit. Provides max lightning protection, no ground loops, and nearly 1,000 watts more than a 15-amp AC line. The SubStation takes advantage of a balanced (line-wise) 240-volt AC line to provide the most stable and constant source of AC power yet. A 120-volt version is available for those who do not want to run a 240-volt line, for similar improvements. All Installers should agree that ground loops are a phenomenon that causes problems from mild to wild: Hums, bars in the picture, and extremely degraded sound and pictures and from what appears to be incompatibility in equipment.
This is the Pioneer DVL-700 player. It is a DVD/CD and LD (Laser Disc) player. I do have a great music and movie collection in DVD, and this unit is very good.
This is the key to control all these complicated equipment, the Philips Pronto Pro TSU-7000. I did the programming myself with several smart keys and a nice GUI:

Extended Memory (4 Mb Flash Memory), Large LCD Display Large, High Resolution LCD Display with bright backlight for convenient operation with easy-to-use touch screen. Built-in Universal Database Built-in US Universal Database with pre-installed codes for over 500 brands in 13 device categories. Fully-Customizable Learning Remote Control Can control any device that receives infrared remote control signals. Direct Access Buttons. Elegant black Design. Virtually Unlimited Number of Macros. PC Upgradeable Upgradeable via your PC so the unit is future proof. Unique, Intuitive, Customizable User Interface Animated user interface with scrolling-menu options. ProntoProEdit Allows you to fully customize the user interface.Power Source (4 AAA 1.5V Batteries (Primary or Rechargeable)).

For pictures of my Pronto Graphical User Interface please press HERE

The speaker cable I used for Main Left, Right and Center Channel Speakers is the Linn K600 for Tri_wire connection:

High quality low-loss loudspeaker cable specifically designed for tri-wired installations.

  • Three twisted pairs of cables provide improved sound performance.
  • Very flexible and easy to manipulate
  • Easy to solder and handle
  • Inner cables chalked for easy stripping
I used Linn K20 Loudspeaker Cables to connect all my Side and Back Surround Speakers:

High quality low-loss loudspeaker cable for general purpose use.

  • Ideal for all speaker applications
  • Easy to strip and solder
Some people think it is not important, but I believe in improving the power connection, so I installed Harmonic Technology PRO AC-11 Power Cords to all my amplifiers and DVD player. I then installed the Fantasy AC-10 to my RSP-1098 Processor. WOW!:

PRO AC-11

The Pro-AC11 is constructed with the finest high purity copper. Two shields UL/CL-3 are used for superior RFI rejection and fire protection. They are available with a variety of IEC female and male plugs. Kalman Rubinson has recommended this power cord in Stereophile's November 2000 issue.

Using the finest 6N (99.9997%) high purity copper in the world, combined with Single Crystal TM (OCC) design, the Pro-AC11 will make an astonishing difference in your system. Using the technology of our Pro-11 Plus speaker cable, two additional shields are added for rejection of RFI, digital, and other electromagnetic pollution.  Since the purity of the musical or video signal can be greatly affected by the component’s power supply, it makes perfect engineering sense to provide your power supply with electricity which has been “conditioned” by the Single Crystal purity of the Pro-AC11. This power cord eliminates and rejects RFI due to shielded construction, using both a foil shield and a separate braided shield to “drain” away any unwanted electrical interference. Since the electricity fed to the component is now free of electrical disturbance, including collision with crystalline barriers and impurities, the power supply of the component can now allow the musical or video signal to be processed without additional distortion being added.       

Available with the quality Hubbell plug with Patented construction or at extra cost, the Hubbell Hospital Grade male plug. Also at extra cost, we can supply the Pro-AC11 with the Schurter high quality IEC female plug, either straight or 90 degree bend. This power cord has been selected by manufacturers and famous magazine reviewers and can be recommended for the finest systems.

Fantasy AC-10

How do you improve from what is considered to be one of the best copper power cords, the Pro-AC11? Upgrade to a higher level of pure copper and more insulation found only in the new Fantasy AC10.

Since the clarity of an audio or video signal can be greatly affected by the component's power supply, it makes perfect engineering sense to provide your power supply with electricity which has been "conditioned" by Single Crystal purity. The Fantasy AC10 achieves the highest level of clarity by using only the finest 6N (99.9997%) high purity copper and by adapting more advanced Balanced Field Geometry cable design. Having a total gauge of 10, the Fantasy AC10 has more Single Crystal copper than the longstanding powerhouse, the Pro-AC11.

In addition, each individual conductor of the Fantasy AC10 is insulated with formed polyethylene (PE) to reduce strand interactions. With more insulation than any other power cord on the market, the Fantasy AC10 further eliminates and rejects RFI. Constructed using both a foil shield and a separate braided shield to "drain" away any unwanted electrical interference with the Fantasy AC10, the component is now free of any electrical disturbance, including collision with crystalline barriers and impurities. The power supply of the component can now allow the audio or video signal to be processed without additional distortion.

  Remaining Components:
  1. Sony CDP-CX250 CD carrousel (200 CD)
  2. Sony MDS-JE500 Mini Disc Player/Recorder
  3. JVC HR-S3901 VHS
  4. Yamaha APD-1 RF Demodulator
  5. Sanyo 24,000 BTU Super Silent Air Conditioner

Other Accessories:

  1. Racks: Sanus Systems Euro Audio/Video Furniture
  2. Linn Silver Interconnect Cables
  3. Linn Analogue for all Sub-Woofer connections
  4. MIT Interconnect Cables
  5. Audio Alchemy Digital Cables

 

 

   
   
For more information and renting availability, please e-mail me.
 

 Rotel North America
Definitive Technologies

Yamaha Corporation

Dish Networks

Audio General

The Projected Image

Harmonic Technologies

Linn Corporation

Sanus Systems

Monster Cables

Richard Gray