The $5000 Video-centric System

How do you approach the mid-priced video-centric system? Simple. We start at the top and work down. The display chain is the key here, so we'll allocate our budget to video and leave enough to make sure we get an audio system that rocks the house as well.

720p is going to save us some money. As newer 1080p models arrive on the scene, the 720p products are being forced to take a value pricing approach to make room. The industry kind of shot itself in the foot here as the newer models didn't come to market at a very high retail price point - at least not for long. Competition is fierce, and the consumer is sitting pretty.

System Goals

• This system offers the best bang for the medium budget. It will look (especially) and sound great and will provide an immersive experience for those who don't like paying $10 to squeeze into a stiff chair and step on used chewing gum. It will focus on achieving 5.1, with expandability to handle additional formats and channels at a later date.
• Whenever possible, universal players are utilized as well as devices meant to have a pretty lengthy shelf life so this system will not go obsolete too quickly.
• This system yields ultimate flexibility and provides all the latest formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS MA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital-EX, DTS, DTS-ES, Prologic IIx and the ability to decode DVD-A or SACD and display high-quality component video.
• This system is assembled with reliable components all offering good warranty policies.

Following is our recommendation for an Video-centric system around $5000

Equipment & Product Recommendations

Display: Epson Home Cinema 1080 LCD Projector | Review

Price: $2,499

We reviewed the Epson Home Cinema 1080 and it remains one of the best projectors this amount of money can buy. With the street price of $2,499 (from the original $2,999), this is a no-brainer for the quality and budget minded consumer alike. It has exceptional dark black levels for LCD and the lens shift means that you'll be able to install it just about anywhere. For an upgraded model try out the Home Cinema 1080UB.

Useful Features

Native 1080p/24/60 (1920 x 1080) support HDMI and component inputs Excellent "out of the box" performance HDMI 1.3

12,000:1 stated contrast ratio RS-232 control and IR receivers 12VDC trigger

Alternates: Optoma HD73 DLP projector ($1,999); Pioneer PDP-4270HD plasma ($2,800); Panasonic PT-AX200U ($1,299) review; Sanyo PLV-Z5 ($1,495) review

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AV Receiver: Yamaha RX-A700

Price: $599

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-A700 A/V Receiver supports 3D and Audio Return channel over 6 in/1 out HDMI, CINEMA DSP 3D, with or without Front Presence Speakers, and RS-232C interface for custom installation. The receiver 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 6 HDMI (version 1.4a) inputs which includes Audio Return Channel and standby bypass mode. It can provide upconversion up to 1080p for both analogue and digital sources, but it also includes component (2 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

• 90 watts per channel x 7 channels
• Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoding
• DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS ES 6.1 Matrix, DTS Neo:6 decoding
• 6 HDMI v1.4a processing and switching (6 inputs, 1 output), supports 1080p, Deep Color, xvYCC, 3D, CEC functions
• HDMI Pass-Through (send HDMI from a source to the display without turning on the AV receiver)
  
• Video upconversion up to 1080p
• 7.1 preamp outputs (dual sub outs)
  
• Enhanced On Screen Display menu and screen saver

Alternates: Marantz NR1601 ($599); Yamaha RX-V667 ($549); Harman Kardon AVR 1600 ($499)

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Speakers: Klipsch RB-51 5.1 Loudspeaker System

Built to the same exacting standards as the Reference Series floorstanding setups, the RB-51 home theater system represents an ideal combination of technology, performance and design. The speakers look beautiful and can be purchased in a variety of potential configurations. This setup is one of the best sound solutions on the market.  Consisting of a pair of RB-51 bookshelf loudspeakers, an RC-52 center channel, a pair of RS-42 surround speakers and an RPW-10 subwoofer, this recommended system will forever change the way you think about audio. You can add another pair of RS-42 surrounds or a RPW-10 subwoofer for a 7.1 or 5.2 system, or add both for a 7.2 system! 

Price: $1,605

Alternates: Infinity TSS-1200 5.1 system ($1,299)

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Subwoofer (Optional): Velodyne Impact-10

Price: $299

The Impact Series are stylish, affordable, high-output, low distortion subwoofers. They feature beautiful cabinets with black gloss lacquer trim that fit easily into your home, while their deep, defined bass brings your favorite movies and music to life - at very friendly prices. The Impact-10 and 12 feature a down firing port for high output and low distortion.

Useful Features

• MDP amplifiers with more dynamic headroom for high impact
• High quality, long throw drivers
• 2" copper-wound voice coils
• Down-firing ports for more output, less distortion
• Adjustable, high quality crossover system to match your subwoofer with your main speakers

Alternates: Klipsch RPW-10 ($389)

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Universal Blu-ray Player: Oppo BDP-83

Price: $499

We wanted to recommend a solid Blu-ray player that handles all formats with top-notch progressive scan performance as well. It's important to ensure that either your DVD player or display does adequate 2:3 pull-down conversion so that images are recreated accurately when they go from the DVD to your screen.  If you're a universal BD player fan and want the best audio and video quality available, then look no further than the $499 Oppo BDP-83 universal disc player that will handle Blu-ray, SACD, DVD, DVD-Audio and more...

Useful Features

• HDMI 1.3 output with scaling to 1080p
  
• DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD/DVD+-R/RW, DivX, XviD, HDCD
  
• Coaxial & optical digital output for Dolby Digital/DTS/PCM

• Analogue 5.1 outputs with basic bass management
• 16.5" W x 1.6" H x 10.6" D; 5.2 lbs.
• Warranty: 1 year parts & labor

Alternates: Oppo BDP-80 ($289); LG BD570 ($189)

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Interconnects and Speaker Cables

Blue Jeans is our go to cable vendor for a simple reason: they offer high quality products at affordable prices, and unlike so many other cable companies, they hold the BS. They offer raw 12AWG speaker wire starting at $0.52/foot, though they also sell terminated cables for a bit extra. Blue Jeans also sells no-nonsense interconnects (including balanced XLR cables) and subwoofer cables. Prices will of course vary based on the lengths that you need.

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Total System Price: $5,420 (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.

Brand	Model	Description	Street Price
Epson	Home Cinema 1080	1080p LCD projector	$2,499
Yamaha	RX-A700	AV receiver	$ 599
Klipsch	RB-51	5.1 speaker system	$1,605
Oppo	BDP-83	Blu-ray Player	$ 499
Various	Various	Interconnects & Cables	$ 218
Total System Price:			$5,420

Enjoy the home theater!!!