Surround sound advice needed!!!! - Blu-ray Forum

Biged917 · 07-07-2008, 05:25 PM

I'm new to the surround sound life. I have a Bose System I got for Christmas, but I noticed the sound quality is not the best. Friend have told me I should invest in a better system. What are some good recommendations?? I have a 40in Samsung 1080p Tv, PS3, Xbox360 and Wii. Need a quality Sound system to fit. Thanks

matthewrounds · 07-07-2008, 05:42 PM

What's your budget?

CptGreedle · 07-07-2008, 05:44 PM

anything you can find at the same pice as a Bose is probably better.
They just make themselves look better than they really are, but you will not find a single audiophile that will use Bose.

Biged917 · 07-07-2008, 05:46 PM

Probably around $1500-$2000 for my budget.

Carlsberg19 · 07-07-2008, 05:47 PM

wow! u do have al arge budget, my sound system cost 800 EURO and i thought that was steep lol

Petra_Kalbrain · 07-07-2008, 05:49 PM

I suggest starting with an Onkyo 805 Receiver and following up with MANY visits to local home theatre shops to test speakers in store! Your ears will like certain brands better than others. Because of this you need to invest time, not just money, in putting together something that is right for you. I always suggest checking out the Bowers & Wilkins line of products though. People are often surprised by their output quality compared to their price tag.

Beta Man · 07-07-2008, 05:53 PM

For $1,500 to $2,000 you have a few options, depending if you're willing to do large, obtrusive speakers, or want to stick with smaller asthetically pleasing speakers.

I have B&W M-1's in my bedroom and they're great, but I have larger speakers in my main theater area, and they're REALLY GREAT.... the M-1's would hit your budget, but I'd recommend getting a list together.....

Polk
Def Tech
Paradigm
B&W
Klipsch
Monitor Audio
Axiom

Go audition those brands, whatever you can get for $800-$1,000 for the fronts/center/surrounds, and then we can hook you up with a $300 AVR, and leave $400-$500 for a sub, and you'll be all set.

But bottom line, you gotta do some leg-work to determine what is best for you.

EDIT:..

Petra beat me to it! Although I'm not sure the 805 is the best receiver, but to each their own!

Biged917 · 07-07-2008, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the advice. I will put some time in this. I want to happy with my purchase. Please keep the info coming.

Driver_King · 07-07-2008, 06:07 PM

The 805 is not the best receiver on the market, yes. But it definitely sets a high standard. You really shouldn't need much more unless you have a significantly higher budget. The 805 is really all you should need when it comes to receivers. As for speakers, I suggest you go out and audition them. Or you do an insanely awesome setup with the Polk monitors in my sig by going with seven of them. As for a sub, you'd have around $500 for a sub left which could get you this.

The Guardian · 07-07-2008, 06:53 PM

Personally I wouldn't put such a high % towards the speakers at the expense of the AVR. If the speakers are better than the AVR they will merely showcase its flaws, while a great AVR can get the most out of whatever speakers you give it.

I'd spend at LEAST 40% of your budget on the AVR. I don't know Onkyo but other options around that range would be the new Denon 1909, Marantz 4002, and I believe there are new options from Pioneer (1018?) and Yamaha.

And don't forget wiring! It's not terribly expensive but I find I *always* forget about it, max my budget out and then have to explain to my wife why I had to spend the extra $50 or $100 to buy the wiring heh. Get at least 16 gauge speaker wire and I suggest banana clips because they make it much easier to move your setup around which you'll be doing a lot initially. Monoprice.com is your friend here!

Driver_King · 07-07-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Guardian

Personally I wouldn't put such a high % towards the speakers at the expense of the AVR. If the speakers are better than the AVR they will merely showcase its flaws, while a great AVR can get the most out of whatever speakers you give it.

I'd spend at LEAST 40% of your budget on the AVR. I don't know Onkyo but other options around that range would be the new Denon 1909, Marantz 4002, and I believe there are new options from Pioneer (1018?) and Yamaha.

Are you talking about the 805?

maddrummerboy · 07-07-2008, 07:08 PM

Onkyo 805 is the way to go for around $700

Driver_King · 07-07-2008, 07:22 PM

Yeah, you can get the 805 for around $500. I don't know why that wouldn't be good enough.

The Guardian · 07-07-2008, 07:26 PM

Some people were suggesting $300 AVRs. Like I said, I don't know Onkyo so I won't make any judgements, but the OP should go and listen to different receivers as well, not just blindly buy something.

Driver_King · 07-07-2008, 07:29 PM

I think you have the wrong thread. Not one post mentioned a $300 AVR. The only recommendation here was the 805. BTW, I "blindly" bought my 805 and am glad I did.

Biged917 · 07-07-2008, 07:32 PM

I'm not going to purchase anything blindly. I plan on taking my time and picking what sounds the best to me. I greatly appreciate all the advice. Thanks guys.

Beta Man · 07-07-2008, 07:46 PM

I was saying spending around $300 for the AVR........ you say the speakers will bring out the flaws in the AVR....... I say that the speakers are the main driving force in what sound reaches your ear.....

Room treatments, cables, line-filters, speaker wires, etc... they all can be top-dollar, high performers, but they only offer marginal return on your investment......

My AVR is cheap, and can be had for $500 or so..... my speakers ran about $8,000 if you're suggesting the speakers I have are showing the short-comings in my AVR, I'd disagree..... the speakers bring out the flaws in poorly recorded CDs, that much I'd agree with..... but there is NO WAY I would have spent more for the AVR to sacrafice the speakers.

I can't even justify separates yet..... I want them, but the improved AQ they offer, rather than simply upgrading my speakers, just isn't worth it to me..... not yet at least. When I hit that point of diminishing returns in speaker quality, then I'll start to venture out to bigger/better gear to push them, although some separates can be had at reasonable rates, and I may go that direction if/when my AVR takes a dump.

My_Two_Cents · 07-08-2008, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

The 805 is not the best receiver on the market, yes. But it definitely sets a high standard. You really shouldn't need much more unless you have a significantly higher budget. The 805 is really all you should need when it comes to receivers. As for speakers, I suggest you go out and audition them. Or you do an insanely awesome setup with the Polk monitors in my sig by going with seven of them. As for a sub, you'd have around $500 for a sub left which could get you this.

Or you could spend half of that and still get a very good quality, highly rated sub here.

I got mine new for $250 shipped from a seller on eBay.

crackinhedz · 07-08-2008, 03:06 AM

The Onkyo TX-SR805 uses one of the best DAC's in any receiver class.

For sure it provides excellent audio quality. For the price it would be hard to top.

Petra_Kalbrain · 07-09-2008, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

The Onkyo TX-SR805 uses one of the best DAC's in any receiver class.

For sure it provides excellent audio quality. For the price it would be hard to top.

I've been waiting for the master to join in on the discussion. Thanks for backing me... us... up.

07-07-2008, 05:25 PM	#1
Biged917 Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Indianapolis, IN Blu-ray collection:481 Trading Score:23	Surround sound advice needed!!!! I'm new to the surround sound life. I have a Bose System I got for Christmas, but I noticed the sound quality is not the best. Friend have told me I should invest in a better system. What are some good recommendations?? I have a 40in Samsung 1080p Tv, PS3, Xbox360 and Wii. Need a quality Sound system to fit. Thanks

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Advice for bedroom surround sound system?	HTiB (all-in-one systems)	mkelley	8	12-01-2009 06:48 PM
Advice for a surround sound system	Home Theater General Discussion	CastingStones	1	01-05-2009 10:42 AM
Panasonic BD35 and surround sound - help needed!	Blu-ray Players and Recorders	Damo100	1	12-21-2008 06:56 PM
Surround Sound Advice	Audio Theory and Discussion	threeve	8	11-20-2008 05:10 PM
Surround Sound PS3 advice	PS3	Fellwolf	21	12-28-2007 07:47 AM

07-07-2008, 05:42 PM	#2
matthewrounds Expert Member Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Tucson, AZ Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:52 Trading Score:21	What's your budget?

07-07-2008, 05:44 PM	#3
CptGreedle Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Sworn super-hero now services Atlanta (and suburbs). Blu-ray collection:128 Blu-ray reviews:5	anything you can find at the same pice as a Bose is probably better. They just make themselves look better than they really are, but you will not find a single audiophile that will use Bose.

07-07-2008, 05:46 PM	#4
Biged917 Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Indianapolis, IN Blu-ray collection:481 Trading Score:23	Probably around $1500-$2000 for my budget.

07-07-2008, 05:47 PM	#5
Carlsberg19 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Apr 2008 Location:Donegal, Ireland Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:58 Blu-ray reviews:7	wow! u do have al arge budget, my sound system cost 800 EURO and i thought that was steep lol

07-07-2008, 05:49 PM	#6
Petra_Kalbrain Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Vancouver, BC 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:561 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:20	I suggest starting with an Onkyo 805 Receiver and following up with MANY visits to local home theatre shops to test speakers in store! Your ears will like certain brands better than others. Because of this you need to invest time, not just money, in putting together something that is right for you. I always suggest checking out the Bowers & Wilkins line of products though. People are often surprised by their output quality compared to their price tag.

07-07-2008, 05:53 PM	#7
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	For $1,500 to $2,000 you have a few options, depending if you're willing to do large, obtrusive speakers, or want to stick with smaller asthetically pleasing speakers. I have B&W M-1's in my bedroom and they're great, but I have larger speakers in my main theater area, and they're REALLY GREAT.... the M-1's would hit your budget, but I'd recommend getting a list together..... Polk Def Tech Paradigm B&W Klipsch Monitor Audio Axiom Go audition those brands, whatever you can get for $800-$1,000 for the fronts/center/surrounds, and then we can hook you up with a $300 AVR, and leave $400-$500 for a sub, and you'll be all set. But bottom line, you gotta do some leg-work to determine what is best for you. EDIT:.. Petra beat me to it! Although I'm not sure the 805 is the best receiver, but to each their own!

07-07-2008, 06:02 PM	#8
Biged917 Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Indianapolis, IN Blu-ray collection:481 Trading Score:23	Thanks for the advice. I will put some time in this. I want to happy with my purchase. Please keep the info coming.

07-07-2008, 06:07 PM	#9
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	The 805 is not the best receiver on the market, yes. But it definitely sets a high standard. You really shouldn't need much more unless you have a significantly higher budget. The 805 is really all you should need when it comes to receivers. As for speakers, I suggest you go out and audition them. Or you do an insanely awesome setup with the Polk monitors in my sig by going with seven of them. As for a sub, you'd have around $500 for a sub left which could get you this.

07-07-2008, 06:53 PM	#10
The Guardian Expert Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Kitchener, ON Blu-ray collection:9 Trading Score:1	Personally I wouldn't put such a high % towards the speakers at the expense of the AVR. If the speakers are better than the AVR they will merely showcase its flaws, while a great AVR can get the most out of whatever speakers you give it. I'd spend at LEAST 40% of your budget on the AVR. I don't know Onkyo but other options around that range would be the new Denon 1909, Marantz 4002, and I believe there are new options from Pioneer (1018?) and Yamaha. And don't forget wiring! It's not terribly expensive but I find I always forget about it, max my budget out and then have to explain to my wife why I had to spend the extra $50 or $100 to buy the wiring heh. Get at least 16 gauge speaker wire and I suggest banana clips because they make it much easier to move your setup around which you'll be doing a lot initially. Monoprice.com is your friend here!

07-07-2008, 07:08 PM	#12
maddrummerboy Junior Member Member since:Jul 2008	Onkyo 805 is the way to go for around $700

07-07-2008, 07:22 PM	#13
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	Yeah, you can get the 805 for around $500. I don't know why that wouldn't be good enough.

07-07-2008, 07:26 PM	#14
The Guardian Expert Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Kitchener, ON Blu-ray collection:9 Trading Score:1	Some people were suggesting $300 AVRs. Like I said, I don't know Onkyo so I won't make any judgements, but the OP should go and listen to different receivers as well, not just blindly buy something.

07-07-2008, 07:29 PM	#15
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	I think you have the wrong thread. Not one post mentioned a $300 AVR. The only recommendation here was the 805. BTW, I "blindly" bought my 805 and am glad I did.

07-07-2008, 07:32 PM	#16
Biged917 Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Indianapolis, IN Blu-ray collection:481 Trading Score:23	I'm not going to purchase anything blindly. I plan on taking my time and picking what sounds the best to me. I greatly appreciate all the advice. Thanks guys.

07-07-2008, 07:46 PM	#17
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	I was saying spending around $300 for the AVR........ you say the speakers will bring out the flaws in the AVR....... I say that the speakers are the main driving force in what sound reaches your ear..... Room treatments, cables, line-filters, speaker wires, etc... they all can be top-dollar, high performers, but they only offer marginal return on your investment...... My AVR is cheap, and can be had for $500 or so..... my speakers ran about $8,000 if you're suggesting the speakers I have are showing the short-comings in my AVR, I'd disagree..... the speakers bring out the flaws in poorly recorded CDs, that much I'd agree with..... but there is NO WAY I would have spent more for the AVR to sacrafice the speakers. I can't even justify separates yet..... I want them, but the improved AQ they offer, rather than simply upgrading my speakers, just isn't worth it to me..... not yet at least. When I hit that point of diminishing returns in speaker quality, then I'll start to venture out to bigger/better gear to push them, although some separates can be had at reasonable rates, and I may go that direction if/when my AVR takes a dump.

07-08-2008, 03:06 AM	#19
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	The Onkyo TX-SR805 uses one of the best DAC's in any receiver class. For sure it provides excellent audio quality. For the price it would be hard to top.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals