Help Me Choose A Home Theatre System.

[utedog]

Hi all,

I am just about to buy a new plasma screen and need a home theatre system to go with it. I have read a bunch of the posts on this forum (and am still working my way through the FAQ's thread as well as some others). That said, I am hoping some of you audiophiles out there can give me some practical advice on (and maybe some suggestions for) a suitable system. I have included all the info below that I can think might help. Just let me know if I have missed something.

General info:

I would like a 'proper' home theatre system (i.e. not a cheapo home theatre in a box setup - I have friends with little $500 jobs and you have to put your ear right up against the rears to even hear them). So I guess that means a receiver plus speaker system. However - I do realise the quality of it is going to be dictated largely by my budget.

I want some decent floor-standing front speakers. I would prefer rears on stands, but I could wall-mount them if I really have to.

Requirements:

Mainly movies and TV. That said - the system won't be used a huge amount. I am mainly going to be watching TV on the plasma, but want to be able to enjoy a movie (maybe once/week) with some decent surround sound where you can actually hear something coming from the rears (when required).

I don't listen to music much. I will use it for this a little but my main priority with this home theatre system is definitely for movies. (At this stage my music is all on CD. Don't have an iPod and don't care about that sort of connectivity.)

The other gear:

Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX8A 42" HD Plasma (not Full HD)

Pioneer DV-400V DVD Player (with 1080p upscaling)

Panasonic NV-FJ630 6-Head Hi-Fi Stereo VCR

Blu-Ray or HDD recorder would be a long way down the track. If I get something in the years to come, a HDD recorder is much more likely than a Blu-Ray player.

I won't be getting Foxtel or PayTV.

The room / physical setup:

This is the plan of the room. As you can see, it can be fully closed off. The plasma will be at the 'bottom' (in the plan) of the room - between the windows. Any comments on sub placement appreciated (though I realise I might have to shift it around and test it a bit).

I have no need for wireless rears as I had the room pre-cabled. No idea what they're called, but the plugs look like this one. From what I can see you expose the bare end of the speaker wire, poke it in and tighten.

Budget:

$1,000 absolute tops. Honestly my actual budget is $700 but I figure that's just silly for a reasonable system, so I will go to the $1k mark and bear the brunt of the wife's wrath later. OK, I know with those $ to spend this is where you all start laughing and tell me to keep saving, but that's just the way it is I'm afraid.

What to get?:

I know - this is where everyone tells me to go to the shop and listen, due to the subjective nature of sound. I guess I'm looking for the lazy man's way out - or at least for some really good starting points. So - any suggestions on brand/model that you might be able to give would be greatly appreciated.

I was sort of thinking that a Yamaha system might fit the bill - any comments on this?

Also - I have seen some Sherwood systems in catalogues (Wow I think) which looked OK (but this is going on looks!) - does any one know anything about them at all?

Many thanks in advance for your assistance. Cheers.

[Edited formatting]

Edited August 3, 2008 by chrispro

[Andre281503560612]

I think the Yamaha systems are the best bet for 5.1 + amp in the sub 1k bracket.

[Juicester]

I think the Yamaha systems are the best bet for 5.1 + amp in the sub 1k bracket.

+1

[glennb]

I would like a 'proper' home theatre system (i.e. not a cheapo home theatre in a box setup - I have friends with little $500 jobs ......

.....Honestly my actual budget is $700 but I figure that's just silly for a reasonable system, so I will go to the $1k mark and bear the brunt of the wife's wrath later. OK, I know with those $ to spend this is where you all start laughing and tell me to keep saving, but that's just the way it is I'm afraid.

Well you asked for it

Hardly a big step up in the HT systems between $500-$1,000 but you might be able to do ok out of it.

[ApoLakay]

General info:

I would like a 'proper' home theatre system (i.e. not a cheapo home theatre in a box setup - I have friends with little $500 jobs and you have to put your ear right up against the rears to even hear them). So I guess that means a receiver plus speaker system. However - I do realise the quality of it is going to be dictated largely by my budget.

I want some decent floor-standing front speakers. I would prefer rears on stands, but I could wall-mount them if I really have to.

Unfortunately, the reality is you cannot expect too much with the budget that you have in mind.

Budget:

$1,000 absolute tops. Honestly my actual budget is $700 but I figure that's just silly for a reasonable system, so I will go to the $1k mark and bear the brunt of the wife's wrath later. OK, I know with those $ to spend this is where you all start laughing and tell me to keep saving, but that's just the way it is I'm afraid.

What to get?:

I know - this is where everyone tells me to go to the shop and listen, due to the subjective nature of sound. I guess I'm looking for the lazy man's way out - or at least for some really good starting points. So - any suggestions on brand/model that you might be able to give would be greatly appreciated.

Have a look at one of this: http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...ems/YHT-495.asp

You should be able to haggle this within your budget if you pay cash. My brother has got one and it's not too bad if you haven't used surround sound before (you should not know the difference).

Sony should also have some packages of the same type.

[utedog]

I think the Yamaha systems are the best bet for 5.1 + amp in the sub 1k bracket.

+1

thanks guys.

Well you asked for it

Hardly a big step up in the HT systems between $500-$1,000 but you might be able to do ok out of it.

Well yeah - I guess I did. Yeah - I am hoping that the step to $1k to get a Yamaha will be much better than a $500 LG or similar.

Anyone else care to add anything?

[utedog]

Unfortunately, the reality is you cannot expect too much with the budget that you have in mind.

Awww - stop bursting my bubble! Yeah - I was worried about that.

Have a look at one of this: http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...ems/YHT-495.asp

You should be able to haggle this within your budget if you pay cash. My brother has got one and it's not too bad if you haven't used surround sound before (you should not know the difference).

Trust me - I will be doing some serious haggling - and will flash some green.

I was even thinking i might be able to get to the next model up - http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...ems/YHT-595.asp - but I'm not sure if there is that much margin them..

Edited August 4, 2008 by chrispro

[ApoLakay]

Trust me - I will be doing some serious haggling - and will flash some green.

I was even thinking i might be able to get to the next model up - http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...ems/YHT-595.asp - but I'm not sure if there is that much margin them..

Hey, there is no harm in aiming for the higher spec. You'll never know, you might get lucky. Keep your eyes open for specials or superseded models, they do bring quite a bit of savings.

These ranges are not too bad if you are not that fussy. It should be more than satisfactory for your needs.

[utedog]

thanks ApoLakay - appreciate your comments.

[Adinfinitum]

I was even thinking i might be able to get to the next model up - http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...ems/YHT-595.asp - but I'm not sure if there is that much margin them..

Yamaha is one of those companies that holds a strict control on what prices it's retailer's can sell their products. You might do alright but don't be too disappointed if all retailers seem to come in just above expectations.

[utedog]

Yamaha is one of those companies that holds a strict control on what prices it's retailer's can sell their products. You might do alright but don't be too disappointed if all retailers seem to come in just above expectations.

OK - thanks. Fingers crossed.

[Serpeant]

OK - thanks. Fingers crossed.

IMHO for $1000, there is better bang for buck spending that on two front speakers rather than 5.1. This way, it will sound better and when you get cashed up, you can add to these.

[Adinfinitum]

IMHO for $1000, there is better bang for buck spending that on two front speakers rather than 5.1. This way, it will sound better and when you get cashed up, you can add to these.

+1

I have to agree, if you're heart is not set on having it all right away, spend most of your buget on your AVR. You could even find some 2nd hand speakers to get you up and running untill you're next cashed-up. Doing it this way, you won't have to start from scratch again WHEN (read not *if*) you want to upgrade. And from the tone of your original post,

I would like a 'proper' home theatre system

I get the idea that the systems you're looking at in this price range will not keep you happy for long.

Edited August 4, 2008 by Adinfinitum

[utedog]

+1

I have to agree, if you're heart is not set on having it all right away, spend most of your buget on your AVR. You could even find some 2nd hand speakers to get you up and running untill you're next cashed-up. Doing it this way, you won't have to start from scratch again WHEN (read not *if*) you want to upgrade. And from the tone of your original post,

I get the idea that the systems you're looking at in this price range will not keep you happy for long.

Hmm - Ok. Thanks Serpeant and Adinfinitum for your comments. Not the comments I want to hear of course - but I appreciate it anyway. I will have to give it some thought. To be honest I will still at least be considering the 5.1, maybe as well as what you're suggesting. Main reason being that I have nothing at present (and never have had), so I imagine I will be rather happy with whatver I get. At least for a while!... ;-) I also have to be a bit real about this: getting the Minister of Finance's approval to spend more money on any other speakers any time in the forseeable future will be 'bout as easy as getting blood from a stone.

Humour me though - if I was to take your suggestion, what should I look at?

And who else is going to throw in their 2 cents worth on my original post? Thanks guys.

[Juicester]

IMHO for $1000, there is better bang for buck spending that on two front speakers rather than 5.1. This way, it will sound better and when you get cashed up, you can add to these.

i agree with this sentiment too - but i always suggest it when someone asks about a 1k 5.1 setup, and I usually get earbashed, because it isn't what the OP was asking for.

so if you DESPERATELY want 5.1, then get a yammie set (or something similar). Other wise you may want something like a RXV663 partnered with a pair of Monitor Audio BR2's..... plenty of combos to choose from though...

[Serpeant]

Hmm - Ok. Thanks Serpeant and Adinfinitum for your comments. Not the comments I want to hear of course - but I appreciate it anyway. I will have to give it some thought. To be honest I will still at least be considering the 5.1, maybe as well as what you're suggesting. Main reason being that I have nothing at present (and never have had), so I imagine I will be rather happy with whatver I get. At least for a while!... ;-) I also have to be a bit real about this: getting the Minister of Finance's approval to spend more money on any other speakers any time in the forseeable future will be 'bout as easy as getting blood from a stone.

Humour me though - if I was to take your suggestion, what should I look at?

And who else is going to throw in their 2 cents worth on my original post? Thanks guys.

Krix bookshelf Equinox's for RRP $650.

They are awesome bang for buck and when you upgrade to the Neuphonix, these Equinox's will be AWESOME surrounds.

Also, get the Onkyo 605 now for about $690 (street price, I think). It's a runout model, hence the good pricing...

[utedog]

i agree with this sentiment too - but i always suggest it when someone asks about a 1k 5.1 setup, and I usually get earbashed, because it isn't what the OP was asking for.

so if you DESPERATELY want 5.1, then get a yammie set (or something similar). Other wise you may want something like a RXV663 partnered with a pair of Monitor Audio BR2's..... plenty of combos to choose from though...

Hey why are you all ganging up on me now? Nah - just kidding. You are the guys giving the advice so I'm not about to ear-bash you. Yes, I really would like 5.1, but better to get some honest advice now and make the decision at least realising there is another option, even if I don't take it.

Let's assume though, that I'm not going to be able to afford an upgrade or anything else for 10 years; and $1k is still the most I can spend now. Would all you guys still go for the pair of front speakers as you're recommending (and have no surround for all that time), or would you go for a $1k Yamaha to at least get a bit of surround (if not perfect)? This is a serious question. And why?... thanks.

[ApoLakay]

Let's assume though, that I'm not going to be able to afford an upgrade or anything else for 10 years; and $1k is still the most I can spend now. Would all you guys still go for the pair of front speakers as you're recommending (and have no surround for all that time), or would you go for a $1k Yamaha to at least get a bit of surround (if not perfect)? This is a serious question. And why?... thanks.

You pretty much answered your own question and I think you haven't got much options. You want 5.1 and you only got $1000, then so be it.

Believe me, you are the only one that can tell whether your $1,000 is well spent or not. These sort of packages are not that bad - they are very good bang for your buck (for a 1st time set-up, at least). You can only play your system as loud as the distance from your neighbor anyway, so like I said, this is MORE than what you need for normal DVD viewing.

You'll never know, you might win the lottery in the next couple of years, then you can then buy the top of the range system.

Edited August 4, 2008 by ApoLakay

[utedog]

Thanks ApoLakay that is helpful.

You pretty much answered your own question and I think you haven't got much options. You want 5.1 and you only got $1000, then so be it.

Yeah - I guess you're right. You have summed it up.

Maybe my other question should have been asked differently. Since a few poeple are suggesting the option of 2 front speakers and adding later - why are they suggesting this? - Is it that they don't really care about 5.1 and would prefer really good sound from 2 speakers; or is it that they do want 5.1 but would just definitely be adding more (high end) speakers later?....

You'll never know, you might win the lottery in the next couple of years, then you can then buy the top of the range system.

Yeah - I can always hope. Not real hopeful though - 'Specially since I don't enter the lottery.... lol ;-)

[Serpeant]

Thanks ApoLakay that is helpful.

Yeah - I guess you're right. You have summed it up.

Maybe my other question should have been asked differently. Since a few poeple are suggesting the option of 2 front speakers and adding later - why are they suggesting this? - Is it that they don't really care about 5.1 and would prefer really good sound from 2 speakers; or is it that they do want 5.1 but would just definitely be adding more (high end) speakers later?....

Yeah - I can always hope. Not real hopeful though - 'Specially since I don't enter the lottery.... lol ;-)

A friend of mine just bought a 5.1 'in ceiling' set of 5.1 speakers. I went to listen to them and they just sounded empty. Sure, they may of looked good (arguable), but it seemed to lack mid range and bass. A cheap set of 5.1 speakers would be like this. If you do get 5.1, try get some bass reflex speakers (heavy on base) to camoflague what else it lacks.

Because the surrounds arent used much, why dilute the funds you have on them? Get good sounding fronts that you can enjoy music on too.

To get some idea what cheap speakers would sound like, why dont you crank up the TV speakers and see what you think. If you really dont mind them, I guess the cheap 5.1 will be fine.

[Juicester]

Thanks ApoLakay that is helpful.

Maybe my other question should have been asked differently. Since a few poeple are suggesting the option of 2 front speakers and adding later - why are they suggesting this? - Is it that they don't really care about 5.1 and would prefer really good sound from 2 speakers; or is it that they do want 5.1 but would just definitely be adding more (high end) speakers later?....

well it be partially dependant on your listening preferences in my opinion. If you only ever listen to home theatre, then arguably, you are better off with a surround sound system. However, if you do a fair bit of listening to stereo music - then getting a GOOD pair of speakers is a viable option. My advice to get two good speakers to start up with, is based on the assumptions

1. you will be buying good gear to match it with later (and will possibly use the 'fronts' you buy as rears in a future setup - if you choose to buy a bookshelf like the Monitor Audio Br2...)

2. that you listen to a fair bit of music

3. that you WANT to buy decent higher end stuff in the future. You may not even want too!

I personally believe that a GOOD pair of front speakers isn't too far behind a cheap 5.1 set either. Sure you don't get the rears centre or sub) - but in terms of clarity, soundstage accuracy etc etc - a good pair can take you further...

[Adinfinitum]

Is it that they don't really care about 5.1 and would prefer really good sound from 2 speakers; or is it that they do want 5.1 but would just definitely be adding more (high end) speakers later?...

This is where the matter becomes strictly personal... you won't get a definitive answer on this but will spark a debate that may go on for several pages. The people who suggest 2 or 2.1 chanel first (myself included) would rather have a good amp with 2 good channels than a basic level 5.1 set-up. There's always a compromise. Some would rather compromise on the rear channels, others on the quality of all the channels. Personally, as much as I love 5.1, I can't listen to cheaper sounding systems, so I've mixed and matched on components to try and get the best I can get on my buget. And that left me starting with a 2 channel, then 3 channel, 3.1 and finally 5.1. Most who will suggest this route aren't simply buying a set-up, they're on a path with a goal in mind that may take years to achieve, if ever (hence my user name )

But as others here have already said, you'll probably be happy with the Yammy set... for a while at least.

[ApoLakay]

Maybe my other question should have been asked differently. Since a few poeple are suggesting the option of 2 front speakers and adding later - why are they suggesting this? - Is it that they don't really care about 5.1 and would prefer really good sound from 2 speakers; or is it that they do want 5.1 but would just definitely be adding more (high end) speakers later?....

What they are basically saying is buy a decent receiver with a decent front speakers. Yes, there is a difference between a decent system with the packaged system, but how much (in quality & value) is a question of how deep is your pocket. A $1000 RX & 2 front speakers would not be much improvement from what you are planning now IMHO.

But unless, you are willing to spend 2 or 3 times more than you current budget now, then you will have a 2 channel stereo until you have the money to buy the other bits (in 10 years), and I do not think that was your plan. When they say decent, you need a subwoofer that will at least cost more or less $1000, which is your total budget now. Are you actually willing to spend that sort of money? If your answer is no, then go ahead get your 5.1 system now.

Yeah - I can always hope. Not real hopeful though - 'Specially since I don't enter the lottery.... lol ;-)

You have to be on it to win it, unfortunately....

[SHO]

What they are basically saying is buy a decent receiver with a decent front speakers. Yes, there is a difference between a decent system with the packaged system, but how much (in quality & value) is a question of how deep is your pocket. A $1000 RX & 2 front speakers would not be much improvement from what you are planning now IMHO.

But unless, you are willing to spend 2 or 3 times more than you current budget now, then you will have a 2 channel stereo until you have the money to buy the other bits (in 10 years), and I do not think that was your plan. When they say decent, you need a subwoofer that will at least cost more or less $1000, which is your total budget now. Are you actually willing to spend that sort of money? If your answer is no, then go ahead get your 5.1 system now.

You have to be on it to win it, unfortunately....

Agreed.

[utedog]

A friend of mine just bought a 5.1 'in ceiling' set of 5.1 speakers. I went to listen to them and they just sounded empty. Sure, they may of looked good (arguable), but it seemed to lack mid range and bass. A cheap set of 5.1 speakers would be like this. If you do get 5.1, try get some bass reflex speakers (heavy on base) to camoflague what else it lacks.

Because the surrounds arent used much, why dilute the funds you have on them? Get good sounding fronts that you can enjoy music on too.

To get some idea what cheap speakers would sound like, why dont you crank up the TV speakers and see what you think. If you really dont mind them, I guess the cheap 5.1 will be fine.

OK, thanks Serpeant. Surely an in ceiling set would not have as good sound as one of those Yamaha ones I linked to earlier though, would they? Could you please explain to a newbie what you mean by bass reflex speakers?...

well it be partially dependant on your listening preferences in my opinion. If you only ever listen to home theatre, then arguably, you are better off with a surround sound system. However, if you do a fair bit of listening to stereo music - then getting a GOOD pair of speakers is a viable option. My advice to get two good speakers to start up with, is based on the assumptions ........

I rarely listen to music. When I do it is normally just in the background. As much as I would like to sit there listening I just don't have that sort of time.

This is where the matter becomes strictly personal... you won't get a definitive answer on this but will spark a debate that may go on for several pages. The people who suggest 2 or 2.1 chanel first (myself included) would rather have a good amp with 2 good channels than a basic level 5.1 set-up. There's always a compromise. Some would rather compromise on the rear channels, others on the quality of all the channels. Personally, as much as I love 5.1, I can't listen to cheaper sounding systems, so I've mixed and matched on components to try and get the best I can get on my buget. And that left me starting with a 2 channel, then 3 channel, 3.1 and finally 5.1. Most who will suggest this route aren't simply buying a set-up, they're on a path with a goal in mind that may take years to achieve, if ever (hence my user name )

But as others here have already said, you'll probably be happy with the Yammy set... for a while at least.

Got ya - I understand what you're saying. Yeah - nice user name... ;-)

What they are basically saying is buy a decent receiver with a decent front speakers. Yes, there is a difference between a decent system with the packaged system, but how much (in quality & value) is a question of how deep is your pocket. A $1000 RX & 2 front speakers would not be much improvement from what you are planning now IMHO.

But unless, you are willing to spend 2 or 3 times more than you current budget now, then you will have a 2 channel stereo until you have the money to buy the other bits (in 10 years), and I do not think that was your plan. When they say decent, you need a subwoofer that will at least cost more or less $1000, which is your total budget now. Are you actually willing to spend that sort of money? If your answer is no, then go ahead get your 5.1 system now.

You have to be on it to win it, unfortunately....

thanks ApoLakay.

You guys are all very helpful thanks. As much as I would love something really good, I think at the end of the day, I am too cheap to buy it anytime within the next 5 years. (I am being really honesty now!!)

I realise what I end up with will not be something you all would be happy with, but that said maybe I'll be back in 5 years for you to spec me a really good system! I suspect I will end up with something like that Yamaha system. Just so I am clear though - does this mean I can't even substitute better speakers if I were to acquire some, as the included receiver would not be powerful enough to run them?...