opinions on next upgrade!!! - Blu-ray Forum

ga12r · 03-21-2009, 01:17 AM

Long time reader first time poster. Anyway I currently have a samsung 61a650 dlp with a 5 channel setup consisting of (2) Defin tech BP7004 for L/R (1) Defin tech C/L/R 2300 center and (2) defin tech PM1000 for rear work powered by a onkyo sr876. (sources are directv hd, appletv, and panny bd30.)
Soon to be moving into a house that will allow a better audio setup and Im thinking of either moving to a 7 channel setup with 4 defin tech bp2x bipolar surrounds or just keeping my 5 chan and upgrading to a sammy 58a550 plasma. Sometimes I think I am losing black detail with the dlp. Audio is very importent to me, but so is pic quality. Wife will only let me do one(Argggh) What should I do?

DBlackGT · 03-21-2009, 01:34 AM

Tv for sure. You have a good sound system already and there are only a handful of 7.1 soundtracks out right now. You would definitely benefit more by getting the plasma. just my two cents

ps. welcome to the forum

crazyBLUE · 03-21-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBlackGT

Tv for sure. You have a good sound system already and there are only a handful of 7.1 soundtracks out right now. You would definitely benefit more by getting the plasma. just my two cents

ps. welcome to the forum

I'll 2nd that move !! Get the plasma !!!

ga12r · 03-21-2009, 01:38 AM

Thanks for the reply, how much detail do you think im losing dlp vs plasma?

crazyBLUE · 03-21-2009, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga12r

Thanks for the reply, how much detail do you think im losing dlp vs plasma?

I have never owned A DLP ! But picture wise at any ANGLE the Plasma is much better ! My first HD tv was A Plasma !

DBlackGT · 03-21-2009, 01:55 AM

Well being that its one of Samsungs newer DLP the picture quality is still going to be very good. Its really a matter of preference...but the plasma is going to give you better blacks, accurate colors, viewing angles, etc.

ga12r · 03-21-2009, 02:01 AM

Thanks for the replies, I guess the plasma is the way I need to go, but in a 5 chann setup how much better would the bipolor surround be over the direct firing defins I have now. Keeping a 5 chann system, should I be concerned with this.

crazyBLUE · 03-21-2009, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga12r

Thanks for the replies, I guess the plasma is the way I need to go, but in a 5 chann setup how much better would the bipolor surround be over the direct firing defins I have now. Keeping a 5 chann system, should I be concerned with this.

As DBlackGT said you have A good sound system ! Get the Plasma & When the time comes to work the wife on the sound system comes ~ Then upgrade that !

Sonny · 03-21-2009, 02:15 AM

Get a new display, that will complement your setup the most.

ga12r · 03-21-2009, 02:38 AM

So do yall think the Sammy 58a550 would be a good plasma in that price range vs other plasmas to replace my 61a650? Im partial to sammys since I have the 61a650 plus a 40a550 lcd in my bedroom(sourced by Direct Tv and PS3) that I like.

DBlackGT · 03-21-2009, 09:11 PM

Yes, that would be a great tv for the price/size

zweet77 · 03-21-2009, 09:24 PM

The Panny and if you can go a little more the Pioneer plasmas both beat out the Samsung plasma across the board.Google up some reviews to compare.And both would be a bigger step up uprade wise.Your Dlp is a awesome Tv though probably one of the best deals for a display out there.To go along with other comments the blacks and color accuracy are better on plasmas and so is the refresh rate especially for sports,games, action movies , etc.

Fors* · 03-21-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga12r

Long time reader first time poster. Anyway I currently have a samsung 61a650 dlp with a 5 channel setup consisting of (2) Defin tech BP7004 for L/R (1) Defin tech C/L/R 2300 center and (2) defin tech PM1000 for rear work powered by a onkyo sr876. (sources are directv hd, appletv, and panny bd30.)
Soon to be moving into a house that will allow a better audio setup and Im thinking of either moving to a 7 channel setup with 4 defin tech bp2x bipolar surrounds or just keeping my 5 chan and upgrading to a sammy 58a550 plasma. Sometimes I think I am losing black detail with the dlp. Audio is very importent to me, but so is pic quality. Wife will only let me do one(Argggh) What should I do?

I do not know your budget or room dimensions, but if my wife gave me a green light, a front projector would be a really nice addition. For the price of the plasma, you could find a really nice 720p projector and screen to really enhance your HT viewing. Again, there are some tangibles I do not know, but have you thought of this? Hate to see you sell yourself short on what could be an even better HT room!

lojack1976 · 03-21-2009, 09:54 PM

You have some very good sound equipment and wouldn't put much into going 7.1 since the additional rears aren't that important. I'd say go with some cheaper but good surrounds if you want to go to 7.1. As for the TV, that would be have your biggest impact in my opinion. That seems to be the consensus with everyone. What's your TV budget? The Sammy is a very good deal, but it would be easier to make a recommendation based on your budget. Pioneer is of course the top choice if you can afford it with Panasonic coming in second. If 1080p is not that important then THIS 60" Pioneer is a great deal for $2650 shipped. Its 768p, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more impressive TV at that size for the money. You'd have to spend nearly $1700 more to get THIS 1080p Pioneer at that size. If price is an object and 1080p is a must I would go with THIS 58" Panasonic. For $2400 shipped its a steal. Its a better set than the Sammy. The Sammy is still a good choice however and if you want the biggest bang for your buck you can consider THIS 63" Sammy for just over $3000. The blacks on 650 series Samsung plasmas are better than the 550 series. The 58" 550 is the cheapest option and of course its still a great TV. HERE it is for $2057 shipped.

ga12r · 03-22-2009, 03:29 AM

Thanks again for all the replies. I have decided on a new display after reading most comments and realizing my weak link is display not audio. I am leaning towards the sammy 63a650 now after looking online today. Budget is around $3000 [I have found a buyer for my less than year old 61a650 for $1000, though I feel he was influenced by his auditioning it in my HT setup (wont he be surprised when he gets it home with no 5.1, although I did strongly advise a 5.1 audio system)] , 1080p is a must. Please tell me Im making the right choice with the 63a650.

DBlackGT · 03-22-2009, 03:37 AM

I would go for this one if your budget is around $3000. Its 5 inches smaller than the Samsung but way better.

58inch Panasonic 800U

ga12r · 03-22-2009, 03:44 AM

Thanks for the reply Dblackgt. Since I live in the sticks of South Ga I cant really audition the displays, what would you say makes the Panny way better than the Sammy?

DBlackGT · 03-22-2009, 03:53 AM

Well simply put Panasonic and Pioneer are the best when it comes to Plasma. Also pretty much everywhere you look the Panasonic 800U is the 2nd best tv out (Pioneer Pro is 1st but its a lot of $)

Anyways your going to get better blacks, more accurate primary colors, THX certification (which when THX mode turned on, its practically calibrated already), and some other things as well. Just google top HDTV and the 800u will constantly come up.

Heres a link to CNET.com top HDTV's

Check it out and let me know what you think

ga12r · 03-22-2009, 04:22 AM

I have no doubts after Reading through many posts that the pioneer and Panny are the top plasmas, but how far off can the sammy really be (real world).I am stupidly partial to samsung. I went into the 61a650 knowing I might be giving something up but it was my intro to blu and 1080p and I wanted to try it. I have been happy with both the 61a650and my 40a550 (for secondary viewing). I would like to stay with samsung. Do you feel this would be a mistake?

JasonR · 03-22-2009, 04:25 AM

I think you should be very happy with the Samsung.

http://plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasm...-pn50a650.html

03-21-2009, 01:17 AM	#1
ga12r Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	opinions on next upgrade!!! Long time reader first time poster. Anyway I currently have a samsung 61a650 dlp with a 5 channel setup consisting of (2) Defin tech BP7004 for L/R (1) Defin tech C/L/R 2300 center and (2) defin tech PM1000 for rear work powered by a onkyo sr876. (sources are directv hd, appletv, and panny bd30.) Soon to be moving into a house that will allow a better audio setup and Im thinking of either moving to a 7 channel setup with 4 defin tech bp2x bipolar surrounds or just keeping my 5 chan and upgrading to a sammy 58a550 plasma. Sometimes I think I am losing black detail with the dlp. Audio is very importent to me, but so is pic quality. Wife will only let me do one(Argggh) What should I do?

03-22-2009, 03:29 AM	#15
ga12r Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	Thanks again for all the replies. I have decided on a new display after reading most comments and realizing my weak link is display not audio. I am leaning towards the sammy 63a650 now after looking online today. Budget is around $3000 [I have found a buyer for my less than year old 61a650 for $1000, though I feel he was influenced by his auditioning it in my HT setup (wont he be surprised when he gets it home with no 5.1, although I did strongly advise a 5.1 audio system)] , 1080p is a must. Please tell me Im making the right choice with the 63a650. Last edited by ga12r; 03-22-2009 at 05:00 AM.

03-22-2009, 03:44 AM	#17
ga12r Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	Thanks for the reply Dblackgt. Since I live in the sticks of South Ga I cant really audition the displays, what would you say makes the Panny way better than the Sammy? Last edited by ga12r; 03-22-2009 at 03:47 AM.

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03-21-2009, 01:34 AM	#2
DBlackGT Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Scottsdale, AZ Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:58	Tv for sure. You have a good sound system already and there are only a handful of 7.1 soundtracks out right now. You would definitely benefit more by getting the plasma. just my two cents ps. welcome to the forum

03-21-2009, 01:38 AM	#4
ga12r Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	Thanks for the reply, how much detail do you think im losing dlp vs plasma?

03-21-2009, 01:55 AM	#6
DBlackGT Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Scottsdale, AZ Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:58	Well being that its one of Samsungs newer DLP the picture quality is still going to be very good. Its really a matter of preference...but the plasma is going to give you better blacks, accurate colors, viewing angles, etc.

03-21-2009, 02:01 AM	#7
ga12r Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	Thanks for the replies, I guess the plasma is the way I need to go, but in a 5 chann setup how much better would the bipolor surround be over the direct firing defins I have now. Keeping a 5 chann system, should I be concerned with this.

03-21-2009, 02:15 AM	#9
Sonny Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Home Theater Gallery:8 Blu-ray reviews:6 Trading Score:1	Get a new display, that will complement your setup the most.

03-21-2009, 02:38 AM	#10
ga12r Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	So do yall think the Sammy 58a550 would be a good plasma in that price range vs other plasmas to replace my 61a650? Im partial to sammys since I have the 61a650 plus a 40a550 lcd in my bedroom(sourced by Direct Tv and PS3) that I like.

03-21-2009, 09:11 PM	#11
DBlackGT Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Scottsdale, AZ Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:58	Yes, that would be a great tv for the price/size

03-21-2009, 09:24 PM	#12
zweet77 Senior Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Francisco Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:129 Blu-ray reviews:7	The Panny and if you can go a little more the Pioneer plasmas both beat out the Samsung plasma across the board.Google up some reviews to compare.And both would be a bigger step up uprade wise.Your Dlp is a awesome Tv though probably one of the best deals for a display out there.To go along with other comments the blacks and color accuracy are better on plasmas and so is the refresh rate especially for sports,games, action movies , etc.

03-21-2009, 09:54 PM	#14
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	You have some very good sound equipment and wouldn't put much into going 7.1 since the additional rears aren't that important. I'd say go with some cheaper but good surrounds if you want to go to 7.1. As for the TV, that would be have your biggest impact in my opinion. That seems to be the consensus with everyone. What's your TV budget? The Sammy is a very good deal, but it would be easier to make a recommendation based on your budget. Pioneer is of course the top choice if you can afford it with Panasonic coming in second. If 1080p is not that important then THIS 60" Pioneer is a great deal for $2650 shipped. Its 768p, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more impressive TV at that size for the money. You'd have to spend nearly $1700 more to get THIS 1080p Pioneer at that size. If price is an object and 1080p is a must I would go with THIS 58" Panasonic. For $2400 shipped its a steal. Its a better set than the Sammy. The Sammy is still a good choice however and if you want the biggest bang for your buck you can consider THIS 63" Sammy for just over $3000. The blacks on 650 series Samsung plasmas are better than the 550 series. The 58" 550 is the cheapest option and of course its still a great TV. HERE it is for $2057 shipped.

03-22-2009, 03:37 AM	#16
DBlackGT Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Scottsdale, AZ Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:58	I would go for this one if your budget is around $3000. Its 5 inches smaller than the Samsung but way better. 58inch Panasonic 800U

03-22-2009, 03:53 AM	#18
DBlackGT Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Scottsdale, AZ Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:58	Well simply put Panasonic and Pioneer are the best when it comes to Plasma. Also pretty much everywhere you look the Panasonic 800U is the 2nd best tv out (Pioneer Pro is 1st but its a lot of $) Anyways your going to get better blacks, more accurate primary colors, THX certification (which when THX mode turned on, its practically calibrated already), and some other things as well. Just google top HDTV and the 800u will constantly come up. Heres a link to CNET.com top HDTV's Check it out and let me know what you think

03-22-2009, 04:22 AM	#19
ga12r Junior Member Member since:Mar 2009	I have no doubts after Reading through many posts that the pioneer and Panny are the top plasmas, but how far off can the sammy really be (real world).I am stupidly partial to samsung. I went into the 61a650 knowing I might be giving something up but it was my intro to blu and 1080p and I wanted to try it. I have been happy with both the 61a650and my 40a550 (for secondary viewing). I would like to stay with samsung. Do you feel this would be a mistake?

03-22-2009, 04:25 AM	#20
JasonR Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Trading Score:12	I think you should be very happy with the Samsung. http://plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasm...-pn50a650.html

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