Some Surround Sound Help

[sega_smasher]

im in the market for a surround sound that is affordable but will give me the uncompressed 5.1 pcm audio... any idea whats good out there on the market for a decent price? my employee discount blows chunks and i need a good deal. they dont really pay that well in good ol CC (reciever or HTIB will do, thanks for your suggestions in advance)

[MouseRider]

Both Onkyo and Sony make entry level systems which will accept 5.1 PCM audio via HDMI.

[sega_smasher]

weird, audio techie at my job told me that onkyo's 505 (the one i had my eyes on) its HDMI inputs are only for straight in and out, meaning no audio. damn him and his not knowing what he's talking about. you wouldnt happen to know which model sony's i should be looking at would ya? thanks for answering btw

[MouseRider]

Just a quick browse on Sony's site shows the HT-SS2000, $400MSRP is designed apparently to match Blu-ray Disc. This is a HTIB.

Specs say it supports 2.0/5.1 PCM audio via HDMI.

[sega_smasher]

sweet. thanks man. i think this one might be a winner.

[MouseRider]

Since you work at CC, you could probably just check it out at work tomorrow.

[PowerMetalGuy]

well if you want some serious sound i suggest saving up a little bit. I got my sound system for a little under $600. money well spent, its the best sound system I've ever heard in a home theater. bumpin bass (my room doors shake) and crystal mids and highs. my speakers have never even been tested (I've owned the audio system for over 2 years) and I've bumped it to the point of not being able to hear the person next to me. also when you do make your purchase if the system uses copper cables( as opposed to RCA cables) i suggest aftermarket solid copper cables as opposed to threaded copper for optimal sound. usually purchased at a home improvement store. The more wattage you can get the better (for audiophiles like myself)

[sega_smasher]

Originally Posted by PowerMetalGuy

well if you want some serious sound i suggest saving up a little bit. I got my sound system for a little under $600. money well spent, its the best sound system I've ever heard in a home theater. bumpin bass (my room doors shake) and crystal mids and highs. my speakers have never even been tested (I've owned the audio system for over 2 years) and I've bumped it to the point of not being able to hear the person next to me. also when you do make your purchase if the system uses copper cables( as opposed to RCA cables) i suggest aftermarket solid copper cables as opposed to threaded copper for optimal sound. usually purchased at a home improvement store. The more wattage you can get the better (for audiophiles like myself)

it might be smart to wait i guess. idk, ima cumpulsive buyer kind of person, when i want something i go out and get it but i think ima have to save up and buy everything seperate... after looking at that system i cant tell if its capable of 7.1. welcome to the boards btw

[MouseRider]

LOL, you're lucky you're not on an audiophile forum or we'd have a flame-war on our hands with a comment like "The more wattage you can get the better (for audiophiles like myself)"

The system I listed is only 5.1 and I listed it because I read "affordable" to be "low priced".

Sky is the limit when it comes to audio and video components.

[sega_smasher]

yeah, i appreciate the recommendation but i know wattage isnt a very great way to rate a system. i was thinking something 7.1 but i dont know if its that big of a deal... idk. like i said im cumplisve and still on the fence. its a horrible combination =(

[MouseRider]

If you look at it purely academically, 7.1 is great when you have a 7.1 mixed source. There aren't many systems out there that expands 5.1 to 7.1 that do a great job.

The waiting game never ends because there'll always be something better around the corner.

That said, unfortunately, the decision is still up to you. Something now for you to enjoy that is affordable enough that you can replace without much hesitation down the road or wait to hit the perfect mark.

Sorry I can't make this easier, I know the feeling, I've been there myself at one time.

[PowerMetalGuy]

haha. yeah i know wattage is not the prime judging tool but i like to blast my system at levels that will probably have repercussions in the future. and I've had issues with lower wattage systems for my personal use. so yeah i guess the more wattage statement is a bit off but i still recommend something in the 750-1000 range. also too much wattage could blow the power outlet as well and possibly cause an electrical fire (especially in older houses/apartments.) Sorry for the slight misinformation.

[Muad'Dib]

I would say put something togeather, instead of buing a a home theater in a box. While they do make good systems, it seems to me you may be getting the Home theater bug. One of the worst thing is getting a system and it turns out not be future freindly. I just noticed you work at the City. Have you checked on the discount age. Companies such as Onkyo, Bose.. well just about every brand you sell have employee special mail in rebates and other programs. I worked there for a while just for fun and the discounts. I was able to get monster cables for 80% off. I got a 40" lcd tv from sony for 50% off. I got a 5.1 bose system for 50% off. These comanies want sales people to have there product so they will more likly see their product to customers. I forgot how to get to the discount page in the CC system, but I'm sure some one can show you.
As for the system check on discontinued items in your store or open box items that are floting around for a discount price. These items are taking up space and if you have a cool manager he or she will sell it to you cheap.
I would go with an Onkyo 605 ( high copasity power suply - do the training courses that CC officer they will help alot in your disistion) and see if Boston Acustic has any specials to emploies. Work the system. Your not taking advantage of anyone it's is there for a reason. Good luck and Have Fun.

[PowerMetalGuy]

here is a link for a basic overview of home theater audio. http://www.home-theater-systems-advi...o_systems.html

[Snowgod]

While there are as many different speaker systems as there are people with opinions, the best sounds are usually from larger speakers with ample power to drive them. THX requires 105 watts per channel in it's certification and this is a good place to start. The center channel speaker should match the sound of the L & R fronts. An example would be as Zorro walks across the stage at the beginning of Mask of Zorro, his footsteps sound the same as they go from R front to center. Rear surround speakers should be somewhat indirect so you cannot tell exactly where the sound comes from. Polk, Klipsch and Bose all have variations of indirect speakers as do Mirage. Mirage has what may be the smallest full range speakers in their OmniSats and their speaker bars go well with Flat panel TVs. The subwoofer may be the most important as it fills the room and balances the sound of the other speakers. I personally recommend HSU Research subwoofer as the best for the money but I have heard many adequate subs for less and if you live in an apartment your neighbors will want you to have a less intrusive subwoofer. So do some research and some critical listening and get what is best for your room and budget, then get a copy of your favorite film and enjoy.

[aygie]

Definitely recommend the Onkyo 805.

[crunchywyte]

Onkyo 605, and right now the City has a Kef 5.1 speaker set that is normally $999 for $499, they sound very very good!