Help deciding on a low-end, entry level HTiB?

[Transcend]

Hello,

First I want to say I'm new to this forum and I don't know exactly where to pose this question. Secondly, I don't know why exactly, although this is just an internet forum, I feel intimidated when posting this. Maybe because I'm asking about low-end HTiB stuff in an audiophile forum? Heh. I usually go to RedFlagDeals to pose these questions but I feel that they have either grown tired of answering Audio questions and that it'd probably be better to go to a audio dedicated forum.

Let's get things started then shall we? I'm a newb in this scene, but I'm interested in learning otherwise I wouldn't even be posting here.

I just bought an HDTV (NS-42L780A12 if anyone is interested or if its relevant) and I'm looking to match it up with a cheap HTiB set that I will NOT be upgrading. I will be selling it off to a friend close to boxing day OR putting into the guest/tennants bedroom, and then buying my first real home theater set piece by piece during the holiday season. I want to mention some things:

1) This will be for a bedroom, I suppose Small/medium size? Like an apartment suite, I don't have the exact numbers for it. Best guess is something like 12 or 11'x9 or 8'?

2) It has to have tower speakers cause' my friend that may take it off me later on says he wants a set with them. I mean, I do admit, tower speakers are aesthetically pleasing.

3) Small budget, since it's temp. When I mean small, I mean 300ish all in type of small.

4) Need a set by late August/early September.

So here's what I am resorting to, the source is great for cheap stuff.

Sony's DAV-TZ510 DVD Home Theatre set on sale for 229.99, originally 299.99.

Samsung's HT-TZ322 also DVD Home Theatre set on clearance for 229.99, originally 499.99.

I think what it comes down to is outputs/inputs? Both are really lacking TBH, but what can I expect. I watch 720/1080p rips of shows/movies and play on my PS3. I'll sometimes use my computer as a HTPC. I will also be using a tablet to connect to my TV via hdmi. Essentially at once I'll be using two different HDMI enabled electronics and my PC (via DVI) to my TV. Everything is generally for HD content.

I've read that the TZ510 has no optical input or something? It seems really important but I'm not exactly sure why. I've read/heard that you need it for true 5.1 sound? The TZ322 is clearance and I will not be able to return it, which is why I want to make an informed decision before I purchase. Both are passive subs...? How do you tell the difference?

Lastly, should I pull the trigger at all on these two sets? Or should I wait for better deals later in August or early September? My budget will stay the same, all in 300ish (little more for the environmental fee/shipping/tax).

Thanks for any input and help,

Transcend

P.S. if I'm in the wrong sub-forum could someone tell me for future reference? Thanks. Also, why does it seem like this sub-forum only has one thread when it says there are a lot more in the main? Blocked/Closed when questions are answered?

 

[markw]

I see you've done your homework. That's good.

You seem to know what you need and what these bargain sets have to offer you. And, you seem pretty well aware of what's out there.

Now, the trick is to keep on looking and find which one has what you need and/or doesn't omit what you need.

With this price range, you're obviously gonna have to make some compromises. Just keep up that fine analysis and I'm sure you're gonna find something you can live with. Either that, or you're gonna incrementally up your budget until you find something you can.

 

[zhimbo]

Blocked/Closed when questions are answered?

Many more threads exist, and they aren't closed, but there's a time limit for them to be shown on the main summary page. They can still be found (e.g., by search). I don't know the official reason for this.

 

[Transcend]

You seem to know what you need and what these bargain sets have to offer you. And, you seem pretty well aware of what's out there.

Now, the trick is to keep on looking and find which one has what you need and/or doesn't omit what you need.

With this price range, you're obviously gonna have to make some compromises. Just keep up that fine analysis and I'm sure you're gonna find something you can live with. Either that, or you're gonna incrementally up your budget until you find something you can.

Thanks!

My question is though, if I had to choose between the Samsung set and the Sony set, which should I pick?

How is the audio market like? Are more sales found near the end of the summer?

Do HTiBs come with tallboys (learning already!) often? I don't see many of them, only at Sears/Brick I believe.

Many more threads exist, and they aren't closed, but there's a time limit for them to be shown on the main summary page. They can still be found (e.g., by search). I don't know the official reason for this.

Oh interesting, thanks.

Thanks for the replies guys,

Transcend

 

[markw]

Thanks!

My question is though, if I had to choose between the Samsung set and the Sony set, which should I pick?

The one that better serves your needs, paticularly as far as inputs go. You've shown you have a pretty good handle on identifying them. Follow your instincts.

How is the audio market like? Are more sales found near the end of the summer?

Not with what you're looking at. Sometimes they release new models of the real stuff but that's not always a seasonal issue. You then need to look for leftovers or closeouts. Search Amazon. Again, in the market you're looking it's not an issue. They are commodities.

Do HTiBs come with tallboys (learning already!) often? I don't see many of them, only at Sears/Brick I believe.

They are a rarity and, in your price range, about as prevalent as jackalopes.

 

[Transcend]

The one that better serves your needs, paticularly as far as inputs go. You've shown you have a pretty good handle on identifying them. Follow your instincts.

Not with what you're looking at. Sometimes they release new models of the real stuff but that's not always a seasonal issue. You then need to look for leftovers or closeouts. Search Amazon. Again, in the market you're looking it's not an issue. They are commodities.

They are a rarity and, in your price range, about as prevalent as jackalopes.

Alright. I think I'll go for the Samsung one simply because it has an optical out. Both only have one HDMI anyway.

If anyone has any more input on this choice, thanks in advance!

Transcend

 

[bikemig]

In your price range, you might want to go with a 2.1 set up like this one from Onkyo, http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HTX-22HDX-Ultra-Compact-Theater-System/dp/B003BEDQRQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1312336184&sr=1-1.

 

[Transcend]

Mark! I'd like to inform you that I did much more research for my situation and I decided to discard both of these entirely. These are my new choices.

Samsung's HT-D5330

-futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/samsung-samsung-1000-watt-5-1-channel-3d-blu-ray-home-theatre-system-ht-d5330-ht-d5330/10166806.aspx?path=d02b4c63e64d6ad5d375a21233bb87aden02

and LG's HB906PA

-futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/lg-electronics-lg-1100-watt-5-1-channel-blu-ray-home-theatre-system-hb906pa-hb906pa/10167587.aspx?path=71999fd60491d399a5fd54bb7edc831den02

Which should I go for? 8D
They have a lot of fancy stuff I don't quite understand, and it's 2:30 am so I'm very tired. One sale ends tomorrow so yeah and I'm very busy.