Home theater suggestions and questions?

[kbphoto615]

I apologize if I'm in the wrong place here, I am new to this forum seeking advice on the best solutions for my needs.

Anyway, I had an old set of 5.1 logitech computer speakers that I rigged up to work with my hdtv and xbox 360 flawlessly. Up until now, they finally fried on me, short in the wires I guess. I've been looking all over for something to fit my needs. As far as my needs go, here's what I've got:

My HDTV is a Sony Bravia, with plenty of connections ( 4 hdmi's, 2 component's, usb, optical, ect ect. )

1 Xbox 360 that i use component cables with right now. The reason I use component cables is because every time I use an HDMI cable with the Xbox I notice a certain amount of lag while playing Halo 3. So I switched back to component cables. I am willing to go to HDMI just to simplify things as I find myself not really playing Halo 3 much anymore.

1 HD Cable box from comcast. This box has 1 HDMI out connection, 1 1394 connection (what is this? firewire on a cable box!?), 2 sets of component/av connections, 1 optical audio connection and an etherent connection.

Other then those 3 things, I don't have anything else I would need hooked up to the future home theater system I purchase. I need these things to all play through the audio system, and am looking for the cheapest solution to do so.

all the options confuse me, like going with a reciever instead of a home theater in a box, or a dvd player type home theater system. 2-way, 3-way, do the connections from speaker to receiver matter? is it just speaker wire or is there a term im missing when looking to buy speakers seperate from a reciever.
I don't need anything fancy, or anything too powerful but I don't want something that's just going to amplify the crappy sound my tv puts out.

Any information that will help me would be great, I'm also taking suggestions on what to buy, any links or reviews on products you suggest would be great. My price point is under $200 if possible but I realize this may not be doable so I'm open to spending a little more if I must. I'm not looking for anything huge here guys, just something better then the tv speakers, for my bedroom. I do play games and moies alot though so I want a little bang for the buck if I can get it.


PS Anything that doesn't require me to use a second or 3rd remote would be great! haha I hate using multiple remotes.
Thanks guys!

 

[GranteedEV]

all the options confuse me, like going with a reciever instead of a home theater in a box, or a dvd player type home theater system. 2-way, 3-way, do the connections from speaker to receiver matter? is it just speaker wire or is there a term im missing when looking to buy speakers seperate from a reciever.
I don't need anything fancy, or anything too powerful but I don't want something that's just going to amplify the crappy sound my tv puts out.

Well, for starters I'll say that going 2.1 is going to be the most cost-effective route for good sound.

My price point is under $200 if possible but I realize this may not be doable so I'm open to spending a little more if I must.

Hmm..

I think you won't even get a decent receiver for so cheap without really scouring the used market. That doesn't even address passive speakers.

As it is, a pair of active speakers like these:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-MR5-Reference-Monitor-2010?sku=485385

(i think that's a single, so multiply that price by two)

Might be the way to go. You'll have to deal with "source switching" from your TV, by using its RCA outputs, but it should get you much improved fidelity. I don't know if your TV pre-out can drive them to their maximum SPL but i think it should suffice for the time being. Since these are active speakers, they are powered and do not need a receiver (although you can run them off a receiver, likely with higher volume)

Bass extension is down to 60hz so a lack of a sub won't ruin your day, although of course there's a bit of rumble you might be without. Either way, I'd expect this speaker to sound relatively smooth through the midrange at the very least... a huge upgrade over what you're coming from.

 

[Pyrrho]

At your price point, going used with a 2 channel system is probably your best bet for getting decent sound. Probably, this will mean a stereo receiver (or integrated amplifier) and a pair of speakers. Craigslist might work for finding something decent in your price range, but it may require patience.

You would use the line level output on your TV (RCA right and left), if you have that. If not, then you should let us know so that something else might be done, which, however, will likely cost you more money.

As for things like 2-way or 3-way speakers, do not concern yourself with that; concern yourself with how it sounds. There are some very good (and expensive) 2 way speakers out there that are much better than most 3 way speakers out there, and there are some really good 3 way speakers that are possible also. It is not the number of drivers that determines the quality of the sound.

As for wire connecting from the receiver to the speakers go, 16 gauge wire is typically good enough; for a detailed discussion of speaker wire (and a handy chart for recommendations of gauge based on impedance and length of wire), see:

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm

 

[kbphoto615]

GranteedEV; I can't quote you because I can't have links in my post, but from what I gather, if I were to go with the active speakers, how would they connect to the tv? id be without a receiver right, and by switiching you mean id have to switch the speakers to whatever device I wanted it to output.

When buying speakers, how do I know what speakers go with a receiver? like connection wise?

thank you for your help.

At your price point, going used with a 2 channel system is probably your best bet for getting decent sound. Probably, this will mean a stereo receiver (or integrated amplifier) and a pair of speakers. Craigslist might work for finding something decent in your price range, but it may require patience.

You would use the line level output on your TV (RCA right and left), if you have that. If not, then you should let us know so that something else might be done, which, however, will likely cost you more money.

As for things like 2-way or 3-way speakers, do not concern yourself with that; concern yourself with how it sounds. There are some very good (and expensive) 2 way speakers out there that are much better than most 3 way speakers out there, and there are some really good 3 way speakers that are possible also. It is not the number of drivers that determines the quality of the sound.

As for wire connecting from the receiver to the speakers go, 16 gauge wire is typically good enough;

Thank you for this, this helps alot. So a 2.1 system would not require me to use a receiver If I understand you correctly? I'm sorry I'm new to this guys. My tv has two Audio Outs ( 2 sets of red and white av connections ) , one listed as audio one and the other as audio two. If I were to go the 2.1 route, can you guys suggest an good items in my price range? Is BRAND as important with home theater systems as it is with every thing else? And are there any other features or specifications I would need to know about?

If I didn't go the 2.1 route, I still can't post links but I was thinking about using the Onkyo TX-SR308 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver W/ speakers that I bought seperately, but how do i know what speakers to buy when I already have a receiver, or vice versa? If this doesnt make sense I can try and clarify my questions some more if needed.

 

[Pyrrho]

GranteedEV; I can't quote you because I can't have links in my post, but from what I gather, if I were to go with the active speakers, how would they connect to the tv? id be without a receiver right, and by switiching you mean id have to switch the speakers to whatever device I wanted it to output.

When buying speakers, how do I know what speakers go with a receiver? like connection wise?

thank you for your help.

At your price point, going used with a 2 channel system is probably your best bet for getting decent sound. Probably, this will mean a stereo receiver (or integrated amplifier) and a pair of speakers. Craigslist might work for finding something decent in your price range, but it may require patience.

You would use the line level output on your TV (RCA right and left), if you have that. If not, then you should let us know so that something else might be done, which, however, will likely cost you more money.

As for things like 2-way or 3-way speakers, do not concern yourself with that; concern yourself with how it sounds. There are some very good (and expensive) 2 way speakers out there that are much better than most 3 way speakers out there, and there are some really good 3 way speakers that are possible also. It is not the number of drivers that determines the quality of the sound.

As for wire connecting from the receiver to the speakers go, 16 gauge wire is typically good enough;

Thank you for this, this helps alot. So a 2.1 system would not require me to use a receiver If I understand you correctly? I'm sorry I'm new to this guys. My tv has two Audio Outs ( 2 sets of red and white av connections ) , one listed as audio one and the other as audio two. If I were to go the 2.1 route, can you guys suggest an good items in my price range? Is BRAND as important with home theater systems as it is with every thing else? And are there any other features or specifications I would need to know about?

If I didn't go the 2.1 route, I still can't post links but I was thinking about using the Onkyo TX-SR308 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver W/ speakers that I bought seperately, but how do i know what speakers to buy when I already have a receiver, or vice versa? If this doesnt make sense I can try and clarify my questions some more if needed.

Okay, with active speakers, which was suggested by GranteedEV and not by me, the amplifier is built into the speakers. So you would connect the line level output of the TV (one of the pair of audio outputs on your TV) directly to the speaker inputs, which are not like the speaker inputs of passive (normal, unamplified) speakers. With active speakers, you would not need a receiver. This would be a 2 channel system, not 2.1, as there would be no subwoofer (the ".1" part).

With my suggestion, there would be a receiver (or integrated amplifier), which would be hooked up to your TV (same connections as above), and to the receiver would be hooked up passive (normal, unamplified) speakers via speaker wire. My suggestion would also be a 2 channel system, without a subwoofer.

Now, if you already have an Onkyo TX-SR308 receiver, you do not need to buy another receiver (and, of course, should tell us that you already have it when asking your initial question, as it is very important to the advice we would give). You can use it with most unpowered speakers, the exceptions being ones that have a very low impedance, or extremely inefficient (if you want high volumes).

With most receivers and most speakers, you can mix and match however you please, but you do need to be concerned particularly in cases of low impedance speakers. (And, in the case of powered speakers, which are rare among home audio speakers [as opposed to professional studio monitors, like the ones to which GranteedEV provided a link], one does not need an extra amplifier at all.) How low is "low" depends on the receiver or amplifier; look on the back near the speaker connections for the minimum impedance speakers that should be used with a particular receiver or amplifier, or look in the owner's manual. Most amplifiers are okay with 8 ohm or higher speakers, assuming that the speakers are honestly rated, and some are fine with lower impedance speakers. The impedance of a speaker is an electrical property of it, and it tells you absolutely nothing about how good it sounds.

Normally, it is best to pick your speakers first. Pick them by listening to a bunch of different speakers of different brands and different types, with music with which you are familiar, and then buy the ones you like best that are within your price range. You then select the receiver or amplifier, making sure that it is suitable for the impedance of the speakers.

 

[kbphoto615]

Okay, with active speakers, which was suggested by GranteedEV and not by me, the amplifier is built into the speakers. So you would connect the line level output of the TV (one of the pair of audio outputs on your TV) directly to the speaker inputs, which are not like the speaker inputs of passive (normal, unamplified) speakers. With active speakers, you would not need a receiver. This would be a 2 channel system, not 2.1, as there would be no subwoofer (the ".1" part).

With my suggestion, there would be a receiver (or integrated amplifier), which would be hooked up to your TV (same connections as above), and to the receiver would be hooked up passive (normal, unamplified) speakers via speaker wire. My suggestion would also be a 2 channel system, without a subwoofer.

Now, if you already have an Onkyo TX-SR308 receiver, you do not need to buy another receiver (and, of course, should tell us that you already have it when asking your initial question, as it is very important to the advice we would give). You can use it with most unpowered speakers, the exceptions being ones that have a very low impedance, or extremely inefficient (if you want high volumes).

With most receivers and most speakers, you can mix and match however you please, but you do need to be concerned particularly in cases of low impedance speakers. (And, in the case of powered speakers, which are rare among home audio speakers [as opposed to professional studio monitors, like the ones to which GranteedEV provided a link], one does not need an extra amplifier at all.) How low is "low" depends on the receiver or amplifier; look on the back near the speaker connections for the minimum impedance speakers that should be used with a particular receiver or amplifier, or look in the owner's manual. Most amplifiers are okay with 8 ohm or higher speakers, assuming that the speakers are honestly rated, and some are fine with lower impedance speakers. The impedance of a speaker is an electrical property of it, and it tells you absolutely nothing about how good it sounds.

Normally, it is best to pick your speakers first. Pick them by listening to a bunch of different speakers of different brands and different types, with music with which you are familiar, and then buy the ones you like best that are within your price range. You then select the receiver or amplifier, making sure that it is suitable for the impedance of the speakers.

Ok I understand you, I think, and I'm sorry I mis typed, I DO NOT own a receiver of any kind right now. I just listed that one as a suggestion and a hypothetical if I did buy one like that.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

ok, $200 is basically impossible to get something decent, but I'll get you few suggestion close enough to this budget

1) Easy way out (plus a great value - all in one system) -
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS3300/Onkyo/HT-S3300-5.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package/1.html

$219+ shipping

2) Amazing $200 speaker kit - really easy to assemble:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-702
more info here:
http://www.parts-express.com/projectshowcase/indexn.cfm?project=Tritrix

You'd still need amp for power it:
a) More raw and clean power and support for 2 and 4 Ohms:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8255/Onkyo/TX-8255-50-watts-2-channel-Stereo-Receiver/1.html#!specifications
It'll be better choice to pair this with 2 or 4 ohm speakers

b) or this one - all bells and whistles, but stick to 8 Ohm speaker:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC230/Onkyo/HT-RC230-5.1-Channel-3-D-Ready-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

You could probably mix and match one of receivers I mentioned and speakers from Craiglist or AudioGon

 

[kbphoto615]

ok, $200 is basically impossible to get something decent, but I'll get you few suggestion close enough to this budget

1) Easy way out (plus a great value - all in one system) -

$219+ shipping

2) Amazing $200 speaker kit - really easy to assemble:

more info here:


You'd still need amp for power it:
a) More raw and clean power and support for 2 and 4 Ohms:

It'll be better choice to pair this with 2 or 4 ohm speakers

b) or this one - all bells and whistles, but stick to 8 Ohm speaker:


You could probably mix and match one of receivers I mentioned and speakers from Craiglist or AudioGon

BoredSYSAdmin, I like the HTiB in the first link, the Onkyo.

Some things about this Onkyo HTib:

I don't see a pre-out for a sub, will I need one?
If I ever think to upgrade the speakers, I'll be a little limited compared to other A/V receivers right? What do I need to look for in the future if I wear to upgrade speakers or something? If thats even possible.
Will I be able to control my devices, or switch from one to the other, with my TV remote, or will I have to use the Onkyo remote, if there is one?

I appreciate everyones help, I'm sorry Im such a noob about this. I try to do my own research but It simply confuses me more as this is a totally new world to me.

I like this HTiB option best, as it seems to be the cheapest and most simple for my needs.

 

[GranteedEV]

HTIBs aren't very good IMO

 

[kbphoto615]

HTIBs aren't very good IMO

Given that I can't build anything, and have no prior audio knowledge, and don't need anything super powerful, AND have a budge of under $300 at most, I think HTiB is going to be my best bet..unfortunately.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I said HTIB is EASY way out , I didn't said it was best choice...
For $300 for music critical listening you'd be much better off with Tritix kit I listed above...
Yes, Receiver which comes with HTIB is pretty limited and small speakers mandate FRONT subwoofer placement.
Given this is Onkyo after all, it's not that bad and price is very good.

 

[GranteedEV]

Given that I can't build anything, and have no prior audio knowledge, and don't need anything super powerful, AND have a budge of under $300 at most, I think HTiB is going to be my best bet..unfortunately.

The pair of active monitors will do much better, which is why I suggested them.

 

[kbphoto615]

I said HTIB is EASY way out , I didn't said it was best choice...
For $300 for music critical listening you'd be much better off with Tritix kit I listed above...
Yes, Receiver which comes with HTIB is pretty limited and small speakers mandate FRONT subwoofer placement.
Given this is Onkyo after all, it's not that bad and price is very good.

Ok from what I understand, the other suggestion, the Tri Trix, would still need a receiver, but it would only bring me a little above my price range with the items you mentioned. With said items, I would probably push for the Onkyo HT-RC230 5.1, the one with all the bells and whistles.

The pair of active monitors will do much better, which is why I suggested them.

And from what I gather about your post, the active monitors will plug directly into the TV via RCA red and white cables. This option is nice but there is no room for getting 5.1 surround sound out of this option right? BUT if I were to get a receiver at some point down the line, could I use these monitor speakers with a receiver in the future?

 

[GranteedEV]

And from what I gather about your post, the active monitors will plug directly into the TV via RCA red and white cables. This option is nice but there is no room for getting 5.1 surround sound out of this option right? BUT if I were to get a receiver at some point down the line, could I use these monitor speakers with a receiver in the future?

A good receiver will have pre-out jacks (and good ones at that). So yes, you can eventually upgrade to 7.4 eventually.

 

[kbphoto615]

A good receiver will have pre-out jacks (and good ones at that). So yes, you can eventually upgrade to 7.4 eventually.

Could you suggest a set of speakers a little cheaper then the ones you had before? itll come in a bit higher than I wanted to pay.

 

[GranteedEV]

Could you suggest a set of speakers a little cheaper then the ones you had before? itll come in a bit higher than I wanted to pay.

Not unless you want to pony up for a full receiver. Any decent receiver will run around $800-900, and even used or refurb these types of receivers are a good $300-400.

You can't be dirt cheap <i>and</i> expect results. THe speakers I recommend are marked down as it is, and come with amplification. As a value, it's tough to beat.

Honestly, around $250 for amplification and speakers with real pattern control and flat response?

On that note, an alternative you might wish to consider would be a pair of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-High-Resolution-Reference-Monitor-Speaker/product-reviews/B002GHBZ3Q/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Price wise we're talking the same general range though.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I just re-read your first post and went over G-Ev suggestion and my own as well:

First of all - Firewire on the cable box is for digital video capture (will only work for non-premium content) and require firewire port on your pc

You need 5.1 receiver, hopefully a decent one - it'll greatly simply your cable connection and centralize control, but at this price point it'll next to impossible to find one.

Mackie and Behringer speakers suggested are both very good pro audio monitors but do notice the word - active - each speaker required to pluged into AC and they don't have nice front cover - WYSIWYG..

So, with avr I mentioned before - you still could get decent pair of speakers.
First of all with some wood skills you could get from parts-express just Tritix components kit, without the cabinet - make it yourself from plans and save couple of $.

Second you could get a couple of decent bookshelfs, but a subwoofer will be strongly recommended to be added soon...

Few cheap options for bookshelfs:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/544263302/jamo-c403?s_c=site_search - this is very good deal - $130 for pair and free shipping

or those:
http://www.nhthifi.com/Bookshelf-speaker-SuperZero-2-0?sc=12&category=3772
(priced each)