Need help with choosing the right home theatre system....

[Jinen14]

Hello,

I just became a new member of Audioholics and I would like to get some help from all the audiophiles regarding home theatre systems. I tried searching for some suggestions regarding some good home theatre systems but there's just too much information out there

So, I think it might be a good idea to let you guys know of what I have so far:
- 50" Panasonic TH-50PZ700U
- DVD / VCR Combo Panasonic DMR-EZ47V
- Optimum Online HD Cablebox
- PS2

My room layout is rectangular, probably 22' x 13'

I have an entertainment center where I would like to put the speakers. On the left and the right side of the TV, there is some space to put speakers. The dimension of that space is 36" high by 10" wide. I also have some space to put the center channel at the top center; I don't know the dimension of this section but it's big enough to hold most center channels. As far as the rear speakers are concerned, I can either put them on stands, set them inside the wall, hang them from the ceiling, etc....options are unlimited...Also, I listen to a lot of pop music and I watch a lot of movies.

I would like to get a receiver that has at least 3 HDMI inputs (one from my DVD/VCR combo, one for my cablebox and one extra one) and 1 or 2 HDMI outputs. Also, it would be great if the receiver had multizone capability since I plan on putting recessed speakers in about 4-5 different rooms in the house. I don't know whether to get floor speakers and put them in the 36" x 10" space or whether I should purchase the satellite speakers and just mount/place them in the 36" x 10" area. I have a designated space towards the back part of the room for the subwoofer (I am not sure if the back is the best spot for a subwoofer, any thoughts???).

So, with a rough budget of $2,000 for the speakers and the receiver, what would be your suggestion???? Is mixing one brand of speakers with another brand of receiver a good idea or is it better to stick to one brand for both the receiver and the speakers? Also, if possible, I would like to purchase the items from Best Buy since I have several gift cards from there. If there are better deals at other stores, then I am open to that as well. Also, what are your thoughts about a BOSE system? Would you recommend to go with the BOSE setup or go with other brands?

Thank you, in advance, for your suggestions and your help. Should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[rnatalli]

Welcome!

Stay away from Bose, please...

Matching speakers is really only important with the front 3. You can mix the rears, but if this is a new system, I'd go with he same brand all around (with the exception of the sub).

If you have gift cards from Best Buy and are set on buying from them, check out the Best Buy's with Magnolia as they carry some good brands like Mirage, DefTech, Klipsch, and a few others. Figure out what speakers you like first, then you can determine what receiver you'll need. For a sub, I'd check out the offerings from HSU and SVS online.

If you're not set on buying from Best Buy, a lot of options open up. The key is to audition as many speakers as possible as 60-70% of your budget should be spent on them.

 

[Jinen14]

Thanks for replying!

Based on your response, it appears as if it's a better idea to purchase speakers and a receiver separately, rather than buying a home theatre in a box...is that correct?

As far as the speakers are concerned, what would you suggest for the following:
1) Front - floor speakers, bookshelf speakers, or satellite speakers
2) Rear - floor speakers, bookshelf speakers, or satellite speakers

Is there anything specific I should be looking at when shopping for speakers?

Also, are there any other brands that I should stay away from besides Bose?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

 

[Phil Taylor]

I second the stay away from Bose - the 601 is the only decent speaker they make. Well they're all "decent" but the older 601s were their best design - the 901 was good in its time too.

Anyways - what type of speaker to choose - floor, satellite or bookshelf is up to your tastes and room decor. Decide how you want things to look and find the best sounding speaker to your ears. You are the one you have to please - right?

Stay with the recognized names at Best Buy - (except Bose) - like JBL & Klipsch and if it's a Magnolia store check out the Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 60 speakers for $799 - Best Buy SKU: 8206201.

Combine those speakers with the receiver of your choice (doesn't matter if you mix receiver and speaker brands - just try to keep your speakers matched) with the features you want and if you choose a 7.1 system (hard to find a 5.1 system with 3 HDMI inputs) you could add a couple of floor speakers for your fronts if you want.

 

[Jinen14]

Thanks for responding!!!

I have decided to go with either satellite speakers or bookshelf speakers. In general, is one better than the other (i.e. are bookshelf speakers better in quality than satellite speakers or vice versa)?

What are your thoughts about the Klipsch Quintet SL speaker system (Best Buy Sku # 8351696)?

What about the Mirage - Nanosat Prestige5 system (Best Buy Sku # 8318162)?

What about the JBL 6-Piece Home Cinema Package (Best Buy Sku # 8394221)?

I really appreciate all the suggestions... Thanks!!

 

[mazersteven]

As said already "please stay away from Bose". Just to let you know why. Bose marketing is awesome. One of the reasons everyone talks so highly of Bose is because of that marketing, and everyone's (the everyday guy's) lack of knowledge. Bose do sound OK, but you can achieve much better quality sound for the same money. Plus the Acoustimass module really isn't a subwoofer.

 

[mazersteven]

I would also stay away from satellite speakers. Bookshelf speakers are going to give you much better sound quality. Not just any bookshelf speakers, but the right bookshelf speakers. Putting speakers inside a entertainment center is not the best idea. But done right you can achieve excellent results. You don't want the speakers to be "inside" the entertainment center. You want the face of the speakers to be at the edge of the entertainment center. You also will want front ported, or sealed speakers IMO.

You are also going to want shielded speakers if they will be in the entertainment center close to the television.

Usher Audio
S-520
http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded

Usher Audio
HT-1 Center Channel
http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/ht-1-center-channel

SVS
SBS-01 System
http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

 

[Davemcc]

With a $2,000 budget, you can certainly afford something with better performance than the satellite packages at Best Buy. Bookshelf speakers will give you a much fuller, richer sound and generally blend better with your subwoofer than satellites. It would really help if your Best Buy was a Magnolia because they have some much better choices.

You will need a subwoofer for home theater use if you use bookshelves or satellites, and also recommended with towers. I find it's best not to skimp on the subwoofer. That's what provides the visceral impact of special effects in movies. It's the "WOW" factor. Online subwoofer specialty shops like SVS or Hsu research can provide you with a solid bang for the buck product.

I would suggest that before you go into Best Buy to buy anything, go first to some specialty audio shops in your area and listen to a variety of speakers in your price range. There are many. Listen closely to the differences between speakers to identify what you like and don't like about each set of speakers. Once you identify what you like/dislike about the way certain speakers sound, you are welcome to vet your options in the forums here to see if anybody has any comments, opinions, alternatives or deals on them.

Wise shopping and a little time invested at this point can pay huge dividends in the quality of the system you get and greatly affect your enjoyment of the system for years to come.

 

[mazersteven]

Receivers

Onkyo TX-SR705 or TX-SR805
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR705&class=Receiver&p=i
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR805&class=Receiver&p=i

Some of the guys here can tell where to get deals on these receivers. Best Buy from what I understand runs sales on the 805 for $699 sometimes.

Also shop

www.jr.com
www.onecall.com
www.buy.com
www.bhphotovideo.com
www.vanns.com
www.crutchfield.com
www.amazon.com

And check at U-Bid for recondition units.

Yamaha RX-V1700
http://www.ubid.com/electronics/home-audio/

 

[Cozmo]

I would also check out Aperion Audio and Axiom Audio for speakers. With these, you eliminate the middle-man and can get more for your money....

I have some bookshelf aperion's and have no complaints. There subs are good too.

-Coz

http://www.aperionaudio.com/home.aspx

http://www.axiomaudio.com/

 

[Seth=L]

The cheapest receiver available with 3 HDMI inputs is the Sony STR-DG810, which can be found for as low as $300. Sony receivers aren't very respected in the audio community as they typically don't offer good value and their reliability on certain models isn't very good. You take a bigger risk buying a receiver from Sony than from many other manufacturers.

Onkyo has the next budget receiver with 3 HDMI inputs. The TX-SR705 as mentioned above. It will cost you around $500 or so.

If you must do a subwoofer satellite system, the Mirage you mentioned is pretty good. I would skip the JBL for sure. The Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 60 is pretty good as well.

The SVS SBS-01 system is also a very good option. It has the best bang for buck here IMO. The subwoofer that comes with it is going to flat out walk all over any other sub/sat system you can buy at this price.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

 

[Cozmo]

The cheapest receiver available with 3 HDMI inputs is the Sony STR-DG810, which can be found for as low as $300. Sony receivers aren't very respected in the audio community as they typically don't offer good value and their reliability on certain models isn't very good. You take a bigger risk buying a receiver from Sony than from many other manufacturers.

Onkyo has the next budget receiver with 3 HDMI inputs. The TX-SR705 as mentioned above. It will cost you around $500 or so.

If you must do a subwoofer satellite system, the Mirage you mentioned is pretty good. I would skip the JBL for sure. The Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 60 is pretty good as well.

The SVS SBS-01 system is also a very good option. It has the best bang for buck here IMO. The subwoofer that comes with it is going to flat out walk all over any other sub/sat system you can buy at this price.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

Seth is right on, SVS makes some mighty fine subs. I ugraded my Aperion one to an SVS PC Plus/2. It was like night and day difference, even though the 12" aperion was also good.

 

[Jinen14]

Those are all helpful suggestions!! I'm going to look into all the options thoroughly...I think you guys have convinced me to look into the bookshelf speakers...the SVS option does look pretty nice...

As far as the receiver is concerned, does it have to be 5.1 or 7.1? Don't most movies have just Dolby Digital 5.1? Does the receiver somehow convert the 5.1 to 7.1? What are some key things that I must have in a receiver (i.e. THX certified, 5.1 or 7.1, etc...)

 

[Seth=L]

Those are all helpful suggestions!! I'm going to look into all the options thoroughly...I think you guys have convinced me to look into the bookshelf speakers...the SVS option does look pretty nice...

As far as the receiver is concerned, does it have to be 5.1 or 7.1? Don't most movies have just Dolby Digital 5.1? Does the receiver somehow convert the 5.1 to 7.1? What are some key things that I must have in a receiver (i.e. THX certified, 5.1 or 7.1, etc...)

DVDs have Dolby Digital as as standard in most cases. Dolby Digital EX is also on some titles, which is 6.1. DTS-ES is also available on some DVDs which is also 6.1. Blu-ray and HD DVD both have 7.1 audio on them, which the Onkyo and Sony receivers I mentioned can handle.

THX certification isn't necessary, but it's a nice feature and guaranty that your equipment will meet certain standards.

The SVS option is a pretty good one because the satellite speakers are more like bookshelf speakers, they are larger than typical satellites.

 

[Jinen14]

After doing more research, it looks like the following companies have some of the best bookshelf speakers...

1) SVS
2) Axiom
3) Aperion

For those of you that have bookshelf speakers from either of these companies, what are your suggestions/thoughts/complaints?

I'm looking for a 5.1 system for my living room...In the future, I'll be doing 7.1 downstairs in the basement...

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

 

[Cozmo]

After doing more research, it looks like the following companies have some of the best bookshelf speakers...

1) SVS
2) Axiom
3) Aperion

For those of you that have bookshelf speakers from either of these companies, what are your suggestions/thoughts/complaints?

I'm looking for a 5.1 system for my living room...In the future, I'll be doing 7.1 downstairs in the basement...

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

From the info I have seen on this forum, they all are good. I think the SVS is newer since I don't recall seeing too much on this, but I would trust Seth's opinion on these as he gives sound advice. Personally, I can only comment on the Aperion. I think they are great speakers for the price and their customer service is the best I have seen. Besides there is always the 30 day trial period with them. Axiom and/or SVS may have a similar trial period.

 

[Alamar]

Those are all helpful suggestions!! I'm going to look into all the options thoroughly...I think you guys have convinced me to look into the bookshelf speakers...the SVS option does look pretty nice...

As far as the receiver is concerned, does it have to be 5.1 or 7.1? Don't most movies have just Dolby Digital 5.1? Does the receiver somehow convert the 5.1 to 7.1? What are some key things that I must have in a receiver (i.e. THX certified, 5.1 or 7.1, etc...)

One thing that I like my receivers to be able to do is to be able to fully process audio coming in over HDMI. AFAIK many of the budget receivers with HDMI connectors only pass audio through to the TV ... they don't do things like bass management or any of the other things that you'd want a receiver to do with your audio. AFAIK when you use HDMI on the budget receivers you also need to run an optical or "digital coax" cable from you source to the receiver to get audio from your speakers ... kind of defeating much of the purpose of HDMI

 

[mazersteven]

I think the SVS is newer since I don't recall seeing too much on this, but I would trust Seth's opinion on these as he gives sound advice.

What am I "chopped liver" since I mentioned the SVS system first in my post?

 

[Cozmo]

What am I "chopped liver" since I mentioned the SVS system first in my post?

Apologies Mazer, you also provide sound advice and are very helpful on this forum. I missed that you had reccomended this in the same thread...

 

[Jinen14]

Last night, I did a price comparison and it looks like the following...

1) SVS SBS-01 5.1 system's subtotal is $999 (I'm assuming about $125 for shipping, so my total would be around $1,125)

2) Axiom's system consisted of 4 Millenia M3 bookshelves, 1 VP100 center, and EP125 as the subwoofer. Their total came to $1,277.75

3) Aperion's system consisted of 4 Intimus 532-LR bookshelves, 1 Intimus 533-VAC center, and the Intimus S-10 (10") subwoofer. Their total is $1,499.

So, the difference between the lowest and the highest is only $375. I don't mind spending that much extra if the Aperion's are really that much better than the SVS or the Axiom's. Any thoughts?

Again, thank you all for your help with my home theatre system; it is greatly appreciated!