Your opinions for a very small room.

[benzgrl]

Hi guys - I've been seriously thinking of upgrading to a "true" beginner's HT. I've been reading thru some HTiB threads here and also the nice Home Theater Virgin Sticky where the Polk RM6750 & Onkyo 607 is recommended. Also, I know the Onkyo HTS-6200 is highly recommended.

And this thread $550 budget challenge:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=127615

I'm just confused as to which one of these would work better for me, so maybe if I told you my situation, I can get some feedback:

A budget between 500 - $600 (max w/ tax & shipping) is what I'd like to do, but I'm a little confused as to the refurbished recommendations in the above challenge thread. So my questions are (1) Are refurbished receivers ok? I've never bought anything refurbished, is the price difference that much?

(2) I didn't think I could actually get a "real" system because I thought my studio apartment is too small, but seeing some of the set-ups in the Gallery, maybe not - ? My living area is only 13 X 9 (I'm sitting between 6 & 7 ft from the TV). The couch is a few inches away from the wall.

So obviously I'm looking at a 5.1 system - is it ok if the rear speakers are more to the side of seating than behind?

(3) My primary use is for Blu-ray movies (very few games) and TV viewing. I watch a lot of Blus hours on end at times. I only have my Panny & a PS3 (Fat 40gb) - those are my only 2 components. Oh, and a basic cable box (no DVR).

(4) I don't have to get something where I will continue to build on per se, as I really don't know where I'll end up and considering my place is so small, I don't think I'll be adding more components.

Sorry for the long read, thanks!

[KASR]

So my questions are

(1) Are refurbished receivers ok? I've never bought anything refurbished, is the price difference that much?

Yes, refurbished receivers are fine - as long as they have a warranty attached to them - when buying refurbed, it's usually a good idea to go with direct from the manufacturer (polk direct or H/K direct on ebay for example)
The price difference can be tremendous.

(2) I didn't think I could actually get a "real" system because I thought my studio apartment is too small, but seeing some of the set-ups in the Gallery, maybe not - ? My living area is only 13 X 9 (I'm sitting between 6 & 7 ft from the TV). The couch is a few inches away from the wall.
So obviously I'm looking at a 5.1 system - is it ok if the rear speakers are more to the side of seating than behind?

If you look at 5.1 diagrams, you'll notice that the surrounds have two possible places to be: one behind you and one directly to the side...you could even angle them somewhere in between for a nice blend. It's all up to you - as long as the soundstage doesn't suffer. check out the diagram on THX.com to see what I mean.


(3) My primary use is for Blu-ray movies (very few games) and TV viewing. I watch a lot of Blus hours on end at times. I only have my Panny & a PS3 (Fat 40gb) - those are my only 2 components. Oh, and a basic cable box (no DVR).

What's the question?

(4) I don't have to get something where I will continue to build on per se, as I really don't know where I'll end up and considering my place is so small, I don't think I'll be adding more components.

RM6750 from Polk Direct or Newegg.com and hit the Harman/Kardon store on ebay and scoop up the AVR254 or 354 - you'll prolly upgrade the speakers at some point, but the AVR254 and 354 will be an investment you can grow with.

Sorry for the long read, thanks!

Good luck!

[benzgrl]

Originally Posted by KASR

If you look at 5.1 diagrams, you'll notice that the surrounds have two possible places to be: one behind you and one directly to the side...you could even angle them somewhere in between for a nice blend. It's all up to you - as long as the soundstage doesn't suffer. check out the diagram on THX.com to see what I mean.

Thank you so much for your response, the angle was what I was hoping to do (I have looked at the diagrams at dolby.com). I think I will set up w/ speaker stands - any comments about stands as opposed to hanging?

Originally Posted by KASR

What's the question?

No question, just trying to give more detail about my situation/use of the system.

Originally Posted by KASR

RM6750 from Polk Direct or Newegg.com and hit the Harman/Kardon store on ebay and scoop up the AVR254 or 354 - you'll prolly upgrade the speakers at some point, but the AVR254 and 354 will be an investment you can grow with. Good luck!

Thanks again! I wil definitely take a look at those two!

[KASR]

Originally Posted by benzgrl

Thank you so much for your response, the angle was what I was hoping to do (I have looked at the diagrams at dolby.com). I think I will set up w/ speaker stands - any comments about stands as opposed to hanging?

If floorspace is a concern, you could even hang the surrounds on the ceiling and it will sound fine. that's what I had to do with my setup, shown here:

[callas01]

since you have a $600 budget try these.
Speakers
Jamo 5.0 system $249 great little setup for apartment or small bedroom, much better then satelite systems.

Subwoofer
Acoustic Audio PSW-12 $148 or go here and bid $20 less, I am sure they would accept it.

Receiver
Sony STR-DH700 $219

all have free shipping and I only put you $16 over your budget... I hope that is cool, however you could go on ebay and haggle the sub.

[KASR]

Originally Posted by callas01

...however you could go on ebay and haggle the sub.

Haggling usually always pays off!

[quest88]

Originally Posted by benzgrl

Thank you so much for your response, the angle was what I was hoping to do (I have looked at the diagrams at dolby.com). I think I will set up w/ speaker stands - any comments about stands as opposed to hanging?



No question, just trying to give more detail about my situation/use of the system.



Thanks again! I wil definitely take a look at those two!

Hello Benzgrl I'm glad that you stumbled across that thread. Just remember that the entry level challenge system did not include price for speaker/video/subwoofer wiring which as a lot of members will tell you to go to monoprice.com.

[Silverwing]

If Definitive speakers aren't too much for you, I recommend them.

[benzgrl]

Originally Posted by callas01

since you have a $600 budget try these.
Speakers
Jamo 5.0 system $249 great little setup for apartment or small bedroom, much better then satelite systems.

Subwoofer
Acoustic Audio PSW-12 $148 or go here and bid $20 less, I am sure they would accept it.

Receiver
Sony STR-DH700 $219

all have free shipping and I only put you $16 over your budget... I hope that is cool, however you could go on ebay and haggle the sub.

Thank you for this, but wow I think those floor standing speakers will be too big in my place.

[benzgrl]

Originally Posted by KASR

Haggling usually always pays off!

Yep, I'm not in a hurry so I'll definitely be shopping around! It's too bad I didn't think of doing this during the holiday shopping time.

[benzgrl]

Originally Posted by quest88

Hello Benzgrl I'm glad that you stumbled across that thread. Just remember that the entry level challenge system did not include price for speaker/video/subwoofer wiring which as a lot of members will tell you to go to monoprice.com.

Thanks quest, I've just started to read more on these threads. As much as I love my soundbar for it's simplicity, aesthetics, and that it can receive the PCM from my PS3, the one flaw that I discovered and thought I could live w/ was there is a problem on this specific model regarding the low voice dialogue. Read thru the whole discussion about it on the AVS forums and did the suggested tweaks, but it didn't work for me.

Plus, I knew I wasn't getting the real surround (my room layout isn't ideal for even getting that "virtual" surround sound effect ). But what really broke me was constantly adjusting the volume; I couldn't take it anymore!!

Your reminder about all that wiring is intimidating now (buying, as well as connecting & wire management)... I'm still not sure if I should go the HTiB route (at least wires will be included, right?). - I've been reading the "don't crap on HTiB" thread too.

Question - what's the difference between the different brand receivers Onkyo, Harman, Denon? Is it just people's preference in brand?

Like I said I can watch long hours of Blus - should I be concerned about heat generated from these and do these take a lot of power?

[quest88]

Originally Posted by benzgrl

Thanks quest, I've just started to read more on these threads. As much as I love my soundbar for it's simplicity, aesthetics, and that it can receive the PCM from my PS3, the one flaw that I discovered and thought I could live w/ was there is a problem on this specific model regarding the low voice dialogue. Read thru the whole discussion about it on the AVS forums and did the suggested tweaks, but it didn't work for me.

Plus, I knew I wasn't getting the real surround (my room layout isn't ideal for even getting that "virtual" surround sound effect ). But what really broke me was constantly adjusting the volume; I couldn't take it anymore!!

Your reminder about all that wiring is intimidating now (buying, as well as connecting & wire management)... I'm still not sure if I should go the HTiB route (at least wires will be included, right?). - I've been reading the "don't crap on HTiB" thread too.

Question - what's the difference between the different brand receivers Onkyo, Harman, Denon? Is it just people's preference in brand?

Like I said I can watch long hours of Blus - should I be concerned about heat generated from these and do these take a lot of power?

Well don't get to intimidated with the wiring. Most HTib come with low grade small gauge wire. You can get some 14-16 awg speaker wire from monoprice along with a subwoofer cable at a reasonable price. I won't go into to much detail about the brands that have been suggested as they are all quality receivers. Other than price you may want to look at different features that may interest you.

Subwoofer wire

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10236

Speaker Wire

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10239

HDMI Cable

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240

[kukini]

I just set this up for a friend and it sounds very respectable.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Denon+-+...&skuId=9342071