Advice on home theater system - out of the box Panasonic verses Component System

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genesis

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#53751 12-Dec-2009 22:16

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice on a home theater system. I don't have a system at the moment and am basically starting from scratch. I have been seriously looking at the Panasonic SC-BT207GN9K and hooking it up to my old 25" Sony Triniton (i plan to upgrade this too, to a full HD projector when the budget allows). The price is around $1799.00 which is in my budget of $1800 - just!. One of the main reasons it appeals is that it is a package and seems to do everything i want. On the other hand, what would i get for the same budget out of a component system? Is that a better way to go? I guess one of my biggest concerns is the quality of the speakers and the sound they will produce. I would be interested to hear what people think. Thanks in advance.

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#281895 13-Dec-2009 09:26

If I was you I would be looking at one of the packages on this page:

http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/home-theatre/systems/

The Pioneer or Onkyo/KEF packages would be at least as good as the Panasonic unit you mentioned and would provide far more options in terms of upgrades, especially if you are going to add a projector or HD TV later.

The only thing they don't have is the blu-ray player but you could purchase a seperate unit and still be on budget, or if you went for the Onkyo/KEF package you could add in a PS3 and have gaming/blu-ray/media player all covered.

Kraven

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#281898 13-Dec-2009 09:57

I would consider saving a bit longer and finding a good amplifier & speaker package. Those all-in-one kits usually lack what you're concerned about the most - sound quality.

Deev8

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#281911 13-Dec-2009 11:16

Home Theatre in a Box packages have their pros and cons. Their sound quality doesn't match that of a well-thought out component system, but to be fair they are generally cheaper than a comparable component system. Most of the leading HTiB systems have wireless rear speakers which can be a real convenience, trying to incorporate that feature into a component system is a real headache and a significant additional cost. The big drawback of HTiB systems is the lack of HDMI inputs, meaning that you can't easily hook-up other sources of 5.1 sound like a Freeview|HD set-top box or a HTPC - the only exception that I am aware of is the LG HB954WA, and that offers two HDMI inputs as well as it's included Blu-Ray source.

buzzy

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#282262 14-Dec-2009 13:00

I'd be inclined to get a receiver and a pair of decent front speakers, then add to it from there as budget allows. You can easily add a sub to turn the stereo into a 2.1 system, then add a center and surrounds later on. IMHO, you'll find TV and movies much better with a decent pair of stereo speakers than with a crummy 5.1 set-in-a-box

Last season's model run-out receivers are a good way of getting a decent receiver more cheaply than the current models, and unless you're really planning on pushing the system you'll usually find that the run-out models do everything you need. That gives you some more to spend on speakers :)

genesis

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Wannabe Geek

#282449 14-Dec-2009 19:33

Thanks for the feedback guys. It is much appreciated. I have started looking into a receiver/speaker options as suggested. Are there any good review site i should have a look at? I would like to cut the field down into small number and then go check them out for their sound. Thanks again.

Regs

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Snowflake

#282501 15-Dec-2009 00:25

grab a couple of your favourite cd's and dvd's and head into a store and try a few systems out. ideally the store(s) will have the systems set up in some sort of listening room. you'll quickly get a feel for the different sound out of different systems and be able to decide if an all-in-one will suit or whether you need to spend a lot more on a component system. if you've had nothing before then you might find that an all-in-one is a huge step up and sufficient at half the price.... the panasonic system you mentioned is at the high end of the all-in-one systems though - as marmel pointed out there are some component/speaker package deals out there in that price range. i'd be shocked if you actually bought one for $1800 though... a quick google turns one up for $100 cheaper than that at magness benrow and you can probably haggle more on the price

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#282504 15-Dec-2009 01:12

http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/home-theatre/systems/
there is one for $1892 ...

Nety

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#282520 15-Dec-2009 06:13

There is also a component pioneer system on that page for $1500. Looks like a good place to go to and have a listen.

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#282541 15-Dec-2009 08:21

buzzy: I'd be inclined to get a receiver and a pair of decent front speakers, then add to it from there as budget allows. You can easily add a sub to turn the stereo into a 2.1 system, then add a center and surrounds later on. IMHO, you'll find TV and movies much better with a decent pair of stereo speakers than with a crummy 5.1 set-in-a-box

Last season's model run-out receivers are a good way of getting a decent receiver more cheaply than the current models, and unless you're really planning on pushing the system you'll usually find that the run-out models do everything you need. That gives you some more to spend on speakers :)

I would have to agree. Buy a decent reciever that will last a good 5-6 years and a pair of fronts to match then slowly build up the rest. Thats how I did it anyways.

Regs

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Snowflake

#282652 15-Dec-2009 12:46

geekiegeek:
I would have to agree. Buy a decent reciever that will last a good 5-6 years and a pair of fronts to match then slowly build up the rest. Thats how I did it anyways.

my $2000 HT receiver was out-of-date in less than a couple of years due to the introduction of HDMI/HDMI switching and HD audio (DTS-HD, TrueHD etc). if you're really that into HiFi/Home Theatre, sound quality and features you really can't expect your tech to last that long.

Also, with only two front teeth you're missing out on the surround experience which kind of cancels the point of having a home theatre amp in the first place.

Dont buy a receiver + two speakers if you're looking for the home theatre experience - get a surround package of some sort complete with sub. All in one, or component-based.

Personally, I have Onkyo amp and KEF speaker system - but some friends with all-in-one's have setups that dont sound too bad at all.

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#282658 15-Dec-2009 13:00

Agree with Regs. If you're after music first and foremost, then a good amp and front two speakers is fine, but if you're after surround sound, well you just really should have some speakers surrounding you.

In my opinion the most important speaker in home theatre is the centre channel so you can hear the dialogue properly. After that it's the front two and a good sub woofer tied and then the surrounds.

The advice here is all right, all good and valid points and there is no right and wrong with this. Depending on you, and what you want, an all in one system may suit your needs fine so don't be put off at least trying a few out to see what you like.

My experience with home theatre in a box stuff has not been that great. It can be difficult to hear the dialouge properly and the bass driver has to go higher (in frequency) than it really should to compensate for the tiny speakers. This has led to lots of boomy bass but no real deep bass.

$1800 is heaps to play with these days, especially entering the Christmas period too.

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#282686 15-Dec-2009 13:33

I definitely recommend that you go the separate components route.

I've had several Yamaha a/v receiver - amps over the years, and all have been very good. I still happily use my current (older) models without HDMI inputs, as I still get great sound from Dolby Digital/DTS.

My next upgrade will be a newer av amp with HDMI inputs - in a year or two. You should be able to get a good entry level av amp, with HDMI inputs, from the likes of JB Hi-Fi - or even TradeMe if you are careful. (I bought one of my Yamaha amps off TM - new, and it has been fine.)

Get good speakers, and for the mains - I reckon you get the best results from physically large speakers.

The thing with a component based system is that you are always tempted to keep upgrading elements of it. Which is a good thing and a bad thing:).

And don't forget the wife/partner acceptance factor either. How the stuff looks and fits into your house is important too.

Good luck with it all.

kind regards Andrew TD

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#282719 15-Dec-2009 14:43

AndrewTD: Get good speakers, and for the mains - I reckon you get the best results from physically large speakers.

I agree with this too for front two, and centre if you can accept the look of it.

AndrewTD: And don't forget the wife/partner acceptance factor either. How the stuff looks and fits into your house is important too.

HTIB is best for this. (Because is DVD and radio and amplifier all in one, and becaues speakers are usually tiny, -which conflicts with above speaker size comment.)

ilovemusic

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#282774 15-Dec-2009 16:34

geekiegeek:
I would have to agree. Buy a decent reciever that will last a good 5-6 years and a pair of fronts to match then slowly build up the rest. Thats how I did it anyways.

Ditto.

If you are on a budget, get the AVR and front speakers first.

Forget all the crap about the centre speaker being the most important, it ain't.

A good pair of main speakers, properly setup will be much more enjoayble than a full set of mediocre speakers.

More is not always better.

Deev8

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#282789 15-Dec-2009 16:51

ilovemusic: Forget all the crap about the centre speaker being the most important, it ain't.

I'm not sure that point of view has enough detail to convince anyone.

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