Updated 11/23/2008 - HDTV and Surround Sound Recommendations! - Page 98

Deathwish238 · 08-20-2008, 12:00 AM

Updated Recommendations

IllBashU · 08-27-2008, 09:25 PM

just wondering which is better
Best Buy Canada Web Store: Computers: Monitors: Samsung Syncmaster 24" LCD Monitor (T240) or Best Buy Canada Web Store: TV & Video: Televisions: Samsung 26" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV** ( LN26A330)

i am thinking about getting the t240 for my ps3 but idk, should i save up another like $200 and get the lcd tv?? on the other hand the t240 has a much better contrast :/

Deathwish238 · 08-28-2008, 12:26 AM

Generally speaking, HDTVs are better than Monitors.

LilJayV10 · 09-01-2008, 05:22 AM

I am looking to get surround sound system this week. A friend of mine has onkyo system, can't remember which one, and he loves it. He said he should have gotten a better receiver.

The guy I work with said I should get some powered speakers and be done with it.

My TV is a 50' Kuro, it has all sorts of outputs on the back
I have a PS3 and a X360 w/ HDMI

I was looking at this:
Buy the Onkyo HT-S6100 7.1 Receiver/Speaker System with iPod Dock and other Home theater systems at circuitcity.com

or

Buy the Onkyo HT-S5100 7.1-Channel Home Theater with iPod Dock and other Home theater systems at circuitcity.com

That is about my budget for a system. I don't know enough to piece together a system. For the money is there a better complete system I could get? Whats the difference between 5.1 and 7.1? Is it worth the difference and with the TV and PS3 I have?

Thank you for your suggestions. I ended up with a Kuro after reading on this site and from deathwishs suggestions. I am excited to see what audio setup I should get.

Deathwish238 · 09-01-2008, 04:03 PM

Can you spend a bit more? Audio imo is 60% of a home theater while video is 40%, if you only get a HTIB you're skimping on the audio aspect greatly.

If you spend a bit more you'll be able to to put together a component setup which will sound much better than a HTIB. Generally if someone wants a HTIB I just tell them to get the Onkyo HT-S3100 as it's cheap($280) until they can upgrade to better.

I run a 5.1 setup because I do not have room for a 7.1 setup. If you have the space(2-3' behind and to the sides of the seating area) and budget then there's no reason not to do it. 7.1 can be nice, although most sources are still 5.1.

LilJayV10 · 09-01-2008, 06:29 PM

Bascially I my budget is 700 or less. I don't really want to spend more than that. I don't have a whole lot of room so I will probably get the 5.1.

When you say buying the component setup you mean buying each part seperately? Reciever, speakers, sub, etc?

I don't have a problem doing that I just don't know anything about it.

LilJayV10 · 09-02-2008, 02:43 AM

I was reading on the AVS forums trying to learn some about the audio stuff. Crap my head hurts now.

This is more complicated that buying a TV

TBGixxer · 09-02-2008, 11:25 PM

I wouldn't get the first one because you would be wasting money on an upscaling dvd player in that price (you have a PS3). I would also make sure that your sub is self-powered and not run off of speaker cables. Also make sure that your speakers are connected via a speaker wire that you can take in and out so that you can upgrade your speakers/wires down the road. I paid 320.00 for my 5.1 Yamaha set and I love it.

Deathwish238 · 09-03-2008, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilJayV10

Bascially I my budget is 700 or less. I don't really want to spend more than that. I don't have a whole lot of room so I will probably get the 5.1.

When you say buying the component setup you mean buying each part seperately? Reciever, speakers, sub, etc?

I don't have a problem doing that I just don't know anything about it.

Yup, I'm saying buy your receiver and speakers separately. And yes, audio is far more complicated than video. Video is easy(get the best plasma you can afford

). Yeah you can get stuff like external scalers and video processors, but that's really high end stuff and I don't personally know anyone that has one.

Given your budget, you should get the $200ish Onkyo receiver on the 1st page as it is quite well priced and will do most everything you'll need. That'll give you $500 for speakers/sub. You'll probably want to look for a speaker package of some sort. There are so many options out there, go to your local audio stores and listen to what they offer. Find out what your ears like, we are all different.

Bring your own music when demoing speakers, preferably CDs and not mp3 CDs.

I have listed a few speaker packages and speakers on the first page of this thread that are more popular, take a look at them for some ideas.

Take your time picking out an audio setup, the last thing you want is to rush into a setup and then find that you want to upgrade a month later. I've seen that happen several times and it's known as upgraditis.

LilJayV10 · 09-03-2008, 05:56 PM

Deathwish as always I appreciate your input and time. What is the difference between the 189 and 400 dollar onyko receiver? I said my budget is 700 but I know how I am. I will probably spend closer to 1000.

My wife hates me.

I have to say, Transformers on Bluray is pretty damn cool. The surround sound might just put me over the edge.