any suggestions on my setup

[kavkazi]

Hello,

I have the following setup, and looking to add a home audio system.

Panasonic Viera TC-P50V10 (50" PLasma)
Play Station 3 (used as blu ray player, and gaming)

When I watch movies I find that I have to put the volume up to hear conversations, and turn it down when there is loud action. This became very annoying, so I decided to buy a home audio system.

Budget: Under $1000
Size of room: 24 x 12. Ceiling 9 ft.

I've read some posts here, and unfortunately got even more confused.

What is the reciever for? And is it necessary?

I've noticed some ppl (perhaps more advanced than me), mix and match to build what they want. Do i need to do this as well, or is there any all in one system that is good overall? What is the best bang for the buck right now?

Any suggestions from the best buy website?
bestbuy.ca/en-CA/category/home-audio-speakers/20303.aspx?path=a76430560f0a1833a36be495725c341een01

Thanks in advance

 

[shadyJ]

It sounds like what you want is more clarity, and a more even sound. For the best overall sound, there are better options than a home-theater-in-a-box. If I were limited to $1k, I would be looking for some Infinity Primus p362 Towers and Primus 350 center channel speaker. If you look around a bit, you can find all that for under 600. Add to that the new Onkyo tx-sr608 receiver, and you will have a nice sound system for about 1k. Just shop around for the best prices on those components. On that budget, I would skip the subwoofer for the time being, as the primus towers have pretty good bass.

 

[sholling]

It sounds like what you want is more clarity, and a more even sound. For the best overall sound, there are better options than a home-theater-in-a-box. If I were limited to $1k, I would be looking for some Infinity Primus p362 Towers and Primus 350 center channel speaker. If you look around a bit, you can find all that for under 600. Add to that the new Onkyo tx-sr608 receiver, and you will have a nice sound system for about 1k. Just shop around for the best prices on those components. On that budget, I would skip the subwoofer for the time being, as the primus towers have pretty good bass.

+1 Use the auto setup feature on the 608 to balance the center and the 2 mains. You can also have it compress the dynamic range (the difference between the softest and loudest sounds) of the movie. Later when you have more money I'd add a subwoofer.

However if you must have a HTIB then the Onkyo HT-S7200 might be an option. (First Look) Accessories For Less sells them refurbished for under $600. I think the system ShadyJ suggested has more potential but the 7200 beats most HTIB systems.

 

[j_garcia]

I believe he is in Canada which is why he linked to BB.CA That would make systems from US distributors possibly not the best deal.

 

[sholling]

I believe he is in Canada which is why he linked to BB.CA That would make systems from US distributors possibly not the best deal.

You're right, A4L will not ship to Canada. It would sure be helpful if people gave their location.

 

[kavkazi]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I am located in Toronto, Canada.

 

[kavkazi]

Onkyo 7.2 Channel AV Receiver (TX-SR608) - $749.99 at best buy canada
Infinity Tower Speaker (P362) - $224.99 Each at best buy canada
Infinity Primus PC350 - $282.95 on ebay.ca

Total with taxes is $1638 .. Sorry thats is over my budget .. Plus I would have to get a subwoofer .. Would I also need any speakers in the back to make it surround sound??
Is such an advanced system complicated to setup and/or use?

 

[j_garcia]

These guys are in Ontario: http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/speakers-systems-c-13.html

I'd check with them and see if they can get you setup with an SVS package that includes the sub. The problem is, a lot of the stuff we would normally recommend is going to cost more in Canada.

 

[kavkazi]

If I was to get the two Infinity P362 speakers for $224.99 each at Best Buy....
What can I add to that to make it a decent complete system around $1000 (i.e. reciever, subs, rear speakers, center panel, etc).
Anything I can work with at bestbuy.ca?

 

[glparrish]

Increase the budget!

 

[sholling]

If I was to get the two Infinity P362 speakers for $224.99 each at Best Buy....
What can I add to that to make it a decent complete system around $1000 (i.e. reciever, subs, rear speakers, center panel, etc).
Anything I can work with at bestbuy.ca?

Add the matching PC350 center and a good sub and hold off on the P152 or P162 bookshelves you'll likely be using for surrounds. I'd contact SVSounds, Hus Research, and Elemental Designs and have each size you a sub for the space.