Toshiba 52XF550U

[archscot]

Hello All,
Newbie here...but long time lurker.
I just bought a new condo and it has a basement that screams large screen.
I was looking at a good deal on a 46" Toshiba but decided to look larger. I have researched larger units and came up with the 52XF550U.
I like that it is 120MHZ and some other features...and I found it online for under $2300.
But I have to ask the experts........
Any opinions? Good or bad...I have not pulled the trigger yet.
Also...I am looking at buying the Onkyo HTSP908 system...I figure I want to buy 1 system that will last me for 20 years.
Any help is appreciated.

 

[krotchy]

So at CES the 550 model was definitely one of the most impressive available as I was looking over this years lineup. Also I have followed the threads on AVSforum about it as well and the reviews are all quite favorable. Not to mention the TV has pretty much every feature you could want (except 1080p over component) and the thin bezel make fitting it anywhere alot easier which is sweet. So I say go for it if its the model that fits what you want.

I am sort of in the same place as you with TV's, because I am planning on upgrading my living room TV to a 52incher and im really deciding between the Samsung 52A650/750 or the Toshiba 550 and its a really hard decision. IMO the samsung has a tiny bit better contrast overall, but the Toshiba has better internal processing. Also the Toshiba has a wider color gamut CCFL (92% vs 112% if I remember correctly, though both are wider than typical LCDs), and the Toshiba has a thinner bezel. The Samsungs glossy screen also makes the colors pop better to me, though in a bright room the Toshiba will reflect less. etc.. So yeah you just need to find what is right for you, but I dont think you can go wrong with the Toshiba 550.


As far as the Onkyo HTSP908 goes it is a very good system, but I would recommend buying the components seperately. The 908 has the same receiver as the Onkyo 605 if I remember, so that is a good place to start. Beyond that Yoyo's thread on Speakers will help you decide what to add to it. From yoyo's thread and my prior good experience with Onkyo I got an Onkyo 705, Athena speakers (2LS-100 fronts, 1 LSC-100 Center and 4 LS-50 rears) and a Bic H-100 Sub and this system blows me away. Still if you want a single purchase solution, I dont think you will find better than the Onkyo 908.

 

[ultimatebob]

I don't think that I've seen that particular model Toshiba HDTV, so I'm not going to comment on it. I'd try to compare it side by side to some Sharp, Sony, and Samsung LCD HDTV's as well, though, along with some Plasma TV's in the same price range. Pick the one that looks best to you!

As for the home theater system, I'd recommend going against the "Home Theatre in a Box" route and pick out the amplifier and speakers on your own. Keep in mind that the Onkyo system you picked out has a great amplifier and mediocre speakers, and you'll probably want to go the other route and spend the money on good speakers instead. Any amplifier that you buy now will be technologically obsolete 10 years from now, but a good set speakers will last for 20.

 

[Tegeril]

Was also looking at this TV, but I believe it is slightly outside of my price range so I'm looking at the 46XF550U. I wish the price would drop a bit But I know that wont happen soon.

 

[archscot]

Thanks for all the info. Didn't think of buying the components seperately. I will look into that.

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: archscot
Thanks for all the info. Didn't think of buying the components seperately. I will look into that.

Btw the Onkyo 606 was recently announced, which is the follow up to the 605. I don't remember what the upgrades were specifically off hand, but there were some pretty nifty ones (more HDMI in is one Im pretty sure). So it might be worth looking into when its coming out and what the changes mean to you.

 

[Tegeril]

605 was 2 HDMI, 705 was 3, 606 is 4.