What HT Surround Sound System Should I Get

[TimothyX]

Hello.

I have up to $600 to spend on a audio sytem for my home theater that has dolby/dts decoding with a receiver and speakers (included dvd player not required). It can be a all-in-the-box package or mix and match. I guess I want 5.1+ (plus as in also 6.1, 7.1, but last time i checked they werent worth the money), which basically means whatever you recommend.

I will use this for console gaming and watching dvds (with a minor in music). I have no brand preference, and understand many of you have these systems and would like your advice. It will go in my bedroom if that helps (not too much space).

I actually do know a good amount about stereos but just have not had the time to research this. Instead of starting off by comparing systems, i'd rather start off with what you guys like and use.

I know this is chump change to spend on a system but the truth is I am an avid console gamer/movie [dvd] buff and am sick of tv audio. I am also a college student and do not have much money to spend, so I gotta do what I can with what I have, which is 600 bucks or less.

Thank you in advance.

Timothy

P.S. I already saw Apex's rig, so do not make me feel even worse by comparing.

 

[Nebor]

There ya go

That decoder will allow you to hook up your TV, your computer, your console, anything you want. Lots of analog and digital inputs. It even includes a switch for connecting to your PC so you get EAX effects. It does DD, DTS, and Prologic 2.

The speakers are top notch, the best MM speakers you can buy. They sound great for music, and the sub has the power you need for games and movies, while remaing seamless with the rest of the system (ie: no boominess.)

You simply cannot beat this packge in HT equipment for the price.

And, since you have some $120 left over, you can probably use some of these:
Speaker stands

I have 2 pair of the stands with my gigaworks, and they attach easily and look slick.

You can also go for the 7.1 gigaworks for another $100, but for just DVDs and console gaming, you won't take advantage of it. But if you'll be connecting this to your PC, it may be worth it. Remember you can always just buy the extra 2 satellites later for $100.

 

[calam63]

klipsch promedia 5.1 ultras!

 

[CasTroLTraN]

Originally posted by: calam63
klipsch promedia 5.1 ultras!

 

[TimothyX]

ummm...this isnt for my computer. its with my television and home theater

 

[azndelite6983]

Originally posted by: TimothyX
ummm...this isnt for my computer. its with my television and home theater

Unfortunately, many of us buy speakers that are designed for multimedia purposes because we use them mostly with our computers.

It appears that you are looking for a full home theater system with some extra connectivity. Component systems can get very expensive, so I would recommend finding a prepackaged full system and just make sure you can hook some other things into it (miniplug inputs, optical inputs, etc).

Can't really say on the brand, but check out a store like best buy, find a few you like, read some reviews and pick the best.

 

[mindblendeR]

Originally posted by: TimothyX
ummm...this isnt for my computer. its with my television and home theater

Dude, just get an Onkyo 6.1 Surround Home-Theater-in-a-Box from jr.com website. They always have sales on them, just check the Anand Hot Deals Forum. I picked up a 5.1 for $349, I shoulda waited for the Onkyo 6.1 systems which are now coming down in price (anticipating the 7.1 I guess?).

Good luck.

 

[Boogak]

Originally posted by: mindblendeR

Originally posted by: TimothyX
ummm...this isnt for my computer. its with my television and home theater

Dude, just get an Onkyo 6.1 Surround Home-Theater-in-a-Box from jr.com website. They always have sales on them, just check the Anand Hot Deals Forum. I picked up a 5.1 for $349, I shoulda waited for the Onkyo 6.1 systems which are now coming down in price (anticipating the 7.1 I guess?).

Good luck.

Agreed, probably the best bang for buck.

 

[Dravic]

Originally posted by: mindblendeR

Originally posted by: TimothyX
ummm...this isnt for my computer. its with my television and home theater

Dude, just get an Onkyo 6.1 Surround Home-Theater-in-a-Box from jr.com website. They always have sales on them, just check the Anand Hot Deals Forum. I picked up a 5.1 for $349, I shoulda waited for the Onkyo 6.1 systems which are now coming down in price (anticipating the 7.1 I guess?).

Good luck.

ditto

great starting point.. in the years to come i can upgrade speakers, and reciever seperately if i "outgrow" them, but more then i need so far.

dolbly/dts, 6.1, coax and optical digital in, component video switching.. very tweakable..

 

[jdogg707]

I bought the Onkyo setup after working at Circuit City for two years and it is definitely the best bang for the buck. The receiver is great for a HT in a box, and the speakers have good highs and the sub produces very accurate lows. A great buy for the money.

 

[TimothyX]

thank you guys/girls.......looks like timmy is getting the 0nkyo. Again, thank you for all your posts.

 

[coolred]

Another vote for the onkyo, I love it.


Um that is if you didn't already run out and buy it inthe last 10 minutes. LOL

 

[Nebor]

I like how you guys just rolled on past my post. The setup I detailed will obliterate your Onkyo setup...

And although my setup includes multimedia speakers, the decoder allows it to be connected to various equipment.

Whatever. Buy the wrong thing. I hate you all. Go wreck you car.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: Nebor
I like how you guys just rolled on past my post. The setup I detailed will obliterate your Onkyo setup...

And although my setup includes multimedia speakers, the decoder allows it to be connected to various equipment.

Whatever. Buy the wrong thing. I hate you all. Go wreck you car.

LOL! I think OP already knew what he wanted to do before he asked.
If it makes you feel better I liked your suggestion. If I had his budget and his need, I would definitely consider your suggestion. But buying cheap receiver and speakers isn't bad either.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Naustica

Originally posted by: Nebor
I like how you guys just rolled on past my post. The setup I detailed will obliterate your Onkyo setup...

And although my setup includes multimedia speakers, the decoder allows it to be connected to various equipment.

Whatever. Buy the wrong thing. I hate you all. Go wreck you car.

LOL! I think OP already knew what he wanted to do before he asked.
If it makes you feel better I liked your suggestion. If I had his budget and his need, I would definitely consider your suggestion. But buying cheap receiver and speakers isn't bad either.

He's coming in under budget with the TIB plan. That means his budget will be reduced next year!

 

[TimothyX]

i looked at what you recommended nebor. the lack of svideo inputs is what put it off for me. also, i didnt think it would fit in my rack. my computer is on the other side of the room and i already have a 5.1 system for it. integrating the two would leave my center channel on the other side and there goes the balance. the lack of pictures and information on creative's site didnt help. i like the speakers that come with the onkyo system more. this doesnt mean i didnt consider your recommendation. i thank you for it. but, to abide by your request, i am going to go kill my self in a car crash. cheers.

 

[Nebor]

Why would you need svideo inputs on a surround sound system???

If you have a nice 5.1 system, then you could just hook up the DDTS-100 to your existing system and save a bundle of money. I know what you mean about arranging the speakers properly between two displays though. Still, doesn't it seem silly to have 2 sets of speakers in the same room?

The speakers on the gigaworks are much higher quality, as is the subwoofer.

But if that system solves your problems better, enjoy the air bags.... Er, I mean, the sound system.

 

[TimothyX]

my consoles are svideo....i have 5 of them...i need all the inputs i can get. my comp 5.1 blows, but i only need it for 5.1 games, so it gets me by. i do like the size of the creative speakers............

 

[Nebor]

Svideo is a.... video connection. Why the hell do you need to connect svideo to a surround sound reciever?

 

[RockGuitarDude]

klipsch sound ok... i still like my monsoons better

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: Nebor
Svideo is a.... video connection. Why the hell do you need to connect svideo to a surround sound reciever?

If a TV has one S-Video or Component Input, and you have a Gamecube, PS2, Xbox, and DVD Player that all need to get hooked up, you can get a receiver and hook all of your connections, video and audio into it, and have more available connections. Video inputs on receivers have been common for many years, and are a good feature for those of us with lots of devices, but nowhere to input them. The loss on high quality receivers is very small, not likely noticeable except maybe on 1080i digital feeds.

 

[RanDum72]

The Onkyo setup is a kick-azz system for the price. I would go that route myself if I don't already have an HT setup plugged into my PC. If space is a concern, the Creative system (or maybe a the Logitech Z-680's) is the way to go. But for future expandability and flexibility, an AV receiver coupled with some decent speakers is the way to go. And it seems like the Onkyo speakers included are no slouches either. All are two-way designs (seperate tweeter/midbass) and the sub looks hefty too. You can upgrade the speakers later and the receiver can more than keep up with the upgrades. Onkyo receivers have conservatively rated power (they are full bandwidth rated) and better speakers will probably sound better in the future.

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'll also chip in and say Onkyo HT recivers are nice, I got some nicer speakers than what comes w/ the HT in a box kit but the reciver I purchased is pretty similar to the one in the HT in a box, also fyi it's worth it to find a nice universal remote to replace the one that comes w/ just about any Onkyo unit under $500-600 dollars as they are they just suck... lol, but the reciver does make good sound even paired w/ fairly low end A/V speakers and supports a large amount of inputs and outputs. Hope this helps...

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: jdogg707

Originally posted by: Nebor
Svideo is a.... video connection. Why the hell do you need to connect svideo to a surround sound reciever?

If a TV has one S-Video or Component Input, and you have a Gamecube, PS2, Xbox, and DVD Player that all need to get hooked up, you can get a receiver and hook all of your connections, video and audio into it, and have more available connections. Video inputs on receivers have been common for many years, and are a good feature for those of us with lots of devices, but nowhere to input them. The loss on high quality receivers is very small, not likely noticeable except maybe on 1080i digital feeds.

Oh wow, I didn't realize that reciever was an a\v reciever. What a bargain for $300.

 

[TimothyX]

Originally posted by: jdogg707

Originally posted by: Nebor
Svideo is a.... video connection. Why the hell do you need to connect svideo to a surround sound reciever?

If a TV has one S-Video or Component Input, and you have a Gamecube, PS2, Xbox, and DVD Player that all need to get hooked up, you can get a receiver and hook all of your connections, video and audio into it, and have more available connections. Video inputs on receivers have been common for many years, and are a good feature for those of us with lots of devices, but nowhere to input them. The loss on high quality receivers is very small, not likely noticeable except maybe on 1080i digital feeds.

this is what i meant... a a/v receiver....i didnt actually know there were just audio receivers. i am sorry for the confusion, but the onkyo style of receiver is what i was looking for. i thought keeping it vague would allow for more suggestions, but all it did was create confusion....i apologize nebor.