Setup for the Parents

[roguerower]

They aren't video or audiophiles but would like a decent setup for watching TV and movies. Most likely will be watching sports on the TV and whatever else they can dig up. Room they're putting this in is not very large, say 12x12 max.

Budget is ~$1500.

HTIB: Onkyo HT-S3400 (~$250)- Yes, it's a HTIB but they aren't picky and the price is pretty right. I had an old Onkyo HTIB that I bought used and it was OK as far as I was concerned.

TV: This is where I need help. After the audio setup, budget is $1200-$1300. Not quite sure which way to lean (LCD or Plasma). I bought a Kuro 101-FD and love it but I'm a little more exacting than they are.

BD v. DVD: Their existing collection is all DVD and I don't exactly see them splurging for Blu-Rays right and left.

Input?

 

[velillen]

Well i think i would go for something along the lines of

HTIB - Onkyo HT-S6300 (330 refurb)

TV- What size? 5" Panasonic ST30 is only 900 (60" is 1400) or Samasung PN51D8000 (51") is 1400... obviously smaller is cheaper. if you want to stay in the budget smaller and higher model. Plasma if the room isnt super bright or has direct sunlight on the tv.

BD vs DVD - if they need a new player just get a BD player. 100 bucks gets you a nice player. Gives them upscaling on the dvd's too.


Thats my thoughts. im sure others will bring their opinions in to give second opinions and the such

 

[Cheesetogo]

I'd just go for the largest screen you can afford. Also, are you sure that a 5.1 setup is going to be easily laid out in the room? You might consider just going with 2 channels.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Plasma if the room isnt super bright or has direct sunlight on the tv.

I have a plasma in my living room, which has wall to wall windows. I've never really noticed any issues with image quality or glare.

 

[roguerower]

Well i think i would go for something along the lines of

HTIB - Onkyo HT-S6300 (330 refurb)

TV- What size? 5" Panasonic ST30 is only 900 (60" is 1400) or Samasung PN51D8000 (51") is 1400... obviously smaller is cheaper. if you want to stay in the budget smaller and higher model. Plasma if the room isnt super bright or has direct sunlight on the tv.

Probably want to keep it smaller than 50". I've got a 50" Kuro and it's still pretty big from what I'm used to. I'm looking for a good solid unit, not all the bells and whistles, but something made by a respectable manufacturer.

BD vs DVD - if they need a new player just get a BD player. 100 bucks gets you a nice player. Gives them upscaling on the dvd's too.

Figured as much. No reason to stay in the past.

Thats my thoughts. im sure others will bring their opinions in to give second opinions and the such

I'd just go for the largest screen you can afford. Also, are you sure that a 5.1 setup is going to be easily laid out in the room? You might consider just going with 2 channels.

Tried to find a decent 2.1 setup but all I've found is a damn sound bar. If you can recommend something I'd look into it. I wouldn't mind piecing something together if it isn't insanely expensive.

 

[Howard]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Home-Theater-Systems/Speaker-Packages/SP-PK21BS

 

[velillen]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Home-Theater-Systems/Speaker-Packages/SP-PK21BS

No receiver for that one though is there?

Though if he goes with just a 50" and doesnt need/want top of the line its only about 900-1k so could put the tv money into that package and a receiver

Tried to find a decent 2.1 setup but all I've found is a damn sound bar. If you can recommend something I'd look into it. I wouldn't mind piecing something together if it isn't insanely expensive.

Could go with something like 2 polk monitor 60's or 70's and matching center. Then just get a cheaper, lower end receiver (which is probably all your parents need anyways). 2 polk 60's are $300 +~200 for a receiver would be a decent 2.0 setup in my books.

 

[Howard]

No receiver for that one though is there?

Nope, but it's really good value.

 

[roguerower]

Alrighty...here's what I've come up with:

TV: Sony BRAVIA KDL46EX720
Receiver: Denon 1612
Fronts: Polk Monitor 50s
Bass: Polk PSW10
BR Player: Panasonic BDT110

Total: $1850

More than what I'd originally thought, I'll have to go back and talk to them. Any input?

 

[Anubis]

Tried to find a decent 2.1 setup but all I've found is a damn sound bar. If you can recommend something I'd look into it. I wouldn't mind piecing something together if it isn't insanely expensive.

Nothing wrong with soundbars for the rents unless they demand real speakers. Its what I did for mine. Jvc soundbar and a vizio 55 inch led lcd

 

[SithSolo1]

the psw10 is trash

better off getting a pair of Monitor 40s and a BIC F12 sub. Speakers and sub might be $30-50 more overall but imo worth it. Also in a room that size you won't need a super powerful receiver. Macmall.com has Denon AVR-391 referbs for $150. My 590 referb looked brand new so your parents won't notice the difference and it should be more than enough for that room.

 

[roguerower]

the psw10 is trash

better off getting a pair of Monitor 40s and a BIC F12 sub. Speakers and sub might be $30-50 more overall but imo worth it. Also in a room that size you won't need a super powerful receiver. Macmall.com has Denon AVR-391 referbs for $150. My 590 referb looked brand new so your parents won't notice the difference and it should be more than enough for that room.

Thanks for the heads up. Making those substitutions I dropped about $150. Throw in cables and the total is now at $1750.

 

[angry hampster]

Nothing wrong with soundbars for the rents unless they demand real speakers. Its what I did for mine. Jvc soundbar and a vizio 55 inch led lcd

How is the sound bar? I'm always curious what they're really like but have never take the time to listen to one in a store.

OP: If you're getting your parents a subwoofer, have you considered saving some cash and just going with a set of bookshelf speakers? I have a pair of BIC dv62si's along with a BIC V80 powered by a $50 Panasonic 5.1 receiver I scored on ebay. The three speakers together cost about $200 and sound wonderful paired together. I'd opt for a more powerful/larger sub but I live in a 3rd floor apartment.

 

[roguerower]

How is the sound bar? I'm always curious what they're really like but have never take the time to listen to one in a store.

OP: If you're getting your parents a subwoofer, have you considered saving some cash and just going with a set of bookshelf speakers? I have a pair of BIC dv62si's along with a BIC V80 powered by a $50 Panasonic 5.1 receiver I scored on ebay. The three speakers together cost about $200 and sound wonderful paired together. I'd opt for a more powerful/larger sub but I live in a 3rd floor apartment.

That's what the Polk 40s are. I was a little iffy on the 50s because of their size, but the 40s should do the trick. Plus they're about $50 less than a pair of 50s.

They live in a rowhouse in DC and don't usually crank the bass anyways so this setup should work just as well. Just have to keep it down for the neighbors on the other side of the wall.

 

[Anubis]

How is the sound bar? I'm always curious what they're really like but have never take the time to listen to one in a store.
.

Sounds fine, poduces sound about as well as any moderetly priced pair of speakers would, it doesnt have booming sound or anything but it works fine. the fake surround sound also works really well considering.

dialog seems crisp and other sounds are fine. they have no complaints about it