Need recommendations for home audio

[elitejp]

Im looking at a buying a surround sound system with rear speaker wireless setup. I live in an apartment building so there absolutely no way for me to turn the volume UP LOUD. Really i just want to run it from my computer to watch movies. Most systems that I have looked at come with a dvd player which I will never use. I currently live in asia and dont even know where you can buy dvds^_^ But what I do want is clean sound. Will a cheap home audio system give me enough good quality or should I spend the money and buy something expensive with the assumption that you get what you pay for. Of course any advice is appreciated


As a side note i would love to sit and listen in person to the systems but i dont really have that option here where im at. So I will most likely be ordering it

 

[razel]

Clean sound means you need a lot of power or very efficient speakers. The latter is expensive. Power luckily is becoming cheap. DJ amps from Behringer/Crown are reasonable budgets. Unfortunately most of them have loud fans.

Your biggest problem is availability. Two brands I'd recommend for you Emotiva for your amp and NHT for speakers deliver overseas, but like you mentioned, you probably want to listen to the speakers to see if they are your taste.

The thing about buying the 'right' amp with plenty of power or speakers that suit your 'taste' is that you rarely end up buying either for at least a decade. My NHT speakers are nearly 15 years old, my Emotiva amp about 5. I don't plan on replacing either anytime soon. Once mid-life hits (wife/kids), I'll probably end up going with headphones. You can get just as good sound for MUCH cheaper.

 

[Knavish]

Warning: if you do not give some kind of budget, people here will start recommending equipment for a dedicated home theater room.

Personally, I would use a surround sound receiver (i.e. Denon, Onkyo, etc.) in the living room of an apartment rather than buying a dedicated surround sound processor and separate amplifier(s). Separating components like these drives prices for the electronics up well over US$1000 and is typically done for a dedicated (and loud) home theater room.

Also, wireless speakers won't even use the amplified outputs of a receiver. Remember that a "wireless" speaker contains an amplifier that still needs to be plugged into the wall. Does anyone know what options are out there for wireless speakers??

Edit: to me, it seems like you are probably looking for a "Home Theater In A Box" type setup that comes with the amp/receiver and all the speakers as a package.

 

[sdifox]

japan? Get headphones.

 

[fastman]

Wireless surround hasn't really hasn't been perfected yet as there is too much delay. But look as Sonus speakers. As others have said what is your budget? Honestly try the AVS forums for info on sound reproduction.

 

[giantpandaman2]

You can get dvd's at yesasia.

I'd recommend headphones if it's just for you. If it's for a group get togethers, I'd just get a HTIB or a 5.1 box and call it a day. Yes, you won't get super sound quality. For an apartment application you don't need the power and, since it sounds like you're not an audiophile, you'll be perfectly happy with the sound quality. It's pretty easy to run wires under carpets or behind moldings.

Also, Asia has different regions for DVD's. Be aware what your dvd player supports and what region dvd's you're buying. There are probably still region free players out there, but I haven't kept up.

For speakers I'd recommend the Pioneer SP-PK52FS for best value. A little big, a little ugly, but really cheap for the sound quality. Any reputable receiver will power them fine. For value, I'd just go Onkyo. People might poopoo the brand, but it's perfect for entry level "I just want some nice sound" stuff. I power my computer speakers with an ancient Onkyo and it sounds just fine. If you're going higher end you'd want to look into different brands though.

 

[at80eighty]

define affordable / expensive for you; work from there

 

[sania250]

Dj amps are the best for home .............