Suggestions for a starter home theatre

[Robbob]

Hey guys I just wanted to get some opinions on a few things and maybe get some suggestions because I no nothing when it comes to this. I just want surround sound for moives and maybe the Xbox. I want to start a little home theatre without going the "home theatre in a box" way. By no means do I want to go over kill and spend over 1k on a reciver and get 300 watt speakers to boot.

A question I have is, I know Harmon Kardon is the top of the line but I also heard you are paying for that blue knob and the name. Anyways looking at some of the specs I see that the low end Harmon (at 600 bucks) goes 50 watts per channel while a Yamaha for $400 has 90 watts per channel. Is this what I should be looking for?

Anyways, I just want a basic 5 speaker system with a sub (5.1) any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

So far I'm leaning towards Yamaha 6.1 Channel Dolby Digital Receiver (HTR5840B) for around $400.00 with 100ish watt speakers from polkaudio.

[BlackArcher101]

Yamaha 5840 is decent. I just bought myself that same receiver. The Harmon's may be rated as 50W but keep in mind they are a true high current receiver. Most receivers that say 100W+ are not. They are indeed good, but to me not worth it for a starter budget system.

I myself am peicing together my speaker system 2 speakers at a time. Only have 2 bookshelfs right now. If I were to get a package, I would get http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0030004&catid=

Those speakers are a great deal right now. The next package I'd look at is http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0058491&catid= but is more pricey.

[ken0042]

Be sure to make a deal. Speakers as a general rule have a large mark up, so getting 20% off those isn't unreasonable.

I am a huge believer in it being better to get a good amp and a good pair of speakers, then adding to it as finances allow; as opposed to buying a HTIB.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

I'd go for this bundle:
http://www.audioshop.on.ca/systemsrxv457actcinema.htm

Audioshop is a well respected audio store based in Ottawa.

[Reaper]

If you want a really good deal on a 6.1 system this one is really good. The receiver is even XM radio ready.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...54&catid=20311

[return to the red]

I've recently been putting my system together and just bought all new polk audio speakers (Monitor 60 towers, with monitor 30 bookshelfs and the psw10) My receiver is a technics (sp) but I am looking for a new one as it is old and doesn't have digital (damn I shoulda spent that 100 initially and i wouldn't have to be rebuying) I'm looking at the Yamaha as well but thankfully I have family in the business who knows the ins and outs of all the stuff.

[Prototype]

RCA 5.1 Doly System (Receiver, Sub, Speakers) - $99 at XS Wares, ($20 for a $30 extended warrenty).

Works fine for me. You did say starter.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Prottotype

RCA 5.1 Doly System (Receiver, Sub, Speakers) - $99 at XS Wares, ($20 for a $30 extended warrenty).

Works fine for me. You did say starter.

I think you mean XS Cargo. XS Wares is the kitchen/home store.

[Incinerator]

Wal-mart has a Duraband HTiB for $68 or something like that. you just plug your DVD player into the Sub, no receiver needed.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Prottotype

RCA 5.1 Doly System (Receiver, Sub, Speakers) - $99 at XS Wares, ($20 for a $30 extended warrenty).

Works fine for me. You did say starter.

Well okay just above starter I guess...The thing is I didn't know what to get for Christmas so I just told people to get me gift cerftificates to bestbuy. In the end I ended up with around $500. I have some one that will trade me cash for them if I don't want bestbuy, the reason being that my brother has a guy at visions.

I figured I'd just select the items and get my brother to run it by his guy to see how much they cost there to see if its worth going there.

I also heard that investing in a good centre channel is worth it (so says the man at futureshop), is that true or just a commision grab?

My TV that I have right now is just a little 32" JVC D series. I plan on upgrading it in about a year. I was in Costco the other day and them big screen TV's sure have gone down.

Anyways thanks so far for all your input. If I have anymore questions I'll be back.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by fotze

I blew a wad on the projector.

You gotta quit watching porn, man.

[return to the red]

in regards to your center channel...I have a mid grade one that was okay with my old speakers, but since I have upgraded my towers and rears I will definitly be upgrading the center channel, reason being the higher clarity of the new speakers makes my center channel sound "echoey and hollow". If you are gonna splurge on a system I would recommend not skimping on a center channel.

P.S. the center channel adds to the whole "theatre experience"

[Burninator]

My advice would be to not spend too much money on a reciever and put it towards the speakers or other components.

What I would most watch out for is when you go into store (pressuming you do) don't get suckered into buying expensive cables, not worth it at all. I mean I wouldn't go your cables at Walmart, but don't spend $150 on RCA cables or something like that. The sales people could give you a big rant on thats how they get thier amazing picture/sound in the store (it partly is, but they running other high end components aswell). But for a low-to-midrange system, high-end cables will have a nill effect. The sales people make more money on cables (and warranties/service plans etc) than they do on tv's speakers and recievers.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Burninator

My advice would be to not spend too much money on a reciever and put it towards the speakers or other components.

Just be sure you don't short change yourself on inputs. My 2 year old amp only has 3 optical inputs, and I'm at a point right now where I could use 5.

[return to the red]

^^ sheesh I'm still looking for 1, what the H E double hockey sticks do you need 5 for?

[Prototype]

Originally Posted by Reaper

I think you mean XS Cargo. XS Wares is the kitchen/home store.

You win this round, but you forgot to make fun of my spelling of "dolBy". Minus 5 points.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by return to the red

^^ sheesh I'm still looking for 1, what the H E double hockey sticks do you need 5 for?

- DVD Recorder
- CD Player
- Canadian Satellite
- US Satellite
- Laserdisc

(Ok, that last one could go to analog for how much I use it right now.)

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Just be sure you don't short change yourself on inputs. My 2 year old amp only has 3 optical inputs, and I'm at a point right now where I could use 5.

Well for a starter system I woudn't spend the coin on an Harmon Kardon receiver.

[Red]

Get a HK or an entry level Denon. Always high current and they sound great.
For speakers I recommend Athena. No better speaker for the money out there. Google it and do some research, but I've had mine for 3 years and I love them.

If you play games go with a TV type that is not subject to screen burn in.
DLP is the way to go or the new plasmas that have pixel shifting protection.

Most important, don't fall for the 100W + stickers on the main stream receivers. They are not going to outperform a 25W high current amp.
If in doubt, lift it, get the heavy one. It's not just bricks in there :-)

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Burninator

Well for a starter system I woudn't spend the coin on an Harmon Kardon receiver.

Agreed. However as your previous post points out, money spent on speakers is usually a better investment than on the amp. To that end, IMHO it's a good idea to make sure to spend $50 extra on an amp that's going to last you 5 years; as opposed to wishing you had spent the money later on. Having to fork out $400 later on to get a better amp is money that could be better spent on speakers.