Systems Showcase

An amature HT work through the years...

by CrlMac1

A mixture of Sony & Polk Audio hardware. Started off as an all-Sony setup then recently moved towards a Polk Audio solution. The switch was a big audio improvement. I was missing out so much through all these past years! It's an expensive hobby even though it's not as good as some of the postings I've seen. Then again I don't have a budget similar to them (Or else I would be at least using Monster Cables from top to bottom). I think I did a decent job on my Home Theater setup on the budget I have. Notes: - Looney Tunes & Transformers figures to add character to the setup. Replaced the Spawn figures with 1:24 scale diecast cars. - Pictures taken with a Sony DSC-H9 digital camera Not pictured: - My new Mac Mini Server with remote as a Home Theater PC connected via HDMI & optic cable. - Apple wireless keyboard & Magic Trackpad - Monster HTS-2000 surge suppressor - Radioshack-brand 14-gauge Mega-Cable speaker wires & Gold-Series A/V cables. It took many, many purchase and return trips to get it right. - HDMI King Imperial cables - MediaBridge Premium Toslink cables - Cable management work to hide the cable clutter (rev.2). - A Sanyo minifridge Future projects (Wishful thinking on a tight budget): - Sony STR-DA6400ES 7.1 receiver (Thinking way, way, way down the future...) - Unified remote control solution (hopefully with a future Apple iPad with an IR port) - Use Monster Cable-It conduits for better cable management solution. - Decommission the DVD/VCR combo player & CD Mega-changer. Mostly kept for aesthetic reasons and for the stubborn people at home.

Gallery
One of my Polk monoliths... Instant Polk-aholic! RTi-12 speakers are bi-wired to the receiver.	HT v2.2 with the old TV stand. I've been missin' out alot before my Polks... I must collect them all!	Rear surround Sony speaker with Sony subwoofer (decided to use it in conjunction with the new subwoofer)
HT v2.5 with the old TV stand and cables dangling behind it. CSi5 center speaker is slightly angled up on a short speaker stand underneath the center table. The LCD TV looks like it is on a tight-rope balancing over the smaller stand that swivels! You can see all the cable clutter behind it!	A tease of draft v3.0. CSi5 with the South Park Gang.	My HT draft v3.0 Kick-ass version (grilles off)... Watching 24 in HD & digital surround sound! The BDI Icon TV stand was carefully researched to make sure it can accommodate the height constraints of the CSi5 speaker.
Sneak peak of v3.02... Used 14-gauge speaker cables with the slack secured to the back for better cable management. Since this is a work of progress, each of the 88lbs. speakers are on moving-coasters for easier shifting and prevent scratching the wooden floor tiles. Wish they come in black...	My HT v3.02 with less clutter! Now my towering RTi-12s looks small next to the new TV stand. No visible cables can be seen from the front. Just the way I like it! Cable DVR connected via HDMI to the Sony LCD TV and an optical cable routed to the receiver for surround-sound processing.	A tease of HT v3.10... Another Polk upgrade matching the rest of the Polk decor... Another big improvement over its old Sony counterpart.
Old Sony bookshelf speakers used as a stand for my Polk Audio FXi-A6 Rear Surround Speakers.	Old Sony bookshelf speakers used as a stand for my Polk Audio FXi-A6 Rear Surround Speakers. Blackout curtains in the background to enhance the viewing experience.	As sturdy as Bumblebee is, it fell at least twice because of the bass.
My Precious at v4.0!	I dunno which is hotter... Megan Fox or my HT v4.0 rig...	HT v4.2 cleaned-up. Replace the Spawn characters with 1:24 scale diecast cars. More to come (there's a long list)!
Another look at HT v4.2. Got the SF4 Tournament fighting sticks for both PS3 & XBox 360.	Confessing in 1080p!	Developed a hobby in die-cast cars.