Home theater equipment

[Chaplin]

The PX3-pro has better black levels. The big thing for the L9Q is the brightness if there's going to be daylight but it sounds like you're room is mostly dark with not much light. So I'd take better black levels and $2500 still in my pocket.

As for the sound system…it's not the route I'd go. I'm a bit of a snob though. Generally I'm not a fan of systems like that. It's the same level as a sound bar to me. 6.5" sub is going to be very little bass. It's upfiring atmos which is less than idea and no center channel. I'm also really not a fan for wireless for speakers.

Personally, if the L9Q package was within my budget, I'd get the PX3-pro and take that $2500 plus how ever much the sound system is and put it towards a receiver and good speakers. You don't have to go full 7.1.6 from the get go. You can always start with a decent 5 speaker base layer and build it up over time.

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

That would have been the MAX I could have gone based on my distance but at the time I already owned a 120" which seems perfect. I am going to upgrade my screen at some point to something a tad better. Maybe I go 130". Maybe. It depends on what deals I can find when I decide to do it. I just bought 4 Home Theater chairs. I am either going to build a new riser or have one built and shipped and buy another set. Once that is done I might go screen hunting.

I have had the Max for a few months and it has been pretty good. I do get dropouts of the HDMI source. That could very well be the cable though.

I only wish the Max would have had 4k120 capability. My next projector will have it for sure.

 

[Devilmaycare]

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

Thinking about it some more, if you're looking at PX3-pro then I'd also recommend looking at the Aurora Pro MKII, it's what I have. Both models are pretty close to one another with some little trade offs. Nexigo has been amazing since I got mine with updates and supporting new stuff.

One thing to note though is that the MKIII is coming later in the year. Nexigo announced it at CES but hasn't given a date or a price yet. We're guessing in the fall but don't have anything solid yet. It's basically a brighter MKII. Specs and performance are similar except for the light output. They also reworked the iris which could possibly give slightly better black levels but no one has seen one yet.

 

[Chaplin]

Thinking about it some more, if you're looking at PX3-pro then I'd also recommend looking at the Aurora Pro MKII, it's what I have. Both models are pretty close to one another with some little trade offs. Nexigo has been amazing since I got mine with updates and supporting new stuff.

One thing to note though is that the MKIII is coming later in the year. Nexigo announced it at CES but hasn't given a date or a price yet. We're guessing in the fall but don't have anything solid yet. It's basically a brighter MKII. Specs and performance are similar except for the light output. They also reworked the iris which could possibly give slightly better black levels but no one has seen one yet.

I'm not really in a position to wait, and both projectors are essentially the same price. Difference here is the PX3-pro out of the box has a higher lumen value than the MKII and a bunch of the non-paid reviews have the PX3-Pro with a slight edge.

This is nerve-wracking trying to make this decision. The L9q is simply too expensive and even some of the reviews say that the PX3-Pro is better at its price point. So right now, I'm seeing if I can amend my quote and remove the sound system, but keep the PX3-Pro and the screen.

 

[Devilmaycare]

I'm not really in a position to wait, and both projectors are essentially the same price. Difference here is the PX3-pro out of the box has a higher lumen value than the MKII and a bunch of the non-paid reviews have the PX3-Pro with a slight edge.

This is nerve-wracking trying to make this decision. The L9q is simply too expensive and even some of the reviews say that the PX3-Pro is better at its price point. So right now, I'm seeing if I can amend my quote and remove the sound system, but keep the PX3-Pro and the screen.

Sounds good. Both models are neck and neck and the top performers. I just wanted to give the extra info to make sure that you had all of your bases covered.

 

[Chaplin]

Sounds good. Both models are neck and neck and the top performers. I just wanted to give the extra info to make sure that you had all of your bases covered.

Thanks for the information, it's tough to figure out what isn't paid reviews vs unpaid. And coming from a home theater enthusiast is probably the best place to get advice at the end of the day. Exciting but nerve-wracking.

My current living room is dark, even during the day, so I can see why the MKII would be an interesting option. But I'm going to be moving out of Texas in summer of 2027, and I want to be prepared with the eventuality that I won't have such a dark space then. (Looks like I will be moving to Denver)

 

[Devilmaycare]

Thanks for the information, it's tough to figure out what isn't paid reviews vs unpaid. And coming from a home theater enthusiast is probably the best place to get advice at the end of the day. Exciting but nerve-wracking.

My current living room is dark, even during the day, so I can see why the MKII would be an interesting option. But I'm going to be moving out of Texas in summer of 2027, and I want to be prepared with the eventuality that I won't have such a dark space then. (Looks like I will be moving to Denver)

Yeah, you can't trust a lot of the reviewers. There's a couple of them that sell gear and do calibrations and their reviews always talk up the crap they sell and downplay everything else. Zero trustworthiness. The Hook Up on you tube is a good reviewer. He's always pretty fair and tells it like it is. Link below to a video that'll be of interest. Comparing the units that you've been looking at. One note on it is that it's 10 months old and Nexigo has released a few firmware updates in that time that have dialed in their dynamic iris. Really not trying to sell you but I know he mentions it in the summary.

Moving to Denver you might luck out and get the best option for a home theater, a basement. I'm tempted to move to CO or some place that has basements just for a good room to use.

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[Chaplin]

Yeah I watched that one. The differences are pretty marginal. I also like the gaming capabilities of the Hisense.

 

[jf-08]

Was at my neighbor's this morning.

He has a set up with a couple of MBL Radialstrahler 101 X-tremes and a whole panel of components. His freaking family room looks like something out of a Flash Gordon movie. Holy crap.

This isn't his room, but it's a very similar setup, but his has some more components.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Chaplin]

So I did it -- took the plunge.

Hisense PX3-Pro
Spectra Projection Vantage 150" projection screen

Just found out after the fact that the projector was on sale, so I saved another $1000 on it.

 

[Devilmaycare]

So I did it -- took the plunge.

Hisense PX3-Pro
Spectra Projection Vantage 150" projection screen

Just found out after the fact that the projector was on sale, so I saved another $1000 on it.

Nice! Great timing on it. Congrats

 

[Devilmaycare]

Was at my neighbor's this morning.

He has a set up with a couple of MBL Radialstrahler 101 X-tremes and a whole panel of components. His freaking family room looks like something out of a Flash Gordon movie. Holy crap.

This isn't his room, but it's a very similar setup, but his has some more components.

You must be registered for see images attach

That's a pretty penny

 

[Covert Rain]

So I did it -- took the plunge.

Hisense PX3-Pro
Spectra Projection Vantage 150" projection screen

Just found out after the fact that the projector was on sale, so I saved another $1000 on it.

1K off is a smoking deal. Also, don't stress out about the choice you made. There isn't a massive difference IMO at that price point. I put myself through this. I spent months, checking out projectors in person before I pulled the trigger. Honestly, there are slight differences in things like lumens, black level, contrast, and features. However, unless you are willing to double your budget, most of the projectors are pretty close and it comes down to preference at which one of things above is the most important to you. Also, if you like gaming that projector is a good fit. Just enjoy it.

P.S. Completely agree on the sound recommendation. Shift your left-over budget to getting a good all-around receiver and speakers. Aside from my Projector, this biggest upgrade I made was installing 4 Height speakers.

 

[Chaplin]

So I got the PX3-Pro and the screen which is UST and ALR for about $3500 total. That seems to be a pretty good deal and something like 50% off what it would cost at full price for those things.

 

[Chaplin]

Hey so I need some guidance on Audio. I do not have a receiver, and right now I'm using a Vizio consumer level 5.1 sound bar system. It's ok, but not as good as I'd like. I saved some cash on my purchase of the projector and want to know if I should be pursuing something larger than 5.1. Should I look for a receiver? Sound bar? How do I handle center channel sound considering the projector I got will take up the space that a sound bar center channel would go (the projector itself can act as a center channel, although not a TRUE one)?

Room size is 164" wide, 250" long with 9 foot ceilings. One long wall is solid, with no windows along with one of the 2 13 1/2 foot walls has a large window, but not a huge amount of ambient light. The other longer part of the room is open to the kitchen/dining/stairwell.

 

[Devilmaycare]

Hey so I need some guidance on Audio. I do not have a receiver, and right now I'm using a Vizio consumer level 5.1 sound bar system. It's ok, but not as good as I'd like. I saved some cash on my purchase of the projector and want to know if I should be pursuing something larger than 5.1. Should I look for a receiver? Sound bar? How do I handle center channel sound considering the projector I got will take up the space that a sound bar center channel would go (the projector itself can act as a center channel, although not a TRUE one)?

Room size is 164" wide, 250" long with 9 foot ceilings. One long wall is solid, with no windows along with one of the 2 13 1/2 foot walls has a large window, but not a huge amount of ambient light. The other longer part of the room is open to the kitchen/dining/stairwell.

Welcome to the rabbit hole Alice.

With what you're doing for the picture and visuals I wouldn't go with a soundbar. I'd get a receiver and start adding speakers. You can always start with the front stage and then add surrounds and atmos as you go. Get a receiver that's at least 11 channels so that you can build it out to a full 7 channel base lay (fronts, side surround, and rear surround) and 4 atmos speakers. With the size of your room, especially if more than 1 row of seating, you might even want all 6 atmos speakers but it's always a jump going up to 13 channels for the receiver.

As for the center channel, that gets tricky. My screen is AT so I have mine behind it. With the size of your room and screen though you can probably get away with having it on a stand on the seating side of the projector. Right in front of it. A layout like the picture but it on a stand that has it a about the bottom of the screen. With 150" you're going to have some space been it and the seating.

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[Chaplin]

Ouch, I'm not sure a receiver is the way to go. I can't find many 11 channel receivers for less than $2500.

 

[Chaplin]

Looking at these, but they are all soundbar systems:

https://www.amazon.com/JBL-1300XMK2-11-1-4-soundbar-Detachable-Surround/dp/B0FN1JLNCN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OKHCFBI2MOO5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sMsMVKp6eiQSjc_ryEESRrZS4IP-QbJEc4lLqwC_nWEKuAGPCTz6BXsFEmUhIVUosX1KLKNoNz4Ba33AzdOhPGc4GW2JJzXfSXBH5rsxdoccpKZxcdWvusjuKzKoA6xzCceIlzQoqnyJC3fuIa1EXwJG9iLO6x7e8COgpyP-szUkZKLzXQlkYISjrDG1UQ4J9XxJq6UckIOk_-UD45T8fuk8nyeC_-qqXXnodBWveMs.B1cSxZE4ZYjFmdRTEUDwWT2KloUVHPfgDELDxxIS0jY&dib_tag=se&keywords=11+channel+home+theater&qid=1773933173&sprefix=11+channel+home+theater%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/sspa/click?ie=UTF8&spc=MTo3OTAxODM1MDA1MDY1MzQ6MTc3MzkzMzE3MzpzcF9hdGY6MzAxMjAwMDgzOTM5MjAyOjowOjo&url=%2FNakamichi-Shockwafe-Soundbar-Subwoofers-Technology%2Fdp%2FB08Z37YTVG%2Fref%3Dsr_1_2_sspa%3Fcrid%3DOKHCFBI2MOO5%26dib%3DeyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sMsMVKp6eiQSjc_ryEESRrZS4IP-QbJEc4lLqwC_nWEKuAGPCTz6BXsFEmUhIVUosX1KLKNoNz4Ba33AzdOhPGc4GW2JJzXfSXBH5rsxdoccpKZxcdWvusjuKzKoA6xzCceIlzQoqnyJC3fuIa1EXwJG9iLO6x7e8COgpyP-szUkZKLzXQlkYISjrDG1UQ4J9XxJq6UckIOk_-UD45T8fuk8nyeC_-qqXXnodBWveMs.B1cSxZE4ZYjFmdRTEUDwWT2KloUVHPfgDELDxxIS0jY%26dib_tag%3Dse%26keywords%3D11%2Bchannel%2Bhome%2Btheater%26qid%3D1773933173%26sprefix%3D11%2Bchannel%2Bhome%2Btheater%252Caps%252C194%26sr%3D8-2-spons%26sp_csd%3Dd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY%26psc%3D1

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-11-1-4ch-Subwoofer-Q-Symphony-HW-Q990F/dp/B0DY1XTF77/ref=sr_1_5?crid=OKHCFBI2MOO5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sMsMVKp6eiQSjc_ryEESRrZS4IP-QbJEc4lLqwC_nWEKuAGPCTz6BXsFEmUhIVUosX1KLKNoNz4Ba33AzdOhPGc4GW2JJzXfSXBH5rsxdoccpKZxcdWvusjuKzKoA6xzCceIlzQoqnyJC3fuIa1EXwJG9iLO6x7e8COgpyP-szUkZKLzXQlkYISjrDG1UQ4J9XxJq6UckIOk_-UD45T8fuk8nyeC_-qqXXnodBWveMs.B1cSxZE4ZYjFmdRTEUDwWT2KloUVHPfgDELDxxIS0jY&dib_tag=se&keywords=11+channel+home+theater&qid=1773933173&sprefix=11+channel+home+theater%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-5

This last one has an earlier version that is about $600 cheaper.

Do you guys have any opinions on Nakamichi?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Nakamichi is a fine brand.

Before deciding on soundbars vs receivers + speakers, I'd ask what you are trying to accomplish. If something like Atmos is a requirement, etc.

 

[Chaplin]

Nakamichi is a fine brand.

Before deciding on soundbars vs receivers + speakers, I'd ask what you are trying to accomplish. If something like Atmos is a requirement, etc.

Almost everything I'm looking at includes Atmos and DTS:X, but I'm no audiophile.

I have a projector and ALR/UST screen that can go up to 150", so I'm looking at trying to get to that home theater sweet spot. I want to get the best bang for my buck, so I'm not willing to spend 5 grand on a sound system.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Is your budget right about where you were looking at? $1500 or so?

 

[Chaplin]

Is your budget right about where you were looking at? $1500 or so?

Yeah around there, can maybe go up to 2000 or so.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

In your budget, it's nearly impossible to go separates. From your list, I'd probably choose the Samsung.

I don't know what you currently have, but any of these options are likely going to be much better than what you currently have.

 

[Devilmaycare]

Almost everything I'm looking at includes Atmos and DTS:X, but I'm no audiophile.

I have a projector and ALR/UST screen that can go up to 150", so I'm looking at trying to get to that home theater sweet spot. I want to get the best bang for my buck, so I'm not willing to spend 5 grand on a sound system.

Sorry, I can't really help on the soundbar side of things. I don't keep up with them enough to make recommendations. Supporting the Atmos and DTS:X formats are great but the main benefit with a soundbar with them will be the base layer. Don't expect amazing heights. They'll all be upfiring speakers which rely on the sound bouncing off the ceiling. You can only get so much performance that way vs in/on ceiling speakers.

 

[Chaplin]

Sorry, I can't really help on the soundbar side of things. I don't keep up with them enough to make recommendations. Supporting the Atmos and DTS:X formats are great but the main benefit with a soundbar with them will be the base layer. Don't expect amazing heights. They'll all be upfiring speakers which rely on the sound bouncing off the ceiling. You can only get so much performance that way vs in/on ceiling speakers.

I may just have to make do for now with my current Vizio 5.1 setup. Not ideal, but I'm not going to spend a ton of money on a sound system without understanding what I'm paying for.