Speakers and wires

[TosaDeac]

I have had my Sony 50inch SXRD HDTV for almost a year now and just got a PS3 over the holidays that I use for some gaming and of course the Blu-Ray player. I have unfortunately not set up a surround system yet and I am just now getting ready to take that next step. I was looking at the Sony STR-DG810 simply because of the 3 HDMI inputs. For the price (now as low as $270 at some sites) it seemed like a good value since I don't need multi-room support. What I need help with is a reasonable set of speakers to pair with that receiver. Also do I need to do 6 speakers with a sub, or can I just do 5 speakers? Lastly what type of speaker wire to use? I checked out Monoprice.com to look for HDMI cables since I read so much about them on this forum, but I then saw they sell different types from 12AWG to 18AWG and I don't have a clue what the difference is.

Thanks in advance for any input!

[Brian Cash]

Originally Posted by TosaDeac

I have had my Sony 50inch SXRD HDTV for almost a year now and just got a PS3 over the holidays that I use for some gaming and of course the Blu-Ray player. I have unfortunately not set up a surround system yet and I am just now getting ready to take that next step. I was looking at the Sony STR-DG810 simply because of the 3 HDMI inputs. For the price (now as low as $270 at some sites) it seemed like a good value since I don't need multi-room support. What I need help with is a reasonable set of speakers to pair with that receiver. Also do I need to do 6 speakers with a sub, or can I just do 5 speakers? Lastly what type of speaker wire to use? I checked out Monoprice.com to look for HDMI cables since I read so much about them on this forum, but I then saw they sell different types from 12AWG to 18AWG and I don't have a clue what the difference is.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Ok if i were you i would not buy the sony and go with the onkyo 605 its a great receiver on the speakers you do not need 6 speakers just 5 speakers and a sub but its all personal pref and for speaker wire go with the 12 gage

[chandril]

Make sure you get a receiver that decodes the latest sorround formats(Dolby True HD AND dts HD), not sure if the PS3 decodes them, I personally like denon. You will need at least a left, right, center, and sorrund speackers to at least enjoy sorrund sound, for me a sub is a most but dont really need it if on a budget. I like Klipsch speakers but thats my taste . For speacker wire dont fall into the Monster Cable marketing trap.

Hope I helped a bit

[TosaDeac]

Originally Posted by chandril

Make sure you get a receiver that decodes the latest sorround formats(Dolby True HD AND dts HD), not sure if the PS3 decodes them, I personally like denon. You will need at least a left, right, center, and sorrund speackers to at least enjoy sorrund sound, for me a sub is a most but dont really need it if on a budget. I like Klipsch speakers but thats my taste . For speacker wire dont fall into the Monster Cable marketing trap.

Hope I helped a bit

The Sony website lists these features for the STR-DG810:

Dolby® Digital Decoding, Dolby® Pro Logic® II Decoding, dts® 96/24 Decoding, dts® NEO:6 Decoding, Dolby® Digital EX Decoding, Dolby® Pro Logic® IIX Decoding, Dolby® Pro Logic® Decoding, dts®-ES Decoding, Digital Cinema Sound™ Technology, dts® Decoding

It does not clearly say Dolby True HD or DTS HD. All these different decoders just make it more confusing!

Would the Klipsch Quintet II Black speakers be a reasonable starting point if I paired them with the powered sub?

I was actually thinking of getting two floor standing speakers for the front just so that I don't have to worry about my son pulling them over on him! But if I do that, would I still go for a powered sub anyway?

[MacDaddyOJack]

Do yourself a huge favor and skip the sony reciever. Sony is great with a lot of things, but audio is not one of their strong points.

[Kratos3]

Sony makes decent receivers, but if you're going with them I'd suggest waiting a few months. They are coming out with new models that should support all audio formats in the near future. The Onkyo 605 can be found for around $300-350 if you look hard enough. Plus, if you use Discover, you get an addtional 5% back when ordering from many sites, including TigerDirect where my buddy bought his.

As for speakers, if you're buying from BB, go with either JBL or Klipsch. Both make very decent speakers that won't break the bank. If you're going with CC, Polk Audio is nice and Infinity is also quite good. Crutchfield is a good site to do a lot of research. As far as a sub goes, if you're getting floorstanding speakers or if you're getting bookshelf models, you will want a sub someday. Floorstanders are a better option, in general, if you can't afford a sub now, since you should get pretty decent bass response from them until you can afford a sub. But if you can afford it, get a full 5.1 system. The difference b/t 2 channel audio and 5.1 surround is stunning! I have the Quintet III(the Quintet II would be good as well and can be found on eBay relatively cheap) and I'm very happy with it! Klipsch makes great speakers, especially for movies.

Good Luck!

[Doc_Stew]

I would recommend:

Onkyo 605 receiver ($400)
Klipsch Quintet III satellite speakers ($500)
BIC Acoustech H-100 sub ($250) - best sub under $500 by far (check AVS for reviews)
Monoprice for 12g. speaker wire - 100 ft. is $25

I have the Onkyo and the Klipsch Quintet IIs, and love them! I have the Klipsch KSW-10 sub, and it blows goats. Definitely should've researched first.

Just my advice

[Tyler2106]

speaker wire is measured in guages...the smaller the number ex. 12awg means it is a more thick wire then a 18awg wire...copper is copper but the thicker is most of the time better...

[Baseball3]

Originally Posted by TosaDeac

I have had my Sony 50inch SXRD HDTV for almost a year now and just got a PS3 over the holidays that I use for some gaming and of course the Blu-Ray player. I have unfortunately not set up a surround system yet and I am just now getting ready to take that next step. I was looking at the Sony STR-DG810 simply because of the 3 HDMI inputs. For the price (now as low as $270 at some sites) it seemed like a good value since I don't need multi-room support. What I need help with is a reasonable set of speakers to pair with that receiver. Also do I need to do 6 speakers with a sub, or can I just do 5 speakers? Lastly what type of speaker wire to use? I checked out Monoprice.com to look for HDMI cables since I read so much about them on this forum, but I then saw they sell different types from 12AWG to 18AWG and I don't have a clue what the difference is.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Onkyo 605 and Boston Acoustics MCS130 speaker system ( 5 speakers and a sub). And, take on and win any any challenge for value and sound. You will win each and every time. Six or seven speakers is just a waste of money at this time and for the foreseeable future.

[ManUtd]

For HDMI cables, check this thread. Better hurry before they run out.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by TosaDeac

It does not clearly say Dolby True HD or DTS HD. All these different decoders just make it more confusing!

The Sony STR-DG810 is 5.1 PCM capable...so whatever formats the PS3 can internally decode, you will get 5.1 of.

(HINT: Uncompressed PCM and Dolby TrueHD )

[TosaDeac]

Read somewhere about the PS3 decoding Dolby True HD to PCM and that DTS was in the works.

Overall it sounds like I definitely need to reconsider my receiver choice since up and down this thread, and others i have been reading, the Onkyo SR605 is the best "entry level" receiver that will at least partially be future proof for the immediate future. Someone posted a $20 coupon code for Crutchfield (3A706 exp 3/31) on a different thread, so maybe I'll have to just pull the trigger on that purchase. Also sounds like for my budget the Klipsch Quintets might be a good option with a powered sub. Thanks for all the input, can't wait to finally hear my games and movies in surround. Now just have to figure out how to hide all the wires!

[wem003]

Read some of the links in this thread before you decide you have to have 12 gauge wire.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=38181

Link to the article.

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm

[cawgijoe]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

Do yourself a huge favor and skip the sony reciever. Sony is great with a lot of things, but audio is not one of their strong points.

Bunk.........a few years ago, maybe.....not now.

[moviefan]

Originally Posted by Baseball3

Onkyo 605 and Boston Acoustics MCS130 speaker system ( 5 speakers and a sub). And, take on and win any any challenge for value and sound. You will win each and every time. Six or seven speakers is just a waste of money at this time and for the foreseeable future.

Good advice here on the speakers ... a great value, and sub (cable too) are included.
My daughter has the Sony810 (6.1) and loves it, but it will soon be replaced by the 820 (7.1) with the new audio format decoding.
For speaker wire, 14GA or 16GA are plenty adaquate unless you plan ridiculously long runs.
In any event FUTURE PROOF whenever possible.

[cawgijoe]

Originally Posted by TosaDeac

Read somewhere about the PS3 decoding Dolby True HD to PCM and that DTS was in the works.

Overall it sounds like I definitely need to reconsider my receiver choice since up and down this thread, and others i have been reading, the Onkyo SR605 is the best "entry level" receiver that will at least partially be future proof for the immediate future. Someone posted a $20 coupon code for Crutchfield (3A706 exp 3/31) on a different thread, so maybe I'll have to just pull the trigger on that purchase. Also sounds like for my budget the Klipsch Quintets might be a good option with a powered sub. Thanks for all the input, can't wait to finally hear my games and movies in surround. Now just have to figure out how to hide all the wires!

For someone in your position and budget, the Onkyo 605 is the way to go now. This will change in a few months as more manufacturers produce less expensive receivers with the latest audio codecs on board.

As to speakers, any of the mainstream brands will work fine......Boston Acoustics, Infinity, Klipsh, Mirage, etc.........you may even want to take a look at some mail-order only speaker sites such as Axiom Audio or Aperion Audio. Speakers are very subjective and you will need to decide based on your ears and budget.

http://www.aperionaudio.com/
http://www.axiomaudio.com/


As for speaker cable........I would not use anything smaller then 16 guage cable. 12 guage is preferable. You can buy spools of cable from Monoprice or go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy it by the foot. You can use the bare wire.....you don't have to terminate, but make sure that there are no loose strands of cable that can touch each other once connected. You don't want to short things out.

Good luck!