Budget 5.1

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GeoMil

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#87562 1-Aug-2011 13:06

Hey there,

I am moving into a new place and and trying to keep things super cheap for my HT setup.

I have some z640 Logitech and they are pretty sweet for the money, but they look a little dated and use RCA cables not speaker wire (so restricts me if I want to upgrade and have installed wires behind walls).

I am wondering if it is worth buying a budget setup like this http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/tv-audio-video/home-theatre/home-theatre-systems/HT-D350/XY/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail

Or are these types of setups not really any better than what I have?

Any suggestions?

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8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#500340 1-Aug-2011 14:27

*sorry for double post

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timmmay

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#500362 1-Aug-2011 14:49

Are you moving into a brand new place? When/why/how would you put the wires behind the walls?

vinnieg

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#500369 1-Aug-2011 15:03

I've done wiring through the walls, but for larger systems. Only benefit is pretty much visual, as you still have to watch for power and other things which might interfere. Oh and cats/people tripping over the wires

easier option is to run them along the skirting boards, if you can pull them out slightly and hide the wires just under where the carpet joins(assuming you have carpet)

The z640 is a really old setup? and in saying that, was designed for small offices. So I'd say the Samsung kit will do a better job, since it's designed for larger rooms. Also i think that one is on special at LV Martin at the moment for only $300?

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Dunnersfella

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#500372 1-Aug-2011 15:04

Basically, the Samsung unit you've linked to is a non-flexible, piece of poo that will most likely sound no better than what you currently run.
Okay... so that was snobbish... but, to be fair, it's not great.
Look for a receiver / satellite speaker pack if you can - there's a few end of line units on special around the place at the moment. Try and hunt one of those down?

timmmay

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#500373 1-Aug-2011 15:05

If I was building into a wall i'd run good quality speaker cable, not cheapy stuff. I might even run two sets, just in case one fails, and i'd wire in cat6 or something too.

Jaxson

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#500375 1-Aug-2011 15:05

Dunnersfella: Basically, the Samsung unit you've linked to is a non-flexible, piece of poo

Jeez don't sugar coat it too much, tell it straight like it is man....

Dunnersfella

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#500381 1-Aug-2011 15:18

Jaxson:
Dunnersfella: Basically, the Samsung unit you've linked to is a non-flexible, piece of poo

Jeez don't sugar coat it too much, tell it straight like it is man....

I know right...
But in all honesty, the worst thing I could do would be to say 'that'll be fine, why not design your rooms cabling around something that may only last 3 months :-)'
For me, if things are going in the walls, spend that little bit extra if possible.

vinnieg

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#500382 1-Aug-2011 15:22

Dunnersfella:
I know right...
But in all honesty, the worst thing I could do would be to say 'that'll be fine, why not design your rooms cabling around something that may only last 3 months :-)'
For me, if things are going in the walls, spend that little bit extra if possible.

Definitely!
Do you wallplate your cable runs at each end? I use Amdex style terminal plates and banana plugs, but I know a few who just drag them down through flush brush boxes. not saying that one or the other is better, but I prefer the neat and tidy easily unplug option for cleaning underneath any floorstanders

If he's after a budget one and can't afford cabling that doesn't come with stock, the skirting board option, will not as effective in terms of looks, is one of the cheapest and easiest way to avoid tripping hazards

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Sancho

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#500408 1-Aug-2011 15:47

I have a similar issue... but I was hoping to find a PC speaker setup to work for me... here is my post from another forum..

..., just treated myself a 55" 3dtv but it has pretty darn aveage sound.. want to put an external 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system on it. I really want one with 4 inputs (if that exists) but I can also use an external switch as I want to put a ps3 that I'll get later in the week once the fly buys clear, the 360 (once I get it repaired as it died last night) a WD media player and of course an audio out from the TV itself.

I don't want to spend a fortune on it as I have a decent setup in the other room with the projector etc, and I'd like nice small speakers to hide away, evena wireless system if they are any good... but most of the cables can be hidden away OK.

any suggestions?

Thanks

timmmay

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#500411 1-Aug-2011 15:51

In both cases the solution is a cheap receiver (maybe the Onkyo 309 from memory) as an AV router, some decent speaker cables (and in one case wallplates), and a cheap speaker pack.

richms

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#500449 1-Aug-2011 16:48

I dont like banana plugs on the wall for that sort of thing. Have used speakons at a friends place, and was able to get a nice speakon to banana plug cable for each end for real cheap from a real audio shop (jansens I think it was we used)

Richard rich.ms

GeoMil

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#500588 1-Aug-2011 22:19

Yeah the receiver thing is ideal, but 2-300 is all I want to spend max as I am buying everything for this house, full furniture.
Some of you have confirmed what is suspected . My z640s will be as good as junky HTIB

My setup will be real rangi. I'll take all sound from tv output and have a double adapter to have a second 3.5mm plug for iPod etc. I use that until I upgrade substantially

I swear I got z640s 6 years ago and there doest seem anything better for the money ($150~) and nothing in between that level and $500 logitechs. I'd buy a setup just cause its that in-between price almost.

timmmay

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#500595 1-Aug-2011 22:38

GeoMil, this isn't wiring to go into walls is it, just a standard setup?

nickb800

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#500603 1-Aug-2011 22:56

GeoMil:
I'll take all sound from tv output and have a double adapter to have a second 3.5mm plug for iPod etc. I use that until I upgrade substantially

As i understand from your post you will input stereo sound for the speaker system to extropolate it into surround sound, which has left me underwhelmed when ive used it

IMHO you are better to buy a good stereo setup, save money and wiring hassles

GeoMil

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#500621 2-Aug-2011 00:14

Output from TV (HTPC, SKY etc) will be red/white RCA to Logitech 'system' (2xRCA input). I'll add a splitter do I have a 3.5mm plug for ipod / PC.

I am going to be drilling holes for TV install, so was thinking about speakers too.

I think I'll just have to use rca extensions for the rear Logitechs and pin the cable around the baseboards. Save some cash and go for a propper HT setup later.

To be honest most of my source is only stereo sound and the fake surround is pretty good.

If the opinion was those cheap HTIB were a step up from a logitech i would have considered a proper cable install as they use standard speaker cable.

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