Hello Folks:
( I truly apologize. I didn't see the "Check Here First" forum until after I wrote all this out! )
I’m a virtual newbie to anything AV related. I was an audiophile in the 1970’s and had a kick-ass stereo that lasted over 30 years. These days I’m like a mechanic who worked on cars in the 60’s. The only experience I have with Home Theater is a JVC setup from the 1990’s I bought at a garage sale for $25. I’ve been researching for weeks until my eyes can’t take it, and frankly, I’m played out. I just want to pull the trigger on “something” and be done with this.
NOTE: You should know that I am totally blind in one eye, and legally blind in the other. To give you an idea, I see ZERO difference between low-def & high-def. Sure I want the best for my budget, (HDMI) but video quality is low on the priority list.
The Room: Its a single-wide mobile home, so I can’t avoid the open living room-kitchen design. However, I’ll be placing the rear speakers between the two rooms. So the listening area is essentially 12’ wide, 18’ front to back, with a 7’ high ceiling.
Priority 1 – Budget: In 1978 I spent $2,500 on my sound system. That was a lot of doe 37 years ago. Now I live month to month on Social Security. I can’t even think mid or upper tier equipment. My needs are basic, so I’m looking at either quality stuff from 5-8 years ago, or low-end newer gear? I still have the garage sale JVC 100 watt powered sub and the low-end rear and center channel speakers. (125 watts @ 8 ohms) So my first priority is Front L-R and Receiver. I’ll upgrade the rest later. My “absolute max” budget is $275, but unless the extra $75 really makes the difference, $200 for both receiver & speakers is my goal.
Priority 2 – “Music” Sound Quality: TV surround sound is great, but Its total gravy for me compared to music quality. There’s only about 4-5 shows I would really use surround for, and I rarely watch movies. Conversely, I often listen to music 3-4 hours at a time, so music takes total priority over video quality!
Conflicting Research: I’ve read countless articles and youtube videos. Some say you should put the majority of your budget into the receiver, while others say it should be the speakers. I never even knew there was a difference between front L-R speakers and the rear “surround” speakers until all this research. Many companies sell the same 4 speakers for both? That’s confusing!
More Confusion: Looking at speakers on Amazon, it seems the terms “Bookshelf”, “Satellite”, and “Surround” are almost used interchangeably? ( or at least the differences are very unclear to me ) Anyway… on to some questions.
Question 1: Most Important - As a music lover with a $200-$300 max budget, do I focus more money on the Front L-R Speakers, or the Receiver? Considering smaller room size, I’m guessing WPC is not a major concern? Maybe 65-85 wpc?
To be clear, I like my 70’s rock ‘n roll on the loud side, but I’ve forgotten more than I knew about WPC, S/N ratio, sensitivity, head room, etc… Audio is almost a new world to me now!
Question 2: The Set Up - Here’s where my HT novice shows up. I have a 58 inch Samsung Plasma (PN58C550) It has 4 hdmi-ins, but I see no hdmi-out. I have only 2 peripherals. One is a DVD player that I rarely use accept for instructional video, so composite hook-up is fine. However, I also have a Chromecast that I use daily to stream Netflix & Screen Cast to my TV. Its connected to my TV HDMI-in, I’m guessing that stays where it is?
Question 3: I read that using hdmi to connect “either” your cable box OR your TV to the HT Receiver will only deliver 2-channel stereo, and you must use a digital “optical” cable to get the 5.1 signal to the receiver ) IS THIS TRUE?
Question 4: Is digital “Optical” audio cleaner and better than digital “Coax” audio?
Question 5: The final set-up now seems pretty simple. Correct me if I’m wrong?
Cable Box HDMI-OUT to TV HDMI-IN
Cable Box Optical Audio-OUT to Receiver Optical Audio In
TV Optical Audio OUT to Receiver Optical Audio In
( That’s assuming the receiver has TWO optical audio-IN jacks, otherwise I’d have to use digital COAX audio OUT, Right? )
In Closing, I know many of you audiophiles are having a chuckle at how much time, effort, and research I’ve put into such a basic low-end set up. Remember, I was you once. My finances have changed greatly, but my ears haven’t. I’m still the same picky son of a ***** I was 40 years ago when it comes to music listening. Forgive me for trying to learn and still get the best deal for my money. If anyone can help answer some of my questions, it would be GREATLY appreciated. I’ve been seconds short of pulling the trigger on a couple items, but thought I’d consult some experts first! My decisions change everytime I read more, but here's what my latest choices are.
Receiver – Yamaha RX-V377 ( $200 ) This means very low-end ebay used speakers.
Speakers - Bose 161 Speaker ( $158 ) This means a low-end ebay used receiver.
Maybe my best bet… Monoprice ( item 110800) Premium HT Speakers (Pair) $92
This leaves room for a decent receiver. Suggestions?
THANKS in advance for helping out an old fart living month to month. That’s how important music is to me. It keeps me going!
