Home theatre noob

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33coupe

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#113347 14-Jan-2013 16:04

Hi there,

Ive recently bought a Panasonic 50ut50, and have found myself aching for some kind of surround sound speaker set up.

I have a ps3, and mainly play games and watch films (only have freeview). Dont want to spend over $500.

After a bit of research I have ruled out HT packages as I dont need a BR player, and have heard they're not that great.

However, I'm struggling to find receiver speaker packages that fall within my budget

Is there anything out there that would suit my needs?

I saw this at JB Hifi. Would you need a receiver, or can it be connected straight to the tv!?!?

http://shop.jbhifi.co.nz/home%20theatre/speakers/wharfedale-ms100b-5-1ch-home-cinema-package/66418

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help & thanks for the post

Drew

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2degrees

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#744643 14-Jan-2013 16:19

Yeah looks like you do from this package deal found elsewhere

http://www.hifivision.com/group-buys-deals/24567-wharfedale-moviestar-100-5-1-speakers-yamaha-rxv-371-av-receiver.html

ubergeeknz

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#744648 14-Jan-2013 16:27

No, they are just speakers. You can't drive speakers from your TV (generally speaking) - you need a receiver.

The packaged deal is something else entirely, where the retailer has packaged the receiver in with it; JB aren't doing that in the link you sent.

You'll be hard pressed to find a speaker/receiver package in that budget range; your best bet is an HT all in one or go 2nd hand.

33coupe

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#744652 14-Jan-2013 16:36

Thanks for the replies, that has helped a lot.

Back to the drawing board I guess.

Thanks!

driller2000

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#744829 15-Jan-2013 00:07

yeah new you will struggle to get 5 speakers and an amp for your budget

however 2nd hand is a different story:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/home-theatre/auction-552704250.htm

i have no idea if this is good gear / price

and you would need to check condition of the gear and whether the amp can receive hdmi signals and furthermore whether it would be able to play hd audio or not ie. dts-hd ma / dolby truehd - as is used on bluray sources - assuming this matters to you....

an alternative would be to start with a decent av reciever and a set of front speakers - and add / build on this as budget / finances permit.

33coupe

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#744873 15-Jan-2013 09:16

Thanks for the reply.

Buying the items seperatley could be a good way to go, so you dont have to pay out so much money in one go.
Saying that, once I start looking, I dont usually stop until I find something lol.

I have found these:

http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/audio-mp3/home-theatre/pioneer-htp071-5-1-hdmi-av-receiver-speaker-package/prod115538.html

And this (Maybe wait for sale, or haggle)

http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/home-theatre/onkyo/5-1-channel-speaker-pack-sku-28253/

Done a bit of looking last night and think I read that the pioneer doesnt do HD Decoding? But it does have 4k or something. Also I would need an optical cable for audio (rather than hdmi). Do you know if that is correct?
Or I might be getting confused altogether!? Theres way too much technical info for an amateur like me.

Thanks

Deev8

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#744997 15-Jan-2013 12:28

It's not easy with a budget of $500, but if you don't want to take the second-hand option you could look at the Logitch Z709 THX-Certified 5.1 system. I see that you could get it just within budget from Elive for $457.10 including shipping http://www.elive.co.nz/logitech-z906-speakers-500w-rms-dv4429.php

It clearly won't perform as well as an AV Receiver and speaker set-up that you could assemble for $2,000, but you probably wouldn't be disappointed by the sound. I used the Logitech system that the Z709 replaced for some time, and at the price it was very impressive.

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33coupe

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#745566 16-Jan-2013 11:05

Thanks Deev8

I did come across that Logitech. It had some good reviews, the only thing is that it doesnt have hdmi so wouldnt be getting the best out of blu rays would it?

In regards to the Onkyo S4505, do you know if it has hdmi audio & video, or would I need an optical cable as well?

Thanks

33coupe

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#747400 19-Jan-2013 16:03

Hello,

Just spent last hour looking at sites and prices (slowing updating this post) only to find it didnt save or post when I submitted.

Anyway, Ive been able to increase my budget to $1k for a receiver a speaker package ( I know its still a small amount).

I was considering this

Onkyo NR515 (can get a discount at JB)

And either the whafdale speaker or Jamo packs (tried searching, but couldnt find any reviews on them other than Jamo)

http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/speakers/5-1-speaker-packs/

I know that Harvey Norman are doing a sale, so if there are any you think would be better than the above please say and Ill have a look.

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/tv-and-audio/speakers-and-subwoofers/

If you have any other suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

Dunnersfella

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#748023 21-Jan-2013 00:16

My advice - don't buy on specs alone.
Take in material you know well and listen to what the system can do.
Get the remote in your hand and try working through the receivers menu system etc and make sure it's logical / easy to use.
Oh yeah and keep in mind...
Don't put small speakers in a mansion, and don't put big speakers in a shoe box.

Goosey

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#748046 21-Jan-2013 07:41

Dunnersfella: My advice - don't buy on specs alone.
Take in material you know well and listen to what the system can do.
Get the remote in your hand and try working through the receivers menu system etc and make sure it's logical / easy to use.
Oh yeah and keep in mind...
Don't put small speakers in a mansion, and don't put big speakers in a shoe box.

+1 go have a listen and play with the mindset on what you want to achieve in sound and function + what may be of interest to you in the future e.g. will you connect SAT/SKY any other devices.

33coupe

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#748120 21-Jan-2013 10:42

Thanks for the replies.

That is good advice, although all of the shops I have been in, they only have them as static display.

After much researching I am considering the following:

Onkyo NR515 - $560 (wait for JB hifi sale)
Wharfedale Diamonds speaker package - Currently $1500 but will haggle or wait for a sale.

If I cant get the above speakers cheap enough, will have to consider some other options.

Cheers

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Goosey

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#748200 21-Jan-2013 13:45

Theres always the off the shelf all in one HT systems with speakers included by all the main manufacturers and can be purchased for under $1k (entry level starting upwards of $500).