Ps3 Home audio

[Gravity]

I post lots at distributed computing as I work hard at the Folding at Home project for team Anandtech. I consider myself to be somewhat smart but after reading your home audio faq I'm thinking I possess the wit of a toddler and the panaplea of home theater options make me want to drink from a sippy cup!

I have an Olevia 65" LCD in a 12 x 16' room. The tv is at the long end of the room. I have a Ps3 hooked up to it via HDMI and love the blu ray movies.

Please help me select an Onkyo or other receiver and speakers that will provide me better sound for $1,000 to $1,500. I'm interested in 5.1 or 7.1 audio. I've considered the sound bars from Boston, Yamaha and Sony but don't think they are adequate. I don't look forward to putting speakers behind the sofa for 7.1 but don't think I have much choice. I'm attracted to the idea of 3.1 with two speakers beside the lcd and a nice subby somewhere in the room so I don't have to fool with rear or center speaks.

I've read and shopped but I have no more time for my own musings or the idle banter of sales people in blue shirts and I want to put a decent theater system in place without duplicating what I have already. The ps3 seems good at the audio decoding and the blu ray business, I need something that will improve the sound without .

Finally, the collective knowledge here seems equal to if not superior to all the other audio/ht forums I've read. I simply cannot absorb any more info on it and am bracing for the aneurysm that accompanies attempting a complex install before the first musical note can be processed through the speakers. My humble thanks in advance for you replies.

Best,

Gravity

Team Anandtech 198
Folding @ home

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Welcome to the AV&HT area

I was a SETI@Home junkie a few years ago and had 4 machines crunching 24/7 back then. My interests have changed though so maybe I can help you pick something out.

A 2.1 system would be a pair of stereo speakers and a subwoofer.
3.1 would mean a pair of speakers, a center, and a subwoofer.

To get the most out of your PS3 and blu-ray movies, you'll want to get a receiver that can do audio over HDMI. There are solid receiver choices in the $400 to $500-ish range for that, which would leave you the rest of the budget to split between the speakers and subwoofer. 7.1 with a receiver that will do HDMI audio will not leave you with many good options. 5.1 would be do-able, but if you started with 2.1 or 3.1, you'd be able to get higher quality parts and leave yourself an upgrade path for later on.

I have some recommendations for speakers and subs in the sticky thread.

On your budget you could get one of the basic options from SVS, HSU, Elemental Designs, etc. for the subwoofer. $400-$500 will get you a solid sub to fill that space.

So that will end up somewhere in the $800-$1000 range for the receiver and subwoofer. You could pick up a decent pair of bookshelf speakers with the rest of the budget.

If you wanted a complete system though, you'd also have some options that would fit your budget. For an all-in-one system, Onkyo has their new line of HTIB sets that include receivers to handle your HDMI audio needs. I haven't read any reviews of these new versions, but I'd imagine that the speakers are still going to be the weakest point for them. If setting up surround and rear speakers in your room is going to be a pain though, then you're probably better off just sticking with 2.1 or 3.1 with higher quality parts.

 

[Gravity]

Was thinking of starting with this:

YAMAHA SW315 10" 250W Powered Subwoofer
Item #: N82E16836108120

ONKYO TXSR706B THX Select2 Plus 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver
Item #: N82E16882120107

$878 for the pair at the EGG. That would leave me with speakers to buy, without the sub. I'm willing to spend another $500 for the front/center/rear. Your recommendations?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Rather than that $300 sub, I'd recommend checking out this $315 sub http://www.edesignaudio.com/pr...h=2_41&products_id=407

$680 is a lot to be spending on your receiver for the budget you're shooting for.
I haven't looked closely enough at the X06 Onkyo lineup to know what the differences are, but I'm wondering if the now much cheaper 705 or 805 would be a better idea.

$500 for 5 speakers isn't going to give you many good options. $500 for 2-3 speakers would give you better options.

Unless you have specific features that you found on the 706 vs. a $400-ish receiver, I think it would be a more balanced system if you took that $300 away from the receiver budget and redirected it to the speaker budget to give you $800 for the 5 speakers.

 

[Tiamat]

I'm going to second everything Yoyo just said. I would try to save a little money on the receiver (as long as it has the features you desire) while channeling more money into less speakers. If you don't mind the cosmetics, any entry level eD subwoofer will be a nice addition to your room. While different people have different priorities, I'd probably consider 500$ into the subwoofer including shipping (e.g. the SVS PB-10), 400$ into the receiver, and 600$ into a pair of speakers. It is possible to cram the front 3 speakers into 600$ depending on your needs. You would not regret putting quite a bit of funds towards the subwoofer - this component, if not cheapened (and configured accordingly), will paste a smile on your face.

Are you local to any audio dealers? Companies like Paradigm, B&W, Revel, etc. have some excellent offerings in your price budget (and just above your price budget) that are certainly worth your while to audition. By listening to many speakers (vienna, jbl, klipsch, martin logan, and others) it helps you to be able to describe the type of sound that your ears enjoy. Most certainly you will have preference especially comparing the likes of vienna, klipsch, and revel.

 

[Muadib]

Is this a one shot deal, or do you plan to add to it later?

Is this just for tv & movies, or will music play a role? Do you game with the PS3?

You say you don't want to duplicate what you already have, but other than the PS3 & the LCD, you list nothing. Do you have any audio equipment currently?

While out among the blue shirts, did you listen to anything? Did anything appeal to you?

What's most important to you?

 

[Gravity]

Originally posted by: Muadib
Is this a one shot deal, or do you plan to add to it later?

Is this just for tv & movies, or will music play a role? Do you game with the PS3?

You say you don't want to duplicate what you already have, but other than the PS3 & the LCD, you list nothing. Do you have any audio equipment currently?

While out among the blue shirts, did you listen to anything? Did anything appeal to you?

What's most important to you?

Very good questions! And thank you all for your kind attention.

This is not a one shot deal, I'm renovating an old house and this room is the only one 100% finished! It will remain the HT until the huge living room is finished.

Currently, this is for movies and PS3 gaming only. Music plays a minor role in my life which is mostly my ipod while exercising.

I have no equipment currently. I didn't want to invest in another blu ray player since the ps3 seems to have that base covered.

Having considered your questions, I would be willing to buy the receiver, the sub and two front speakers with the funds I have available. I want my movies to sound very, very good. I'm happy to get a good sub for $600 or so and then consider the other speakers.

I haven't found any speakers that appeal to my ears more than others. I 'm interested in having the system be able to grow as my finances become available.

The only thing I need the receiver to do is receive the ps3 HDMI signal and upconvert regular dvds.

Thanks again for your help, your questions and comments are making this seem much simpler.

Best,

Gravity

 

[Gravity]

Also, if I don't need an FM receiver, which seems to be the heart of this system, what device do I get?

Comparing the TX 506 and the TX 576 by Onkyo...it seems as thought he 506 is cheaper and doesn't do something with HDMI sound; an extra connection is required? The 576 seems to do this but with the ps3 as my player, do I need to spend the extra on the 576?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I would recommend checking out the 606 from Onkyo as a base for your system. Amazon has it for $340 which is pretty darn good.
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX...&qid=1222622391&sr=8-1

The receiver is a combination of a few different devices. It has a tuner to pick up radio, it is a pre-amp and signal processor so you can switch inputs and decode things, and it is an amplifier to take those signals and convert them into powered signals for your speakers.

Even if you don't need the tuner part, you still need something to switch inputs and decode things. On its own, this would be called a preamp or processor (or something like that depending on the company). You'd then need to get an amplifier or multiple amplifiers to go between your preamp/processor and your speakers. This is what I'm doing with my system and it does have some benefits. Unfortunately, it's not really something to consider on your budget. If you want to use the new audio formats from your PS3, I don't think there's any options for you (even used) that would allow you to buy a preamp/processor and amplification for 2 speakers on a budget competitive with what you're getting from a receiver. The preamp/processor and dedicated amplifier market is most catering to folks that are spending more than a couple thousand on a receiver replacement. For the vast majority of people, a receiver offers a good compromise of features and power to satisfy most systems.

Emotiva and Outlaw Audio are a couple Internet Direct brands that offer good bang for the buck for preamp/processors and amplifiers, but they don't have anything out right now that would be a better option for you on your budget.

 

[Gravity]

Bought that receiver. Now I'm thinking I still have $1,000 for a sub and speakers. CAn I get a nicer sub than you spec'd and some decent surounds?

Thanks again for all your help,

Gravity

 

[Xed]

I'd consider just buying a nice 2.1 set to go with your receiver and adding the rest of the speakers down the road like you mentioned earlier. You should have a better end result that way and good 2.1 is still enjoyable.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Gravity
I'm happy to get a good sub for $600 or so and then consider the other speakers.

Is two speakers and a sub for $1000 still the plan now?

We'll be able to do a good job recommending a solid subwoofer for you, but speakers are a much more personal choice. Would you be able to either audition some locally or buy a couple pairs of Internet Direct speakers and demo them in your home to decide which ones to keep?

 

[jhh979s]

Another option would be to get fronts and a center. My fronts do such a great job with bass I havent felt the need to add a sub to my system yet. I'm sure I'll add one some day but for now I am satisfied. And your surrounds don't exactly have to be anything special since they only handle a small portion of a movie's audio. My surrounds are some little Onkyo 2-ways that used to be my fronts.

 

[Gravity]

There is a paradigm shop in the next city. I'll go there to listen for a few. I'll split the subwoofer and two front speakers for the $1,000. I'll wait on the rest until after the first of the year.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: Gravity
There is a paradigm shop in the next city. I'll go there to listen for a few. I'll split the subwoofer and two front speakers for the $1,000. I'll wait on the rest until after the first of the year.

For about 500$ shipped, the SVS PB-10 is hard to beat. This will be an excellent subwoofer for your sized room.

Check out the paradigm shop. They definitely have some nice bookshelf speakers in that price range and even less. Listen to several other speakers at that shop as well if you can.

 

[Gravity]

Alright, bought the amp today. Need to get out and sample/audition speakers soon. Hate to have those two components alone without the ability to enjoy them, especially with the blu ray of Ironman due out in less than 24 hours.

Thanks,

Gravity

 

[Tiamat]

good luck, and more importantly, have fun!

 

[Muadib]

I like your idea of going with a 2.1 system for now. It will be a great improvement over what you have now.


I don't know if you've looked into the online dealers, but AV123.com have several models available in their B-Stock. The price on their B-Stock is about 1/2 off what they normally sell for, and they have the 3 year warranty. The only problem with you getting them though is you don't get to audition them.

They also had the MFW-15 sub for $599 shipped. I got an email from them last week, so I don't know if that offer is still available. It's an outstanding sub though.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: Muadib
I like your idea of going with a 2.1 system for now. It will be a great improvement over what you have now.


I don't know if you've looked into the online dealers, but AV123.com have several models available in their B-Stock. The price on their B-Stock is about 1/2 off what they normally sell for, and they have the 3 year warranty. The only problem with you getting them though is you don't get to audition them.

They also had the MFW-15 sub for $599 shipped. I got an email from them last week, so I don't know if that offer is still available. It's an outstanding sub though.

OP: If you can get the MFW-15 for this price in a reasonable amount of time, this would be your choice.

 

[Muadib]

They have the MFW-15 in stock now, in fact they were running a sale for two of them. They must be feeling the effects of the economy too.

 

[Gravity]

bought the SVS PB-10 today. Should have it monday. I will audition the paradigms this week but the aperions are looking very nice. I'll try to find somewhere to listen to them locally. I like the idea of having them in the house for 30 days without risk.

I'm getting excited now!

Gravity

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: Gravity
bought the SVS PB-10 today. Should have it monday. I will audition the paradigms this week but the aperions are looking very nice. I'll try to find somewhere to listen to them locally. I like the idea of having them in the house for 30 days without risk.

I'm getting excited now!

Gravity

Let us know which paradigms you try and what you thought of them! I think finding the right speaker is the fun part of the journey. You get to hear speakers you never will be able to afford just to say that you did hear them Also, you get to realize how different some speakers sound.


Edit: Let us know how the PB-10 fares. It is heavy, so do be careful for your back and toes!

 

[Gravity]

Decided to audition the aperion 5T speakers and one of their open box centers. Now I need to secure a sub woofer cable and some speaker wire. I saw the links in the faq so I know where to go.

Thanks again for your help,

Gravity

 

[Muadib]

Does that mean you didn't like the Paradigms?

 

[Gravity]

Didn't try them. Will try to get by the store on Thursday. The Aperions are free in home trial for 30 days. If I don't like them better then the paradigms, back they go!

You guys folding?

Gravity