Home Theater Systems That Make Sense : Hallowed Ivy-Covered Halls

Ah yes, it’s that time of year. The leaves are changing color, there is a nip in the air and kids are heading back to school. Whether you are hanging in the dorm or in your favorite office or den, the following system is tailor made for space constraints and performance.

The TV and Source Component: Toshiba

When the Toshiba 26V610U 26-inch LCD TV and DVD player combination arrived at my front door, I eagerly carried it inside and tore open the carton. As much as I preach the importance of reading the owner’s manual, I like doing that probably about as much as you do, i.e. not at all.  I can honestly say this was one of the few times that the owner’s manual truly wasn’t necessary.

This display is so easy to use, straight out of the box. I just plugged it in,  hooked it up to my cable and I was good to go. The untweaked screen images revealed a picture with super bright blues and greens. The completely intuitive remote easily allowed me to access the onscreen menu to fine tune the picture for improved color and brightness. Honestly, the menu is so easy to use, a young child could do it.

Sliding a DVD into the built-in, side loading slot was again a complete no-brainer. Slide it in and away you go. The display has plenty of inputs: HDMI™ (2), ColorStream® HD Component Video (1), S-Video, RCA Video - Rear (1), L-R Audio- Rear (1), 1 RF, PC D-Sub 15, Digital Audio Output - 1 Coaxial (DVD only). What all of those inputs mean for you in non-tech speak, is that by using the PC input the display can be used with your computer and the A/V, HDMI and Component inputs can be used for gaming and receiving HD broadcasts. Perfect for late night parties.

The dimensions are: 26.81 width x 20.23 height x 8.93 depth with the stand and a lightweight under 20 lbs. On the audio side of the equation you will want to upgrade the TV’s speakers with your own external speaker system.  When the Dolby® Digital and DTS® compatible output is connected to a compatible AC-3 receiver, there is created a multi-channel audio experience and unsurpassed three-dimensional audio performance rivaling the best movie theaters. And for future reference, Toshiba DVD players feature DTS® (Digital Theater Systems) compatibility. A Toshiba DVD player can be connected to a DTS® compatible receiver/decoder via its digital audio outputs for playback of high-resolution multi-channel DTS® -encoded DVDs and CDs.

For a space saving 26-inch LCD with a built-in DVD player with great features and performance the Toshiba 26V610U is a keeper. $479.99 www.toshiba.com

The Receiver: Marantz  

To get your best sound option, a great receiver to partner with the Toshiba display is the brand new Marantz  NR1501.  Most full-featured home theater receivers are huge, but thanks to its “Slim-line” design (just over 4” high, 13” deep), the NR1501 is also a 7-channel amplifier, that can fit just about anywhere. It also sports four HDMI Version 1.3 inputs, built-in upscaler with all built-in audio codecs, including decoding for Dolby TruHD and DTS Master Audio and more.

The NR1501 makes it easy to get the best high definition sound to your ears with an automatic calibration process that:  Identifies your system’s speaker complement, measures the distances between your speakers and your favorite viewing/listening position for the most accurate delay settings, adjusts relative speaker levels for the most natural surround effects and determines the proper speaker crossover settings for the smoothest transition from your wide range speakers to your subwoofer. It also analyzes your room’s acoustic properties and corrects for their often-negative impact on the sound you hear, all of this for only $599.99. www.marantz.com

The Speakers: Anthony Gallo Acoustics

A few months ago, Anthony Gallo Acoustics (AGA) unveiled its latest loudspeaker, the Strada. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Anthony Gallo line of loudspeakers, you are in for a treat when you venture to your local hi-fi dealers and audition these new spherically shaped speakers.

Physically, the diminutive Strada measures 6.5”depth  x 12.5” height x 5.5” width. The Stradas have been tested in a multitude of environments with a variety of different mounting options and they sound as good on the wall as they do set on a table. And, as with all AGA speakers, the Strada features the company’s patented S2 Technology, which improves low-frequency extension and eliminates the standing wave that is inherent in any spherical enclosure.  In addition, the loudspeaker’s new CDT™ 3 tweeter boasts a new grill topology, which improves vertical dispersion. Because of the wide and accurate vertical dispersion of the new tweeter, the speakers can be used as dedicated surround channels as well. 

At $1,000 a speaker, the Stradas are not exactly cheap, but convince your parents (who are footing the bill for college anyway) that these speakers, unlike your designer jeans, really are investment pieces that will give you multiple years of happiness, long after college is just a distant memory. www.roundsound.com

The Upshot

Toshiba 26V610U LCD TV 
w/Built-in DVD Player:  $479.99

Marantz NR1501 Receiver: $599.99

Anthony Gallo Acoustics 
Strada speakers (5 speakers): $5,000
Total: $6,079.98