View Full Version : Un(Official) Home Theater Purchasing Advice Thread
I saw that we already have a great thread on those that already have a home theater were they can post their systems specs and pics:
AppleNova Home Theather Setup Thread (http://forums.applenova.com/showthread.php?t=12984&highlight=home+theater)
But I thought I would start a thread where people thinking of setting up a home theater can come and exchange purchasing advice.
My issue: I am finally getting around to setting up our first true home theater on our third floor. Main part of the room is 16 x 24 wide with a small gym hooked next to it in a separate room through a traditional door (important issue since I would like to play music on the home theater and hear it when working out in the gym.) Main room also has a high peaked ceiling (maybe 16 feet or so), so the room has a lot of volume.
We purchased a Panasonic 50" Plasma (can remember model number) on Christmas 2006 with 1080p and 2 HDMI inputs. All we currently have hooked to it is a PS3 and a DVR box from Cablevision. I mostly go up there to watch HD football and Basketball but the kids are starting to use it more and more versus the traditional TV we have on our family room.
It wasn't until the past Christmas that I actually got some Blu-Ray DVDs for the kids (Lost Season 3, Pirates) and hooked the PS3 to the TV with a HDMI cable that we saw what we were missing. Heck, even Madden 2007 PS3 game looked amazing.
So now I am on a mission to buy a home theater system and make this TV the primary area to view TV. I went out this past week to look at the various options in my budget (I started at $1000 and realized that was not going to cut it if for no other reason that I need a receiver that is going to cost a lot, so I moved the budget up to $3000.) But I realized that since I bought my last speaker/stereo system (like 1982:lol: :lol: :lol: ) there are so many more options and manufactures I have never heard of.
I currently have two systems from two firms being pitched to me:
Best Buy
1. Receiver: Sony STR-DG910 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8394123&type=product&id=1179876643029)
2. Front and Rear Speakers: Def Tech BP7006BLA (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6638695&st=definitive+technologies&lp=9&type=product&cp=1&id=1151658128918)
3. Center Channel: Def Tech Mytthosseve (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6639328&st=definitive+technologies&type=product&id=1151658129611)
4. Sub Woofer: none necessary since each Def Tech speaker has it built it
When I got this recommendation, I actually like the sound but have never heard of Definitive Technologies--any one know them? Also, the idea of burying the subwoofer into each speaker seems foreign (gimmicky?) to me.
I then went to my local stereo guy that I have used once in my life to see what they recommended:
Local Stereo Store
1. Receiver: Denon 2808CI (http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3526.asp)
2. Front Speakers: Monitor Audio RS270 (http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/product.php?range=4&product=29)
3. Rear Speakers: Monitor Audio R90 (http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/product.php?range=4&product=25) but on a integrated stand made specifically for them
4. Sub Woofer: Monitor Audio R360 (http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/product.php?range=4&product=30)
5. Center: Another Monitor Audio but can't find the model number
I have always thought Denon products where good price/value but this receiver he is recommending is twice the cost of the Sony. However, the speakers are a little cheaper all-in than the Def Tech Speakers.
One of the reason he is recommending this Denon receiver is the ability to scale up non HD TV signals to look a lot like HD. I forget the term he used but said this alone doubles the cost of the receiver but will make watching regular TV on the 50" plasma more pleasurable--any one think this is true or a waste of money?
Also, any experience with either of these two speaker manufactures or any other ideas.
I have the Sony Receiver and will vouch for it. But if the Denon in fact does what he says I would get it.
Upscaling works well on DVDs, My wife can't tell the difference, I can but it's close.
Get the best that you can afford, and that's package #2.
I have a full set of Definitive Tech speakers including the bipolar BP7001SCs w/integral subwoofers and love them. Unless your home theater is a huge living space, anyone who tries to sell you a 14" or larger subwoofer is just trying to make a sale.
On the other hand, I bought a cheap Sony STR-DE835 for my computer room in 2000 or so and found it very typical of Sony CE. Something on it will probably fail soon after you buy it, and it won't be anything major. In my case it was the motor for the main volume dial.
I will also vouch for Denon since I currently use a AVR-4802 with my home theater as well as a DVD-2900.
World Leader Pretend
2008-01-13, 15:57
Unless your home theater is a huge living space, anyone who tries to sell you a 14" or larger subwoofer is just trying to make a sale.
Whaa? I've got a tiny room and I wouldn't trade my dual 18s for anything less. At some point you need to have enough displacement to go deep enough. Measuring a sub by the size of its cone isn't the smartest thing to do.
Does any one have any first hand knowledge of Monitor Audio? I have never heard of them.
World Leader Pretend
2008-01-13, 18:23
Monitor Audio is a fairly respectable brand.
Take a look at www.audioholics.com for recommendations. They have been pretty good about staying unbiased (aka less grains of salt are needed) ;)
I can vouch for Monitor Audio. I don't own them (I've got Paradigms, and they're amazing), but a dealer near me stocks them and I have heard them. They're good.
CitizenTony
2008-01-14, 04:20
I recently got a Yamaha HTR-6080 receiver and am very happy with it. No regrets at all.
HTR-6080 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=552121&CTID=5000400)
You can find it cheaper, I got mine for about $650 by asking.
You can also substitute with the RX-V861 which is pretty much the same thing.
RX-V861 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=547598&CTID=5000300)
Comparo (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/compare/Detail.html?compitem1=&compitem2=552121&compitem3=547598&CTID=5000200&VNM=LIVE&B_compare.x=26&B_compare.y=10&comp_items=547598&comp_items=552121)
Also, in case you don't already know, monoprice (http://monoprice.com/home/index.asp) for your wires. The stores are a complete rip.
One of the reason he is recommending this Denon receiver is the ability to scale up non HD TV signals to look a lot like HD. I forget the term he used but said this alone doubles the cost of the receiver but will make watching regular TV on the 50" plasma more pleasurable--any one think this is true or a waste of money?
Most HDTVs have an up scaler built in, and I'd imagine that 50" Panny Plasma does a fine job on it's own. The receiver isn't really the place to worry about making your video look better. I've got mine set to pass thru and everything looks great (except the dreaded compressed regular cable channels, but throwing in another up scaler won't help that). Just make sure to get enough plug-ins for everything you own and plan to own in the near future.
Whaa? I've got a tiny room and I wouldn't trade my dual 18s for anything less. At some point you need to have enough displacement to go deep enough. Measuring a sub by the size of its cone isn't the smartest thing to do.
You have daul 18" subs? What brand?
I have a Definitive 17" unit and I can't imagine anything more in my den.
My best recent move was geting rid of all my shelf speakers and instead installing 7 8" directional SpeakerCraft in-ceiling units.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nv668HQLL._AA280_.jpg
Upscaling works well on DVDs, My wife can't tell the difference, I can but it's close.
Just to show how you have to watch even the "stereo experts", I was reading a review on the Denon AVR-2808CI and I found out that the Denon AVR-2308CI which retails for $400 less also does the upscaling, exactly opposite what this guy told me. I called him today and he told me I was wrong, but after I pointed him to the review, he said he would go and review it before getting back to me.
One thing the review pointed out (CNET) is that:
The AVR-2808CI also includes onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, two of the new high-resolution soundtrack formats available on HD DVD and Blu-ray. The actual usefulness of this feature is somewhat questionable, as there are currently no Blu-ray or HD DVD players that can output soundtracks in bitstream format--although Denon has announced a Blu-ray player that apparently will be able to do this.
This guy told me that the PS3 does NOT do this (my only Blu-Ray player) and that I need to new player. Any one have a clue?
Actually I just found this info on the 2808 on another review (although some of this is beyond my understanding) but it appears you do need the 2808 with a PS3 to get this:
Here is what took me so long to understand. Read it carefully, and don’t listen to the other misinformation on the web. A lot of people are confused about the sound output settings… If you want the Denon to do the audio decoding, you MUST have a player that can output “BITSTREAM” Dolby True-HD, and DTS Master Audio. Most all new players internally decode the Dolby True-HD, and DTS Master Audio and send them out as processed PCM audio. The little light on your Denon will not light up “Dolby True-HD or DTS Master Audio” unless you are connected to a source that can output BITSTREAM audio. I personally was on a quest to have my new receiver light up “Dolby True-HD”, so I bought the Toshiba HD-A35 that has the bitstream ability.
The Sony Playstation 3 DOES NOT have the ability to bitstream out Dolby True-HD, and DTS Master Audio. It does have a “bitstream” setting, but this is only to “bitstream” the original Dolby Digital 640kb signal. If you have a PS3 you want to select “PCM”. With the PCM setting, the players internal decoded translates the Dolby True-HD signal to an uncompressed PCM signal.
PCM is the same signal, bit for bit, that Hollywood uses to mix their movies. Basically think of Dolby True-HD, and DTS Master Audio as “ZIP Files”. When they are decoded, they become Uncompressed PCM. So does it matter if the decoding is done on the player, or the receiver? Tough call… Either way they get the same PCM signal in the end. They both sound great to my ears! I kind of like the fact that the Denon is doing the heavy lifting. I would assume Denon would use higher quality components than Toshiba/Sony.
Without getting into too much detail that I don't have time to dig up right now. I'll just throw in two recommendations: Yamaha (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/avreceivers.html?CTID=5000200) components and Paradigm (http://www.paradigm.com/) speakers. See if there is a dealer in your area and give Paradigm a listen. You'll have a hard, if not impossible, time finding a bad review of them, and typically they are put up against speakers twice their price. I'd recommend the Monitor series (not to be confused with the 'Monitor Audio' brand that you posted.
As for the Yamaha, they have two model lines, the HTR and RX series. The HTR are usually more consumer oriented, and the RX can be more audiophile oriented. That said, there are some great HTR boxes that will more than likely exceed your needs. The Yamaha website has some good comparison pages so that you can see exactly what is different from model to model.
Whaa? I've got a tiny room and I wouldn't trade my dual 18s for anything less. At some point you need to have enough displacement to go deep enough. Measuring a sub by the size of its cone isn't the smartest thing to do.
I think WLP is still a quite a bit over-geared for his space, but there is some logic to having high output speakers/amplifiers and running them at (comparatively) lower levels, rather than lower output speakers and amps being driven higher. Particularly with cone speakers (couldn't speak as much to electrostatic, etc.) their accuracy improves with ample amplification at lower overall levels. It mostly has to do with the undesirable acoustic results when the cone/diaphram of a speaker is extended towards it's limits.
It's important to remember that wattage is only a measure of dB (or loudness/intensity) if you're looking at it exponentially. Purchase your amplifiers based on the power needs of your speakers. Contrary to popular belief, you are much more likely to "blow out" your speakers by under-powering them than overpowering.
Edit: Oh, and I like Marantz (http://us.marantz.com/) receivers, if you aren't looking at completely separate amplification, integration and processing. B&W (http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/) speakers are pretty awesome.
My setup uses a Marantz receiver too, and it's completely awesome. It is getting old though, I want to get a new one that supports all the new audio formats and has more modern ports (my current one has no HDMI). I have an Atlantic Technology (http://atlantictechnology.com/) 5.1 speaker setup, which I absolutely love. I am an AT customer for life at this point.
I'll post my setup in the other thread when I can get some pictures and stuff, but I highly recommend Marantz and Atlantic Technology. I have a dozen or so DTS 5.1 audio CDs that sound just spectacular through this system, like Steely Dan's Gaucho.
I went back to the local stereo store and the subwoofer they are recommending with the monitor audio's is a Snell Basis150 (http://www.snellacoustics.com/ProductDetails/3474.asp).
Any one have any experience with these? $850 bucks for a subwoofer sounds like a lot of money. I am starting to think the Def tech option from Best Buy is a lot better and cheaper.
Without getting into too much detail that I don't have time to dig up right now. I'll just throw in two recommendations: Yamaha (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/avreceivers.html?CTID=5000200) components and Paradigm (http://www.paradigm.com/) speakers. See if there is a dealer in your area and give Paradigm a listen. You'll have a hard, if not impossible, time finding a bad review of them, and typically they are put up against speakers twice their price. I'd recommend the Monitor series (not to be confused with the 'Monitor Audio' brand that you posted.
As for the Yamaha, they have two model lines, the HTR and RX series. The HTR are usually more consumer oriented, and the RX can be more audiophile oriented. That said, there are some great HTR boxes that will more than likely exceed your needs. The Yamaha website has some good comparison pages so that you can see exactly what is different from model to model.Definitely. I've got a Yamaha RX-V2600 receiver and a set of Paradigm Monitors with a Velodyne sub.
Two Monitor 5's in front, the CC370 center and two ADP370 surrounds. These are from the previous version, they've since revamped the entire line.
Dual 18s... Pffft... http://youtube.com/watch?v=O2rJSZKZsyQ
Definitely. I've got a Yamaha RX-V2600 receiver and a set of Paradigm Monitors with a Velodyne sub.
Two Monitor 5's in front, the CC370 center and two ADP370 surrounds. These are from the previous version, they've since revamped the entire line.
Then you have one kickass system.
My Yamaha is pretty old, I can't remember the model, but it's an old Pro-logic. My mains are an older model of Paradigm as well, not part of the newer Monitor series. They're 12 or so years old, but they still sound great. I've only got a CC170 Center, but the same surrounds as you.
Of course this all surrounds a lovely 27" Sony square TV:o ...someday.
Of course this all surrounds a lovely 27" Sony square TV:o ...someday.As far as screens go, front projection is where it's at. Imagine a 46x108 screen for only a few thousand. :D
As far as screens go, front projection is where it's at. Imagine a 46x108 screen for only a few thousand. :D
The problem with front projection is that it's all about being big, but not so much about quality picture. Unless you're going to spend in the tens of thousands, the quality of projectors just doesn't compare to plasma or lcd, and even at tens of thousands, I'm not sure it compares.
The problem with front projection is that it's all about being big, but not so much about quality picture. Unless you're going to spend in the tens of thousands, the quality of projectors just doesn't compare to plasma or lcd, and even at tens of thousands, I'm not sure it compares.I'd argue otherwise. They definitely compare. As long as you have a light-controlled space to build in, you can create a front-projection system that will very much stand up to any other.
World Leader Pretend
2008-01-14, 21:33
I think WLP is still a quite a bit over-geared for his space, but there is some logic to having high output speakers/amplifiers and running them at (comparatively) lower levels, rather than lower output speakers and amps being driven higher. Particularly with cone speakers (couldn't speak as much to electrostatic, etc.) their accuracy improves with ample amplification at lower overall levels. It mostly has to do with the undesirable acoustic results when the cone/diaphram of a speaker is extended towards it's limits.
Yeah, that's why I run it like that. I have the room set up so the distortion is minimal and you can never over stress the components. I'm running both subs on a Crest V650 unit in stereo mode (4 ohms) so it pushes about 250 watts per channel. The amp is very overbuilt and never gets stressed. The drywall will literally crack before the system does. ;)
I have a pair of Mach5 Audio MJ-18s (http://www.mach5audio.com/index-2.html). They are just unbranded OEMs that I picked up for about $80 each. They look real nice and have plenty of kick.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/993223868_984029279e.jpg
It also is great for dance parties! :D
I need a new receiver that can do 7.1 and power three zones.
Anyone want to make some suggestions?
Right now I'm leaning towards the Pioneer VSX-94TXH.
I'd argue otherwise. They definitely compare. As long as you have a light-controlled space to build in, you can create a front-projection system that will very much stand up to any other.
Agreed. If you have a very dark room it looks just as good imo.
Agreed. If you have a very dark room it looks just as good imo.
Even in a very dark room, they don't seem as crisp or bright to me. They tend to be slightly blurry.
Besides, I don't want to have to make the room pitch black just to be able to watch something. And every projector I've seen looked very washed out in normal lighting.
Agreed. If you have a very dark room it looks just as good imo.
Wacthing tv in the dark is bad for your eyes.
JColey2, did you end up buying that Sony STR-DG910 (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=87318) receiver?
I was actually looking to buy that same one because my decade+ year old Awia receiver just peaced out.
I was also thinking about upgrading and getting myself a Polk CS2 (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=28529) center channel. They also have a CS1.
I'd love some recommendations on a center channel, but I'm trying to get price down because I'm a cheap-skate, ha. Actually, just make all suggestions and I can weed them out.
By the way, has anyone noticed Best Buy's lack of home audio stock? I went there and they had nothing in the lines of receivers. It was pathetic.
JColey2, did you end up buying that Sony STR-DG910 (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=87318) receiver?
I was actually looking to buy that same one because my decade+ year old Awia receiver just peaced out.
I was also thinking about upgrading and getting myself a Polk CS2 (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=28529) center channel. They also have a CS1.
I'd love some recommendations on a center channel, but I'm trying to get price down because I'm a cheap-skate, ha. Actually, just make all suggestions and I can weed them out.
By the way, has anyone noticed Best Buy's lack of home audio stock? I went there and they had nothing in the lines of receivers. It was pathetic.
The Worst Buy near me has one of those Magnolia sections, in there you can find high end receivers and components.
Most people buy those home theater kits, hence the lack of choice of the main floor.
Yeah, I already have speakers though and a lot of their receivers are like $500-1000 and I don't care enough about my sound to pay that much, ha.
That's why that sony receiver interested me because it also had 3 HDMI inputs and I can get it for like $400.
JColey2, did you end up buying that Sony STR-DG910 (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=87318) receiver?
.
I ended up buying a Denon AVR-3808CI. It is amazing. Got it online for $1100 shipped.
http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3510.asp
I hooked both Apple TV, DVR and PS3 thus far to it.
Also went went with speakers from Monitor Audio.
Four Radius 270 (probably overkill for rear's but great for music)
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/product.php?range=4&product=29
Center was Radius 250:
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/product.php?range=4&product=28
They do not make a good sub woofer so I bought a Snell 150 basis
http://www.snellacoustics.com/ProductDetails/3474.asp
That sub is amazing. You can feel it in your heart.
Good luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.
that's audio porn. very nice!
that's audio porn. very nice!
I started out wanting to spend $1500 and ended up spending $5500--just like two hours with Spitzers' girl friend. ;)
Yeah, Denon's are nice, but I'm not really looking to spend that much. I don't need one that fancy. I was only looking to spend $300-500 and I wanted to get some HDMI input/outputs on it.
How much were those Monitor Audio speakers and where did you get them? I've been searching and everywhere I'm looking brings up UK sites.
How much were those Monitor Audio speakers and where did you get them? I've been searching and everywhere I'm looking brings up UK sites.
Don't have my receipt handy but like $900/pair for 270's and $400 for the 250. I got a 10% discount off at my local store in Norwalk CT. I am sure they would ship.
that's audio porn. very nice!
you own the sony str-dg910 right? what's your thoughts on it after using it for awhile?
you own the sony str-dg910 right? what's your thoughts on it after using it for awhile?
No, I did not buy it.
No, I did not buy it.
ha, I know, I quoted SKMDC
Yeah that's what I have and I'm very satisfied with it. (I've had Sony gear for 30 years!) I still wish it had more HDMI ports, I have TV, the DVR, 3 DVD (1 for foreign discs & a DVD recorder, not HD, that upscales) that use HDMI so I had to buy a switching box that's very glitchy.
I wasn't satisfied with the audio at first but then I realized it wasn't my system but the way studios mix certain DVDs.The 5.1 mixes on many DVDs seemed to be mixed for people listening to stereo. Cinemax & HBO's 5.1 mixes seem to take better advantage of the full spectrum.
I watch a lot of Hong Kong movies (the gangster movies from Dragon Dynasty for instance) and their mixes are great, that's when I realized it wasn't my system's inadequacies as much as it was the mixing.
The only other advise I can give is if you are going to have professional installation, wait until you've messed around with the components a bit to get the proper placement and configuration. Make sure everything is where you want it cause it's bitchcakes to move.
One other piece of advice, Harmony remote, the most expensive one you can afford.
Awesome. I'll prolly order it sometime today.
One thing I was wondering though. Is there any loss of quality running an HDMI through the receiver as opposed to directly into the tv?
One thing that is nice about the Denon is it has 4 (FOUR!) HDMI inputs!
I ordered the Sony STR-DG910 and picked up a spool of 100ft wire and an optical audio chord to up grade the wiring in my system.
Im pretty pumped to get a 7.1 system going. Over time I plan on upgrading the speakers but right now I'm content.
One thing that is nice about the Denon is it has 4 (FOUR!) HDMI inputs!
The one I got has 3 inputs, so that's not bad. Better then a lot of the ones I saw that only have 2.
Is there any loss of quality running an HDMI through the receiver as opposed to directly into the tv?
I'd like to know that too. I was assuming not since it's a digital signal all the way from the source, through the receiver and to the TV, but I don't know for sure as I haven't tried it. My HDMI sources are going into my TV first because my receiver doesn't have any HDMI inputs.
Wacthing tv in the dark is bad for your eyes.Simple, just get one that lights up the room for you.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mitsubishi-WD2000U.htm
3000 lumens ought to do the trick.
:p
NosferaDrew
2008-03-21, 00:10
I need a new receiver that can do 7.1 and power three zones.
Anyone want to make some suggestions?
Right now I'm leaning towards the Pioneer VSX-94TXH.
Did you end up getting the Pioneer?
I was going to buy the Onkyo TX-SR875, but they have a sale going on at work and I just bought a Sony STR-DA5300ES (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665186458&storeId=10151) for $750. :eek:
Too good of a deal, so I couldn't pass it up.
Now I need speakers.
Did you end up getting the Pioneer?
I was going to buy the Onkyo TX-SR875, but they have a sale going on at work and I just bought a Sony STR-DA5300ES (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665186458&storeId=10151) for $750. :eek:
Too good of a deal, so I couldn't pass it up.
Now I need speakers.
Not yet, ended up getting the 46" Sony XBR4 for the master bedroom first.
Hope to get the Pioneer before summer so I can finish setting up the outdoor speakers as well as the ones in the FRD and FLR
NosferaDrew
2008-03-21, 14:45
I've got the same TV! (Well, different bezel. I've got the XBR5).
An indoor/outdoor setup sounds nice, especially in time for summer.
I'm thinking about adding a Blu-Ray player to my setup.
Anyone have any recommendations? I was looking at the Samsung BD-P1400.
Anyone own it?
NosferaDrew
2008-03-23, 15:21
The PS3 is, by far, the best Blu-ray player you can buy.
I have a PS3 and a Sony BDP-S300 and the S300 takes 20-30 seconds to open the tray and another 30 seconds or more to load the disc.
The PS3 behaves just like a traditional DVD player - instantaneously.
Updating the firmware on any player that doesn't have ethernet is a pain in the ass.
Also, the PS3 is profile 2.0 compatible which makes it pretty future proof. I don't think that the BD-P1400 is 2.0 compatible.
Well, I'm pretty sure the bd-p1400 has an ethernet port on it.
What does 2.0 mean?
The main reason I liked the samsung is because it can do 7.1 surround. What does the ps3 do? 5.1 or 7.1?
The PS3 is, by far, the best Blu-ray player you can buy.
Ditto.
NosferaDrew
2008-03-23, 17:22
Well, I'm pretty sure the bd-p1400 has an ethernet port on it.
What does 2.0 mean?
The main reason I liked the samsung is because it can do 7.1 surround. What does the ps3 do? 5.1 or 7.1?
From Wiki:
http://homepage.mac.com/drew1/.Pictures/BD_Profiles.jpg
Profile 2.0 adds support for BD-Live which ties your BD movie with extra content, games, ringtones, etc. available via the internet (here's a BD-Live demo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqpkmNij8io)).
Not really a deal-breaker if you mainly just want to watch the feature and aren't really into all the extras, but it's good to be aware of what 20 offers.
The PS3 outputs 5.1 using optical or HDMI and it will do 7.1, but only over HDMI and only as Dolby TrueHD or PCM.
rampancy
2008-03-23, 18:05
Wow, this is a great thread - I can't believe I didn't stumble on this sooner.
If anyone doesn't mind me asking, what are people's opinions on a good mid-range (budget-wise) receiver? My mother was using my dad's old Luxman which cost about $999 back in the 1990's, and our old Sony 27" CRT television has bitten the dust. She's also decided to give away our old B&W 500 series speakers, which worked fine (I guess she just wants to junk everything and just get everything new).
I think she's looking to spend about $2-3K on a receiver and speakers, not including the TV. (I guess she's also going to get a DVD player, too, so any opinions on a good make/model of DVD player would nice too.)
for gym music and workout music, I recommend european dance music.......
it's ALWAYS the best motivational tool for me...
.....and you don't have to tell anyone at the office if u just listen to it on the mp3 player at the gym ;) ....
.... here's a compilation series on itunes that I recommend:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/advancedSearchResults?albumTerm=Euro+Club+Hits+Vol +
and what might that have to do with Home theaters?
I love spam.
Can someone hand me the nail gun please?
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a309/NealeySarah/Die-Nailgun.jpg
that one?
that one?
Ah, yes. Thank You.
for gym music and workout music, I recommend european dance music.......
it's ALWAYS the best motivational tool for me...
.....and you don't have to tell anyone at the office if u just listen to it on the mp3 player at the gym ;) ....
.... here's a compilation series on itunes that I recommend:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/advancedSearchResults?albumTerm=Euro+Club+Hits+Vol +
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a309/NealeySarah/Die-Nailgun.jpg
If I was to get a setup with a PS3 and a Paradigm Atom Monitor System (http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/rec-systems-8-1-4-4.paradigm) (made in Canada - sweet!), would I need a crazy receiver to get good results from a Blu-Ray disc with Dolby TrueHD sound? As I understand it, the PS3 will handle the decoding of the audio for me, so I should just need something nice to power the speakers. Is that accurate?
Regardless, what would you recommend for this type of setup (I only need the receiver to handle the PS3, though I'd love to be able to plug in my MBP and iPod somehow).
Thanks :)
Edit: I wonder if I'd be better off getting the Mini Monitors instead, without the sub. I'm not a bass junkie, anyway.
Edit #2: I'm looking at the Yamaha RX-V363 - any reason to not go with this one?
NosferaDrew
2008-05-04, 00:50
As I understand it, the PS3 will handle the decoding of the audio for me, so I should just need something nice to power the speakers. Is that accurate?
The PS3 won't decode Dolby TrueHD itself, but it will pass the signal via bitstream to a TrueHD capable receiver.
Unfortunately, the Yamaha RX-V363 isn't capable of decoding TrueHD.
The PS3 won't decode Dolby TrueHD itself, but it will pass the signal via bitstream to a TrueHD capable receiver.
Unfortunately, the Yamaha RX-V363 isn't capable of decoding TrueHD.
Everything I've read says the PS3 will decode the Dolby TrueHD. Are you sure?
Yeah, more reading confirms this. You need to send out the audio VIA HDMI, apparently.
I need to buy a new record player because mine has crapped out on me. Any suggestions? I'm trying to keep it between $100-200 if possible. Don't mind buying from eBay either.
There's nothing better then relaxing listening to some vinyl.
Interesting you brought that up Yontsey.
Do you listen to older stuff or can you get new music on vinyl as well?
My dad wanted to throw out his record player a few years ago, but I made him save it because I wanted it.
I'd like to hook it up to some speakers eventually, but I don't have the room right now.
Interesting you brought that up Yontsey.
Do you listen to older stuff or can you get new music on vinyl as well?
My dad wanted to throw out his record player a few years ago, but I made him save it because I wanted it.
I'd like to hook it up to some speakers eventually, but I don't have the room right now.
I listen to a lot of older stuff on vinyl (ie: Doors, Floyd, The Who, Bad Company, Beatles, ect) but I also have a bunch of vinyls from new pop and punk bands (ie: NOFX, Thrice, AFI, Paramore, Panic at the Disco, Brand New ect).
Wow, I just looked on Amazon, and there are a lot of current artists releasing things on vinyl.
Guess I'll be making a trip to my parents' house this weekend to see what I need to get that record player hooked up.
Thanks for bringing this up Yontsey.
If you're into some of the newer artists I mentioned, check out www.interpunk.com They have a huge selection of LP's there.
A lot of bands now-a-days are starting to release their records on vinyl and it's great.
Typically to hook up a record player, all I do is just run it through my home theater. It's basically just a R/L input.
How are Denon's LP players? I know they make good receivers and their stuff is usually good quality.
I found a simple one for $150 from Crutchfield, but $125 on eBay so I may pick it up.
A few artists this year released LPs with a voucher inside for a download which is a pretty terrific scheme. You can find a ton of Vinyl on Amazon. Best Buy brings in major stuff on wax, if it gets issued.
I may be too old, or not old enough, but isn't the line output of a record player a different level than your typical a/v input, such that most recievers had a specific "phono" input way back when?
I may be too old, or not old enough, but isn't the line output of a record player a different level than your typical a/v input, such that most recievers had a specific "phono" input way back when?
Yeah, they still do. It's like a pre-amp. Some record players have built in pre-amps so it doesnt matter which input you put it in.
I'm having a semi-problem. I recently installed all new in-ceiling speakers in my living room. Prior to that, I had the receiver and different speakers set up in another room but still had 7.1 surround. I was able to turn up the receiver as loud as I wanted (usually had it around 50, which is pretty loud on a Sony).
Now with my new setup, I have to keep it around 35 or the receiver kicks off and says "Protect", which I'm guessing it means it's over powering and it's shutting down before it fries itself.
One thing I do have is 2 center channels hooked up and running into the one center output. Could that be the culprit or is the receiver just not powerful enough. The receiver itself is only about a year or two old and is made for 7.1 and does around 110wx7 so I was thinking that it should have plenty of juice.
What are your thoughts? Is it the center channel setup I got going or is there something I can get to run with the receiver to boost it a little bit or am I just going to have to buy a top notch receiver in the future? My initial thought is the receiver should have enough power for this.
remlemasi
2010-03-18, 19:00
You're probably running the two centers in parallel, which effectively cuts the impedance in half. This low impedance can cause your receiver to become too hot and damaged. Most receivers have protection built-in when it detects an issue, so that's why your receiver is shutting down. FYI, this could also ruin your speakers if the receiver doesn't shut down but instead clips the loud volumes, which could ruin the drivers.
One option is to wire the two centers in series, but this would probably decrease the output of each center channel and/or affect the sound negatively.
You should check the manual of your receiver and speakers. If your receiver can handle a 4 Ohm load, and your speakers are 8 Ohm each, the way you have it should be fine. If it's any other way (receiver can only handle 8 Ohm and/or the speakers are less than 8 Ohm each) you shouldn't run it that way since you can damage your receiver and/or speakers.
some info: http://www.termpro.com/articles/spkrz.html (it's for car audio, but it's all the same)
I'm in the market for a new HDTV. I'm going to go with either a 60in or a 65in. I have been looking into Samsungs. I don't really need the 3D or the smart TV options because I have an AppleTV and all that jazz. My question was, is there a significant difference between 120hz and 240hz? I know for sports and such, there's a huge difference 60hz and 120hz but I'm not too familiar with 240hz. Any help would be appreciated. Also, if you have suggestions or recommendations, feel free to offer.
I'm in the market too, though I'm likely going to wait it out until Super Bowl sale times. Seems that is the best pricing for them. My 55" just died yesterday. It was a gift and we used it well. Now we are looking at a 32" and it's so small in comparison.
Samsung is the brand that seems to draw me in the most. No definitives yet though since I have a little bit more time.
I'm planning on picking up this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung---65%26%2334%3B-Class-(64-1/2%26%2334%3B-Diag.)---LED---1080p---120Hz---HDTV/4854319.p;tab=reviews?id=1218552486991&skuId=4854319) Samsung. My uncle bought 3 of the 60" models of this same tv and they're beautiful. The best part is it's just the TV. No Smart features or 3D. I have no need for that stuff since I have an AppleTV and video game systems.
That does look like a nice model, however it doesn't have enough inputs for me. :o I need 3 HDMI, Component and two composites at least. Sure I could do a switcher or something but I just don't want to mess with that extra stuff.
I picked it up. I have been using a switch and its no issue.
Then that is a great deal for you. I've thought about a projector for my house, but I think there is way too much sun in that room it would go in. No real way to block the sun either since there are a few skyligfhts in there.
Maybe I should buy a good receiver and then be able to make the changes through it instead. :\ So many options....
*badabump*
So I have a nice receiver, a nice display, and even have a Bose Acoustimass 5.1 speaker set. Old, but still works nicely.
I've planned on running cables under the floor, up inside the walls, etc, but man the more I look at it the worse it gets.
Are there *any* decent wireless 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setups that don't cost a fortune? The setup is a bit wonky to start with, TV is in one room, receiver in another, and there's a huge stone fireplace between the rooms. I ran the TV cables (HDMI, power) and gaming cables (Wii, Kinect) between the rooms by finding a spot of wall I could drill through, but I'd rather not add to the bundle too much.
I'd settle for a cable bundle under the floor to a subwoofer unit under the couch that transmits the other channels to small mountable speakers with good sound.
Anything?
Sonos and others I'm sure are the only thing I've seen close to what you are looking for minus the price.
I’ve been thinking about picking up a new surround theater and upgrading my setup to Dolby Atmos. My current receiver is probably a solid 10+ years old but I have a recently purchased Samsung 4K QLED, in-ceiling 7.1 surround and an AppleTV 4K. Does anyone have experience with Atmos and is it worth it? I’ve seen some Denon receivers on Crutchfield that I’ve been eyeing up.
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