Need starter system recommendation

[mikejet]

Hello all, new to the forum. I just got my PS3 and a few movies, well, more like 10 movies. My setup is ok with the TV but I've got no sound system! Now I live in a 1 bedroom apartment with my wife so we can't go too crazy with the noise. I was considering the 2.1 Bose system or maybe something along those lines. I don't want to wire my whole living room with wires so I'm not too big on getting a 5.1 or 7.1 system.

What would you recommend? Budget is 399-499 before tax.

[un4gvn94538]

dont mention the "B" word. you can do better. you really only want a 2.1 system?

[mikejet]

Well I'm concerned with running wires throughout my apartment that the dog may mess with. The way the living room is situated the wires would cut across a high traffic area.

I would also have to move my couch since it is against the wall right now.

[un4gvn94538]

well, you have a ps3, so do you want to get pcm audio from blu rays? the reason im asking is because the cheapest receiver that i know of that can ouput multichannel pcm audio is 300. thats a big chunk of your budget

[mikejet]

I was considering those all-in-one systems. I know they aren't the greatest but it would be good for my apartment. How are the soundbar systems?

[un4gvn94538]

i cant really comment on all in one systems or soundbar. ive never used them. ive seen some reviews on soundbars in one mag (hometheater i think) but the prices were too expensive to bother with simulated surround.

[PanasonicPlasmaMan]

Onkyo TXsr605 $350 (used amazon) or Sony STRDG820 for $350 (on amazon)
Polk Rm6750 5.1 $250 (electronics express)

Total $600

[PanasonicPlasmaMan]

or if you cant spend $600 right now. Buy one of those receivers and two speakers and gradually keep buying more. Good Luck

[Lucy Diamond]

Buy nice stuff a piece at a time.

A nice receiver with a set of fronts and a center channel will go a long way.

Don't settle for a package deal with the intention of upgrading later, you will just be throwing money away and by doing it little by little, you will be able to better control the power and save the rest for when you get your house.

Good luck,

Later,

[un4gvn94538]

as with all lower budgets when they ask what they can get, usually its suggested to save a little more.

this one can give you pretty much everything including a sub with extras to spare or until you get a bigger space. its only about 130 over budget free shipping no tax.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S6100...0887397&sr=8-1

the suggested system above is also good. you can get the speakers on amazon too for about the same. usually amazon has free shipping on most things over 25 bucks

[scweb13]

Onkyo 606 reciever $319.99 (free shipping)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...r-BLACK/1.html

Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 surround system $199.99
http://shop1.frys.com/product/418504...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[un4gvn94538]

Originally Posted by scweb13

Onkyo 606 reciever $319.99 (free shipping)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...r-BLACK/1.html

Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 surround system $199.99
http://shop1.frys.com/product/418504...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

wow @ polk. never seen it that cheap.

[Beta Man]

I'd get a 3.0 not 2.1 (Front L/R/C not front L/R and Sub) the Center channel will deliver all the dialogue etc...... you want a center channel.

[Driver_King]

You know, if you're set on having a 2.1 system, it works until you're ready to get a center. The fronts could always handle voices and a sub will definately help you until you're ready to upgrade.

[arush5268d]

Stay away from the HTiB systems. If you really want to go that way - go with an onkyo system that can do lossless.

[Bean79]

Originally Posted by Circuit City

Onkyo TXsr605 $350 (used amazon) or Sony STRDG820 for $350 (on amazon)
Polk Rm6750 5.1 $250 (electronics express)

Total $600

I think this is a great option for you. I am going to add the Sony STRDG720 because it is a little cheaper. I think once you get to hear the quality of sound from your Blu's you will want a 5.1 system. This setup will work as a 3.1 and if you want to add the other speakers later they are easy to store in a closet. If I were you I would figure a way tu use the 5.1. It is an amazing sound from the Blu's and you don't need to turn the receiver up that loud to hear the quality. This system is not overkill for you apartment. All you have to do is tweak the volume level on the Subwoofer so you won't upset the neighbors.

[detector19]

How about somthing like this...
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...oid=212899&c=1

[Hangedman]

Originally Posted by un4gvn94538

well, you have a ps3, so do you want to get pcm audio from blu rays? the reason im asking is because the cheapest receiver that i know of that can ouput multichannel pcm audio is 300. thats a big chunk of your budget

Would the Samsung HT-AS720 work for him?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/Searc...&go.x=0&go.y=0

It's 479$

Does it do PCM audio from blu-ray?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Bean79

I think this is a great option for you. I am going to add the Sony STRDG720 because it is a little cheaper. I think once you get to hear the quality of sound from your Blu's you will want a 5.1 system. This setup will work as a 3.1 and if you want to add the other speakers later they are easy to store in a closet. If I were you I would figure a way tu use the 5.1. It is an amazing sound from the Blu's and you don't need to turn the receiver up that loud to hear the quality. This system is not overkill for you apartment. All you have to do is tweak the volume level on the Subwoofer so you won't upset the neighbors.

+1

The 720 will process LPCM and will allow your PS3 to decode the audio and set it to multi-channel, also the polk system is an easy 5.1 to install. As far as wires, you can easily pull back the carpet near the walls a little and lay the speaker wire down underneath and then just use a hammer to tack the carpet back down, I did this when I had an apartment, and then behind the couch you won't need to go under the carpet cause the couch can hide the wire, then come up to where you want your speakers.

Circuit city Sony STR-DG720 $249
Polk 6750 $199 ish

total about $450,

buy your HDMI off of monoprice if you need one or two may cost another $20
granted there are better recievers and speakers but with your budget and living in an apartment, this package would be perfect (see my sig sony 710 AVR) cause I lived in the same situation before I bought my house, and i ran my speaker cables the same way and it was clean. Now that I have a house I am gonna start upgrading by piece, first is the receiver, then the BDP, so on and so on.

[Brandon]

Sony STR-DG720
Polk 6750

That's the system I have too. Just got it about two weeks ago, also on the recommendation of another member here. Very nice and loud, and under $500 including tax and shipping. Quite happy with it.

Can't you just run the wires along the bottom of the walls to the back speakers? That's what I'm doing, and they're completely out of the way.

EDIT: just noticed the poster above me mentioned how to conceal the wires too!