07.14.06
Receiver
My new Yamaha receiver came yesterday. Got it all setup and sounding fantastic. I am very impressed with that thing. Didn’t realize it was a 9.1 system until I started reading the audio setup part of the manual. Has the usual front L/R, surround L/R, center, sub. But then adds in a “presence” L/R that go above and in-between the front L/R and a “back surround” that goes in-between the surround L/R. So some day I might have to pick up 4 more speakers. The audio setup process was really impressive too. You put this crazy 360 degree mic about where people will be sitting. Then it blasts crazy noises from each speaker, determines if they are wired correctly, equalizes and levels them based on distance, etc.
Making our lives easier with source switching too. I mentioned the 3 step process we had before. It sure is nice to have one click to take care of it all again. And the up conversion to component made it so we have one cable to run to the projector. Which was the hardest part of this setup. Projectors are rough. We have it at the base of a table thingy, so about floor level. Gives people good leg room from couch and something to set their drinks on. Projector still gets good airflow too. Sure made it tricky to get the bastard lined up to work with DVD, Anime, and games. Everything has to be slightly different.
I think I am happy with it though. Watched Transporter on it last night and it looked and sounded fantabulous. While watching Excel Saga we even thought there was a bunch of teenage shitbags goofing off in front of our house. And having widescreen movies fill that 92″ 16:9 screen really makes me think, “fuck the theater”. I already thought that with the Wega, but I could occasionally be convinced otherwise. Don’t think that will be the case anymore.