Recommendation for HTiB w/ Wireless

[Nemo128]

For older folks, the woman's 'rents. They're not big on big sound either, just something to get them into the world of surround.

They've got a 52" Sammy LCD in the living room and I want to set up a surround system for them. I know they will never buy a BD player. Wireless rears are a must since they won't want cables running down the floor. There's a plug on the back wall, so a system like the Panny HTiBs with wireless rears would be fine. Two speaker wires going up the walls is no big deal.

Dimensions are ~ 11'W (viewing location) x 18'L (viewing distance is actually 8' from viewing location) x 8'H ceiling.

Again, big sound isn't the key. Nice sound with a bit of bass is all they would want. They think my setup is way too much.

 

[Highbar]

Not sure about a solution for the inlaws but as far as you not being able to use both rooms at the same time why not get a small amp and run your bedroom off the zone 2 preouts? An Audiosource 2 channel wont run you too much. Not sure if you could use one of your HDMI outs then but there is a video out for zone 2 also. Just a thought.

Now back on topic...

 

[alexwakelin]

From what I have heard, many HTiB's don't have very good wireless setups. If that is what they want, you might want to just set them up with a good Onkyo system, and get the Rocketfish wireless kit to go with it.

http://www.bestbuy.com/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat115900050027&type=category

 

[lsiberian]

For older folks, the woman's 'rents. They're not big on big sound either, just something to get them into the world of surround.

They've got a 52" Sammy LCD in the living room and I want to set up a surround system for them. I know they will never buy a BD player. Wireless rears are a must since they won't want cables running down the floor. There's a plug on the back wall, so a system like the Panny HTiBs with wireless rears would be fine. Two speaker wires going up the walls is no big deal.

Dimensions are ~ 11'W (viewing location) x 18'L (viewing distance is actually 8' from viewing location) x 8'H ceiling.

Again, big sound isn't the key. Nice sound with a bit of bass is all they would want. They think my setup is way too much.

Just use a rocket fish for the surrounds. Then get whatever speakers fit their size requirements. I suggest KEF 3000s as the base system for any body that wants small speakers. It has a sleek sub and very potent satellites. You can step down with the budget.

 

[Exit]

I am not recommending an HTIB, but you originally were looking for a HTIB with wireless rears and I found a refurbished Samsung thats also pretty cheap ($219 plus shipping). See below:

http://www.refurbdepot.com/productdetails2.cfm?Product_ID=6359&refererid=pronto

It looks pretty cool visually and it should be a better than TV speakers. I know my grandparents wouldn't spend much more than this for audio; its just not a big thing to them. The video budget, thats a whole other story. They will pay for a quality big screen TV.

 

[Exit]

Just got informed - don't buy from that company. Try to find it somewhere else if you are interested.

 

[Nemo128]

Not sure about a solution for the inlaws but as far as you not being able to use both rooms at the same time why not get a small amp and run your bedroom off the zone 2 preouts? An Audiosource 2 channel wont run you too much. Not sure if you could use one of your HDMI outs then but there is a video out for zone 2 also. Just a thought.

Now back on topic...

Thanks for the suggestion. The real problem is Zone 2 video. It's composite only, and I'd lose serious quality from the WDTV and the 360 if I use it. Plus, the AVR can't convert HDMI to that Zone 2 video anyway. That's why I want the Emotiva UMC-1 right now. Great idea though.

Just use a rocket fish for the surrounds. Then get whatever speakers fit their size requirements. I suggest KEF 3000s as the base system for any body that wants small speakers. It has a sleek sub and very potent satellites. You can step down with the budget.

I loved the KEF 5002, but super expensive for their needs. I'm willing to spend up to $250 for them, since I know they're not willing to spend anything. I figure, they have a 52" LCD and an HD OTA feed, yet they're sticking to DVDs with integrated TV speakers. That's just stupid. Woman agreed to get them a WDTV, since they'd use it as is with USB keys.

I am not recommending an HTIB, but you originally were looking for a HTIB with wireless rears and I found a refurbished Samsung thats also pretty cheap ($219 plus shipping). See below:

http://www.refurbdepot.com/productdetails2.cfm?Product_ID=6359&refererid=pronto

It looks pretty cool visually and it should be a better than TV speakers. I know my grandparents wouldn't spend much more than this for audio; its just not a big thing to them. The video budget, thats a whole other story. They will pay for a quality big screen TV.

Thought about that Sammy, if I can find for the right price. Since it's a gift, and they're not huge on audio, I just want something to give them surround. High output, deep bass, clear fidelity, not an issue. I'll keep looking.