Home theatre system

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FKM

50 posts

Geek

#89528 4-Sep-2011 14:26

I know close to nothing about audio so I need plenty of help.

I am not picky about sound but it seems the speakers from TV are generally no good. What is the minimum I should spend on speaker/ subwoofer and all those stuff? My TV is between $1500 to $2000.

I heard that "Home Theater in a box" is a bad thing. What is home theater in a box and is there any examples?

Should I buy those home theater that includes a 3D blue-ray player or buy them separately? I will need a 3D blue-ray player anyway.

Is there any reason for me to "match" my TV with my Blue ray player/ home theater system of the same brand?

Logitech makes some REALLY cheap sound system. Are they any good or are they junk?

Thanks in advance

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411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#516457 4-Sep-2011 15:06

I am no audio expert but I may be able to answer some of your questions.

A home theater in a box is generally a package that includes everything a home theater includes: speakers, sub, receiver and sometimes a media player of sorts. http://dicksmith.co.nz/product/AE7815/sony-muteki-7-2-channel-home-theatre-system-htddw7600nz1

Are they a bad idea? It depends on how important audio is to you. However, I would recommend buying the speakers, sub, receiver "separate".

How much money to spend? As above, depends on how much you care. Maybe someone with a little more retail experience can direct you in terms of today's cost's. Personally, when you've spent $1500 - $2000 on a TV a decent sound system will complete the package. MAYBE $1-2K. But someone with a better idea of costs may be able to correct me.

Any reason to match TV and blue ray player? Not really, if I am not mistaken, HDMI is the only thing connecting the player to the TV and its generic anyway. Possibly for looks but it won't really benefit you.

Logitech are more PC based. They do make some kick-ass equipment but for home theater, it's probably going to benefit you to look towards Onkyo etc.

I hope this helps, I am sure there are people with more knowledge than me but at least this can get you started!

Mighty Ape

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FKM

50 posts

Geek

#516587 4-Sep-2011 21:29

I have been doing research all afternoon on home theatre system.

If I buy a package set (home theatre in a box?), either Sony/ Panasonic/ Samsung is around $700. I can probably wait for a discount/ bargain for around $600?

If I buy separate, I read that Jamo and Boston Acoustics make nice speaker and subwoofer, which itself will cost around $600, the cost of a receiver varies alot, but an entry level Onkyo cost around $500 from JB hifi. A 3D blue ray player cost around $350, but I should be able to wait for discount and grab it at $300. Which will bring my total to almost $1500.

So I read it from another thread that a PS3 can be used as a 3D blue ray player? Any pros and cons on doing so?

I think buying a TV is difficult, but buying the audio parts sound like it is 10x harder.

Phexx

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#516596 4-Sep-2011 21:59

Haha, audio can be challenging.

Put it this way, buying the parts separate is going to def be more expensive but you will likely be getting better overall quality. If it's withing your budget, go for the second option, prob better quality speakers and better sound.

As for a PS3 3d br player, if you already have one then it should be fine, they do support 3d blue ray playing however, I heard that they don't support hd (or 3d) audio. Not sure if this is true but if it is then you'd be missing out.

I am surprised no one with bit more experience has posted on this thread, they may be able to give a bit more info.

Hobchild

620 posts

Ultimate Geek

#516618 4-Sep-2011 23:47

Yes, the PS3 loses lossless audio (Dolby TrueHD etc) when playing 3D content. I can't comment on how much of a difference this makes as neither my home theatre nor my fat PS3 support the HD codecs.

Dunnersfella

4063 posts

Uber Geek

#516945 5-Sep-2011 16:09

I'd recommend separate components 99 times out of 100.
For me, a large chunk of the budget should go towards the receiver as it really has to do A LOT.
From amplifiying the sound, to switching devices, video upconverting or upscaling, controlling different zones etc etc etc.
The things I would recommend to look for in a receiver are:
At least 4 x HDMI 1.4a ports.
Discrete amplification (so when you're watching a movie all the sound isn't sucked away from other speakers when big explosions go through the front speakers / sub).
Power to match the speakers you buy.
Ease of use (a decent GUI is KEY to enjoyable use).
Flexibility for the future (you may well end up wanting 2 zones or to be able to bi-amp your speakers).

I guess it all depends on budget, but if I didn't have the cash for a sweet system off the bat, I'd buy a great receiver, with 2 x front bookshelf (stand mount) speakers and maybe a sub to begin with. Then, later on, buy a centre speaker... and later on some floor standing front speakers, then move the rear speakers to the back of the room to work as surrounds.

My favourite amp at the moment would be a Yamaha RXV671, nice combination of price / sound / flexibility and usability. It'll outlast any home theatre in the box setup 10 times over.
Do remember, decent audio gear may well be in your life for another 20 years, so it's worth investing in. Well... in my opinion anyway.

CapBBeard

211 posts

Master Geek

#516975 5-Sep-2011 16:48

Dunnersfella:
My favourite amp at the moment would be a Yamaha RXV671, nice combination of price / sound / flexibility and usability. It'll outlast any home theatre in the box setup 10 times over.

+1 to this, excellent for the price imo. I sorted one of these out for my father just yesterday to replace his aging Onkyo receiver. Not sure on specialist Hi-Fi stores as far as pricing goes but I found one at Norman Ross at Tower Junction Christchurch for $1199, which seemed like a pretty good deal.. Harvey Norman itself was selling them for about $1500.

Sounds like it's maybe a bit on the expensive side but never the less I'd highly recommend taking a look, it's a great unit. As Dunnersfella says, good audio gear will last quite some time.

LookingUp

399 posts

Ultimate Geek

#517003 5-Sep-2011 17:21

CapBBeard:
Dunnersfella:
My favourite amp at the moment would be a Yamaha RXV671, nice combination of price / sound / flexibility and usability. It'll outlast any home theatre in the box setup 10 times over.

+1 to this, excellent for the price imo. I sorted one of these out for my father just yesterday to replace his aging Onkyo receiver. Not sure on specialist Hi-Fi stores as far as pricing goes but I found one at Norman Ross at Tower Junction Christchurch for $1199, which seemed like a pretty good deal.. Harvey Norman itself was selling them for about $1500.

Sounds like it's maybe a bit on the expensive side but never the less I'd highly recommend taking a look, it's a great unit. As Dunnersfella says, good audio gear will last quite some time.

+ 1 again. Don't skimp on the Amp, as it will become the limiting factor in the system. Once the sound is mangled it doesn't matter how good the speakers are, it can't be salvaged. My advice is to use your eyes and ears, and don't buy anything unless you've had a chance to look at or listen to it. If the shop doesn't have good facilities for demo-ing their gear don't shop there, as they're interested in cash over customer satisfaction.

Things are LookingUp.... A photo from my back yard :-)

Dunnersfella

4063 posts

Uber Geek

#517022 5-Sep-2011 17:52

That's a good price - $1499 is the RRP.
Did you barter? Or was it ticketed up that low? I did see the RXV667 for under 1k as a run out model, would have been a great deal as I actually prefer it as an amp.

blakamin

4431 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#517039 5-Sep-2011 18:13

+1 on Yamaha amps... I had a 5.1 from 99 until last year, still worked fine, I just upgraded. (no hdmi)
Uncle has had a Yamaha Natural Sound stereo amp and speakers since 1987 and it still kicks the hell out of any HT in a box!

FKM

50 posts

Geek

#517067 5-Sep-2011 18:57

Thanks everyone for your input, it seems I will go separate then.

$1500 for a receiver is way over my budget. However, I google yamaha RXV671 and couldn't find it anywhere in NZ (I probably need to go to some hifi shop). I do find them selling in US for almost half the price, around $500-$600 USD. Will it work to buy from overseas?

Also, since a good receiver will last for a long time, is it a good idea for me to buy an older one/ second hand? How is the technology advance in receiver for the past couple years? If I decided to buy second hand, how old is too old? I find a second hand Yamaha RXV 863 on trademe, listing for $500 and have a buy now for $600. The reviews seems positive couple years ago, but can it handle today's technology (3D and stuff).

Thanks again. I have no idea that a receiver is so important.

Dunnersfella

4063 posts

Uber Geek

#517197 5-Sep-2011 22:44

The older receivers won't work with 3D unfortunately, they will, however still offer good sound. Not sure if the one you've listed can offer the lossless sound formats either...
As per usual, you'd want to find out why the user is selling. Often, one of the main reasons is because it doesn't -
Have enough / any HDMI connections
Cope with 3D / ARC
Have network connectivity
Easily plug an iPod into
Can't do hi-def sound.

The models from overseas may kick you in the butt shipping wise, as they aren't light / small. You'll need to organize a way to convert the power supply to work in NZ, as the plugs on the back aren't as easy as buying a new jug cord. I'd worry a little bit about warranty issues - but it's YOUR money, not mine, so go where you need to go for a bit of kit.

richms

26394 posts

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#517203 5-Sep-2011 22:57

If you are limited in budget then get something cheap-as, and spend the extra on some movies.

If its just better sound from the TV you want right now, then consider getting a nice pair of main speakers and a cheap used stereo amp till you can afford more stuff.

Richard rich.ms

CapBBeard

211 posts

Master Geek

#517239 6-Sep-2011 00:37

Dunnersfella: That's a good price - $1499 is the RRP.
Did you barter? Or was it ticketed up that low? I did see the RXV667 for under 1k as a run out model, would have been a great deal as I actually prefer it as an amp.

No I didn't barter, it was just ticketed at that price. Made it a pretty easy choice haha :)

steve98

1381 posts

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Trusted

#517753 6-Sep-2011 20:52

FKM: Thanks everyone for your input, it seems I will go separate then.

$1500 for a receiver is way over my budget. However, I google yamaha RXV671 and couldn't find it anywhere in NZ (I probably need to go to some hifi shop). I do find them selling in US for almost half the price, around $500-$600 USD. Will it work to buy from overseas?

Also, since a good receiver will last for a long time, is it a good idea for me to buy an older one/ second hand? How is the technology advance in receiver for the past couple years? If I decided to buy second hand, how old is too old? I find a second hand Yamaha RXV 863 on trademe, listing for $500 and have a buy now for $600. The reviews seems positive couple years ago, but can it handle today's technology (3D and stuff).

Thanks again. I have no idea that a receiver is so important.

Some here will probably choke on their dinner reading this, but I recently bought a Sony receiver for $399 from JB HiFi and to my ears and needs its an absolute winner.

http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/sony/7-1-ch-home-theatre-receiver-sku-24341/

It is 7.1 receiver with 4x HDMI 1.4 ports in (meaning it can support 3D) and supports all the main standards such as Dolby Digital HD, DTS Master etc etc. I am very happy with the sound but for me it was an absolute no brainer to add 4 more HDMI ports to my TV. Sounds like this could fit your budget and needs for now, and then if you really get into it and decide down the track that it sounds bad its not the end of the world to replace at just $399.

Steve

Kopkiwi

2617 posts

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Inactive user

#521632 15-Sep-2011 18:53

You get what you pay for. If you have the budget check out the 5.1 mission speaker set up for sale in wanted and trade thread ;-)

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