Just prevented a blunder, now please suggest (Bose Alternatives)

[alcy]

I received a call from my father asking me which Bose home theater should he go for. The options were like: one costs 1333$, and the other $1666. According to him, he couldn't notice a difference between the two and wanted my opinion.

Well, of course I didn't want to take any uninformed decision, and especially did not want to go for Bose having read all the bad things about Bose on almost all major tech forums.

So, after I strongly disapproved, he decided to not go for it. But, I don't know of the alternatives. He's pretty much intent on having a good home theater system now, and I need suggestions from you folks.

I think we'll be happy with a budget of 1000-1200$. This is my first venture into home theater systems, so every suggestion is welcome.

Few notes:
1. Small room, so I'll settle for a 5.1 system.
2. Preferences- Movies: 40% , Music:60% (No games)
3. Will be building from scratch, so HTiB is not a priority.

So, which AV receiver/DVD-Player/Speakers combo would be ideal according to you folks ? If it helps a bit, Denon seems a little out of range and availability here, Onkyo seems easily available and in budget. I have no clue regarding DVD players. Regarding speakers, Wharfedale, Polk Audio, Kef, Klipsch all are available...am just not sure which one to look for.

And of course, I'd like a system that easily beats/compares well with Bose systems, so that my dad isn't pissed off with my decisions !

Thanks.

 

[engtaz]

These are getting good reviews and are still small.
http://tweakcityaudio.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=25&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
Onkyo AVR's tend to be be best bang for the buck. You can get a cheap Blu Ray player for under $100 all you have to do is look for the advertised deals.
The Onkyo TX-SR507 is a 5.1 and around $299.99

Good Luck

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

So, I assume - you dad already have TV? What are the measurements of "small room" and does it have opening to other spaces? Are there any WAF considerations or it's for man cave ?

Almost any other system at same price point will be better than Bose.

Quick List (you can refine it later on)
3 pairs of Behringers 2030p [$390]
eD A3S - 250 Subwoofer [$350] would do, if room IS small and fully enclosed by walls, otherwise bigger sub will be needed.
Marantz Sr5003 - Refub here for 500$
Sub total: $1240
Cables & Interconnects from Monoprice.com or www.bluejeanscable.com

Now, I didn't add DVD player, you can ether get something of shelf for about $100 or get really good one and Blue Ray Player - Oppo BDP-80 for $290

 

[highfigh]

I received a call from my father asking me which Bose home theater should he go for. The options were like: one costs 1333$, and the other $1666. According to him, he couldn't notice a difference between the two and wanted my opinion.

Well, of course I didn't want to take any uninformed decision, and especially did not want to go for Bose having read all the bad things about Bose on almost all major tech forums.

So, after I strongly disapproved, he decided to not go for it. But, I don't know of the alternatives. He's pretty much intent on having a good home theater system now, and I need suggestions from you folks.

I think we'll be happy with a budget of 1000-1200$. This is my first venture into home theater systems, so every suggestion is welcome.

Few notes:
1. Small room, so I'll settle for a 5.1 system.
2. Preferences- Movies: 40% , Music:60% (No games)
3. Will be building from scratch, so HTiB is not a priority.

So, which AV receiver/DVD-Player/Speakers combo would be ideal according to you folks ? If it helps a bit, Denon seems a little out of range and availability here, Onkyo seems easily available and in budget. I have no clue regarding DVD players. Regarding speakers, Wharfedale, Polk Audio, Kef, Klipsch all are available...am just not sure which one to look for.

And of course, I'd like a system that easily beats/compares well with Bose systems, so that my dad isn't pissed off with my decisions !

Thanks.

The Denon AVR-890 has almost everything needed- no pre outs for all channels but it has enough power, Audyssey, lots of inputs and it requires one cable to connect the TV because it up-converts all analog video to HDMI.

Where are you located?

 

[adwilk]

So, I assume - you dad already have TV? What are the measurements of "small room" and does it have opening to other spaces? Are there any WAF considerations or it's for man cave ?

Almost any other system at same price point will be better than Bose.

Quick List (you can refine it later on)
3 pairs of Behringers 2030p [$390]
eD A3S - 250 Subwoofer [$350] would do, if room IS small and fully enclosed by walls, otherwise bigger sub will be needed.
Marantz Sr5003 - Refub here for 500$
Sub total: $1240
Cables & Interconnects from Monoprice.com or www.bluejeanscable.com

Now, I didn't add DVD player, you can ether get something of shelf for about $100 or get really good one and Blue Ray Player - Oppo BDP-80 for $290

I agree with everything here, except the last suggestion. The Oppo is probably overkill for this system. Unless he really needs a truly universal player, a Panny or Samsung player would easily suffice for less than half the cost.

If this is mostly for movies, I actually (while fully endorsing the behringer) don't prefer 2030P. Its neutrality keeps me bored watching movies. Its a great speaker for the money however. All I'm saying is that while there are some great products out there in your budget, its not to say that your father will like them. The 2030P is fantastic for 2 channel music btw.

My buddy just ordered an HSU setup, two of the bookshelves, center, and two ventriloquist for surrounds. 2 dayton sub 12's and holy crap, the thing does extremely well. I was very impressed. Had about 900 bucks in the speakers, add a receiver, bluray, and cabling for less than 1600

 

[alcy]

These are getting good reviews and are still small.
...
Onkyo AVR's tend to be be best bang for the buck. You can get a cheap Blu Ray player foe under $100 all you have to do is look for the advertised deals.
The Onkyo TX-SR507 is a 5.1 and around $299.99

Good Luck

Thanks for the reply. Yes, i have been looking into the Onkyo receivers. Just a quick question though...how do they(307/507) compare to a Denon 1610 ? Or does this question will simply lead to more doubts ?

So, I assume - you dad already have TV? What are the measurements of "small room" and does it have opening to other spaces? Are there any WAF considerations or it's for man cave ?

Almost any other system at same price point will be better than Bose.

Quick List (you can refine it later on)
3 pairs of Behringers 2030p [$390]
eD A3S - 250 Subwoofer [$350] would do, if room IS small and fully enclosed by walls, otherwise bigger sub will be needed.
Marantz Sr5003 - Refub here for 500$
Sub total: $1240
Cables & Interconnects from Monoprice.com or ...

Now, I didn't add DVD player, you can ether get something of shelf for about $100 or get really good one and Blue Ray Player - Oppo BDP-80 for $290

Thanks for the reply. We will be buying a new TV. Room measures around 12 x12x12.
There are a few windows and two doors. WAF considerations negligible.

I'll look into the options you have posted and will get back to the thread, thanks for the suggestions.

The Denon AVR-890 has almost everything needed- no pre outs for all channels but it has enough power, Audyssey, lots of inputs and it requires one cable to connect the TV because it up-converts all analog video to HDMI.

Where are you located?

Thanks for the suggestion. I am from India. Pretty much everything available, so no issues regarding availability as such.

 

[KEW]

I'm kind of thinking of what my dad would have liked with this suggestion - he'd want things coordinated and be very comfortable with Marantz's enduring reputation.

These would totally spank Bose (but that isn't saying much).

If he is after a compact speaker format, this seems like a pretty good combo (unfortunately stock is low - they also have with white speakers if black are gone):
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MORDMARPACKBLK/Marantz/SR4003-Mordaunt-Short-Alumni-5.1-Package-Black/1.html

Details on the speakers here:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MORDALUMPACKBLK/MORDAUNT-SHORT/Alumni-5.1-Home-Theater-Speaker-System-In-Black/1.html
See link at bottom to HT measurements for FR curve:
http://www.hometheatermag.com/compactspeakers/308ms/#

Details on receiver here:
http://us.marantz.com/Products/2513.asp

CD/DVD player to match style of receiver for another $250:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARBD7003/Marantz/Bd7003-Blu-ray-1080p-High-Definition/1.html

Disclaimer: I have no association with Accessories4less aside from being a happy customer - excellent service and incredible prices!

Also note that the subwoofer is relatively compact and doesn't get the really low infrasonic stuff, but Mordaunt Short has a good reputation for music.

FYI:
Audioholics auditioned a less expensive (except for the upgraded sub) Mordaunt Short 5.1 system here:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/5-1-speaker-shootout/5-1-shootout-mordaunt-short-velodyne

 

[sholling]

I just answered this in depth for somebody else so please forgive me if I don't retype it all. For the music/movie ratio you suggested I'd lean toward options 1 or 4 in my link but any of them will flat blow the doors off of Bose.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=701465&postcount=5

The only changes that I would make in any of those options is the size of the subwoofer(s). That part is very volume dependent. The total volume of the entire space (in cubic feet) and not just his listening area. Both SVS and eD will be happy to size the sub for you once you take some room measurements - including any attached spaces that are open to the room.

The only other thing you'll need that isn't in the above link is a link to the "Option 1" speaker system. The receiver in my link should power any of these choices just fine.

5.1 Deluxe surround system with SBS-01 mains and PB12-NSD Regularly $1329 - but on sale for $1199.

 

[alcy]

Thanks folks, I am trying to respond to you guys, but somehow its taking a little long to post around here !

EDIT: Errm, I tried posting a reply before, which went for mods' approval, but was never posted ? Anyway, seems I can post now.

 

[alcy]

These are getting good reviews and are still small.

Onkyo AVR's tend to be be best bang for the buck. You can get a cheap Blu Ray player for under $100 all you have to do is look for the advertised deals.
The Onkyo TX-SR507 is a 5.1 and around $299.99

Good Luck

So, I assume - you dad already have TV? What are the measurements of "small room" and does it have opening to other spaces? Are there any WAF considerations or it's for man cave ?

Almost any other system at same price point will be better than Bose.

Quick List (you can refine it later on)
3 pairs of Behringers 2030p [$390]
eD A3S - 250 Subwoofer [$350] would do, if room IS small and fully enclosed by walls, otherwise bigger sub will be needed.
Marantz Sr5003 - Refub for 500$
Sub total: $1240
Cables & Interconnects from

Now, I didn't add DVD player, you can ether get something of shelf for about $100 or get really good one and Blue Ray Player - Oppo BDP-80 for $290

We'll be buying a new TV also. Room dimensions around 12x12x12. Negligible WAF considerations.

What do you suggest among these: Onkyo 307/507, Denon 1610 or the Marantz Sr5003
that you suggested. I am asking because the Onkyo models are relatively cheaper and so is denon 1610.
Will look into the speakers you have suggested.

The Denon AVR-890 has almost everything needed- no pre outs for all channels but it has enough power, Audyssey, lots of inputs and it requires one cable to connect the TV because it up-converts all analog video to HDMI.

Where are you located?

I am from India. Pretty much everything available from the major brands.

I agree with everything here, except the last suggestion. The Oppo is probably overkill for this system. Unless he really needs a truly universal player, a Panny or Samsung player would easily suffice for less than half the cost.

If this is mostly for movies, I actually (while fully endorsing the behringer) don't prefer 2030P. Its neutrality keeps me bored watching movies. Its a great speaker for the money however. All I'm saying is that while there are some great products out there in your budget, its not to say that your father will like them. The 2030P is fantastic for 2 channel music btw.

My buddy just ordered an HSU setup, two of the bookshelves, center, and two ventriloquist for surrounds. 2 dayton sub 12's and holy crap, the thing does extremely well. I was very impressed. Had about 900 bucks in the speakers, add a receiver, bluray, and cabling for less than 1600

As I posted music gets more priority than videos. Will look into the options you have suggested.

I'm kind of thinking of what my dad would have liked with this suggestion - he'd want things coordinated and be very comfortable with Marantz's enduring reputation.

These would totally spank Bose (but that isn't saying much).

If he is after a compact speaker format, this seems like a pretty good combo (unfortunately stock is low - they also have with white speakers if black are gone):


Details on the speakers here:

See link at bottom to HT measurements for FR curve:


Details on receiver here:

CD/DVD player to match style of receiver for another $250:

Disclaimer: I have no association with Accessories4less aside from being a happy customer - excellent service and incredible prices!

Also note that the subwoofer is relatively compact and doesn't get the really low infrasonic stuff, but Mordaunt Short has a good reputation for music.

FYI:
Audioholics auditioned a less expensive (except for the upgraded sub) Mordaunt Short 5.1 system here:

Hehe, that does put me to ease, will look into the options.

I just answered this in depth for somebody else so please forgive me if I don't retype it all. For the music/movie ratio you suggested I'd lean toward options 1 or 4 in my link but any of them will flat blow the doors off of Bose.



The only changes that I would make in any of those options is the size of the subwoofer(s). That part is very volume dependent. The total volume of the entire space (in cubic feet) and not just his listening area. Both SVS and eD will be happy to size the sub for you once you take some room measurements - including any attached spaces that are open to the room.

The only other thing you'll need that isn't in the above link is a link to the "Option 1" speaker system. The receiver in my link should power any of these choices just fine.

Thanks, I am checking out that post.


Thanks folks for your quick responses ! I am checking out the availability with the local dealers. Will get back to the thread ...till then keep 'em suggestions coming. Cheers !

 

[Seth=L]

I'm kind of thinking of what my dad would have liked with this suggestion - he'd want things coordinated and be very comfortable with Marantz's enduring reputation.

These would totally spank Bose (but that isn't saying much).

If he is after a compact speaker format, this seems like a pretty good combo (unfortunately stock is low - they also have with white speakers if black are gone):
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MORDMARPACKBLK/Marantz/SR4003-Mordaunt-Short-Alumni-5.1-Package-Black/1.html

Details on the speakers here:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MORDALUMPACKBLK/MORDAUNT-SHORT/Alumni-5.1-Home-Theater-Speaker-System-In-Black/1.html
See link at bottom to HT measurements for FR curve:
http://www.hometheatermag.com/compactspeakers/308ms/#

Details on receiver here:
http://us.marantz.com/Products/2513.asp

CD/DVD player to match style of receiver for another $250:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARBD7003/Marantz/Bd7003-Blu-ray-1080p-High-Definition/1.html

Disclaimer: I have no association with Accessories4less aside from being a happy customer - excellent service and incredible prices!

Also note that the subwoofer is relatively compact and doesn't get the really low infrasonic stuff, but Mordaunt Short has a good reputation for music.

FYI:
Audioholics auditioned a less expensive (except for the upgraded sub) Mordaunt Short 5.1 system here:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/5-1-speaker-shootout/5-1-shootout-mordaunt-short-velodyne

That's a slam system, and it's only shortcoming like you said may be the subwoofer. It's still going to run circles around the Bose subwoofer. As a plus to this scenario it's literally all in one place you can easily order from. That speaker+receiver package is killer!

 

[bandphan]

FWIW, and I did say FWIW, Nousaine measured the AM15 module and the Mordaunt-Short Genie 409 and both had almost identical output.

 

[flippo]

Mirage

If he wants the same footprint as the Bose but much better sounding consider Mirage satelites like the os3's or the nanoset system.

 

[engtaz]

Onkyo most goodies for the price, sound is good, Denon nice warm sound, good units, and Marantz great neutral sound. but the goodies lack behind the others.
I went Onkyo then Denon and now I use Marantz, so I have used all 3 brands.

 

[alcy]

Hello again folks, been looking into my options. What do you feel about this combo:

Marantz Sr5003 + Quad 12L2 + Pioneer DVD player + Marantz CD player(optional) ?

 

[bandphan]

Hello again folks, been looking into my options. What do you feel about this combo:

Marantz Sr5003 + Quad 12L2 + Pioneer DVD player + Marantz CD player(optional) ?

I like the quads Do you need the separate cd player?

 

[alcy]

^^What do YOU think ? Although Pioneer DVD player won't be even close to the Marantz CD player, but do you think as a start its good enough ?

 

[bandphan]

^^What do YOU think ? Although Pioneer DVD player won't be even close to the Marantz CD player, but do you think as a start its good enough ?

Yes a good start. Again do you need a separate dvd/cd player.

 

[alcy]

^^If the DVD player doesn't play music well, then I would really need a good CD player. But as you said as a start its okay, so I think I'll be happy with Pioneer.

 

[KEW]

The Pioneer will sound fine.