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Home Theater Upgrades
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I finally upgraded my Home Theater this past week. First, I replaced my Yamaha RX8000 receiver with a best of breed mid-grade receiver: the Denon 3805. You can read about the bazillion features and excellent quality in the Audioholics Review. The main reason for the receiver upgrade was improved sound quality and upconverted video switching. In other words, I can plug all of my electronics (DVD player, XBox, Game Cube, Dish, TiVo, etc) into the receiver and it switches all of it to a single component connection to my TV (Hitachi 57S715). This is a big relief as I no longer have to hit a button on the clunky switch box *and* change the TV input when I want to watch something. Now I just turn on the receiver, hit the button on the remote and presto... instant entertainment without the hassles.
Second, I upgraded my JVC XV-N412S DVD player with a real one; the Denon 2910. The decision on this player came down to three things: DVD-Audio support, SACD support, and improved picture quality. This player was not cheap, but the picture quality improvement alone was worth the price.
Third, I replaced my Bose AM-7 speakers that I was using for the surround sound stage with full range towers that match the camber of my front speakers. I am using Boston Acoustics VR3's for the front, but I went with the model down from those, the VR1, for the rear.
Last, I replaced my JBL SB-10 subwoofer with a Martin Logan Dynamo. This little 10-inch sub in an 11 inch cube package is amazing.
The sound and video difference is staggering. You just don't know what you're missing until you see and hear it. My ears are now spoiled though and everything else I listen to (in the car, at work, etc) just doesn't sound right. The bass is smooth and consistent, bringing the sound of gun shots, explosions, and car crashes vibrating right into your chest. The clarity and increased power of the new receiver brings entirely new sounds to life that just weren't noticeable before. The whole package has really brought new life to our home theater and even Rebecca is happy with the purchases I made. I officially believe that my home theater looks and sounds better than the real thing.
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