Looking for suggestions

[mjurecky]

I've been looking around for a surround sound system WITHOUT a blu-ray/dvd player, and was on the verge of buying the samsung HT-AS720ST but was now looking into one with two other features: wireless and ipod docking station.

Does anyone know of a system with these features for under $1000? I'm trying to avoid having to pay more $$$ to install the cables through the walls in my current home, and then in my next home.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

Are you open to the idea of buying individual pieces (receiver and speakers) versus an all-in-one package? There are some wireless solutions on the market that may work for you (like an amplified system from Amphony) when combined with regular speakers. Also, there are other options for running wires besides going into walls (along baseboards or under molded wire guides, for example).

Are there other features that you'd like in your system? The more we know, the better we can help you.

 

[alexwakelin]

The Rocketfish wireless speaker system seems to be one of the better units on the market, IMO.

http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/rocketfish-wireless-speaker-system.html

Many new receivers come with ipod capability as well. With a $1000 budget, if you are willing to do a bit of research I think you can do much better than a HTIB system such as the Samsung you mentioned.

 

[lsiberian]

I've been looking around for a surround sound system WITHOUT a blu-ray/dvd player, and was on the verge of buying the samsung HT-AS720ST but was now looking into one with two other features: wireless and ipod docking station.

Does anyone know of a system with these features for under $1000? I'm trying to avoid having to pay more $$$ to install the cables through the walls in my current home, and then in my next home.

Thanks for your help.

You've come to the right place.

Good wireless systems usually cost more than running wire and they will give subpar results IMO.

Do you have any friends that are good with technology or handy work? I know it's hard to ask, but you might be surprised at how willing they are to help you. Running wires through the attic isn't complicated and only takes a few hours of time. You can also run the wires through the walls. This requires some ingenuity but it can be done. Then there is the tuck method, rug method and various other ways. I say this to encourage you to think about your options. You could also get a soundbar. While it may not be a 7.1 system it will likely be better than the Samsung.

Obviously the first thing you need is a receiver. I suggest you get the cheapest HD capable one you can find from an authorized dealer. Accessories4less is a good place to start. One call is another.

Go with one of the following brands
Onkyo
Denon
Marantz
Yamaha

You could also go with
HK
Pioneer

The reason I suggest this is because it will give you a longer life span on your receiver, less cables to run since HDMI is only one cable, a high quality receiver with a longer lifespan and more flexibility than a budget receiver.

Then I suggest you get 2 really good speakers with you remaining budget. I know surround sound is cool, but having a good pair of speakers will give you broader audio enjoyment.

If you want to put together a great budget system I suggest you look at the Infinity Beta series or the KEF iQ1s

SVS also sells very good speakers, and TSC has some budget packages.

 

[mjurecky]

Thanks for the responses guys.

This seems to be much more complicated than when I searched for a TV. I've spent a few days searching for a solution and I've come to the conclusion that it would be very hard for me to pretend to know half as much as most people on here, even after my research.

I did look into Denon and Onkyo, however, was not able to pinpoint the ideal receiver. I also looked at a few Yamahas.

My video set up is a 52 inch Samsung HD LCD with a PS3 as the Blu Ray player and a Comcast HD DVR. All custom connected via HDMI through the walls.

I asked the guy who installed my TV about installing the cables for the surround system through the walls, and he said it isn't that easy given the layout of the room. Most difficult is running the rear speakers, however, I've seen several packaged units that come with the rear speakers alone wireless.

While not as solid as the suggested brands, I liked the Sony and Samsung because I believe Sony uses S-Air (whatever that is) tech built-in in some units, so special adapters are not required. While Samsung uses Bluetooth.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I were to get a Denon or Onkyo for example, I'd have to get the Rocketfish system, something I'm not all too crazy about. One, it's not as clean, and two, it's an added expense that could be better spent on improved quality of the actual system.

I need HDMI. I would prefer and Ipod dock. And really do not want another disc player (dvd, cd, or blue ray). Just a high quality receiver, slim, not flashy, minimalist, black. Then speakers that are connected wirelessly, preferably without added, seperately purchased accessories. Mixing brands is not a concern, as long as design-wise they are similar, and they are all good brands.

Am I asking for something that doesn't exist?

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the responses guys.

This seems to be much more complicated than when I searched for a TV. I've spent a few days searching for a solution and I've come to the conclusion that it would be very hard for me to pretend to know half as much as most people on here, even after my research.

I did look into Denon and Onkyo, however, was not able to pinpoint the ideal receiver. I also looked at a few Yamahas.

My video set up is a 52 inch Samsung HD LCD with a PS3 as the Blu Ray player and a Comcast HD DVR. All custom connected via HDMI through the walls.

I asked the guy who installed my TV about installing the cables for the surround system through the walls, and he said it isn't that easy given the layout of the room. Most difficult is running the rear speakers, however, I've seen several packaged units that come with the rear speakers alone wireless.

While not as solid as the suggested brands, I liked the Sony and Samsung because I believe Sony uses S-Air (whatever that is) tech built-in in some units, so special adapters are not required. While Samsung uses Bluetooth.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I were to get a Denon or Onkyo for example, I'd have to get the Rocketfish system, something I'm not all too crazy about. One, it's not as clean, and two, it's an added expense that could be better spent on improved quality of the actual system.

I need HDMI. I would prefer and Ipod dock. And really do not want another disc player (dvd, cd, or blue ray). Just a high quality receiver, slim, not flashy, minimalist, black. Then speakers that are connected wirelessly, preferably without added, seperately purchased accessories. Mixing brands is not a concern, as long as design-wise they are similar, and they are all good brands.

Am I asking for something that doesn't exist?

Rocket fish is probably the best wireless kit out there at a reasonable price. But I think you should also consider a sound bar.

Clean is relative and there are no rear speakers in a 5.1 setup. Surrounds go on the sides. So you would need to run wires to the side walls. I don't understand how running speaker wire would be difficult. If you have a wall on the sides of your room it's usually as easy as running them through the attic attaching a couple face plates and mounting the speaker.

 

[mjurecky]

I'll check out Rocket Fish a little bit more.

It is difficult to install the wiring in the room because it is diamond shaped. At one corner of the diamond is the TV. Both walls that form that corner are large windows. Also, the roof above that half of the diamond is non-existent as a bedroom lofts over the space from above. Not sure if that makes much sense, but believe me, it isn't as easy as you would think.

Soundbars are mounted on the wall directly beneath the TV? If that is the case, it would be difficult for me to mount it in a visually appealing way. Or do people not always mount them beneath the TV? How does sound compare to a 5.1 or 7.1 system?

 

[lsiberian]

I'll check out Rocket Fish a little bit more.

It is difficult to install the wiring in the room because it is diamond shaped. At one corner of the diamond is the TV. Both walls that form that corner are large windows. Also, the roof above that half of the diamond is non-existent as a bedroom lofts over the space from above. Not sure if that makes much sense, but believe me, it isn't as easy as you would think.

Soundbars are mounted on the wall directly beneath the TV? If that is the case, it would be difficult for me to mount it in a visually appealing way. Or do people not always mount them beneath the TV? How does sound compare to a 5.1 or 7.1 system?

soundbars I don't think would work in your layout. That just sounds crazy. I don't see any system really working well in that layout. besides a stereo setup. Wireless speakers aren't totally wireless. As they require being plugged in.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Do you have baseboards? There is always a way to run wire.

Post some pictures of your layout.