132 replies to this topic

[gedvince]

hi all im a newbie on this site so please be patient with me.

im wanting to purchase a new home theatre system for my new home. Nothing fancy, just something that does a reasonable and decent job. My budget is about $1,500-$2,000. The room measurements are 5 meters by 5 metres.

Some people are telling me to go for a home theatre system minus the amp. Whereas, others are saying you NEED a amp for a home theatre system. No-one is telling what brand i should be looking for and set up as well.

We were orginally looking at the BOSE system, but looking throughout this forum , BOSE stands for Buy Other Stero Equipment.

So i thought that it was best to come here and ask the questions and to see what you all have to say. If anyone can lead me in the rite direction in regards to brand and model, it would be greatly appreciated.

Oh i forgot to mention, my setup is panasonic dvd, playstation 3 and samsung 46" lcd tv

Thanks heaps

Vince

[mn9]

gedvince, on Jun 4 2008, 01:07 PM, said:

hi all im a newbie on this site so please be patient with me.

im wanting to purchase a new home theatre system for my new home. Nothing fancy, just something that does a reasonable and decent job. My budget is about $1,500-$2,000. The room measurements are 5 meters by 5 metres.

Some people are telling me to go for a home theatre system minus the amp. Whereas, others are saying you NEED a amp for a home theatre system. No-one is telling what brand i should be looking for and set up as well.

We were orginally looking at the BOSE system, but looking throughout this forum , BOSE stands for Buy Other Stero Equipment.

So i thought that it was best to come here and ask the questions and to see what you all have to say. If anyone can lead me in the rite direction in regards to brand and model, it would be greatly appreciated.

Oh i forgot to mention, my setup is panasonic dvd, playstation 3 and samsung 46" lcd tv

Thanks heaps

Vince

Definatley look at the brand new SONY 7.2 HTDDW700 home theatre kit which will be able to give you DTS Master/Dolby HD sound via the PS3. I have spoken to JB HiFi and it will be released in a couple of weeks. I cant wait, it will be around $1399 and for this price nothing comes close to this, if you want to go a bit cheaper there is a 5.1 version HTDDWG800 that does the same HD sound for around $899, this is being released at the same time.

Below is a link to a Sydney sound dealer, its the first pics I could find.

http://www.binglee.c...ct.aspx?id=3048

[trofius]

Most people agree that sound is 50% or more of the movie experience, so the investment should match that.


I think it has beeen mentioned many times before but you will need an AVR (audio visual receiver), not an amp per se.

such as the onkyo 605, pioneer and Yamaha also have several options for similar cash, $700-800

Next look at getting a decent set of speakers. maybe a front 2, or 3. you could start with bookshelf speakers and then move them to the rear once you get / save for a decent set of mains.

The mains and centre should be from a similar model, and same brand..

The centre is probably the most used speaker when watching movies.. and a nice matching set of floorstanders ( if thats what you are interested in) will be good for listening to music.

The sub will add a huge amount to your movie experience and will  probably seem to cost maybe a quarter of the total speaker cost.

When i started i got the AVR ( $600) and mains, ( $900) and used some old dodgy speakers for the surrounds (just some cheapies could be used as an intrim)
then i saved for the matching centre ( $500)
then i saved for the 2 surrounds which at this stage  I was already wanting to upgrade..( $800, these could also be used as decent bookshelf speakers)
Then i built my own sub...$1500 ( Lots yes but ended up being very good)

My set up is pretty low end really but sounds nice and perfoms well. I have already upgraded my centre as i found it really is a very important speaker. and have plans to get matching mains, and then an AVR upgrade, as mine does not support any of the new sound formats, no HDMI plugs.

Think about what your goals are , just surround sound, or somthing that will sound good and last many years to come...speakers dont out date and decent speakers will last you 10+years as opposed to electrical componants. Also lots of  all in one setups, the speakers can not be used in  future upgrades.

lots of electrical stores will have packages set up that consist of an AVR, and a set of 5.1 speakers, varying from the all in one box type setups, to different grades of AVRs and speakers sets. You need to.listen to several of them and see what you like, maybe come back here with ideas, and then go get the best option and see what best price they can do for you, if you aim a little higher price wise,  usually this can be got for hundreds less, and dont let them sell you really expensive cables either, there is heaps of threads here on cables, and several site sponsers that have a great range at great prices.

Edited by trofius, 04 June 2008 - 04:57 PM.

[50MXE20]

Summarising what Trofius has said above you need to budget around the $2K+ mark for a low end AVR and speakers.
I'd avoid the HTIB solution if you can as you can do much better with a decent AVR and speakers.
I'd look at the AVRs Trofius suggested and maybe a speaker set-up like the Focal Sib/Cubs. (My daughter just bought these for about $1500 plus cabling).
Seeing as you have a PS3 and thus access to BD and the new sound codecs I'd get a low end AVR that has HDMI 1.3 and can handle these.
Based on that you might have to lift the budget a few hundred dollars.
I'd go into any specialist Hi Fi shop, tell them your budget and have a listen.

[2ZZ-GE]

Well ring eastwood hifi and ask them what you can spend on 2k.

Personally tell u i only ended up spending 2.5 k on my HT. Kef 3005SE black + Yamaha RVX-661

The amp I have is a run out model but it has all the features like HDMIs, 90W x 7 etc.... and more than those 5.1HT packages, more power and speakers sound better than those floor standing HT packages.

I know that they still have the Kef 3005 in silver - older model for $1799 so if might be lucky with $500+ for amp.

I know its $300 bucks over, but I can guarantee you that you wont regret.

To be honest i looked at those sony 5.1 HT system and when i lift up the floor standing speakers and subs they are so light. Even my satellite kefs speakers are heavier than them!!!

[50MXE20]

2ZZ-GE, on Jun 4 2008, 09:15 PM, said:

Well ring eastwood hifi and ask them what you can spend on 2k.

Everything I've read suggests this is excellent advice.

I've got some good advice from Steve and we are a few thousand km apart.

[Gizmomelb]

mn9, on Jun 4 2008, 03:34 PM, said:

Definatley look at the brand new SONY 7.2 HTDDW700 home theatre kit which will be able to give you DTS Master/Dolby HD sound via the PS3. I have spoken to JB HiFi and it will be released in a couple of weeks. I cant wait, it will be around $1399 and for this price nothing comes close to this, if you want to go a bit cheaper there is a 5.1 version HTDDWG800 that does the same HD sound for around $899, this is being released at the same time.

Below is a link to a Sydney sound dealer, its the first pics I could find.

http://www.binglee.c...ct.aspx?id=3048

umm the SONY 7.2 HTDDW700 doesn't appear to support the newer HD audio formats? (ie: BluRay) or have I missed something in the specs?

[50MXE20]

Gizmomelb, on Jun 5 2008, 02:00 PM, said:

umm the SONY 7.2 HTDDW700 doesn't appear to support the newer HD audio formats? (ie: BluRay) or have I missed something in the specs?

It's a worry.

[MACCA350]

Gizmomelb, on Jun 5 2008, 04:00 PM, said:

umm the SONY 7.2 HTDDW700 doesn't appear to support the newer HD audio formats? (ie: BluRay) or have I missed something in the specs?

Does the receiver support PCM over HDMI?
If so you can use the PS3 for all the decoding and pass the PCM signal to the AVR for post processing.

Win win situation as the PS3 can now decode all latest formats inc DTS-HDMA and Dolby TrueHD

cheers

[jliang70]

Lyle, on Jun 4 2008, 06:07 PM, said:

Summarising what Trofius has said above you need to budget around the $2K+ mark for a low end AVR and speakers.
I'd avoid the HTIB solution if you can as you can do much better with a decent AVR and speakers.
I'd look at the AVRs Trofius suggested and maybe a speaker set-up like the Focal Sib/Cubs. (My daughter just bought these for about $1500 plus cabling).
Seeing as you have a PS3 and thus access to BD and the new sound codecs I'd get a low end AVR that has HDMI 1.3 and can handle these.
Based on that you might have to lift the budget a few hundred dollars.
I'd go into any specialist Hi Fi shop, tell them your budget and have a listen.

On a slightly lower budget you can get the cheap Energy Classic Take 5 for less $1000 or getting bookshelf speakers and centre such as Monitor Audio bronze series for 5.0 set up for less than $1500.  There are too many options that will give you better sound than HTIB.

[50MXE20]

jliang70, on Jun 5 2008, 02:26 PM, said:

There are too many options that will give you better sound than HTIB.

That's for sure?

[MACCA350]

jliang70, on Jun 5 2008, 04:26 PM, said:

On a slightly lower budget you can get the cheap Energy Classic Take 5 for less $1000 or getting bookshelf speakers and centre such as Monitor Audio bronze series for 5.0 set up for less than $1500.  There are too many options that will give you better sound than HTIB.

I wouldn't class that Sony 7.2 system as a HTIB, even though it is advertised as one.

cheers

[50MXE20]

MACCA350, on Jun 5 2008, 03:22 PM, said:

I wouldn't class that Sony 7.2 system as a HTIB, even though it is advertised as one.

When is an HTIB an HTIB and when is it not?   

C'mon Macca, if it's advertised that way, surely one has to accept that it is what it is?

It's hard enough putting up with advertisers telling porkies and making false claims but this is going the other way?!

[Andre28]

a HTIB would be something where the disc player, the processing and the power amp stage all happen from the same box? Included with said box would be speakers to only really be used with that HTIB, and would likely come bundled with really really thin speaker wire.

[MACCA350]

Lyle, on Jun 5 2008, 05:43 PM, said:

When is an HTIB an HTIB and when is it not?   

When you don't need a magnifying glass to see the speakers   


cheers

[mn9]

MACCA350, on Jun 5 2008, 04:25 PM, said:

Does the receiver support PCM over HDMI?
If so you can use the PS3 for all the decoding and pass the PCM signal to the AVR for post processing.

Win win situation as the PS3 can now decode all latest formats inc DTS-HDMA and Dolby TrueHD

cheers

Exactly!

[kelviny]

2ZZ-GE, on Jun 5 2008, 12:15 AM, said:

Well ring eastwood hifi and ask them what you can spend on 2k.

Personally tell u i only ended up spending 2.5 k on my HT. Kef 3005SE black + Yamaha RVX-661

The amp I have is a run out model but it has all the features like HDMIs, 90W x 7 etc.... and more than those 5.1HT packages, more power and speakers sound better than those floor standing HT packages.

I know that they still have the Kef 3005 in silver - older model for $1799 so if might be lucky with $500+ for amp.

I know its $300 bucks over, but I can guarantee you that you wont regret.

To be honest i looked at those sony 5.1 HT system and when i lift up the floor standing speakers and subs they are so light. Even my satellite kefs speakers are heavier than them!!!

2ZZ-GE Can u direct me to where u bought the KEF3005se?

[ryuji]

QAcoustics 1010i 5.1 is a cheaper choice than Kef 3005SE.
the point is i have no idea where u can get the better deal...sorry

[2ZZ-GE]

I have a yamaha RXV-661 amp for sale. Although it doesnt output Dolby true HD, your blu ray can decode on the player and pass through PCM signal. To be honest I think you should start getting a decent speakers b4 you can start trying out the amps later. I am happy to go below $400 if you in sydney.

[marsbar]

Hi all. If you don't mind, I'd like to add to this "Please Help - I know Nothing" topic. I too am looking at getting a home theatre system – and was hoping all you experts out there could help me.

HTIB appeals - either because I am too busy, too lazy, too stupid or all three. But if people can recommend actual AVR and speakers that meet my budget, I am happy to consider - if sound quality is really going to be that much better (honestly, without your hand on it!).

Here are my key requirements (though I may be flexible):

(1) I want to get rid of my current stereo (so this will be my only sound system)
(2) For convenience, prefer system with inbuilt DVD to play music CD’s as well as movies
     (though am happy to plug external DVD drive if unit has HDMI input)
(3) Surround Sound would be fun, but good stereo sound (for price), with decent power & minimal distortion, is more important to me.
(4) I want to plug in my iPod
(5) Ability to operate iPod with remote (ie iPod dock)
(6) HDMI output, so that I can get iPod image on TV screen, is desirable
(7) HDMI inputs, for example to plug in blu-ray player in future

What is best system that meets these requirements, for under $2500? Also, what is best system for under $1400?

I listened to the Sony HTDDW7000 and thought it sounded great (in a showroom with lots of background noise). Fits the bill in terms of connectivity and features (including HDMI repeaters), and price is only $1400! – though speakers are a bit large, and two subwoofers may be over the top (?).

I’ve heard the Samsung HT-TXQ120T sounds better – but have not listened to this myself.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[gardener]

marsbar, on Feb 2 2009, 08:45 PM, said:

Hi all. If you don't mind, I'd like to add to this "Please Help - I know Nothing" topic. I too am looking at getting a home theatre system – and was hoping all you experts out there could help me.

HTIB appeals - either because I am too busy, too lazy, too stupid or all three. But if people can recommend actual AVR and speakers that meet my budget, I am happy to consider - if sound quality is really going to be that much better (honestly, without your hand on it!).

Here are my key requirements (though I may be flexible):

(1) I want to get rid of my current stereo (so this will be my only sound system)
(2) For convenience, prefer system with inbuilt DVD to play music CD’s as well as movies
     (though am happy to plug external DVD drive if unit has HDMI input)
(3) Surround Sound would be fun, but good stereo sound (for price), with decent power & minimal distortion, is more important to me.
(4) I want to plug in my iPod
(5) Ability to operate iPod with remote (ie iPod dock)
(6) HDMI output, so that I can get iPod image on TV screen, is desirable
(7) HDMI inputs, for example to plug in blu-ray player in future

What is best system that meets these requirements, for under $2500? Also, what is best system for under $1400?

I listened to the Sony HTDDW7000 and thought it sounded great (in a showroom with lots of background noise). Fits the bill in terms of connectivity and features (including HDMI repeaters), and price is only $1400! – though speakers are a bit large, and two subwoofers may be over the top (?).

I’ve heard the Samsung HT-TXQ120T sounds better – but have not listened to this myself.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

OK marsbar I must be mad or stupid or both to have a go a this one, but here goes anyhow

Speakers:
If you have the cash then get into the Krix Group Buy on this forum closing Feb 13 (No prices to be disclosed anywhere to anyone)
And Buy Krix fronts KDX-M, + centre KDX-C.
Amp:
Get an Onkyo 606 for around $860
+ Docking – read this thread Ipod Input For An Onkyo  
DVD player:
Toshiba XD-E500 $170 - $180.

You should be able to do this for under $2500.

Edited by gardener, 02 February 2009 - 11:32 PM.

[50MXE20]

marsbar, on Feb 2 2009, 06:45 PM, said:

What is best system that meets these requirements, for under $2500? Also, what is best system for under $1400?

In who's opinion?
Which one of us are you going to believe.
Because we will all give you different advice.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to go into a reputable HT shop, tell them what your budget is, and view and listen to your options.
Don't be afraid to listen to things above your budget because it will give you a basis to deciding if you can settle for the budget you have or not. If you can't hear the difference from spending more then don't. If you can, think carefully about how much it matters and either purchase or go home and save. (Don't forget to watch for specials and 2nd hand gear too. There are some excellent buys that come up from time to time if you can be patient).

There is no simple panacea to this dilemma of choosing an HT system.
Audition audition audition.
It's hard work. Fortunately it can be fun too.

My 0.02.

[marsbar]

Thanks Gardner & Lyle for trying to step down to my level. I knew this wouldn't be an easy one - but any feedback is good to get the ball rolling.

So you guys don't have an opinion about the Sony AVR's? Do you think with the right speakers they may give good audio? I just like the features, and I'm not sure that I've got the time to check out every specialist audio shop in the country.

[gardener]

marsbar

Definitely no stepping down on my part as I don't consider that I'm at any level, yet.  There are however many audiophiles on this forum and much to be learned from reading their posts.  Perhaps their comments will guide you as to what to go listen to.

The only Sony reference I saw in your post was to HTIB.  

My poor offering was an endeavour to meet your requirements as stated in your post  and to keep well within one of your given budgets.

[50MXE20]

marsbar, on Feb 3 2009, 10:34 AM, said:

Thanks Gardner & Lyle for trying to step down to my level. I knew this wouldn't be an easy one - but any feedback is good to get the ball rolling.

So you guys don't have an opinion about the Sony AVR's? Do you think with the right speakers they may give good audio? I just like the features, and I'm not sure that I've got the time to check out every specialist audio shop in the country.

I have an opinion but that is all it is, an opinion.

Personally I don't like HTIB solutions. I think they fall well short of what can be achieved.

As to budgets. Well my initial budget was $2500. I went and listened to what I could get for that, then listened to what double that would get me, and went home. I came back 18 months later with about $6K and bought.
I probably listened to quite a few systems in that 18 month period determining what I liked (and since).
I've had a few upgrades since then.

My experience with most sales guys in the specialist shops is very good.

Some people here are very dogmatic. I'd ignore them.

Edit Add:
Just pick one or two 'good' shops and start there.
You could spend several hours just in one and you'd be a lot wiser.

Edited by Lyle, 03 February 2009 - 02:12 PM.