Hi, got a few questions

[nicklimo1028]

Hi, after a long time i think i am finally ready to go blu ray. I have a samsung 32 inch, I'm not sure of the model number right now but it was the newest model about 7 months ago when i got it. Anyway, i planned on getting the Sony HTCT100 Sound Bar with Sub-Woofer for audio. Am i getting the best sound possible for the 300 dollar range? will i have all the HD audio features like TruHd, because whenever i read reviews on the audio system there is no mention, but the PS3 decodes them internally, i basically have no clue what that means. My question basically is am i getting the best set up for my price range? What am i missing out on by not getting better equipment. Any recommendations in the price range are welcome. If u read this far, thanks for putting up with my noob question.

[Joe Cain]

I don't know about the best sound for the price range...I'm dubious of a machine that offers surround sound with all the speakers housed in a single unit. You won't be getting all the channels of a 5.1 or 7.1 surround mix either, as it "converts the surround experience to 3.1" according to the Amazon product description.

But it does have multiple HDMI inputs and it does play LPCM, acdording to Sony. HD audio tracks are offered in one of 3 formats: PCM, which is uncompressed lossless audio; Dolby TrueHD, which is losslessly compressed audio; and DTS HD-MA, which is also losslessly compressed. With the PS3's BD/DVD audio playback setting on "PCM" (instead of "bitstream")---and the proper audio track selected in the disc menu, since most of them will NOT default to the HD audio tracks---the PS3 will send the PCM tracks directly to the receiver, or it will decode the DTS HD-MA or TrueHD tracks into PCM and send that signal to the receiver.

So: with a PS3 for your BD player, you can use this gear to get HD audio, but your listening experience is going to be compromised by speaker placement and the fact that that you're not getting playback on all channels.

[Driver_King]

In that price range, you could do better. For about $200 more, you can get HD audio (which I'm sure is what you're aiming for.) Look at the Polk 5.1 system and Onkyo 605 in my sig. That's the kind of package you want. A soundbar isn't true surround sound anyways. I say do it right the first time!

[jw]

I am a big Onkyo fan,
Onkyo HT-S5100 7.1 Channel Home Entertainment System (Set of Nine, Black)


416.08 shipped!!!
even has ipod dock

[aramis109]

For your price range, DK and jwbud's suggestions are excellent. I realize they're a little above what you were talking about spending, but far and away they're going to blow away anything else at that price point.

We can't all spend $1000's on audio (I didn't... yet anyway ) so I can relate. However, seriously look into those options. I own the Polk 5.1's DK mentions and they're great for the money.

[nicklimo1028]

wow, thanks for all the help guys, ordered the polk system and onkyo reciever

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by nicklimo1028

wow, thanks for all the help guys, ordered the polk system and onkyo reciever

Awesome. Get all of your cables at Monoprice! And don't forget to post your pics!