| Author |
Message |
Number 9
Guest
|
 Posted:
Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:53 pm Post subject:
Suggestions for home theatre system |
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Hi all,
I'm looking to buy a new home theatre system. My budget is limited to
$1000, so I'm thinking one of these "Home Theatre in a Box" is the
solution for me (am I wrong?). I have limited knowledge of audio/video
and what's good, but I have some "wants": I want it to be a 6.1 system,
that supports all these Dolby Digital, PRO Logic II and DTS
(ES)systems.
I like the PIONEER - HTZ-940DV Home Entertainment System, as well as
SAMSUNG HT-DS1000 Slim, Upscale Home Theater System (just 5.1 tho). And
right now I'm leaning towards the JVC QP-F30AL.
Is this the best I can get for my budget? The system will be used in
my living room with a Mitsubishi TV (55" Back projection), and I do
care some about how it looks. Like all the systems I mentioned above
have the tall slim speakers. I do not wish to hang any speakers on my
walls.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Tom
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Ian S
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:29 pm Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
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"Number 9" <number9@ulriksborg.com> wrote in message
news:1109091219.596298.179760@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
| Quote: | Hi all,
I'm looking to buy a new home theatre system. My budget is limited to
$1000, so I'm thinking one of these "Home Theatre in a Box" is the
solution for me (am I wrong?). I have limited knowledge of audio/video
and what's good, but I have some "wants": I want it to be a 6.1 system,
that supports all these Dolby Digital, PRO Logic II and DTS
(ES)systems.
I like the PIONEER - HTZ-940DV Home Entertainment System, as well as
SAMSUNG HT-DS1000 Slim, Upscale Home Theater System (just 5.1 tho). And
right now I'm leaning towards the JVC QP-F30AL.
Is this the best I can get for my budget? The system will be used in
my living room with a Mitsubishi TV (55" Back projection), and I do
care some about how it looks. Like all the systems I mentioned above
have the tall slim speakers. I do not wish to hang any speakers on my
walls.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Tom
|
I have heard that the tall thin speakers are sometimes vulnerable to
toppling over when challenged by pets or kids. While satellite systems often
are mounted on the wall, they don't have to be since there are now a good
selection of speaker stands designed for satellite speakers. These stands
which yield the tall thin look you want range from el cheapo Atlantic brand
at Walmart (surprisingly decent looking and stable) at <$30 a pair up to
fancier ones costing $100 or more a pair. Some HTIBs include a DVD player or
changer which you may not need. Consumer Reports gave top ratings to Yamaha
YHT-450 and YHT-750 systems.
With the amount you have to spend, I'd consider the following non-HTIB
setup: Hsu 6.1 speaker system including Ventriloquist center and satellites
with STF-2 powered sub for $600. Add an Onkyo SR-502 receiver for $250 from
an authorized dealer, three pairs of the Atlantic stands from Walmart for
$90 and you're in for less than a grand. If you need a player as well, there
are plenty of perfectly acceptable ones for around $100 including one like
the Toshiba SD-4960 that lets you play SACD and DVD-A discs if that appeals.
I believe the Onkyo has the separate channel inputs the latter requires but
you'd need to check. A little more money would get you a HK-AVR-135 receiver
or a little more yet would get you the THX-certified 7.1 channel Kenwood
8070 receiver. |
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Joseph Oberlander
Guest
|
| Posted:
Wed Feb 23, 2005 3:40 pm Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
| Quote: | With the amount you have to spend, I'd consider the following non-HTIB
setup: Hsu 6.1 speaker system including Ventriloquist center and satellites
with STF-2 powered sub for $600. Add an Onkyo SR-502 receiver for $250 from
an authorized dealer, three pairs of the Atlantic stands from Walmart for
$90 and you're in for less than a grand. If you need a player as well, there
are plenty of perfectly acceptable ones for around $100 including one like
the Toshiba SD-4960 that lets you play SACD and DVD-A discs if that appeals.
I believe the Onkyo has the separate channel inputs the latter requires but
you'd need to check. A little more money would get you a HK-AVR-135 receiver
or a little more yet would get you the THX-certified 7.1 channel Kenwood
8070 receiver.
|
Note - up the budget a bit and spend the $90 that would go for
stands on small tower speakers instead. The size will be about
the same, but you'll get much better sound.
I recommend Athena and Energy for low-end but acceptable
sound(ie - rubber surrounds and made to last a decade
or more). Either brand will crush a "HTIB" setup
twice over, yet cost maybe $600-$800.
Also, the difference between $1000 and $1200-1500 is
literally twice the quality sound-wise, so consider
$1000 for speakers and $400-$500 for the receiver and
DVD player if you can. |
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Dimitrios Tzortzakakis
Guest
|
| Posted:
Wed Feb 23, 2005 5:52 pm Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
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|
Quote:"(surprisingly decent looking and stable)"
The good looks of someone/something cheat many people.
--
Tzortzakakis Dimitriïs
major in electrical engineering, freelance electrician
FH von Iraklion-Kreta, freiberuflicher Elektriker
dimtzort AT otenet DOT gr
Ï "Ian S" <iws51remove@cox.net> Ýãñáøå óôï ìÞíõìá
news:ZQKSd.113108$0u.19230@fed1read04...
| Quote: | "Number 9" <number9@ulriksborg.com> wrote in message
news:1109091219.596298.179760@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
Hi all,
I'm looking to buy a new home theatre system. My budget is limited to
$1000, so I'm thinking one of these "Home Theatre in a Box" is the
solution for me (am I wrong?). I have limited knowledge of audio/video
and what's good, but I have some "wants": I want it to be a 6.1 system,
that supports all these Dolby Digital, PRO Logic II and DTS
(ES)systems.
I like the PIONEER - HTZ-940DV Home Entertainment System, as well as
SAMSUNG HT-DS1000 Slim, Upscale Home Theater System (just 5.1 tho). And
right now I'm leaning towards the JVC QP-F30AL.
Is this the best I can get for my budget? The system will be used in
my living room with a Mitsubishi TV (55" Back projection), and I do
care some about how it looks. Like all the systems I mentioned above
have the tall slim speakers. I do not wish to hang any speakers on my
walls.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Tom
I have heard that the tall thin speakers are sometimes vulnerable to
toppling over when challenged by pets or kids. While satellite systems
often
are mounted on the wall, they don't have to be since there are now a good
selection of speaker stands designed for satellite speakers. These stands
which yield the tall thin look you want range from el cheapo Atlantic
brand
at Walmart (surprisingly decent looking and stable) at <$30 a pair up to
fancier ones costing $100 or more a pair. Some HTIBs include a DVD player
or
changer which you may not need. Consumer Reports gave top ratings to
Yamaha
YHT-450 and YHT-750 systems.
With the amount you have to spend, I'd consider the following non-HTIB
setup: Hsu 6.1 speaker system including Ventriloquist center and
satellites
with STF-2 powered sub for $600. Add an Onkyo SR-502 receiver for $250
from
an authorized dealer, three pairs of the Atlantic stands from Walmart for
$90 and you're in for less than a grand. If you need a player as well,
there
are plenty of perfectly acceptable ones for around $100 including one like
the Toshiba SD-4960 that lets you play SACD and DVD-A discs if that
appeals.
I believe the Onkyo has the separate channel inputs the latter requires
but
you'd need to check. A little more money would get you a HK-AVR-135
receiver
or a little more yet would get you the THX-certified 7.1 channel Kenwood
8070 receiver.
|
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|
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Ian S
Guest
|
| Posted:
Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:56 pm Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
"Joseph Oberlander" <josephoberlander@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:G4ZSd.3628$MY6.1636@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
| Quote: |
With the amount you have to spend, I'd consider the following non-HTIB
setup: Hsu 6.1 speaker system including Ventriloquist center and
satellites
with STF-2 powered sub for $600. Add an Onkyo SR-502 receiver for $250
from
an authorized dealer, three pairs of the Atlantic stands from Walmart
for
$90 and you're in for less than a grand. If you need a player as well,
there
are plenty of perfectly acceptable ones for around $100 including one
like
the Toshiba SD-4960 that lets you play SACD and DVD-A discs if that
appeals.
I believe the Onkyo has the separate channel inputs the latter requires
but
you'd need to check. A little more money would get you a HK-AVR-135
receiver
or a little more yet would get you the THX-certified 7.1 channel Kenwood
8070 receiver.
Note - up the budget a bit and spend the $90 that would go for
stands on small tower speakers instead. The size will be about
the same, but you'll get much better sound.
I recommend Athena and Energy for low-end but acceptable
sound(ie - rubber surrounds and made to last a decade
or more). Either brand will crush a "HTIB" setup
twice over, yet cost maybe $600-$800.
Also, the difference between $1000 and $1200-1500 is
literally twice the quality sound-wise, so consider
$1000 for speakers and $400-$500 for the receiver and
DVD player if you can.
|
Your points are well taken. Still I think it would be tough to come in under
$1000 for a 6.1 system - as the O.P. wanted - with decent small tower
speakers (I assume just for the fronts) and well-matched suround, center and
back speakers. The surround and back speakers are still going to have to be
raised off the floor somehow so stands of some kind may still be required
since wall-mounting is out. That said, I think one thing that sets HT apart
is the need for great LFE which relies on the subwoofer and that's why I
recommended Hsu which is known for excellent value and great sub
performance.
Another point for the O.P.: the Consumer Reports test ranked the Pioneer
system you mentioned considerably below the Yamaha HTIBs I referred to. |
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Ian S
Guest
|
| Posted:
Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:57 pm Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
"Dimitrios Tzortzakakis" <use@address.below> wrote in message
news:cvhuga$2ps$1@usenet.otenet.gr...
| Quote: | Quote:"(surprisingly decent looking and stable)"
The good looks of someone/something cheat many people.
|
So, ugly unstable stands are better??? |
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Number 9
Guest
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| Posted:
Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:56 am Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
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|
Thanks everyone for your input. I have definitely moved away from the
HTIB systems, and I'm now looking to build my own. I just need to
convince my wife that we should spend a little more, and also go for
7.1.
Tom |
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Joseph Oberlander
Guest
|
| Posted:
Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:32 am Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
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Ian S wrote:
| Quote: | Your points are well taken. Still I think it would be tough to come in under
$1000 for a 6.1 system - as the O.P. wanted - with decent small tower
speakers (I assume just for the fronts) and well-matched suround, center and
back speakers. The surround and back speakers are still going to have to be
raised off the floor somehow so stands of some kind may still be required
since wall-mounting is out. That said, I think one thing that sets HT apart
is the need for great LFE which relies on the subwoofer and that's why I
recommended Hsu which is known for excellent value and great sub
performance.
|
Tough, but not impossible. Athena is a good starting point, and
a little HSU sub - it will be close - maybe $1100 or so, but it is
possible.
| Quote: | Another point for the O.P.: the Consumer Reports test ranked the Pioneer
system you mentioned considerably below the Yamaha HTIBs I referred to.
|
Not me - I like Denon. A real seperate amplifier. Even their
little AVR-485S for $299 MSRP($250 is possible, *with a warranty*
if you shop around), and $100 for a good DVD multi-region player
that also plays AVI and DIVX files.
http://www.divx.com/hardware/detail.php?p=7
Great inexpensive player with a ton of features. 24/96 decoding
and MP3 CD playback as well.
That leaves about $650-700 for speakers, give or take. A HSU
STF-2 sub is $300, so 5 channels for $400. Tough, but doable.
$600, though($1200 total budget) would nearly double the sound
quality. $100 per speaker can get you quite decent sound and
good construction. |
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Mark D. Zacharias
Guest
|
| Posted:
Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:28 pm Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
The Philips player may be OK for a throwaway model. That's what Philips
always was anyway.
You can get a decent Pioneer for the same money.
Mark Z.
"Joseph Oberlander" <josephoberlander@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:jqdTd.4684$873.826@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
| Quote: |
Ian S wrote:
Your points are well taken. Still I think it would be tough to come in
under
$1000 for a 6.1 system - as the O.P. wanted - with decent small tower
speakers (I assume just for the fronts) and well-matched suround, center
and
back speakers. The surround and back speakers are still going to have to
be
raised off the floor somehow so stands of some kind may still be required
since wall-mounting is out. That said, I think one thing that sets HT
apart
is the need for great LFE which relies on the subwoofer and that's why I
recommended Hsu which is known for excellent value and great sub
performance.
Tough, but not impossible. Athena is a good starting point, and
a little HSU sub - it will be close - maybe $1100 or so, but it is
possible.
Another point for the O.P.: the Consumer Reports test ranked the Pioneer
system you mentioned considerably below the Yamaha HTIBs I referred to.
Not me - I like Denon. A real seperate amplifier. Even their
little AVR-485S for $299 MSRP($250 is possible, *with a warranty*
if you shop around), and $100 for a good DVD multi-region player
that also plays AVI and DIVX files.
http://www.divx.com/hardware/detail.php?p=7
Great inexpensive player with a ton of features. 24/96 decoding
and MP3 CD playback as well.
That leaves about $650-700 for speakers, give or take. A HSU
STF-2 sub is $300, so 5 channels for $400. Tough, but doable.
$600, though($1200 total budget) would nearly double the sound
quality. $100 per speaker can get you quite decent sound and
good construction.
|
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Number 9
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:08 am Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
Hi all,
This is what I got put together... Yes, I did not stick to my budget...
It got increased by $500.
Subwoofer: Infinity Primus PS-8 $249.99
Center Speaker: Infinity Primus C25 $179.99
Front and surround: Infinity Primus 150 $534.99 ($89.99x6)
Speaker total: $964.97
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V650: $334.99
DVD Player: Pioneer $198.99
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total: $1498.95
Is this worth the price? I can't increase anymore, as these are prices
without postage as well, so...
Thanks everyone for their help!
Tom |
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Ian S
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:45 am Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
"Number 9" <number9@ulriksborg.com> wrote in message
news:1109279327.762330.210850@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
| Quote: | Hi all,
This is what I got put together... Yes, I did not stick to my budget...
It got increased by $500.
Subwoofer: Infinity Primus PS-8 $249.99
Center Speaker: Infinity Primus C25 $179.99
Front and surround: Infinity Primus 150 $534.99 ($89.99x6)
Speaker total: $964.97
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V650: $334.99
DVD Player: Pioneer $198.99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
Total: $1498.95
Is this worth the price? I can't increase anymore, as these are prices
without postage as well, so...
Thanks everyone for their help!
Tom
|
Boy, you really did just get in under the $1500 limit! Vanns.com has most of
your items at the prices you quote and has free shipping. Plus they are an
authorized dealer which may be an advantage for warranty issues. Final
point, the 8" sub seems a bit anemic - 100 watts and only down to 35 Hz. Get
the 10" with 250 watts and down to 27 Hz. ;-) |
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Number 9
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:32 am Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
Ok, I got the 10" instead.. :)
On the receiver side is there much difference between the Yamaha
RX-V650 and the HTR5760? Would I lose much by choosing the HTR model?
Thanks,
Tom |
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Joseph Oberlander
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:32 am Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
|
|
Number 9 wrote:
| Quote: | Hi all,
This is what I got put together... Yes, I did not stick to my budget...
It got increased by $500.
Subwoofer: Infinity Primus PS-8 $249.99
|
Rule #4 of speake systems - buy a subwoofer from a subwoofer
company and the speakers from a speaker company. Swap this
for the HSU $300 sub.
| Quote: | Center Speaker: Infinity Primus C25 $179.99
Front and surround: Infinity Primus 150 $534.99 ($89.99x6)
|
I find these to be a bit hokey myself, and a 7.1 system
is overkill(6.1 is the standard). Also, the front two
speakers MUST be better and capable of delivering good
stereo music unless you plan to run CDs through the fake
surround processing modes only.
| Quote: | Speaker total: $964.97
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V650: $334.99
|
Denon's basic receiver for $300 is better.
| Quote: | DVD Player: Pioneer $198.99
|
Any $99 DVD player will do. Remember, blue laser/HD-DVD
is coming in a year or two, so this should be a disposeable
player that you use until then.
Spend the extra $$150-200 on the sub($50 more) and:
Center: $179
Sides and rear:3 speakers @ $90
Two small towers in front(no stands required) |
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Mark D. Zacharias
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:35 pm Post subject:
Re: Suggestions for home theatre system |
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|
The differences are cosmetic only. The HTR-5760 even has the same warranty.
Same unit unside.
Mark Z.
(authorized Yamaha servicer)
"Number 9" <number9@ulriksborg.com> wrote in message
news:1109312809.948753.122130@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
| Quote: | Ok, I got the 10" instead.. :)
On the receiver side is there much difference between the Yamaha
RX-V650 and the HTR5760? Would I lose much by choosing the HTR model?
Thanks,
Tom
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