http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/ Home Theater System Recommendations is for discussion and help with determining the best equipment for your home theater. Whether you are looking for a HTIB (Home Theater In a Box) or want to piece together a system separately... whether you are looking for a new home theater system or merely want to upgrade... here is where you can get recommendations and discuss potential audio and video components for your system. Moderators: eugovector, Jon Liu, Jungle Jack, Prof., en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:18:51 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/ http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/23033-ht-receiver-speakers-help.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:49:42 GMT Hey guys this really looks like a great forum! Heres my deal, just picked up a 55-inch VF551XVT TruLED LCD HDTV from Vizio... Hey guys this really looks like a great forum!
Heres my deal, just picked up a 55-inch VF551XVT TruLED LCD HDTV from Vizio & mounted her above the fireplace. THIS SYSTEM IS GOING TO BE 90% HOME THEATER USE NOT A HUGE MUSIC GUY AT HOME! Time to retire the old surround sound system due to no hdmi inputs, will be running cablebox, ps3 for bluray, & Wii.
The living room is total 20x20 & tv is 15 feet from the sofa, the room is also attached to the kitchen / dinette another 10x10... I have no idea how much this plays in speaker selection. Ive done a little research & from what ive been told I need either bookshelf or front towers cuz its considered a larger room i guess... seems small to me! i really like the idea of small satelites but im not willing to compromise sound.
Need some speaker recommendations that are quality but wont break the bank, I hate being dissapointed! Are l/r towers really going to make that much of a difference, really want to keep it clean.

Also receivers? This is what im contemplating but once again I dont know anything about ease of use, durability & performance. Ill take any other recommendations that I may be overseeing & may be the better choice. Which brand receiver is the better choice & why?
Im looking at around $1000 budget & do have a KLH 10inch power front firing sub to make do if i piece this together over time.

Onkyo tx-507 80x5watts
Denon avr-590 75x5watts
Yamaha rxv-565 90x7

Thanks guys & hopefully ill have a clue after this is all said & done, im spinning!:huh: ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations Slater http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/23033-ht-receiver-speakers-help.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22934-finally-going-hd.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:36:10 GMT Hi everyone. I'm finally upgrading my HT to HD. I'm pretty happy with my surround sound for the moment. Do you guys have an recommendations for a 50" tv for a living room? It will be used for games tv and movies, but movies are the most important. The room doesn't have the best light control so I do get some glare, but not too much at night. The couch is about 8'-9' from the screen. I'd like to keep it under $2k, what do you suggest? ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations dthree http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22934-finally-going-hd.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22920-another-new-person-home-theater-advice-please.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:24:30 GMT Hi All,

I, like many who are here, am new to the home theater realm of sound. Even though I've read through some of the other posts, it seems like everyone's needs are different. I'd like some recommendations on speaker systems.

Background info: I just moved to a basement condo like thing with my fiance to start a new job. There are a row of townhouse like homes with individual lower units. I'm not sure if it's particular to Maryland, but there certainly wasn't anything like this in Michigan. Anyways, it's a 2 bedroom unit. It has a large room (12' x 20') that's divided into a living room (12x10) and a section that's designated a dining room (12x10). Currently I'm using a 7 year old Onkyo GXW-5.1. It was in a small bedroom to begin with and moved to a small living room before (rectangular 12x10) but that place had a wall whereas the new place opens up the sound into the dining room area. I want to replace the Onkyo unit with something more capable. My fiance and I are big gamers. I've a PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, etc. I'm looking to buy a flat panel TV as funds become more free. I'd want to route everything through the receiver and have the receiver upconvert the analog (Wii component and Xbox 360 component) to 1080P, while the PS3 can pass through with the HDMI cable.

I'm looking for a receiver and 5.1 set of speakers. I like the notion of having floor (tower?) speakers for the front left/right. I'm looking to keep the system for 10-15 years without upgrading. For now I'm sure any system I get would be an improvement and would work well for the small-ish room and moderate sound levels due to me having neighbors and all. I am hoping the system would be flexible enough to be moved into a large living room (shot in the dark 20x20?) once I move into a house.

Needs - 50% gaming, 40% movies/tv shows, 10% music (the music percentage might be higher with a better sound system, who knows?)

Budget - $1000-$1200 max for the whole thing (receiver, 2 floor speakers, center, 2 satellites, 1 subwoofer, tax, shipping). I'd be very happy if it can be kept closer to $1000.

Room Size - 12x10 (for the seating area), 12x20 for the room - hoping to have the sound system be moved to a larger room without the need for upgrades.

Receiver Research - (so far)
I was going to get the Onkyo HT-S9100 for around $800. But since then, I've read more and have decided to try and piece together a system for $1000. Receiver wise, I'd want something that's 7.1 or 7.2 for speaker additions if I ever wanted it. I was looking at the Onkyo TX-SR607 and TX-SR707 - but have reservations about the heat issue. The Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K and Denon AVR1610 also looks like contenders. The Audyssey MultEQ feature looks nice as well on some of the models. However, at $500-ish for some of the latter ones listed, I'm afraid that if 1/2 of my budget goes towards a receiver, then only 1/2 is left for speakers. Should I settle for a lower price/brand and not get everything I'm thinking of? Multi-room feature isn't important to me.

Speaker research -
This is where I get very confused. I'm trying to match up the impedance of ohms from speakers to receiver. And be on the lookout for sensitivity (87dB or better, right?). It's hard for me to find out RMS wattage because I don't want to underpower or overpower the speakers, right? Some sets that have been bookmarked by me... Jamo E660 5 speaker package + Velodyne Impact 10, EMP Tek HTP-351T, (similarly) Destination Audio F300T 5.1, EMP Impression 5.1 Tower, TheSpeakerCompany TST3-HT. I'm kind of waiting for them to go on holiday sale for ~$700 and then add in a ~$300-400 receiver.


Subwoofer -
Should I keep with what they give with the budget lines? I don't need teeth rattling and right now I can't fully appreciate it in my living situation - but I would like for it to be able to shake walls at some point in the future.


Wires -
I fully plan to get 14-16 gauge wire and banana (plugs? clips?) but that isn't included in this budget. I know some people like 12 gauge, but I think might be too thick to navigate along the carpet.


Whew! I think that's it. I kind of know what I want. Yet, I really don't know what to get or even if it's possible with my budget. Oh, for one last challenge - I'd like to get new equipment instead of used items. I don't mind used other things, but electronics have to be new with me. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If I'm not thinking in the right direction or if you have other ideas/speakers/system combination I might have missed, please feel free to post and let me know!

Many thanks,
-H ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations Emuc64 http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22920-another-new-person-home-theater-advice-please.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22913-suggestions-full-system-less-drivers.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:23:11 GMT Hello everyone, I haven't had a dedicated HT for quite some time now. Last I had was a Kenwood VR-7070 that I LOVED to death, and I ran 6 pairs of Kicker DX 6X9's in dual sealed enclosures. 4ohm car drivers wired in series for 8 ohms, 3-way speakers... 6 pairs for 6.1 surround. I had a Kicker L7 15" in a 4th order but the PE 1000 watt plate amp couldn't push it.. it clipped regularly. I then tried it 4.25 cubes sealed, still not enough.

So I've outgrown the car audio drivers, please stop laughing now...time for business.

I've gotten my finances lined up, I will soon be ordering 6 Exodus Audio 21" Maelstrom-X's hoping I can still get 2 free Anarchy's per driver. I will then have 6 Anarchy's for 6.1 surround MTM, and 2 21's for the house. I need to take measurments to make my final desicion on how I will do my enclosures, but you won't be disapointed. It will be large/efficient enough that my EP4000 will be overkill... maybe a 128 cubic foot cabinet @ 15Hz with 16" ports... PER driver, maybe 2 horns with a 10-15Hz knee, or 2 6th order bandpass in the basement with ports radiating into the listening room.

Should I get a high powerd 6.1 receiver? Cause it was LOUD and CLEAN pushing 12 6x9's sealed... but it had a bad chip, can't remember what it's called? So it wouldn't switch to 5.1 and such when it detected a signal. I got a replacement Yamaha that was supposed to be much better as they were out of Kenwood, but it kept over heating with a much lower volume.

Should I go dedicated? I don't think I'll be needing a SSF... either way I'll "tune" low enough.

Basically I need to know what to use as a source and amplification...thank you all! ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations Ryan Anderson http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22913-suggestions-full-system-less-drivers.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22809-please-critique-my-new-system.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:36:08 GMT I am trying to set up a new home theater for the first time. I have very limited audio/video knowledge and would appreciate... I am trying to set up a new home theater for the first time. I have very limited audio/video knowledge and would appreciate any feedback on the components I am planning to purchase.

Sony kdl-46xbr8 46"
Pioneer vsx-1019 ah-k
Axiom Epic Midi/125 5.1 system ( 2 m2's, ep125 sub, vp100 center ch., 2 Qs4 quad surrounds)
Oppo bdp-83

They will be set up in an 11x15 living room. Any input regarding component selection, compatibility, etc. would be helpful.

Thank You,

Total Noob ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations The Sloth http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22809-please-critique-my-new-system.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22425-5-1-6-1-7-1-one-what-room.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:23:53 GMT Hi
I'm building a new home. I have a room that will be 4.45metres (14.6 feet) long by 3.74 metres (12.27 feet) wide by 2.54metres ( 8.3feet) high. I have been to a few stores selling HT components (AV receivers etc), with one store (that had branding on it windows stating BOSE, ONKYO etc) who basically told me I only need a 5.1 unit. In fact the only thing he would sell me was a bose system. To which his way of demonstrating this unit was to drag to a theatre room and turning up the bose system so loud that you couldnt hear each other talk.

At a price of $3500 I can do so much better else where. but the one thing that stuck in my mind was that he told me based on the size of the room that a 5.1 would be more than enough and to go for anything more wold mean i would loose definition of the sound being produce. Mainly due to the speed of the sound relative to distance from the seating and the location of the speakers.

Now I have an understanding of the speed of sound and the delays that can be imposed through the recording (movie sound effects etc), and a basic understanding of the layouts of speakers for the various types of units (5.1, 6.1, 7.1 etc). But is there any rule of thumb thats says that you are better off with a 5.1 for this size room or 6.1 or 7.1 for that size of room. Or can use virtually use any system in my size room?

Being that I am from Australia, our prices out here are considerable different to what you have in the US. But even so I am not too concerned about price at this stage. I mainly want to make sure that i have sufficient cable in the walls and ceiling. I'm fairly sure i will be using a projector probably one of the panasonic 1080p units. Other than that I am not concerned about the brand of the AV unit at this stage except to say the bigger name Onkyo, Marantz, denon etc will be in the running. It will come down to bang for my buck and the number of input and outputs.

I also know that at this stage most blurays and dvd are only 5.1, but i know this will change in the future, but is there a golden rule about size of room to number of channels.

Jeff ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations jraduga http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22425-5-1-6-1-7-1-one-what-room.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22213-recommendation-projector-mount.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:47:52 GMT Hi,
First time post, wonderful forum you guys here. I can tell I'll be learning lots as I build my theater.

Do you have any recommendations for projector mounts? I have a drop ceiling, and when I measured I think I will need approx 10 inches of clearance. I'm thinking something adjustable would be nice.. so something that has a tare between 8-12 inches. I could always drop it lower without a problem too.

Also, any suggestions of how to make the hole that I cut in the drop tile look nice? Like a piece of round plastic to cover the hole or something?


Thanks! ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations Schlapppy http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22213-recommendation-projector-mount.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22161-looking-advice.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:26:15 GMT New to the site & the world of home theater purchases.

I've been looking around the site but decided the best way to get on track is make a thread and give my budget and what I'm looking to do.

About a year back I got a HTIB , LG brand , and was very dissapointed , and don't even use the thing anymore. I hate how the DVD player is basically the receiver , I could only get audio to play through the speakers when it was playing from the DVD Player. Hopefully doing this by buying my own receiver and speakers+sub will be easier. I have some experience with old school speakers , with RCA cords and such but not sure if w/ all the high tech electronics these days if that's the way it's done still.

I have a 58' inch plasma , ps3 , tvix and blu ray player , oh and the dreaded cable tv :yikes: . So my hope is to be able to switch between these while having the audio source be the surround sound speakers. if that makes sense :huh::help:

As far as room size that's gonna change soon. Right now I'm in like a half basement , but will soon have my set up (few months down the road) in a living room , in prob a 1000-1500 sq ft 2-3 bedroom home , so likely smaller than the basement my TV/Set-Up is in currently.

So i guess i need a receiver , speakers + subwoofer .

Also would like to know people's thoughts on onecall ? I get "bonuses" in the form of gift cards and this is the only place where i can get home theater stuff with said bonuses. Using the bonuses for this is not a must though , just a thought.

I'm thinking $2k max .

Thanks in advance for any advice. Very informative site/forum you have here. ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations th1986 http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22161-looking-advice.html http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22134-buying-sound-surround-sound-system.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:05:53 GMT Hi, I am looking to buy a surround sound system and I been thinking of buying the svssound complete set of this: 5.1... Hi, I am looking to buy a surround sound system and I been thinking of buying the svssound complete set of this:

5.1 Enhanced Audiophile Package: One pair STS-01's, SCS-01 center channel, and matching pair of high output SCS-01(M) surrounds, sub PC12-NSD powered cyl

+ One pair of their speaker stand

Now the question

What receiver do you guys recommend?
For the center speaker should it be below the tv? or in front?
What speaker cable should I buy from monoprice? Seems like there are different awg?
Thanks.

Do you have questions for me to give me a better option? ]]> Home Theater System Recommendations TheBuzzer http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-theater-system-recommendations/22134-buying-sound-surround-sound-system.html