View Full Version : Home Cinema Systems
I've ordered a 37" samsung, but will need a home cinema system to go with it. I'm planning to get a ps3 which can be used as a blue ray player so just need a package which doesnt come with a dvd player if possible.
Not sure how much to spend but I'm not overly fussed on sound quality.
Anyone have any recomendations?
richer sounds , good shop
also avforums , good site
ferretca18
03-01-2010, 15:23
^^ What he said!!! Get to Richer sounds, say what you want and what sort of budget and they weill help you get the best system thats most suited to your needs, they usually give you a deal on the wires and cables etc... just dont be suckered into buying expensive wire as there was an article posted by Dave_S (i think) that explained that its mostly a myth!!!:thumbs:
All you need is an AV reciever and a set of budget 5.1 speakers:thumbs: im sure £200 should get you something pretty decent for what you want!
I've got a Samsung tv so I'm looking for a Samsung Bluray/cinema system to go with it too...
remember the Ps3 has optical and HDMI out
if you want full blueray HD sound stuff you want an amp that has an HDMI source on it.
However the optical out from the ps3 delivers almost the same sound, and to be fair if you are only buying a budget system, there isnt much in it, you certainly wont tell the difference after 5 mins of listening anyway as your brain gets very used to sound it hears.
So make sure your amp is either HDMI or Optically equiped !
How much are you looking to spend?
You could just about get an amp & speakers for £200, but it would be second hand for anything reasonable.
If you were looking new and wanted a setup that was a good 1st setup yet still fairly cheap, something like this would do it:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/yamaha/rxv465/yama-rxv465-blk
with these:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/jamo/a102-hcs5/jamo-a102-blk
or if that is a little pricey for you, you could settle for these maybe:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/tannoy/sfx5.1/tann-sfx5.1-blk
or cheaper still there are these:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/yamaha/nsp280/yama-nsp280-blk
That is about as cheap as you'll get for decent named separates, otherwise you're better off buying second hand :)
Actual_Ben_Taylor
03-01-2010, 15:52
Onkyo HT-S5205 might be worth a look at around £300 and will give you a bit of scope for the future.
Actual_Ben_Taylor
03-01-2010, 15:57
remember the Ps3 has optical and HDMI out
if you want full blueray HD sound stuff you want an amp that has an HDMI source on it.
However the optical out from the ps3 delivers almost the same sound, and to be fair if you are only buying a budget system, there isnt much in it, you certainly wont tell the difference after 5 mins of listening anyway as your brain gets very used to sound it hears.
So make sure your amp is either HDMI or Optically equiped !
Just because it has HDMI input doesn't mean it will process full HD audio. Most of the cheaper amps with HDMI input will only do DTS so will be no better than optical/digital coax. Its more the benefit of HDMI switching that you get :)
AshT_200
03-01-2010, 17:56
Onkyo HT-S5205 might be worth a look at around £300 and will give you a bit of scope for the future.
Does this support multichannel PCM?
If not and you want a one box solution, the Sony HT-SS360 is worth a look also. Connected to a PS3, you'll get HD Audio.
ferretca18
03-01-2010, 18:17
just a pointer, Im running the Tannoy SFX5.1's that Hallsy posted (the cheaper seperates) Very good speakers, a lot of punch for their size. They also did a fair bit better than some of the higher priced competition in What Hifi. Also really well built. One fell off the wall and hit a marble table (was using those command strip things to hold it on, didnt like the window plastic stuff) Not a dent... and still works fine. Just got a little scratch:thumbs:
Thanks for the replies. Any "features" in particular I should look for?
For features, any brand name budget amp with have the features you 'need', after that it's about what you want.
As has been mentioned, if you want to pass HD soundtracks from your PS3 then you need an amp that can decode HD audio over HDMI. Otherwise you can pass DTS/DD soundtracks over an optical connection.
A 7.1 setup is not really essential as there aren't actually that many soundtracks utilising HD 7.1 at the moment, most are still 5.1, although I'd guess that most current amps support 7.1 anyway.
Things like auto setup are a nice touch, but again, not essential.
Just make sure you know what you want to connect up to it, and what connections you wish to use, and also anything you may plan to use in the future - then make sure the amp you're looking at has enough i/o.
I'm at the limit with my amp now (Yam RX-V640), but then I have had it quite a while now, and for me, the only thing I'd be wanting would be HDMI passthrough to make cabling simpler/less messy and so that I can get the benefit of the HD soundtracks from my BDP. Otherwise I'm still more than happy with the performance :)
Ive just brought a 24" tv for the bedroom (as im still with the rents :() which i also run as a computer monitor and have been advised to buy an amp with the HDMI or the optical audio output ....
So everything sky, blueray, speakers, ps3, computer, ipod all plugs into the amp and then one HDMI lead into the telly....Showed me a set up when i got my tv from richer sounds for about £600 for the lot..
Found the exact same set up in comet for £350... Was an onkyo set up, including the speakers and blueray player and cables.
or cheaper still there are these:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/yamaha/nsp280/yama-nsp280-blk
That is about as cheap as you'll get for decent named separates, otherwise you're better off buying second hand :)
i take it you still need an amp for these ? i will be sorting my self a 5.1 system once i move out my flat i just have no idea on av systems of what to buy.
Yes mate :)
As Ben mentioned, there are a few half decent 'all-in-one' systems that use separates, like the Onkyo ones, and also Yamaha do one based around their cheaper amp & speaker set. It's a better route into home cinema than the one box DVD/BD/amp solutions, but it depends on what you want and whether you plan to expand or upgrade.
VIDAL BABBOON
04-01-2010, 20:51
Best place i have found online is superfi :nod:
http://www.superfi.co.uk
Bought my AE Evo 5.1 pack there for peanuts :nod:
I Have the Sony DA1200ES amp and had to sit on the door of my local Sony centre to get it, i love it and the only flaw i have found is that reproduction of audio on basic stereo is a tad off what my Marantz stereo amp produces, BUT that would not be enough to knock it :no:
The best advice i can give anyone when getting into home audio is buy a few magazines, scour the web then set a budget for an entry level system.
Don't try and punch above your weight :no:
You have to start somewhere and if going with separates you wont be disappointed with the result of a decent entry level system, it's only when you start to get into it that you will see the shortfalls of your current system.
That's the time to upgrade and move up the ladder :)
i only want a basic but good sounding setup, and probably wont upgarde as im tight, it'll just be used for my ps3 and free sat.
just found this on ocuk, looks like quite a good start, just then need a centre and rear speackers. http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/onkyo/htx-22hd/onky-htx22hd
I bought this Samsung Blu Ray Surround Sound system before Christmas and think it is amazing:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-HT-BD1252-Blu-ray-Cinema-System/dp/B001V9KQLM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262702638&sr=8-1
£400 and I got 5.1 (2 of them tall boys), BD Live and all that, ipod dock, 2 optical inputs, HDMI, composite, and other gimmicky stuff like access to YouTube.
I have never had a surround sound system before and am not an audiophile, but find the quality amazing.
The only slight slight issue was that the surround sound system was set to a 50ms delay out of the box so when I first used it, it looked like everyone was lip synching. Got a little worried, but after I found the menu option and set it to 0ms, it was good as gold.
The 2 digital inputs mean I connect my Sky+ HD box and Xbox 360 to it for the surround sound.
EDIT: I have seen some of the reviews, saying it stuffs up and turns itself off part way through films. I have not experienced that but can see that the unit does get very hot, so I would not recommend encasing it in a cupboard or anything. Mine is in a shelf with the front and back exposed and all seems fine.
boombastik
05-01-2010, 14:52
Im using the philips system
I have the 37" Ambilight LCD TV
with the Philips HTS8140 ambi sound bar
all wall mounted using the PS3 & SKY HD with optical sound
awsome picture and the sound is amazing with optical
Actual_Ben_Taylor
05-01-2010, 14:58
The systems like that Samsung are a nice one box solution, but if you already have a PS3 then they they aren't really cost effective compared to the likes of the Onkyo/Yamaha/Sony 5.1 systems mentioned above.
VIDAL BABBOON
05-01-2010, 18:16
What he said :nod:
Also check these out ;)
http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/5537
http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/5238
http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/5316
All the above would be more than adequate to impress and would make for an awesome start, granted they are not this years model BUT as the home audio field shifts so fast it's pointless paying the money just to have the 2010 gear if it's a starter system.
What he said :nod:
Also check these out ;)
http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/5537
http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/5238
All the above would be more than adequate to impress and would make for an awesome start, granted they are not this years model BUT as the home audio field shifts so fast it's pointless paying the money just to have the 2010 gear if it's a starter system.
they look perfect :nod: better get saving quickly then :), (wonders if work can get stuff like this :confused: lol)
Onkyo system as above..but cheaper.
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/567930/ONKYO-HTS3200
Onkyo system as above..but cheaper.
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/567930/ONKYO-HTS3200
Different model.
however PETER TYSON does the decent Onkyo system at £330
EDIT : http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/onkyo_hts5205.shtml?fshop
I just got my first home cinema surround sound system last week.
Before i set mine up i went around my mates house and heard his all in one LG system that was £170.... all i cam say is my £670 was well spend at richer sounds, better amps really WILL make a difference so get the best you can.
I went with
Onkyo TSXR607 in black and Harmon Kardon 5.1 speaker package, its very good! I watched Transformers 2 withe the HD sound and it sounds sooooo good, it has a depth to it that you miss with SD sound. SD sound was 600kb whilst HD sound was 5/6mb!!
Im addicted now and next month im going to whack more speakers in and use the amp to its full!!
In short.... if you enjoy films a good surround sound system gives an extra dimension to the film!
I watched Transformers 2 withe the HD sound and it sounds sooooo good, it has a depth to it that you miss with SD sound. SD sound was 600kb whilst HD sound was 5/6mb!!
Didn't realise there was as much a difference as that, although I suppose it makes sense as SPDIF can't carry HD soundtracks due to lacking in bandwidth I believe. Although the 'SD' DTS soundtrack from a BD is uncompressed iirc.
I was told by a few AV guys that the difference between SD & HD soundtracks was pretty minimal in reality.
Unfortunatley I won't be able to find out until I buy a new amp :(
Actual_Ben_Taylor
06-01-2010, 21:59
I recently upgraded too :)
Monitor Audio RS6, RS-LCR and RS-FX to go with my BK XLS200 and 'vintage' Denon AVC-A10SE :D
Amp next, but don't know what to get as the Denon is awesome...
AshT_200
07-01-2010, 01:47
Didn't realise there was as much a difference as that, although I suppose it makes sense as SPDIF can't carry HD soundtracks due to lacking in bandwidth I believe. Although the 'SD' DTS soundtrack from a BD is uncompressed iirc.
I was told by a few AV guys that the difference between SD & HD soundtracks was pretty minimal in reality.
Unfortunatley I won't be able to find out until I buy a new amp :(
All soundtracks on Blu-ray apart from PCM are compressed. TrueHD and DTS HD-MA are lossless compression, the rest are lossy compression.
I recently upgraded too :)
Monitor Audio RS6, RS-LCR and RS-FX to go with my BK XLS200 and 'vintage' Denon AVC-A10SE :D
Amp next, but don't know what to get as the Denon is awesome...
Nice :D
That's the trouble, the HD era is causing us to want to upgrade our perfectly good 'old school' amps!!
All soundtracks on Blu-ray apart from PCM are compressed. TrueHD and DTS HD-MA are lossless compression, the rest are lossy compression.
Ah right, I thought I had been told that a normal DTS/DD soundtrack over SPDIF from a BD was less compressed than that from a DVD. Perhaps I read it wrong, lol!!
just had a look if i can get onkyo stuff at work and i can :D so trade plus vat prices for me :D
Yay :D So what sort of discount do you get on Onkyo?
VIDAL BABBOON
08-01-2010, 18:43
Good news :nod:
Get the best one you can afford in that case lol
Post the prices up to really annoy us all though lol
danny-mac
09-01-2010, 02:31
This is a good deal http://hifix.co.uk/sku2.lasso?ONKYO-TXSR607&item=f3e1de9132612dba17e09b19a37ab0c4
Yay :D So what sort of discount do you get on Onkyo?
well its trade plus vat to me, so it will be cheaper than i can get online, but not by much as id guess people like richer sounds buy quite a few so get a good discount to start with.
Good news :nod:
Get the best one you can afford in that case lol
Post the prices up to really annoy us all though lol
it will be one of the onkyo 5.1 systems :nod: im not realy planning on upgrading after tbh.
I'm in the same boat will use a ps3 for blueray, so just wanted to buy an amp, speakers and decoder that i can hook up my ipod, tv, pc and ps3 too.
I found this german company, teufel, advertised on the avforum selling home cinema systems. I thought they were good prices compared to my local shops.
What are people's opinions on this for a basic starter system
http://www.teufel.eu/Integrated-Systems/Concept-E300-Digital.cfm?show=technik#tab
Actual_Ben_Taylor
09-01-2010, 22:39
I'm struggling to see the point of that system :confused:
VIDAL BABBOON
09-01-2010, 22:53
I'm struggling to see the point of that system :confused:
Perfect for a posh home PC setup :nod:
Shite for anything else imho.
Can someone point out to me please why it's crap so i can stop spending my money on shite.
what's the main differences from the one's above?
Thouhgt it would be perfect to hook up my ps3/tv/pc :o
It's kind of like a halfway house between a speaker package and a "proper" AV receiver + speaker package. That "decoder station" looks to be a decoder / audio switch to allow you to plug lots of devices into theif normal PC surround setup.
Unless you're doing everything via your PC in an office I'd steer clear and buy better kit, especially as that doesn't sound cheap for something that will become next to useless if you ever want to upgrade bits in the future.
Dave
danny-mac
10-01-2010, 08:54
No hdmi ins or outs.
The sub is small.
The amp is inside the sub, something that I dont personally like. Especiallly in a £350 set up.
My advice is to try to put in an extra £100, buy the jamo a102s (great little speakers) and spend the rest on an av reciever that has hdmi inputs/outputs.
Preferably one that can decode the HD audio formats but this isn't esential IMO. Unless you watch lots of bluray movies through your PS3.
Bear in mind that most of the high definition, downloadable content only has AC3 or DTS audio (which sounds great anyway) which most lower end amps will decode.
This is what the jamos look like on the wall.
danny-mac
10-01-2010, 09:01
Maybe this amp, £240 with a 5 year guarantee. It will handle the HD audio content from the ps3 too. http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/onkyo/txsr507/onky-txsr507-sil#
VIDAL BABBOON
10-01-2010, 10:11
Or a full decent starter kit for less money :nod:
http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/5537
Remember though you will need to spend money on the following
HDMI lead from TV to AMP
HDMI lead from PS3 to Amp
Speaker cables to all speakers (6 in total)
Optical lead from CD player to amp
3.5mm Jack to two RCA's for the Ipod to AMP
It's also advisable to fit a power filter and plug all your kit into this, they can be had in most DIY places for a basic one that will get you started and protect all your kit from nasty voltage spikes etc.
Buy the best leads you can as honestly they will make a difference (to a point) these are not necessarily the most expensive either ;)
danny-mac
10-01-2010, 10:48
These work just fine. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0017RW94A/ref=s9_sima_gw_s0_p23_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=16FDDQ3A65J21ZWMZE9F&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467198433&pf_rd_i=468294
and this speaker cable will meet your needs perfectly http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50M-x-801-882-OFC-Speaker-Cable-192-Strand-1-5mm-168_W0QQitemZ120504650796QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Com puting_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=item1c0ea30c2c
VIDAL BABBOON
10-01-2010, 10:51
Looks like WIN to me :nod:
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