Greetings,
New member to Audioholics here so evidently first time poster, found the site while scavenging the wastes of the internet looking for help. To get things rolling; my situation is similar to many of the posters here in the "Beginners" type subsection. I have for one reason or another found myself in the need/want of a Home Theater sound system. I'm a bit ofa "techy", however mostly dealing with computers and only dealt with audio in terms of simulated surround sound headsets. However during my travels through the internet and during my research and perusing of various user forums of similar nature to this very one there seems to be a common theme. That being, a pre-built/package systems tends to be sub-par to what a consumer with a little time, patience, and know-how can piece together in a similar price range. Now I understand this might not be for all cases orbrands but tends to be the general principle for technology equipment, one I have become all to familiar with while buying/building PCs.
With the whiney introduction concluded I'll give some specifics on what equipment I currently have in my possession and plan on using as the center of my Home Entertainment system, the availability of my space and the purpose of my future Home Theater Surround Sound System.
The Equipment currently owned:
46" 1080p HD Sony Sharp Aquos Quattron LED Edge lit TV
Digital DVR/Cable Box
tri-level 52" wide TV stand: black matte finish silver support arms
Work/Play laptop
2x Xbox 360
As of right now the setup is incredibly simple, DVR connects to the TV through RGB HDTV connectors for normal digital cable viewing. The Laptop connects to the television via HDMI port 1 for viewing movies on digits, streaming Netflix, or as an additional Monitor.
The Area:
The room that hosts the entertainment equipment is rectangular in nature, specifically the dimensions hash out to be 15x12. Currently one of the long walls has a seating area ( 3 person couch ) across from the couch angled to
the center of the room is the recliner ( that's mine, the master seat ) the viewing stand is triangular and placed in corner between the two viewing points.
Uses:
For some reason or another beyond my control, desire and vehement protesting, my abode has become the congregating area for my clique. I believe the decision was made partly due to the size of the television and the remaining party lighting I still have up. Ultimately I'm aiming to top off the "Party Room"-esque environment with a powerful sound system to fulfill a multitude of uses.
Movies:
-DVDs
-Blu-Ray (from the laptop, lazy but I already got it so why get a stand alone)
-Netflix Streaming
Music:
-Largest majority of my music is some range of Electronica, from Dubstep through and to Trance with the seldom Rock/Rap track
Gaming:
-I do occasionally partake in some gaming both PC and Xbox nothing to heavy or hardcore but I would like to use precise sound
for immersion
Goals:
Predominantly my goal is to obtain a surround sound system that's fully integrated or at-least useable with my existing equipment. Without to much hassle of hot swapping cables/plugs
Brass tax: I would like all generated sound to be able to play through the speaker system and circumvent the on-board audio delivery devices.
Desires(The min/maxing greedy selfish part):
Like the subtitle says here comes the green eyed techy monster. I want a beast, I want to get half way through the volume control systems and my neighbors think its a thunderstorm...I'd like to be able to nick name it the Thunder maker! I'd like to feel the floor rumble, the furniture tremble and to feel like I'm receiving a tracheotomy via sound waves. However I'd like to keep in mind the pace of the music that is primarily listened to. Something that hits hard but is still capable of keeping quality of sound crisp, clean, and tight. A 5.1 system seems like it would work best as a 7.1 a bit overkill on the space allowed.
Limitations:
Time: Time is not a factor, there is zero rush I'm not prone to impulse purchases and I like to do my research thoroughly and shop around.
Space: As mentioned previously the available space is a rectangular room 15x12 with surrounding furniture. The sound does not have to stay with in those confines however the equipment does, I tend to prefer sleek and easily hid items, internal ceiling/wall speakers is not preferred as I may have to move so wall mounting is perfectly acceptable.
$$$$: I want to set the price ceiling at $1500 USD. I am far from an audio specialist, nor am I in need of concert quality multi-thousand dollar equipment, but a quality home system with hardy parts, wonderfully crisp sound and possibly expansive capabilities down the line so it can continue to grow as I do.
The TL;DR section!
Have no idea where to start
which piece of equipment do I get first
Lots of thump
Little distortion
Integration with multiple pieces of equipment
-tv
-PC
-gaming consoles
$1500 USD ceiling cap preferred but not written in stone.
Thank you for your time and whatever advice or effort anyone can provide me with. I'm not looking for an information handout I don't want to be given the answer I would just like a Professor generated study guide so I know what to study and where to look but more important how to begin and with which piece.
