hey guys, new user, quick question

[kevin128]

***CLIFFS on the bottom for those lazy to read***

after doing some hardcore research and reading about home theater systems, i found i was reading a lot on this site, and learned a lot.

basically my situation is, i bought a house and am moving in. i currently own two HDtvs, a Sony 52V5100, and a Samsung LNT4071F. the Sony since its bigger is the one i will be adding the Home theater system to. how ever i would like two blu ray players, one for each.

now i already own a PS3 60gig, which to my understanding (from this site) can not transmit TrueHD and DTS HD bitstream, only PCM (which is virtually the same thing if your receiver decodes LPCM?).

now i'm not looking to spend really any more then 600-700$ (as i just bought a house and thats expensive enough). but i will spend slightly more if it truly is worth it.

the Systems i have looked at are....

Sony HT-ss360
- $230, 5.1 and supports LPCM, seems perfect for my ps3.

Onkyo HT-s6200
- $540.00 7.1 channel, and decodes TrueHD and DTS HD it self (would that work with ps3 since my ps3 cant send HD bit stream? my assumption would be yes. but i just want to clarify it.)


basically does the extra 300$ for the s6200 over the ss360, make it worth it? what settings would my PS3 need to be to get the HD audio?

thanks for all the help.. i'm currently leaning towards the S6200, unless some one tells me the sound quality difference isn't work the 300$

or if any one would recommend any other home theater system that works well with a ps3.

****CLIFFS*****
- "fat" ps3 60gig
- wants HD audio surround sound
- Sony ss360 ($230), or Onkyo s6200 ($540)
- is the extra money for the s6200 (7.1) worth it?
- what setting would ps3 need for s6200?
- thanks

EDIT: i also read the Onkyo s6200 doesn't up convert.. though the ps3 does.. so ill still get DVD up converting right? through the ps3? the s6200 won't cancel it out will it?

[Blu Titan]

I am not familiar with the systems you are considering, but I would like to assist you as best as I can. Your PS3 will automatically decode (compressed) Dolby True HD and DTS HD MA and send them out via HDMI as a LPCM (uncompressed) signal. Just make sure that the HD audio is selected on the movie and that's it. As far as upconversion: your PS3 will upconvert your DVDs and send the signal to the receiver. The receivers will NOT touch a video signal received via HDMI. Some receivers do upconvert video signals received via component or composite. I am sure someone will chime in if I am incorrect in any of the above. Good luck. EDIT: this is a great thread on audio & the PS3>>>> Audio and the PS3

[Beta Man]

I would put all the eggs in one basket, and build the best possible "Single" system you can afford...... and just have a Blu-ray > TV 'basic' setup for other one.

I wouldn't waste my money one two HTIBs.

[kevin128]

thanks for the help so far... one more question..

i see alot of people refering to recievers as having "pass through" HDMI for audio..

what exactly does that mean? i know it has something to do with being able to use just a HDMI cable for both video and audio..

for those two i picked out, the ss360 and s6200.. do both those only require hdmi?? or would i need an optical cable also? and what is the "spec" you look for to determine it your self.

thanks

[tbizzle]

Originally Posted by kevin128

thanks for the help so far... one more question..

i see alot of people refering to recievers as having "pass through" HDMI for audio..

what exactly does that mean? i know it has something to do with being able to use just a HDMI cable for both video and audio..

for those two i picked out, the ss360 and s6200.. do both those only require hdmi?? or would i need an optical cable also? and what is the "spec" you look for to determine it your self.

thanks

Pass through means it won't decode Audio in the Receiver itself. And if I'm not mistaken, you'll need to use an optical cable with those type of receivers, but I could be wrong. Btw, Optical doesn't support HD audio

Also, I recommend ditching the HTIB stuff and get a nice system. There are lots of very reasonably priced speakers you can get. And if you can't afford it all at once, follow the golden rule: build a quality system slowly as you can afford it, instead of buying a less satisfying 5.1 or 7.1 system right off the bat. If need be, just start with the basics: a nice receiver and your 2 towers. Then get a center, a sub, surrounds and you're all set. You'll enjoy your movies more with a quality system man!

Look into Polk, Infinity, Energy and Klipsch for awesome speakers that won't break your wallet, and will shit all over those HTIB systems

[kevin128]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Pass through means it won't decode Audio in the Receiver itself. And if I'm not mistaken, you'll need to use an optical cable with those type of receivers, but I could be wrong. Btw, Optical doesn't support HD audio

Also, I recommend ditching the HTIB stuff and get a nice system. There are lots of very reasonably priced speakers you can get. And if you can't afford it all at once, follow the golden rule: build a quality system slowly as you can afford it, instead of buying a less satisfying 5.1 or 7.1 system right off the bat. If need be, just start with the basics: a nice receiver and your 2 towers. Then get a center, a sub, surrounds and you're all set. You'll enjoy your movies more with a quality system man!

Look into Polk, Infinity, Energy and Klipsch for awesome speakers that won't break your wallet, and will shit all over those HTIB systems

perhaps i will do that... any recommened recievers? that will support HDMI video and audio. and will work well with a ps3.

and other makes use wireless speakers like Sony does? because that is one thing i wouldnt mind paying a little extra for.

does the reciever make a difference in sound quality at all? or is sound quality all in the speakers and the reciever as long as it decodes HD audio, and has enough HDMI imputs it is good to go?

are there any brands of recievers i need to watch out for, for having propriety cable inputs for speakers? (i know sony is a master of propriety with their digital cameras)

EDIT: browsing cnet reviews on recievers... the Sony STR-DN1000, seems like the best bang for the buck. only $330 and only bad thing is its analog coversion.. but all i have are HDMI hook ups, so i wouldn't use that feature.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by kevin128

perhaps i will do that... any recommened recievers? that will support HDMI video and audio. and will work well with a ps3.

and other makes use wireless speakers like Sony does? because that is one thing i wouldnt mind paying a little extra for.

does the reciever make a difference in sound quality at all? or is sound quality all in the speakers and the reciever as long as it decodes HD audio, and has enough HDMI imputs it is good to go?

are there any brands of recievers i need to watch out for, for having propriety cable inputs for speakers? (i know sony is a master of propriety with their digital cameras)

EDIT: browsing cnet reviews on recievers... the Sony STR-DN1000, seems like the best bang for the buck. only $330 and only bad thing is its analog coversion.. but all i have are HDMI hook ups, so i wouldn't use that feature.

First off. I would not buy a second blu-ray player until you get the setup in your main listening room done first. That will only help you to get a better setup done right the first time.

There are several Receivers that will work well with your PS3, basically any receiver that can process LPCM will do the job, Sony STR-DH700/800 or DN-1000 that you already are looking at, Onkyo 507/607, Yamaha 565, 665, Pioneer 819, 919, 1019, Denon 1910, 1610/590, Marantz 4003.

I have last years Sony that matches up to the one your looking at. I really like the one I have, and if it had pre-outs then I would never think of replacing it. Features, Easy of Use, Sound Quality are all very good.

I would suggest if you are going to use your PS3, put the Marantz 4003 at the top of your list. Next I'd put the Sony 1000, Denon 1910 Yamaha 665, and Onkyo 607 (in no particular order). This year the Pioneers have really fallen off.

For speakers I agree with everyone else. I would look at perhaps building slowly.

Using the $770 you're listing below on the BDP and Onkyo HT, I would suggest trying this to start.

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR4003...7086281&sr=8-1 $374

Energy speakers.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENCC50
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...variation=SCHE
Total w/ receiver $703, add surrounds $788 Save up for a sub, Premier Acoustics PA-120 is $229

Surrounds: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENC50

Polk Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290018
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290023
Total w/ receiver, $764

Personally of the 2 systems listed, I like the Energys better, they are better musically, and have a fuller and more detailed mid-range, but I think that Polk also makes a good speaker. Klipsch are good speakers too, I would suggest listening to them first, some people like the Horn, others (myself) not so much. Plus for music I don't like them so much.

I would also suggest that you listen to whatever you can when it comes to speakers. There are a lot of good ones out there. Even if you start with a higher quality Bookshelf speaker and a Center, then add towers later.

[brettallica]

The STR-DN1000 that you found on CNET is nice, and very similar to the one I and callas01 have, the STR-DG920. It's an awesome unit, and will do anything you want it to. I have noticed great improvement in the upconverted video signals on my unit, and have also read the CNET review myself of the STR-DN1000. I'm not sure why they're saying that the analog signal upconversion is poor; it seems to me like Sony would use at least the same algorithms for the upconversion process as they did on last year's model. It still uses Faroudja technology, so my guess is that is really less of a factor than the CNET reviewer is making it out to be. Regardless, you're buying this thing (I'm assuming) for its other attributes, like primarily how it plays back HD source. In this case, there are very few competitors at that price point.

For the record, I agree with everyone else: don't go with the HTiB; get a setup with individual components. Each piece of equipment in a setup like this will be much better quality, and probably a lot more flexible. You mentioned things like proprietary speaker cables and stuff like that. You don't have to worry about that with a separate component setup. Keep your eye on Newegg.com for deals. They always have great stuff going. I bought my entire front soundstage (Monitor 60 for front right and left, Polk CS1 for the center) for a shade over $300 from there. I'm using a 5.1 low profile Sony packaged speaker setup to round out the rest of my 7.1 home theater (and I love it).

Considering you can buy a nice Sony Blu-ray player for around $200, and if you're patient you could probably get a receiver for around $300, and a decent starting front soundstage for about $300, then you're looking at $800 or so for this portion of your home theater. Your sound will be far superior for only a relatively small amount of money more than an HTiB.

[brettallica]

Looks like callas01 did a lot of work for your searching. Just to add to what he's already said, Newegg is running a special right now on the Polk Monitor 60s: $109.99 (free shipping). I got mine on a similar deal, but I think I paid $120 for each.

[mmmhighdefinition]

Sorry guys, new to the forum, couldn't really find a good place to ask this question.. and am not allowed to make my own thread apparently. I'm astounded by the lack of BD cabinets on the market, i can't find a single rack/shelf/whatever to store my discs in.. it's like everyone's pretending blu rays are just a bad dream.

I'm in australia but am willing to purchase from OS if something good is available. Doesn't have to be huge, only have a few discs so far. Something that holds 30+ would be nice for my current purpose..

anyone able to help?

cheers