Looking for expert advice

[flyfree432]

Right now we are listening to our blu-ray movies through our tv speakers and I am shopping around for a surround sound system - something that I know next to nothing about.

We have a 40" 1080i TV with 1 HDMI input and a bunch of other inputs - 2 component, 1 S-video, and the other normal stuff. We currently have a 60GB PS3 hooked up to the tv via HDMI to watch our movies on. Our couch is about 5 feet away from the TV, and we can't practically move it back any further in our apartment. The setup of our apartment kinda sucks because it is one giant area for living room / dining room area. This will make it difficult to mount speakers and run wire (obviously we can't break into the walls, and it isn't a drop ceiling so we can't even run wire through the ceiling like we did in our last apartment). We will probably need stands for the rear speakers to go behind the couch and consider a wireless adapter.

I have a budget of $500-700 to start. I just finished shedding $5,000 of credit card debt and $14,000 for our car, with another $60,000 I'm working on for school loans. I'm simply not willing to do credit on a higher priced system, but wouldn't mind going with something that is upgradeable in the future as we save money for it. I'm just looking to get something, anything, other than tv speakers right now on that budget.

I had bought a $40 HTIB from Wal-mart, but I laughed when I heard the sound coming out of it and thought to myself, I better learn more about home theater systems. If you can let me know what might be the best thing to go with right now, what all I'll need to get and how to set it up, that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

[un4gvn94538]

with your price range for receiver and speakers look into onk htib.

http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=...ss=Systems&p=i

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-SP908...7770467&sr=8-1

[Beta Man]

What part of Ohio are you in, I may be able to help you out.

[flyfree432]

That shows $850 + shipping, about $200 more than we can handle for the moment. If that is really the best to go with we can probably wait another month and buy it. Is 7.1 really the best to go with considering our space limitations and we can't have anything overly loud being in an apartment?

[flyfree432]

We are actually in Michigan now. About 1 hour north of Toledo, closer to Ann Arbor

[JasonR]

Try this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

and this

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cha...7771382&sr=1-1

You can add two more speakers later if you want

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-RM6...7771432&sr=1-6

[JasonR]

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V663...7771521&sr=1-1

This amp is better than the Onkyo IMO though.

[flyfree432]

So if I purchased the speakers and reciever separately, can I expect to need any extra wire or other cords? I wouldn't have a clue how to go shopping for that kind of thing.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by flyfree432

We are actually in Michigan now. About 1 hour north of Toledo, closer to Ann Arbor

Oh, well congratulations on the move. Go Blue!

I would recommend checking the answers on this thread also, similar budget, so the answers should be the same


https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=44203

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by flyfree432

So if I purchased the speakers and reciever separately, can I expect to need any extra wire or other cords? I wouldn't have a clue how to go shopping for that kind of thing.

Yeah. Look into some 12 guage speaker wire, HDMI cables, etc. here.

www.monoprice.com

I think that Polk system might have speaker cable with it though....

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by flyfree432

So if I purchased the speakers and reciever separately, can I expect to need any extra wire or other cords? I wouldn't have a clue how to go shopping for that kind of thing.

All you'll need is a $20 spool of speaker wire..... everything else is good to go. Make sure you connect your Audio/Video with HDMI cables but those can be had for $5 each at MONOPRICE.COM I'd just order the speaker wire from them too.... don't pay retail!!!!

[yellowblanket]

I'm in the sterling heights area, about 30 min away from ann arbor i believe.

I have 2 onkyo receiver and complete 7.1 set up if you want to come take a look. It's almost brandnew with 5 years Circuit city warranty.

[syncguy]

Good advice is given in this thread. Wish to add something bit different.

Take care when you handle HDMI cable because it has the potential to damage your equipment if plugged/unplugged while equipment is working. So it is the best to power down all components when you plug/unplug HDMI cable. Also make sure that you will not short circuit your speaker wires as this could damage your amplifier.

[flyfree432]

Thanks everyone for helping me figure out what to buy.

"This amp is better than the Onkyo IMO though."

What is the difference? Is the sound going to be better out of the Yamaha one or is it just built from better materials.

"Take care when you handle HDMI cable because it has the potential to damage your equipment if plugged/unplugged while equipment is working. So it is the best to power down all components when you plug/unplug HDMI cable. Also make sure that you will not short circuit your speaker wires as this could damage your amplifier."

Thanks!

I think I will look at puchasing equipment separately instead of all together in one box. Reading all the reviews on amazon it seems like you get better quality not buying it all in one box.

[syncguy]

You are welcome. It is amazing that the breadth and depth of the collective knowledge of this forum. From movies to highly technical issues and you could find an answer to any relevant issue.

[bkbluray]

Originally Posted by syncguy

You are welcome. It is amazing that the breadth and depth of the collective knowledge of this forum. From movies to highly technical issues and you could find an answer to any relevant issue.

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