all-in-one home setup, where to start?

[andyx]

Hi,

I am looking for an all-in-one solution for my *needs*. Budget ~$400. I know very little about A/V (apologies for any dumb questions/statements ).

I want to easily integrate/plug:

- PS3/xbox (still deciding which one to buy, maybe PS3 since it combines gaming + blu-ray)

- blu-ray (if xbox, then separate blu-ray player, if not, then just PS3)

- Ipod (ipod dock would be nice)

- Wii (all component cables)

- Laptop (play mp3's/pandora - could be via HDMI in my laptop if that gives better sound. It is either an HDMI output, or, the regular headphone jacks)

- cable tv receiver.

The room size is approx 15ft x 15ft. I'd like to minimize number of speakers/cables/footprint while having "rich,crisp and room-filling sound" from all the sources above. I live in a metro-area, where, even if I wanted, I could not blast the system.

For receiver, I was thinking, Denon - 525W 7.1-Ch. 3D Pass Through A/V Home Theater Receiver Model: AVR-161 (cannot post link, $399 at bestbuy), or Pioneer - 550W 5.1-Ch. 3D Pass Through A/V Home Theater Receiver
Model: VSX-520-K ($229). I think this may be enough for me (probably an insult to most people here ). Comments on these? other suggestions?

For speakers, not sure what to do. Would I be able to get away with a soundbar/subwoofer combo and still get some "room filling sound"? recommend other options for speakers?

Thanks. I guess with feedback, I will understand better what to ask and look for.

 

[j_garcia]

I think most current mid level receivers will do what you are looking for. I am not a fan of the lower end Pioneers; I'd say that Denon or an Onkyo or Yamaha in your range should do the trick.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hmm, not sure what are looking for at this budget ? Whole HTIB or just the receiver?

 

[j_garcia]

Title suggests HTiB, but thread seems to be indicating a receiver only for now, and that's probably the best choice anyway for the features that are being sought.

 

[andyx]

HTIB vs receiver. Now leaning towards HTIB.

What are the disadvantages or advantages of one vs the other?

Initially, I was thinking just the receiver, and later a soundbar/subwoofer combo that way I'd minimize the space all of this takes, since that is/was a concern.

However, some HTIB prices seem to be within my budget tigerdirect has Yamaha YHT-493BL for $399 (again, cannot post links). So HTIB is pricewise tempting plus it takes the guessing out of getting speakers later. So, would you guys recommend any HTIB within my price range or slightly more expensive?. Knowing little of a/v receivers, what do I need to look for? which websites would be best for comparison?.

If I were to go with the receiver only, say the denon avr-1611 from bestbuy, how much would I pay in addition for the speakers? ballpark figure?.

Thanks.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

HTIB vs receiver. Now leaning towards HTIB.

What are the disadvantages or advantages of one vs the other?

Initially, I was thinking just the receiver, and later a soundbar/subwoofer combo that way I'd minimize the space all of this takes, since that is/was a concern.

However, some HTIB prices seem to be within my budget tigerdirect has Yamaha YHT-493BL for $399 (again, cannot post links). So HTIB is pricewise tempting plus it takes the guessing out of getting speakers later. So, would you guys recommend any HTIB within my price range or slightly more expensive?. Knowing little of a/v receivers, what do I need to look for? which websites would be best for comparison?.

If I were to go with the receiver only, say the denon avr-1611 from bestbuy, how much would I pay in addition for the speakers? ballpark figure?.

Thanks.

This is the deal - for the money paid htib COULD from first sight offer great value, however they usually come with a LOT of strings attached:
First - You basically would have no upgrade path what-so-ever (except hi-end htib)
Second: Connections and integration of existing equipment is basically none-existing 9 or 10 times on the htib system
Third: Small satellite speakers typically included in the htib aren't capable of filling medium or larger rooms
Fourth: Due to physical constrains these Small satellite speakers cannot play any mid-bass and therefore has to compensated by the subwoofer, which would become "locatable" typically around 120Hz - thus limiting it's placement ONLY in front of you
The list goes and goes

5.1 $400 system which is not HTIB is almost impossible, but 2.1 with upgrade to 5.1 is totally doable:
AVR: Onkyo HT-RC160 refub $220 + shipping
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC160/Onkyo/HT-RC160-7.2-channel-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
This AVR will allow you all the connectivity and all convince features you desire + much more.

Speakers:
Dayton B652 - at $35/pair - they are extremely good value and would be miles better than typical HTIB speaker.
Sub:
Dayton SUB-120 - $160 - a bit higher that it used to be at $120, but still exceptional value.
Total budget - 415+ shipping

Future upgrades - just add two more pairs of B652 speakers for $70+shipping and enjoy exceptional sound system on the dime.

 

[Seth=L]

HTIB vs receiver. Now leaning towards HTIB.

Bummer...

What are the disadvantages or advantages of one vs the other?

Advantages for HTIAB

1. One box solution

2. Easy setup

3. Simple operation

Disadvantages for HTIAB

1. Typically not very flexible

2. Mediocre sound quality (power limitations and speaker quality issues)

3. Reliance on all parts of the system to work. If the main unit fails the rest is typically useless.

Advantages of a receiver

1. power, much more power.

2. connectivity and features specific to home theater and integration.

3. improved build quality over most HTIAB systems.

Disadvantages of a receiver

1. Somewhat more complicated to setup

2. often large and require ventilation to relieve heat.

3. Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) is not as high.

Initially, I was thinking just the receiver, and later a soundbar/subwoofer combo that way I'd minimize the space all of this takes, since that is/was a concern.

If this is the direction you wish to take you may consider getting a Yamaha soundbar. The problem with most soundbars in the sub $500 range is that they don't offer many features, power, or convincing surround effects.

However, some HTIB prices seem to be within my budget tigerdirect has Yamaha YHT-493BL for $399 (again, cannot post links).

The Yamaha is a rare exception to the HTIAB rule, however the speakers will be the weakest point of this system. The good news is that you can upgrade the speakers at a later time because that system features a fully functional receiver.

So HTIB is pricewise tempting plus it takes the guessing out of getting speakers later. So, would you guys recommend any HTIB within my price range or slightly more expensive?

For features, power, and decent speakers all in one, I suggest you look at Onkyo's HTIAB offerings.

Knowing little of a/v receivers, what do I need to look for? which websites would be best for comparison?.

If I were to go with the receiver only, say the denon avr-1611 from bestbuy, how much would I pay in addition for the speakers? ballpark figure?

The Pioneer speakers that Best Buy is now carrying, other than the subwoofer, seem to offer a good value. I don't know that they will meet your aesthetic requirements though. I'm not certain that the Denon will upconvert your component video source (Wii) to HDMI. Again, Onkyo seems to offer the most convenience features in this price range.

Edit: look at the receiver in the above post. It is feature packed and offers more than enough power for a wide range of speakers in medium size rooms.

 

[Seth=L]

This is also available from A4Less

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS5300/Onkyo/HT-S5300-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package-with-iPod-Dock/1.html

It covers nearly all the points you need, including an iPod dock. All that's needed is the PS3 and cables you're ready to roll. It won't upconvert Component to HDMI but you can simply connect that to the television and have the TV's audio output go to the receiver.

 

[andyx]

a few follow ups:

1. accessories4less.com any good/reliable? I usually stick to the major sites amazon/tigerdirect type but this refurb price is nice.

2. AVR questions:

- pass-trhu: is this an option for (example) watching tv with the tv speakers, when everything is connected to the receiver (i.e. avr off, since watching the 11pm news would be pointless with avr)? would HT-RC160 have it?

- HDMI input, stays HDMI output (correct?). So if I have say 3-4 HDMI inputs, all I have is 1 HDMI for the receiver to the TV.

- Component video, stays component? The wii system is component YPbPr. So I will have extra component cables for receiver to tv? Or since HT-RC160 has Analog (YPbPr?) To HDMI UpConversion, then I can have the single HDMI cable to the tv?

- 1080i Upscaling on HT-RC160 (which also has analog to HDMI upconversion), all inputs below 1080i would be upscaled to it? including wii?

3. Speaker.

- Starting at 2.1 and then updating to 5.1. I am guessing most of my sources will suffice with 2.1. For example, tv, wii, ipod, laptop, would get any advantage for having 5.1 vs 2.1? except for maybe ps3 which would be 5.1 (blu-ray).

- "Theater-Dimensional Circuitry Easily Puts Surround Sound Anywhere" some models on amazon (TX-SR608, not interested in this or 7.2, 5.1 at the max in the future) have that feature. Do all Onkyo avr's have that? ie, simulate 5.1 sound while having only 2 speakers? (HT-RC160 would have it?).



Thanks.

UPDATE: SETH=L I was typing this before I saw your posts. So there may be some redundant questions. Being a newbie takes quite a bit of time to process info. Thanks.

 

[Seth=L]

pass-trhu: is this an option for (example) watching tv with the tv speakers, when everything is connected to the receiver (i.e. avr off, since watching the 11pm news would be pointless with avr)? would HT-RC160 have it?

I don't think it does, I don't know of a receiver in this price range that has HDMI pass thru while the receiver is in standby.

The HT-RC160 does upconvert all analog video inputs to HDMI for a single connection to your display. It will also upscale incoming sources such as the Wii.

Simulated surround sound typically doesn't work well with typical speaker arrangements and types. For an effective simulated surround sound to work it requires typically 4 speakers at a minimum driven by an algorithm taylored to the design parameters of the system. Such an example would be the Bose 3.2.1 system. This overpriced simulated surround sound machine does a convincing job of recreating a soundspace beyond what you would expect, but it does so with proprietary components. This is typically not possible with receivers and speakers because it doesn't come packaged ready to work out of the box like that. If you don't follow what I mean, feel free to ask me about it and I will ellaborate if possible.

I am a 2.1 or 2.0 man myself. I don't have a surround sound system and I enjoy watching movies more with a good quality stereo system versus a similarly priced and lower performance surround system. Music is very important to me as is my space. Listening to music with a HTIAB or soundbar is going to be lackluster in comparison to a good quality stereo system. It is nice that you can have the convenience of a surround receiver that performs well as a stereo receiver simultaneously. Bass management offered in surround receivers are far more advanced than stereo receivers as well (most stereo receivers lack bass management of any kind). Bass management allows you to blend your speakers and subwoofer and get the best amplifier performance from your receiver.

 

[andyx]

is A4less a trusted site?

Depending on "WAF" I might go with receiver first, 2.1, then upgrade. Now, if WAF is low, I will probably go with a HTIB with a decent receiver (and later in time upgrade speakers). Both seem like doable options, it is now a matter of WAF and pricing. Thanks.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

is A4less a trusted site?

Yes, AC4L is trusted website. The refub are done by the Manufactures them selfs and AC4L certified to sell and provide 1 year warranty.
For the money you'd be hard pressed to find a better value from trusted vendor.