Harman/ Kardon CP 55

[dr.ab]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I am in the process of building my own mini home theater in my living room. I have a 42" LCD from Sharp. It runs at 1080p resolution. I have an Xbox 360 and a PS2 for gaming (Two optical connections right there).

I am in the market for a home theater in a box. I have been doing some research over the past few weeks. My budget is around 400 to 450$. I have narrowed it down to the Haman Kardon CP55 vs. the Panasonic SCPT 960.

Both have their advantages. From an audio standpoint, the HK is definitely a better choice given that the individual components are sold separately for much higher price. Also, it has great connectivity options. However, it does not do HDMI upconversion.

The Panasonic is great from a visual and convenience standpoint. The system has a rear wireless setup and has HDMI upconversion for DVDs. It lacks connectivity in a big way.

Whats the best way to go? Should I sacrifice the upconversion for the sheer audio power of the CP55? Or, should I choose the convenience of the panasonic system and maybe buy a better receiver in the future (when the wallet permits)?

Any help is welcome.

 

[Alex2507]

Whats the best way to go? Should I sacrifice the upconversion for the sheer audio power of the CP55? Or, should I choose the convenience of the panasonic system and maybe buy a better receiver in the future (when the wallet permits)?

Neither really. Where are you looking to get these products from? Which rec'r is in the CP55 package? How much are these products? Would you consider a current rec'r and a pair of mains that are sure to be better than anything in a HTiB solution and can be moved to a surround position if you decided to go bigger and better down the road a ways as it becomes affordable.

Welcome an hi.

 

[lsiberian]

From a sound stand point I would say the HK system. I doubt the upconversion is very good in the panasonic so I would say go with the HK.

Plus the Reciever for the HK is going to have more power, but at that budget you might consider going with a used 5.1 receiver(70-100) and better 5.1 speakers.

I must then ask if size is a concern for the speakers?

If not infinity beta 20s are going for 50 each on ebay. factor in the shipping and stands and it will come to around 100 for 2 of the speakers. That leaves you about 250 left to spend on a center channel and a couple of rears. I would say wait on the sub till you raise some more funds or look around on craigslist for possiblities.

For a center the 250 beta is decent. You could also you the the beta 20 for the rears. If size is a concern then look for used stuff. Like mirage, Kef, or some other small brands.

If you want the best sound then I suggest you just simply buy a couple of decent bookshelves and get an old receiver. Then as you raise the funds add to your system.

 

[Nextlevelaudio]

In terms of sound the HK seems to have the edge. Convenience - if you mean by the way of wireless rears, but connectivity limits are discouraging. As you noted, could get by for now, but may need to be replaced down the road. Factor in what an upgraded unit will cost you, and then add in the cost of the Panny unit now to be the final cost. Using separates allows for more room to improve on your setup as time/budget permits. the AVR 146 in the CP 55 system is an HDMI switching device only. It will not process audio through HDMI connection so you simply add connection from the Opt output of your sources for digital audio. The included DVD player is a good one with upscaling to 1080i through HDMI connection. Depending on the price seems like you get alot for the money with the HK system, and room to grow down the road.

 

[lsiberian]

Bringing up old stuff

 

[lsiberian]

In terms of sound the HK seems to have the edge. Convenience - if you mean by the way of wireless rears, but connectivity limits are discouraging. As you noted, could get by for now, but may need to be replaced down the road. Factor in what an upgraded unit will cost you, and then add in the cost of the Panny unit now to be the final cost. Using separates allows for more room to improve on your setup as time/budget permits. the AVR 146 in the CP 55 system is an HDMI switching device only. It will not process audio through HDMI connection so you simply add connection from the Opt output of your sources for digital audio. The included DVD player is a good one with upscaling to 1080i through HDMI connection. Depending on the price seems like you get alot for the money with the HK system, and room to grow down the road.

Dude this is 2 months old.