recommendation needed: Home Theatre

[Tereno]

Hi guys,

Well it's just about a month plus away till Boxing Day sale..and I'm thinking of purchasing a home theatre set. I'm wondering if you guys have any recommendations or tips on what to look out for and etc. Personal opinions of your own systems would be good too.

Thanks.

[rc51]

Hi guys,

Well it's just about a month plus away till Boxing Day sale..and I'm thinking of purchasing a home theatre set. I'm wondering if you guys have any recommendations or tips on what to look out for and etc. Personal opinions of your own systems would be good too.

Thanks.


I think you have to define what 'home theatre' means to you...and what exactly you're looking to accomplish.

"Home Theatre" is such a generic term..or mised used term these days.

To me, a home theatre is trying to re-create the actual 'theatre' experience 'at home'. Meaning, a dedicated room, theatre seating, BIG (100"+) screen, a front projector, big sound, custom install, full lighting control.

To others.. a home theatre is just a room with a TV, surround sound system where you can watch movies..but that room can also be used as a living room, or great room etc. etc..its not really dedicated.

[Tereno]

Hmm okies.. to be more specific, I guess I'm looking for a 5.1 or better surround sound system. Doesn't have to come with a DVD but if it does, hopefully it's upconverting and plays DivX? :D :D Though I think this is going to cost a bomb.

[Drew_W]

How much are you going to spend?

A very good upconverting DVD player that plays DiVX/XviD is not a problem. The low quality of those formats versus real DVDs can be, especially if you're truly recreating the home theatre experience with a big screen. Not to mention, unless the rip has AC3 audio, it won't be in surround sound, which sort of defeats the point. DVDs are cheap now...if you're going to do a proper theatre, do yourself a favour and either buy or rent real DVDs.

[Aske001]

Costco has some mid-price HT systems from Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and Phillips, around the $500 mark. They offer upconverting DVD players, and a 5.1 surround system with enough power for a medium size room. Fine if you just want better sound than your TV. If you want high-fidelity sound, you're not going to get it from these systems. As with music audio, the sky is the limit on cost.

[Drew_W]

Costco has some mid-price HT systems from Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, and Phillips, around the $500 mark. They offer upconverting DVD players, and a 5.1 surround system with enough power for a medium size room. Fine if you just want better sound than your TV. If you want high-fidelity sound, you're not going to get it from these systems. As with music audio, the sky is the limit on cost.

Please, let's dismiss the notion that these "home theatre in a box" things are actually anything more than a novelty. Generally speaking, the DVD players in them are medicore at best, and the sound (both on receiver and speaker end) leaves much to be desired. For $500, it is ALWAYS best to pursue a solid entry level STEREO (2-channel) system rather than a wannabe 5-channel ghetto blaster/boom box that will give you the novelty of "home theatre", but not much else. I'm not advocating spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a home theatre, but it's very surprising how many consumers will drop $2-3k on a TV without batting an eyelash, and then go and buy a $500 audio system to go with it. For under $3k, you can have a fantastic home theatre with a projector, large screen, and excellent 5-channel surround sound that'll truly bring the theatre experience home.

[asmielia]

I agree with Drew. You're better off getting a nice receiver and a solid 2 channel system first if money is the issue. You can always add on to the system as necessary later, as long as you stick with the same brand the whole thing should mesh well. You could even get two bookshelf speakers for the fronts to begin with, then move those to the surround speakers later on and get towers for the fronts.

The other thing you might want to consider is forgetting about boxing day, and just wait till January when people have upgraded their audio systems and are selling off their old stuff. Speakers are in my mind one of the best things you can buy used. Well built speakers will last for decades, plus you save a ton of money.

I'd buy the receiver new though.

[Tereno]

Hmm. Well my budget is about $500..but I might consider going higher or holding off my purchase for later. I'm only on 4.1 PC Speakers right now and probably no surround..LOL so I'd think even 2.1 would sound much better than them.

I see.. I thought those HT in a box like Sony stuff is pretty good no? In terms, of superb quality. That was my initial thought..to get one of those.. even at $399 to $499 my dad was thinking it's too pricey already. We don't really have a big room.. I guess it's pretty small soo maybe HiFi will have to wait.

[rc51]

For under $3k, you can have a fantastic home theatre with a projector, large screen, and excellent 5-channel surround sound that'll truly bring the theatre experience home.

3K might be pushing it....unless you settle for a really bare bones system.

A good HDTV projector is at least $2000, I think it would be pointless NOT to go to at least a 720p FP.

A decent 5.1 system speaker system is around the $800-$1000 mark for anything worth the investment.

Then you have a reciever, HDTV STB, DVD player, and screen.

Even a pull down screen from DA-LITE is going to set you back $700-$1000and that's just a manual non tensioned pull down.

You could make your own fixed screen, if you have the wall space..this is the way I'd go if $$$ was an issue. My first system was a DIY screen, 98", turned out great, for about $200.

[Tereno]

Well hmmm I see.. that'll be a huge project for me. And I guess it is basically out of the question with my $$ issues as well as my space issues. Don't have enough room for that.

How bout a 5.1 system for a 40" HDTV? Would those out of the box systems be good enough? I'm bit confused. THose out of the box systems don't contain receivers do they? Been looking at Future Shop's selection.. now if I get a home speaker system, I would also have to buy a Dolby Digital receiver. Am I right? Those HT in a box, I wouldn't need a receiver yes? I'm such a newb in audio. Sigh....

[rc51]

Well hmmm I see.. that'll be a huge project for me. And I guess it is basically out of the question with my $$ issues as well as my space issues. Don't have enough room for that.

How bout a 5.1 system for a 40" HDTV? Would those out of the box systems be good enough? I'm bit confused. THose out of the box systems don't contain receivers do they? Been looking at Future Shop's selection.. now if I get a home speaker system, I would also have to buy a Dolby Digital receiver. Am I right? Those HT in a box, I wouldn't need a receiver yes? I'm such a newb in audio. Sigh....

Depending on your viewing room and how far you sit back...a 40" could be mor than sufficient.

As for receivers, I'd wait till Boxing Day or close to...typically FS or BB clear out some very nice models..even the one I use, normally sold for around $900, FS and Best Buy were clearing them out for $499 during their Boxing Day and year end sales. This was the Pioneer 1014TX, great reciever, and more than adequate for any system. I'm driving a 7.1 system with it (B&W) speakers and it sounds great. My HT room is about 15 x 25.

Another option would be to buy used receivers/equipment after others have upgraded their systems during the Boxing Day or Year End sales..you can get equipment that might only be 1 year old or less at very reasonable costs.

[Aske001]

Let your ears and your budget be your guide.

[gordholio]

Please, let's dismiss the notion that these "home theatre in a box" things are actually anything more than a novelty. Generally speaking, the DVD players in them are medicore at best, and the sound (both on receiver and speaker end) leaves much to be desired. For $500, it is ALWAYS best to pursue a solid entry level STEREO (2-channel) system rather than a wannabe 5-channel ghetto blaster/boom box that will give you the novelty of "home theatre", but not much else. I'm not advocating spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a home theatre, but it's very surprising how many consumers will drop $2-3k on a TV without batting an eyelash, and then go and buy a $500 audio system to go with it. For under $3k, you can have a fantastic home theatre with a projector, large screen, and excellent 5-channel surround sound that'll truly bring the theatre experience home.

Depends what someone can afford.
If you can only afford something "mediocre" then that's what you should get.
A few years ago, I bought a Panasonic HTIB for about $590 with tax.
That was all that I could afford at the time and I make do with it.
If money was no object, I'm sure we'd all get the best there is.

[Drew_W]

Hmm. Well my budget is about $500..but I might consider going higher or holding off my purchase for later. I'm only on 4.1 PC Speakers right now and probably no surround..LOL so I'd think even 2.1 would sound much better than them.

I see.. I thought those HT in a box like Sony stuff is pretty good no? In terms, of superb quality. That was my initial thought..to get one of those.. even at $399 to $499 my dad was thinking it's too pricey already. We don't really have a big room.. I guess it's pretty small soo maybe HiFi will have to wait.

Save your money. EVERY SINGLE HTIB is junk. Like I said, a novelty only for people to be able to say they have surround sound. It's like doing 5.1 clock radios. Keep saving until you can afford a system with which you'll actually be happy with.

[Drew_W]

3K might be pushing it....unless you settle for a really bare bones system.

A good HDTV projector is at least $2000, I think it would be pointless NOT to go to at least a 720p FP.

A decent 5.1 system speaker system is around the $800-$1000 mark for anything worth the investment.

Then you have a reciever, HDTV STB, DVD player, and screen.

Even a pull down screen from DA-LITE is going to set you back $700-$1000and that's just a manual non tensioned pull down.

You could make your own fixed screen, if you have the wall space..this is the way I'd go if $$$ was an issue. My first system was a DIY screen, 98", turned out great, for about $200.

You can get an Optoma HD70 for $1200, Da-Lite screen for $250 (92" Model B HCMW), Oppo 971 DVD for $227, speakers for around $950 and about $400 on a receiver. $3000 for a kick ass system.

[Drew_W]

Well hmmm I see.. that'll be a huge project for me. And I guess it is basically out of the question with my $$ issues as well as my space issues. Don't have enough room for that.

How bout a 5.1 system for a 40" HDTV? Would those out of the box systems be good enough? I'm bit confused. THose out of the box systems don't contain receivers do they? Been looking at Future Shop's selection.. now if I get a home speaker system, I would also have to buy a Dolby Digital receiver. Am I right? Those HT in a box, I wouldn't need a receiver yes? I'm such a newb in audio. Sigh....

Those in a box systems don't even have good enough DVD players to take advantage of a 20" tube TV, let alone a 40" HDTV. Something needs to drive the speakers so they have some sort of amplification built in, but crap speakers don't need tons of power to drive, hence the nice small box.

Stop looking at Future Shop, and visit some real dealers....get a sense for what's out there, even if you can't afford it. It'll really put things into perspective for you. Trust your ears and LISTEN to various systems.

[Aske001]

Keep the advice in perspective, people. Too many wildly exaggerated comments in this thread.

We all know that a car stereo selling for $500 with a CD player, amp, and 5 speakers isn't going to rival a home stereo system costing $thousands, but we don't advise people that they need to spend $thousands on their car stereo or its not worth having. People still manage to listen to a CD in the car and enjoy it, even with a $200 car stereo.

Obviously an HT setup costing $500 isn't going to be much better, but that doesn't mean that it's not worth buying at all for someone who has a $500 budget. In particular the DVD players in these systems are as good as most that you could buy separately.

Maybe the audiophile snobs can stick to advising people to buy $300 speaker cables. :cheesygri

[Drew_W]

Keep the advice in perspective, people. Too many wildly exaggerated comments in this thread.

We all know that a car stereo selling for $500 with a CD player, amp, and 5 speakers isn't going to rival a home stereo system costing $thousands, but we don't advise people that they need to spend $thousands on their car stereo or its not worth having. People still manage to listen to a CD in the car and enjoy it, even with a $200 car stereo.

Obviously an HT setup costing $500 isn't going to be much better, but that doesn't mean that it's not worth buying at all for someone who has a $500 budget. In particular the DVD players in these systems are as good as most that you could buy separately.

Maybe the audiophile snobs can stick to advising people to buy $300 speaker cables. :cheesygri

You'll be much better served by a solid 2-channel system than a crap 5-channel one. Most movies don't have a ton of ambient sound anyways, and a proper stereo pair across the front will image well enough you don't need a centure. The benefit then is that music (the foundation of all movies, not to mention I doubt this is exclusively for movie use) will sound fantastic and much better than with an HTIB.

And I contest that DVD players in an HTIB for the most part as good as what you'd buy separately....unless of course you refer to the myriad mediocre DVD players on the market with only a few rising above the pack.

[ShadowVlican]

You'll be much better served by a solid 2-channel system than a crap 5-channel one. Most movies don't have a ton of ambient sound anyways, and a proper stereo pair across the front will image well enough you don't need a centure. The benefit then is that music (the foundation of all movies, not to mention I doubt this is exclusively for movie use) will sound fantastic and much better than with an HTIB.
he speaks the truth :arrowu:

[Noohspam]

Hi guys,

Well it's just about a month plus away till Boxing Day sale..and I'm thinking of purchasing a home theatre set. I'm wondering if you guys have any recommendations or tips on what to look out for and etc. Personal opinions of your own systems would be good too.

Thanks.

Hey Tereno,

Your budget of $500 for a HT system is a real challenge, but here are some things you'll need to know if you wish to pursue this (if I'm repeating anything you already know it's only to cover all the bases):

The components:
1) The source: a DVD\CD player that will pass through digital signals to your receiver; this means one with an optical or rca digital out, or (if your tv or receiver has a connection for it, and HDMI connection out). Ideally, the unit should have a progressive scan output (at least 720p - meaning 720 horizontal lines displayed horizontally; versus the 480i of regular TV). Also, look for a unit that can play DivX files, or mpeg4 files. This latter bit will allow the player to play *.avi files that have been burned to CD or DVD (think of all those movies you downloaded onto your pc). Some DVD players are capable of decoding digital signals and outputting to your receiver - this is not necessary; you pay extra for something you don't need
2) The receiver: receives the digital output from your source above and decodes it. The digital signal will either be a stereo signal, DTS or Dolby Digital w/ AC3 - the latter two are 5.1 movie audio formats that are usually found on most DVD movie tracks, although some only have one, or the other, as well as regular stereo. The decoded signals are then amplified and then outputted to your speakers. The receiver should thus have a minimum of five (or more i.e. 6.1 or 7.1 setup) amplified channels (the center, two front and two rear speakers) in order to provide this amplification. It should also have an output for a subwoofer. This output is typically called the "sub pre-out" and only consists of the decoded signal for the subwoofer (more on this later), and has not been amplified, as are the other five or more channels.
3) The speakers: A 5.1 system consists of 5 speakers, and 1 sub. The full complement of speakers includes the two front stereo left and right pair, the center channel, and finally the two rear left and right pair. The subwoofer typically is a standalone unit that has its own built in amplifier, it only needs the "sub pre-out" signal sent to it from the receiver (see above). This kind of sub is called an "active" subwoofer. Subwoofers may also be "passive", i.e. they have no built in amplifier. In order to use this kind of sub, you would need a receiver that would send an amplified signal to it.
4) Interconnects - consist of optical or rca type digital cables, perhaps s-video or component video cables, and rca cables for audio (from source to receiver), and speaker cables.

A home theater in a box offers all these things, however as mentioned in other posts, their sound quality is typically mediocre, but if you've never been exposed to high end audio, or experienced live concerts or music, than the level of performance that these systems offer may be perfectly satisfying. The best thing you can do is to have a listen to one of these systems in-store; bring some material, a cd or a movie that you're familiar with (maybe heard it on a friends system).

If you wish to buy everything seperate, here are a few things to consider:
1) Speakers make the most difference to the quality of the sound; that means that this is the area that you want to spend the most on. For a 5.1 system, all the speakers should be from the same company, and ideally from the same line. Mixing speakers from different companies will result in non-uniform sounding surround effects, i.e. a train traveling on the left side from the front speaker to the rear will sound disjointed, rather than as a uniform gradual transition from one speaker sound field to the other. Good speaker brands to consider include Athena, PSB, Paradigm, (all Canadian companies) as well as Polk Audio, and Mission to name a few. Most, if not all offer low cost bookshelf speakers withing the $199 per pair range, and even in the $100 range. Athena also offers home theater speaker sets (all five speakers and subwoofer) that are compact, reasonably priced and that have won numerous awards.
2) If you get better speakers, you'll have to go cheap on the receiver. Just get the cheapest one you can get that will provide 5 channels of amplification with DTS and Dolby Digital Decoding. The idea is that this will be upgraded at a later date. Keep in mind that power ratings i.e. "100 watts per channel" for cheaper receivers are overated. For example, a Harman Kardon receiver with 50 watts per channel will outperform and sound better than an equivalant low-end Sony with 100 watts per channel.
3) For a subwoofer, try to find something with a minimum 10" driver; 12" would be even better. Make sure that the sub is an active one and that will allow you to adjust the cross-over frequency (this will allow better matching with your speakers) and volume.
4) You should start with a receiver, center channel, and front left and right speakers, as well as the subwoofer. The rear speakers can be added later.

Hope this helps.

Noohspam

[rc51]

You can get an Optoma HD70 for $1200, Da-Lite screen for $250 (92" Model B HCMW), Oppo 971 DVD for $227, speakers for around $950 and about $400 on a receiver. $3000 for a kick ass system.

I guess 'kick ass' has different meanings to different people... to me kick ass is B&W, Krell, Martin Logans, Classe :D

My current system is built around B&W 805 Matrix series... Martin Logans are going upstairs for the audio system.

[hp]

I guess 'kick ass' has different meanings to different people... to me kick ass is B&W, Krell, Martin Logans, Classe :D

My current system is built around B&W 805 Matrix series... Martin Logans are going upstairs for the audio system.

Then there are people who are welling to spend tens of thousands more than you. But in general, the return you get on your money diminishes with higher cost equipments. In the spirit of RFD, we usually look for the best bang for the buck.

In general I tend to agree with Drew that you should get a decent receiver and a good pair speaker over any Home theatre in box, however, with $500 budget, IMHO, this is not a reality.

If you can streach your budget, check this out. http://www.audioshop.on.ca/api/seconds.htm.

The Energy 5.2 system is a complete surround speaker set (minus the sub) for $325. It's a pretty good price. Add a entry level receiver for about $250 ish you should be set. This ofcourse is just my opinion.

hp

[stealth]

I agree with just about everything posted here, esp. the part about the "big brands" misleading consumer with the term 'Home Theater in a box" when it should be called "cheap dvd player and speakers in a box".

I know I wanted something half decent when I built our theater room in our basement, so I started with a Harman Kardon AVR630 receiver (used), Polk Audio speakers (6) (used) and a Sub from Paradigm for my .1 (used), in addition to a 90in screen (free) and a NEC DLP projector loaned from work (free), so its as barebones as it gets for my proof of concept, yet still captures the effect I expect from something called a Home Theater instead of just a tv set with speakers. It wont wow any a/v-philes, but from a newbies perspective its pretty incredible, as we enjoy movies now more at home than in a theater. There have been lots of times when we'll got a movie and think the video or sound quality isnt as good as it is at home.
I figure to date, I've spent $1500-2000, not including sat receiver, various cables/power management, but this is maybe anpother couple hundred. I'm now building on it with a homemade HTPC and will be upgrading to a projector of mine this year.

But we are making a lot of assumptions here about the OP.

For all we know, and his posts sound more and more like it, he could be an 18yr old living in his parents house that wants a cool setup for his 15 x 15 bedroom. In which case a HTIB (or something like it that he can build on if he ever moves out i.e. maybe a JBL 5.1 speakers in a box set for $399 from FS and a used Yamaha surround receiver ($350.) and an upconverting DVD player ($150) is all he needs to have a cool bachelor pad. Just dont call it a theater :)

[Tereno]

But we are making a lot of assumptions here about the OP.

For all we know, and his posts sound more and more like it, he could be an 18yr old living in his parents house that wants a cool setup for his 15 x 15 bedroom. In which case a HTIB (or something like it that he can build on if he ever moves out i.e. maybe a JBL 5.1 speakers in a box set for $399 from FS and a used Yamaha surround receiver ($350.) and an upconverting DVD player ($150) is all he needs to have a cool bachelor pad. Just dont call it a theater :)

Not bad!! :D pretty close assumption.. I am a 21 yr old and I am living with my parents but I'm not gonna be putting it into my bedroom. At the moment, I've just shelled out for the 40" HDTV and I would like something to go along with it. It's really for the family and my parents set the budget.. I might be able to convince them or so.. but something that sounds pretty decent would be good enough for them. So yeah.. like you said.. a starter speaker kit. For the DVD player, I am thinking of holding that off till I get a PS 3? .. Yes.. after all the comments made here, I begin to realize that theater is the wrong word used and the wrong impression is being implied. But all the comments have been invaluable and I will certainly take them when I do move out! :D :D So that I can at least plan for my cool (and real) bachelor pad..

Thanks for all the advice so far guys!! You've been a great help..

[tescosamoa]

http://www.roundsound.com/adiva-stereo-speakers.htm


Are a great Speaker in a Box system. Not too expensive either.

http://www.athenaspeakers.com another option. Which i believe 2001 sells.

Another example

http://www.speakerdirect.com/sl2/products/digital/index.htm
The digital series from Studiolab.

Since it is not your place you should find out what speakers are allowed.

[WalnutCrunch]

If you're strict on your $500 budget, here's one for you... Comes with 80GB dvd recorder with divx.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367559

[Drew_W]

If you're strict on your $500 budget, here's one for you... Comes with 80GB dvd recorder with divx.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367559

Stay far far away. Read the rest of the thread as to why.

[Tereno]

An OT question:

If I bought a receiver, I know I have to connect the speaker systems to the receiver right? I know I'd also have to connect all my audio inputs to the receiver.. But do I connect all my video inputs as well to the receiver? What are the advantages of doing this instead of connecting my video inputs straight to the tv?

[erikr]

An OT question:

If I bought a receiver, I know I have to connect the speaker systems to the receiver right? I know I'd also have to connect all my audio inputs to the receiver.. But do I connect all my video inputs as well to the receiver? What are the advantages of doing this instead of connecting my video inputs straight to the tv?

The advantage is using the receiver to change the input instead of the TV. It's useful if you have a lot of components and not enough connectors on the TV. It also makes wiring to the TV much easier.

[Tereno]

I see. Is there anything else? I figure it'll be less of clicking on the "Video" button on the tv to change the inputs and less splitting up of video and audio cables..and more cables to buy as well..

[akito925]

Then there are people who are welling to spend tens of thousands more than you. But in general, the return you get on your money diminishes with higher cost equipments. In the spirit of RFD, we usually look for the best bang for the buck.

In general I tend to agree with Drew that you should get a decent receiver and a good pair speaker over any Home theatre in box, however, with $500 budget, IMHO, this is not a reality.

If you can streach your budget, check this out. http://www.audioshop.on.ca/api/seconds.htm.

The Energy 5.2 system is a complete surround speaker set (minus the sub) for $325. It's a pretty good price. Add a entry level receiver for about $250 ish you should be set. This ofcourse is just my opinion.

hp


thats what I would pick something like that.. if not my friend picked up a bestbuy on boxing day a home theather package..

came with infinity speakers front, center, rear and subwoer speakers.. perfect for a 5.1 surround sound, its fine, and even a entry level yamaha receiver. all for $900. but that was on boxing day a year ago..not sure if any deals like that or not..

but for now..

get a receiver, and speakers.
I'm assuming you have some kinda of t.v, and a dvd player at least..
since you have a budget. thats what I'd would do.