I have this system - how should I upgrade?

[CampbellzSoup]

I'm a total sound newbie

but with this system I don't really "feel" the sound experience.

Help me out fellow sound junkies.

[CptGreedle]

is there a model number?

[CampbellzSoup]

Sony DAV-FX500 XM-Ready Five-Disc DVD Dream System (5.1 Channel)

That's it!

[gearyt]

How much of your money do we have to spend ??

[MacDaddyOJack]

Start with a nice reciever, and if you really want to feel it, then get an SVS subwoofer! Those speakers will work for now, but they really need to be updated in the future as well!

[CampbellzSoup]

I say between 600-800

Start with a nice reciever, and if you really want to feel it, then get an SVS subwoofer! Those speakers will work for now, but they really need to be updated in the future as well!

Ah so it's the reciever that is the bad part?

[davidPS3]

I agree, it all starts with the receiver. Then move onto the sub.

You should be able to get a decent unit for the money you have to spend. Set a little $$ aside for quality cables and wires as well.

[Irishwiseguy2006]

This is what I am getting in the next week. Its a little more then what you want to spend but not by to much

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

[CptGreedle]

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665093459

This is the info on that model.
It does support HDMI, but only 720p/1080i. For FULL HD, you need an AV receiver that supports 1080p. In addition, it looks like it is only a 5.1, and adding more speakers will not be possible. Not everyone needs more speakers, but if you ever wanted to...
Also, this is a lower end model. If you really want a good model, get an Onkyo receiver. I use Yamaha as well, and have no complaints. These speakers should be fine, but you will want to upgrade them eventually, over time.
A really good system does not come in one box, but are separate components. So do as I did, start with that, and upgrade slowly... starting with the receiver. I still need to get a better Subwoofer, but I already have upgraded 4 of my speakers and am looking into more.

[CampbellzSoup]

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665093459

This is the info on that model.
It does support HDMI, but only 720p/1080i. For FULL HD, you need an AV receiver that supports 1080p. In addition, it looks like it is only a 5.1, and adding more speakers will not be possible. Not everyone needs more speakers, but if you ever wanted to...
Also, this is a lower end model. If you really want a good model, get an Onkyo receiver. I use Yamaha as well, and have no complaints. These speakers should be fine, but you will want to upgrade them eventually, over time.
A really good system does not come in one box, but are separate components. So do as I did, start with that, and upgrade slowly... starting with the receiver. I still need to get a better Subwoofer, but I already have upgraded 4 of my speakers and am looking into more.

Thanks for the amazing reply dude . I'm so new at this and I got that and I was expecting the sound to be amazing, but ehhh it's not that good. On some PS3 games you can hear some channels, but otherwise it's pretty meh in terms of getting that really good home experience.

But the speakers are fine? Just the reciever? You can use Sony speakers with other recievers?

This is what I am getting in the next week. Its a little more then what you want to spend but not by to much

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

Hey I don't see anything!

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by CampbellzSoup

But the speakers are fine? Just the reciever? You can use Sony speakers with other recievers?

Those speakers were designed to work with its "receiver". Using those speakers with a receiver will destroy it in no time; not to mention it probably has special connectors that won't be compatible with clip/plugs that receiver has.

1. Prepare a budget you can live with for the next 2 years. Within the two years, you shouldn't expect to upgrade your sound equipment. Not unless you have serious money. But if you did, why would you get a HTiB?

2. Sell the HTiB.

3. Go to a local store (Best Buy or specialty audio stores). Start auditioning speakers. Start auditioning receivers.

4. Narrow down your selection. Narrow down your retailers.

5. Buy the equipment. Do NOT buy expensive cables (Monster) for your connection to your HDTV or other equipment that will go to your receiver; if your receiver costs US$4000, then maybe.

6. Read the manual before attempting any installation. You'll be more proud of yourself if you don't have to ask questions here about how you can't get sound from your newly bought audio system.

7. Enjoy your system. Be prepared to be the envy of friends and family, and maybe enemies of neighbors.


fuad

[CampbellzSoup]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Those speakers were designed to work with its "receiver". Using those speakers with a receiver will destroy it in no time; not to mention it probably has special connectors that won't be compatible with clip/plugs that receiver has.

1. Prepare a budget you can live with for the next 2 years. Within the two years, you shouldn't expect to upgrade your sound equipment. Not unless you have serious money. But if you did, why would you get a HTiB?

2. Sell the HTiB.

3. Go to a local store (Best Buy or specialty audio stores). Start auditioning speakers. Start auditioning receivers.

4. Narrow down your selection. Narrow down your retailers.

5. Buy the equipment. Do NOT buy expensive cables (Monster) for your connection to your HDTV or other equipment that will go to your receiver; if your receiver costs US$4000, then maybe.

6. Read the manual before attempting any installation. You'll be more proud of yourself if you don't have to ask questions here about how you can't get sound from your newly bought audio system.

7. Enjoy your system. Be prepared to be the envy of friends and family, and maybe enemies of neighbors.


fuad

So awesome these replies!

I actually got that system as a starter system since I never had one before and I thought maybe I could start with a HTiB.

[CptGreedle]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Those speakers were designed to work with its "receiver". Using those speakers with a receiver will destroy it in no time; not to mention it probably has special connectors that won't be compatible with clip/plugs that receiver has.

1. Prepare a budget you can live with for the next 2 years. Within the two years, you shouldn't expect to upgrade your sound equipment. Not unless you have serious money. But if you did, why would you get a HTiB?

2. Sell the HTiB.

3. Go to a local store (Best Buy or specialty audio stores). Start auditioning speakers. Start auditioning receivers.

4. Narrow down your selection. Narrow down your retailers.

5. Buy the equipment. Do NOT buy expensive cables (Monster) for your connection to your HDTV or other equipment that will go to your receiver; if your receiver costs US$4000, then maybe.

6. Read the manual before attempting any installation. You'll be more proud of yourself if you don't have to ask questions here about how you can't get sound from your newly bought audio system.

7. Enjoy your system. Be prepared to be the envy of friends and family, and maybe enemies of neighbors.


fuad

This is the one draw-back to many "all-in-one" systems, they use speakers that won't connect to other components. When I bought my all-in-one 2 or so years ago, I made sure the speakers could be reconnected to other receivers. I now have moved the receiver to a shelf, and hooked up a much better one.
If these speakers do not work with other receivers, then you will have to sell the entire set and buy new components. Start with the speakers (and subwoofer), cause they take the longest to decide on. Once you have found good speakers, choose a good AV receiver that supports HDMI, 1080p, and as many codecs as you can afford (Onkyo makes great one, but I am sure people have more specific suggestions on here). Mine supports 7.1, plus 2 "ambient" or "presence" speakers. Honestly, these are not important. Just ignore it if it is on there. The important thing is that it has all the features you want.
Once you have that, make sure you have at least 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer, if not 7 speakers. Unfortunately, this will cost more than your budget in most cases, so save up and shop around.
Avoid Bose speakers (over priced, under perform). I am sure there are several threads you can search for that give good speaker suggestions.

Good Luck hunting!

[awolpoland]

to irishwiseguy this site has that reciever you want for 100 cheaper but i think it might be factory re condition but comes with 1 year warranty??? just trying to help

http://www.accessories4less.com/inde...brand&id=ONKYO

[CampbellzSoup]

Originally Posted by Irishwiseguy2006

This is what I am getting in the next week. Its a little more then what you want to spend but not by to much

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

Ok now I can see it since I'm on my browser at home Cpt what do you think about these items?

[Johk]

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

This is the one draw-back to many "all-in-one" systems, they use speakers that won't connect to other components. When I bought my all-in-one 2 or so years ago, I made sure the speakers could be reconnected to other receivers. I now have moved the receiver to a shelf, and hooked up a much better one.
If these speakers do not work with other receivers, then you will have to sell the entire set and buy new components. Start with the speakers (and subwoofer), cause they take the longest to decide on. Once you have found good speakers, choose a good AV receiver that supports HDMI, 1080p, and as many codecs as you can afford (Onkyo makes great one, but I am sure people have more specific suggestions on here). Mine supports 7.1, plus 2 "ambient" or "presence" speakers. Honestly, these are not important. Just ignore it if it is on there. The important thing is that it has all the features you want.
Once you have that, make sure you have at least 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer, if not 7 speakers. Unfortunately, this will cost more than your budget in most cases, so save up and shop around.
Avoid Bose speakers (over priced, under perform). I am sure there are several threads you can search for that give good speaker suggestions.

Good Luck hunting!

Another advise that I would like to add, try buying your speakers and sub from the same line of one manufacturer. If not, you'll probably have a hard time tone matching your speakers.

[JohnGalt]

Originally Posted by Johk

Another advise that I would like to add, try buying your speakers and sub from the same line of one manufacturer. If not, you'll probably have a hard time tone matching your speakers.

True for front L&R and center channel speakers, less true for surrounds, and not at all true for subs. Matching the sub brand to the speakers usually results in paying too much money for too little performance.