Rate this entry-levle home theatre setup

[beer]

This will be my set-up for my room, tell me what you think.

Video

Sharp 25N-S180
25", s-video input, dual RCA inputs, Digital Comb Filter, etc. etc. (Already purchased from last summer). Paid about $250, if I remember.
http://www.sharpelectronics.com/products/ModelLanding/1,1058,366,00.html

Samsung DVD-611
S-vid and composite out, digital coax and optical out, single disk, etc. etc. Paid $150 for.
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/prod/audio_video/prod_av_detail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2045874321.0984156256@@@@&BV_EngineID=galkgdhhllmbedicfcffcgfk.0&prod_id=DVD-611%2fXAA&category=%2fAudio_Video%2fDVD+Player%2fSingle+Deck+DVD+Player

Audio

This is where I'm putting money in now. I haven't purchased anything below yet; feel free to tell me if I'm not heading in the right direction. I'm going to start with two good-quality stereo speakers instead of going with a lousy, cheap 5.1 setup from Best Buy that sounds like ass. Then I'll invest in a sub in early June, and hopefully buy two Atoms for rear speakers come August; I don't know I I will have money for a center channel in the future, but let's focus on what I'm getting now.

Denon AVR-1601 Receiver
60w/channel, Dolby Digital/DTS, 24-bit 96 KHz DACs, virtual surround support, 1 optical and one digital coax, etc. etc. About $290 from a local store, possibly cheaper.
http://www.del.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=2(At the bottom)

Paradigm Titan Stereo speakers
Only going to go with two of these to start. 60 Hz - 20 KHz range, 8 ohm impedence, 15-100w, 6 1/2" midrange driver, $220/pair from a local store. http://www.paradigm.ca/Website/ParadigmProduct/Performance/titanv2.html

Sources

CD Audio
Going to use my Samsung DVD player for this. I will connect it to my receiver using an optical connection; that way my receiver will use its DACs that are much better than the one in the DVD player, and it saves me a ton of money. I'm not worried about multiple-disk support yet.

Computer
Since I have a daughtercard on my SBLive, I am going to run a 75 ohm coax cable from my sound card daughtercard and input it into my receiver. That way I can recoup some of my costs by selling my multimedia speakers (Boston Acoustics Media Theatre).

 

[zkmusa]

Sounds great! How big is the room?

Using your DVD player as a CD player is a great idea. DVD players in general play CD audio better because they have a better DA chip.

 

[beer]

Thanks Zack - It's actually going in my bedroom.

 

[Raspewtin]

paradigm speakers, denon receiver? that's above entry-level sounds good

 

[Jmman]

Looks fine, but have you had any problems with the Samsung. If I remember correctly, Samsung has had problems with their dvd players in that they won't play certain dvds.......

 

[bcterps]

Looks good! It is definitely better to buy a set of good stereo speakers than a crappy 5.1 set. However, in regards to your future purchasing plans, I'd rather pick up a center channel and the rear speakers before buying the subwoofer. A center channel is extremely important when watching movies, and you should be able to set your receiver so that the bass signal is sent to your regular speakers instead of to the subwoofer output. Since this system is in your bedroom, you probably dont need earth shattering bass. I think your speakers should be able to handle the bass output. Then when you have the money, buy a subwoofer.

--Ben

 

[BoberFett]

Elemental

If I had one recommendation, it would be to sell the 25" and go to a 27" or better. It's been a long time since I bought a TV, but if I recall there's a huge improvement going from 25" to 27". Something about the number of lines of horizontal resolution.


Jmman

I have a Samsung DVD, and I had problems with The Matrix when it first came out. I had it repaired under warranty; they just swapped out a chip and it worked. I haven't run into any problems since.

 

[beer]

The problem is I really don't have room for a bigger TV and the cost jump is incredible. The 25" works, and it's not bad for a bedroom-sized theatre. Earlier Samsung DVDs (like the 511 I think) had problems - I have not had problems with mine and I've probably watched twenty different DVDs.

Regarding the center channel, keep in mind this will also replace my stereo, and since a center channel is not used in music, I won't get any benefit from a nice center. OTOH a sub is used in both theater and music.

EDIT: Also just remembered that the Denon has some sort of phantom setting where it can emulate a center channel if one is gone.

 

[bcterps]

Yeah, I guess it all comes down to what you use your system for. I use my system more for movies than I do for music, so a center channel would be more important to me. If are gonna be listening to music more often, then a sub makes more sense. I dunno about the phantom center channel thing, its probably not very good, most DSP functions usually arent, but who knows?

--Ben

 

[beer]

It's fron Denon, it should be pretty good.

I'll hear a demo when I swing by some hifi stores tonight.

 

[thraashman]

If you're loking for a sub (since you mentioned you didn't care for a center channel) I've been looking at and comparing a couple after reading through a previous thread.

Paradigm PDR-10, or PDR-8
and PSB Alpha Subzero.

These are what I've narrowed it down to for myself. Price range is $279-$350. and the subs range from 90-100 watts RMS. I'm probably gonna go with the PDR-8 since I don't feel like shelling out more for the PDR-10. Just a suggestion.

And for reference these are the ones I like best for the price after looking at Boston Acoustics, Klipsch, PSB, Bose, and Paradigm. And some cheapr lower end stuff which isn't really worth it.

 

[poop]

Sounds good to me. But then again, I am entry level as well.

I do have to express displeasure in my old Samsung player. It sucked HARD. It messed up in tons of movies, and was just junky. My new toshiba is much nicer

Otherwise, looks good, for a start. Later on, you will definitely want a better TV, though. I have a 27" model w/ component inputs. They make a world of difference.

 

[Eug]

Dunno about the 611 or the newest Samsungs, but the 711 my friend bought 2 months ago was a total piece of junk. She bought it because it supported MP3, but unfortunately it skipped on MP3 CD-Rs. However, it also skipped on DVDs - several. Returned it in a week. Zero problems with the same DVDs with the Toshiba she bought.

Reviews of Samsung Players

P.S. Glad you're getting the Denon receiver and the Titans. Sounds good. Definitely not entry level though.

P.P.S. Yep, it seems the Samsung 611 is rated almost as poorly as the 711 for the same problem with skipping. However, a review posted today states that an upgrade solved his problem. It "only" required a new firmware, laser and MPEG-card. If you're still within the return period, I'd suggest you return it, unless you're sure it's running perfectly for you.

 

[iamwiz82]

this is an awesome TV. I own one, and am super happy with it. I paid $220 new for it, and have had it about a year and a half now.

 

[Doggiedog]

I think you should rethink your stance on the center channel because in fact the center channel is one of the most important speakers in your setup. I would think far more than your subwoofer.

In DD or DTS most of the sound comes out of the center and in pro-logic as well. I would highly recommend spending some money there.

 

[Jmman]

Yeah, that is what I thought anbout those Samsund dvd players. If you are going for a budget player, definitely get a Toshiba.....never really had or heard any complaints with those.....

 

[daddyo]

Nice setup, but I agree with the others regarding the center channel. When watching a movie, roughly 80% of the sound comes through the center, at least in a dialogue driven movie. Most fronts can handle decent bass, subwoofer should be the last addition.

 

[divinemartyr]

<< I think you should rethink your stance on the center channel because in fact the center channel is one of the most important speakers in your setup. I would think far more than your subwoofer. >>



He's only buying mains + the receiver right now. Phantom is a good enough option for the mean time while watching movies as he won't have the surrounds right now either.

My personal suggestion is buy the mains and your receiver, when you get cash add a subwoofers.

After that, buy your center, and 2 surrounds. You'll be amazed what those 3 little speakers can add to your system

dm

 

[Viper GTS]

Is a 20&quot; Wega worth building around, or would it be better to ditch it &amp; buy a bigger TV before investing in a receiver &amp; quality speakers?

Viper GTS

 

[Doggiedog]

Ah, ok thanks DM.

But Elemental007, when you do get your full surround sound system set up DO NOT skimp on the Center Channel. It will be a critical component of your setup. I would also approximate 80% of the sound comes out of it for movies and probably just a shade less with pro-logic for music.

 

[bcterps]

<< Is a 20&quot; Wega worth building around, or would it be better to ditch it &amp; buy a bigger TV before investing in a receiver &amp; quality speakers? >>



Viper, I personally wouldnt build a home theater system around a 20&quot; tv, no matter what brand. The screen would just be too small. I wouldnt go any less than a 27&quot; tv, I have my system built around it and I still find it a little small, but that was my budget at the time. I think a 32&quot; pretty good depending on the size of your room.

--Ben

 

[Viper GTS]

My room is quite tiny, the furthest physically possible to get from the TV is around 9'. My bed takes up ~7 of that 9 feet.

Viper GTS

 

[steelnewfie]

You're definitely on the right track Elemental007....

Denon makes really good receivers, and their power ratings are probably a little under emphasized, like Onkyo and Marantz... 60 Watts per channel, of good power, is plenty...Yes, you can use phantom mode until you get a center channel...

I can't say enough about how great Paradigm speakers are... I have titans as my rears, and mini monitors as my mains... The only difference is the monitor tweeters are a little better... Titans are EXCELLENT for the price ( I drove to Toronto from Pittsburgh to get my titans and center channel, paid $140US for Titans, $225US for CC-350, another excellent speaker.. When you get your center, SERIOUSLY consider the CC-350, it rocks...

Thrashman, I agree on the subs...all are good, though you're forgetting the Velodyne CT-100.... I got a floor model for $299 at circuit city (reg409) and it is excellent, matches my paradigms, tight base, very good at low frequencies, good for music and HT...

I use my DVD player for music too, just as good quality as a dedicated player 3-4 years ago... Some are more particular with scratched disks and stuff though...

You're on the right track, get your speakers and receiver, then go for the center, surrounds, and sub...

Acoustically, you will notice the biggest difference overall from your subwoofer... It will make you smile when you get it..he..he..

One thing I want to stress is to try and use decent cables for your connections, both to speakers and between components... It makes a BIG difference to both audio and visual...
Good Luck !!

My SYSTEM

Sony Wega 32&quot;
Pioneer 525 DVD input to Wega via Canare Component Video Cable
Fed into receiver via Better Cables Digital Coaxial cable
Kenwood VR-309 DD DTS receiver (great for movies, sucks for music,)
Panasonic S-VHS
Dish Network Digital Everything satellite package
Fed into Wega via Better Cables S-VIDEO Cable,
Into receiver via Monster optical cable
Paradigm Mini Monitor main speakers
Paradigm CC-350 Centre channel
Paradigm Titans Surround speakers
Velodyne CT-100 Subwoofer

 

[bcterps]

Viper,

Well, if you're satisfied with the size of your tv, then that's fine. I tend to watch all my movies in widescreen, so it really shrinks the size of the image sometimes. With a room that small, if you want to have a 5.1 setup, it might be best to go with one of those integrated all in one systems that integrate your dvd player and receiver together.

--Ben

 

[beer]

$140/pair for TITANS??!?!? Lucky bastard, they retail for $220, don't think i could talk them down that far...