Advice on purchasing a Home Theater please

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Advice on purchasing a Home Theater please

thecripplernz

252 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#214520 15-May-2017 17:06

Hi all

Im after some advice on home theatre

With the amount of movies and TV I watch I would definitely enjoy better sound quality

Having visited the usual electronic stores I’ve noticed they mostly stock the TV brand all in one home theatre systems. But I’m also aware I could compile one myself from the various components.

My budget is over $1500 but under $2000

My viewing room measures 3.6 m wide and 2.8 m from the TV to where I sit on the couch

I normally watch media through netflix, or chrome cast from my computer and also game on the ps4 which doubles as the blu ray player, so I would like 3 HDMi inputs if possible

My preference is for smaller but decent quality speakers…hopefully. I don’t really have the space for tower types (and the budget wouldn’t allow anyway)

I have some space under my TV for a centre speaker and the 2 side speakers. The rear speakers would hopefully be on stands behind the couch. A worry I have is the speakers have the cloth grill, and the cat using them as a scratching post, considering they would be the perfect height. the cat hasn’t scratched any existing speakers with cloth covers yet, but I’m always worried,

I normally use spotify etc off my phone for music through the chrome cast, so i don’t need a receiver that has spotify built in. Ive read that some of them do, but I’m unsure how it works exactly… same goes for bluetooth, I don’t think it will have the range to benefit me.

Update: having done some more research, I’m thinking about getting a set of Orb Audio Satellite speakers and purchasing the Receiver and subwoofer seperate (speakers would be just shy of 1k)

Does anybody have any recommendations for a good bang for your buck and reliable receiver? good brands?

Any ideas on a subwoofer?

Or maybe somebody can recommend a good HTIB?

Or anything else I need to be aware of?

Thanks in advance

JimmyH

2898 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1554

#1782713 15-May-2017 18:20

Doing a decent setup for under $2K will be a challenge.

A good receiver is around $700-1200. Good left and light speakers will cost at least as much again. Then you have the rear speakers, center speaker, sub-woofer and cabling to worry about.

You might be able to shave costs a bit if you go second hand, but I suspect a decent setup is probably still out of your budget.

From my perspective, the three broad options are:

1. Increase your budget, if possible.

2. Do something that isn't decent but within your budget. This could either mean getting a crummy but minimally adequate system, or just buying a decent receiver and L/R speakers for now, and adding the rest as budget permits.

3. Drop the budget, a lot, and spend $3-500 on a good soundbar. Come back when the budget permits and do something good, and relocate the soundbar (eg to a bedroom telly) when you do.

Personally, I would incline to option 3 if increasing the budget isn't possible. That's what I have done.

EDIT: Typo.

Masterpiece

247 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 37

#1782741 15-May-2017 19:46

If you have nothing but display speakers, well anything will be better.

If you go HTIB you are ultimately limited to a life span of the current technology and because all the parts are linked every thing becomes redundant if you want to upgrade or the technology becomes outdated. The advantage is you can get the whole package for a modest cost.

Modular systems are more flexible, to a degree. You can upgrade the receiver or speakers separately as technology changes.

The receiver is the corner stone, for your budget look for a 5.1 system, all the main brands have something, Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, etc
With the budget, and being modular, going for just up from baseline quality you can add components over time. So concentrate on Center speaker, Fronts and Sub woofer.
Note:
The center speaker is arguably the most import speaker because speaking movies pump most dialog through the center.
Then the fronts and sub are the next important.

Alternatively just get a package 5.1 speaker set with the receiver, later you can upgrade speakers if you desired.

Some like sound bars with a sub, these work well in spaces that have family,WAF and pet challenges.

Key things to look for.
HDCP 2.2
HDMI 2.0a or later
Rec2020 (4K) + HDR support, pass through.

Me:"I'm not a robot!"

ET: "Maybe; you have some freewill, but you chose your path by arrangement"

Me "That sounds like a program with no freewill?"

ET: "We will catch up when you end this cycle"

Me: "Sounds like a 'KPI'!"

ET: "Did you read the terms and conditions?"

Me: .....

LennonNZ

2459 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 411

ID Verified

Trusted

#1782758 15-May-2017 20:14

Maybe http://www.avalon.co.nz/244-home-theatre-speakers ($999)

and

http://www.avalon.co.nz/av-receivers-systems-/755-onkyo-tx-sr343.html ($749) (TX NR656)

Both are heavily discounted at the moment ..

Good entry level Amp with all the bits you need and speakers to suit... Should give you an Ok 5.1.2 setup which can be upgraded to better speakers in the future.

Dunnersfella

4100 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 887

#1782829 15-May-2017 21:44

Buy the front end first...

So, pick up a receiver, 2 x decent stand mount speakers (bookshelves) and a subwoofer to begin with.

Spend 2k on this and you'll have a rig that will be worth updating over time (add in a centre speaker and then rear speakers later on).

Remember, speakers can be run without grills on, it won't change the sound as grills should be acoustically transparent in 90% of the designs on the market.

Satellite speakers really are limited in performance compared to stand mount speakers (bookshelves) and you'll find that many, many satellite speakers mean you have to cross your subwoofer over quite high, meaning that the bass frequencies become easy for the ear to locate within the room. An example of why this is bad, is when you hear a male baritone coming from the subwoofer that's sitting in the left hand corner of your living room...

Re: amplifier brands.

Use it, listen to it - then make up your mind!

Most of the receiver brands have earned their reputation for a good reason... bare this in mind as many people have been burned at the lower end of the market in the past as they have decided to go for the cheapest option / been sucked in by dodgy power specs + debatable comparisons.

richms

29099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10214

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1782830 15-May-2017 21:47

Dunnersfella:

Remember, speakers can be run without grills on, it won't change the sound as grills should be acoustically transparent in 90% of the designs on the market.

Then they just do the cones instead.

Really needs to be a range of cat proof speakers. I liked my old b&Ws because the lower front was plastic, no grill to the floor carryon so was great with cats.

Richard rich.ms

thecripplernz

252 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1783413 16-May-2017 22:36

JimmyH:

Doing a decent setup for under $2K will be a challenge.

A good receiver is around $700-1200. Good left and light speakers will cost at least as much again. Then you have the rear speakers, center speaker, sub-woofer and cabling to worry about.

You might be able to shave costs a bit if you go second hand, but I suspect a decent setup is probably still out of your budget.

From my perspective, the three broad options are:

1. Increase your budget, if possible.

2. Do something that isn't decent but within your budget. This could either mean getting a crummy but minimally adequate system, or just buying a decent receiver and L/R speakers for now, and adding the rest as budget permits.

3. Drop the budget, a lot, and spend $3-500 on a good soundbar. Come back when the budget permits and do something good, and relocate the soundbar (eg to a bedroom telly) when you do.

Personally, I would incline to option 3 if increasing the budget isn't possible. That's what I have done.

EDIT: Typo.

Thanks for the reply, I might increase the budget a bit. But im def looking at used components atm. Seems like the way to go.

I've just got a soundbar, but it aint cutting the mustard and is motivating me to move forward to better sound.

Apple TV

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).

thecripplernz

252 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1783414 16-May-2017 22:39

Masterpiece: If you have nothing but display speakers, well anything will be better.

If you go HTIB you are ultimately limited to a life span of the current technology and because all the parts are linked every thing becomes redundant if you want to upgrade or the technology becomes outdated. The advantage is you can get the whole package for a modest cost.

Modular systems are more flexible, to a degree. You can upgrade the receiver or speakers separately as technology changes.

The receiver is the corner stone, for your budget look for a 5.1 system, all the main brands have something, Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, etc
With the budget, and being modular, going for just up from baseline quality you can add components over time. So concentrate on Center speaker, Fronts and Sub woofer.
Note:
The center speaker is arguably the most import speaker because speaking movies pump most dialog through the center.
Then the fronts and sub are the next important.

Alternatively just get a package 5.1 speaker set with the receiver, later you can upgrade speakers if you desired.

Some like sound bars with a sub, these work well in spaces that have family,WAF and pet challenges.

Key things to look for.
HDCP 2.2
HDMI 2.0a or later
Rec2020 (4K) + HDR support, pass through.

All good advice, thanks especially the key things to look for! I definitely dont need 7.2 sound, or any of that 'zone' stuff so i hope i can find a cheaper one. good sound no thrills

thecripplernz

252 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1783415 16-May-2017 22:40

LennonNZ:

Maybe http://www.avalon.co.nz/244-home-theatre-speakers ($999)

and

http://www.avalon.co.nz/av-receivers-systems-/755-onkyo-tx-sr343.html ($749) (TX NR656)

Both are heavily discounted at the moment ..

Good entry level Amp with all the bits you need and speakers to suit... Should give you an Ok 5.1.2 setup which can be upgraded to better speakers in the future.

thanks

That does look well discounted. Over my travels I have read a fair bit about Onkyo having faulty hdmi components. Is this still an issue?

thecripplernz

252 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1783416 16-May-2017 22:41

Dunnersfella:

Buy the front end first...

So, pick up a receiver, 2 x decent stand mount speakers (bookshelves) and a subwoofer to begin with.

Spend 2k on this and you'll have a rig that will be worth updating over time (add in a centre speaker and then rear speakers later on).

Remember, speakers can be run without grills on, it won't change the sound as grills should be acoustically transparent in 90% of the designs on the market.

Satellite speakers really are limited in performance compared to stand mount speakers (bookshelves) and you'll find that many, many satellite speakers mean you have to cross your subwoofer over quite high, meaning that the bass frequencies become easy for the ear to locate within the room. An example of why this is bad, is when you hear a male baritone coming from the subwoofer that's sitting in the left hand corner of your living room...

Re: amplifier brands.

Use it, listen to it - then make up your mind!

Most of the receiver brands have earned their reputation for a good reason... bare this in mind as many people have been burned at the lower end of the market in the past as they have decided to go for the cheapest option / been sucked in by dodgy power specs + debatable comparisons.

thanks, I def wont go in lower on the reciever. the satellite comment is a concern

Maxcat

273 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 74

#1783493 17-May-2017 08:37

Buy used. It is a buyer's market and $2000 would give you a budget big enough to put a wonderful system together.

Receivers are going cheap as people upgrade to Atmos.

Step in and learn as you go. Later on buy new, once you know what you really want from your system.

Here are some components that will get you well and truly started under budget.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/other/auction-1322241769.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/amplifiers-tuners/auction-1326499607.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/amplifiers-tuners/auction-1323148201.htm

and

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/other/auction-1325813459.htm

LennonNZ

2459 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 411

ID Verified

Trusted

#1783545 17-May-2017 10:01

thecripplernz:

That does look well discounted. Over my travels I have read a fair bit about Onkyo having faulty hdmi components. Is this still an issue?

A few much older versons did have issues but I haven't heard it affect the newer versions in many years.

I personally have had a number of Onkyos in the Past with no problem. I have an 838 at the moment and it can do 5.1.2 _or_ 7.1 so I need something a little bigger to do 7.1.2/4. Also I can do Atmos but not DTS:X.

Geekzone support

Support Geekzone with one-off or recurring donations Donate via PressPatron.

WolfmanNZ

148 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 41

#1783607 17-May-2017 11:47

LennonNZ:

thecripplernz:

That does look well discounted. Over my travels I have read a fair bit about Onkyo having faulty hdmi components. Is this still an issue?

A few much older versons did have issues but I haven't heard it affect the newer versions in many years.

I personally have had a number of Onkyos in the Past with no problem. I have an 838 at the moment and it can do 5.1.2 _or_ 7.1 so I need something a little bigger to do 7.1.2/4. Also I can do Atmos but not DTS:X.

Yeah there was a bad batch a while ago, my older SR-705 had the issue, but it was covered by Warranty, I bought a newer TX-RZ710 to go with my 4K TV and am very happy with it. FWIW it was approx $1250 on sale at the time from JB, but Avalon had it for under a grand for a while (I needed to get it on Q card tho) The 656 is very nicely priced and has a lot of features going for it.

In terms of speakers, and the pros and cons of second hand, given your budget you can definitely do well on trademe, just make sure you can see there are no damage to the cones and tweeters before you buy (if there is an option to inspect/listen, all the better) I have a set of B&W 603 S3's that are about 14 years old, no signs of deterioration to the rubber mounts, and they still sound fantastic. I have seen similar speakers going for $500 or less, and newer models on TM atm for a grand or less. The higher end Wharfdales are also pretty good as are the NZ made Image speakers (my father in law has a set) I'd look at getting a matching brand centre speaker, and then you can always look at the surrounds later depending on budget.

We went like this. he went like that. I say "Where'd he go?" Hollywood says "Where'd WHO go?!"

Paul1977

5171 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2192

#1783732 17-May-2017 15:13

I got an affordable 5.1 channel Yamaha a few years ago, mine was bundled with the speakers and sub for I think around the $1200 mark. Speakers were 4x bookshelf speakers for fronts and rears (put these on stands I already had), a longer centre speaker and a powered sub.

The current equivalent receiver would be the Yamaha RX-V381 which adds HDCP 2.2 and HDR (which mine doesn't have). Not sure about speakers. When I eventually upgrade to a 4K TV I will have no hesitation getting another (relatively low-end) Yamaha and keeping the speakers that came bundled with my current one.

I am no audiophile, but mine was certainly a huge step up from TV speakers, and I'm sure would still be loads better than a sound bar.

It is very easy to go overboard spending on this stuff. Compared to what you have, I think you could easily get a full 5.1 system you'll be perfectly happy with without increasing your budget.

EDIT: I think this is my one. Sold as a home theatre in a box, but is actually one of their standalone receivers bundled with some Yamaha speakers. Whatever the current equivalent of this package is might be a decent solution within your budget (as long as it supports HDCP 2.2 and HDR).

thecripplernz

252 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1783849 17-May-2017 19:49

So I pulled the trigger on this one

http://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/av_components/av_receivers/tx-nr656/index.html

from Avalon Audio, it was a pretty decent price.($749)

And I'm gonna go with the Orb Audio speakers.

So that leaves me to just find a subwoofer now