Help me decide on first surround system

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 05:34 AM**

Goodmorning,
This is my first post and have come here in hops of receiving some solid advice on which system to get. First tings first some background info - so that you can understand my needs. I have recently purchased a plasma screen which I am planning to compliment with glorious sound. The surround receiver will be connected to my satellite dish, PS3, 360 using 2 optical connectors for the consoles and RCA cables for the dish. The setup will be used for Blue-ray, gaming and DVDs

Based on my research I have narrowed down my selection to two possible systems:

Sony Home Cinema DVD System DAV-DZ830W
Sony Home Cinema System HT-DDWG800

As the 830W costs 450 euro more than the second option would the investment be worth the money? As in will I get good quality HD sound from above systems and which would you recommend.

Thanks in advance

**jackfish** · **02-16-09, 10:54 AM**

I find the Sony Home Cinema DVD System DAV-DZ830W for 557 euro in closeout. It is a Home Theater in a Box that cannot stand up to a well thought out component system. Think about saving up more and then asking about components once you have your ultimate budget settled. Good Luck!

**tonyvdb** · **02-16-09, 11:48 AM**

Hello, Welcome to the Shack!

First of all have a look at this post, Home Theater in a Box systems do not stand up well to the dynamics of todays movies.
Sony is not well known for good quality receivers or speakers, If you must go with a HTIB system Onkyo makes some of the better ones.

As Jay already said if you could give us a budget that would help as we may be able to find something better.

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 01:46 PM**

mmm lets say max budget 1000 euro is it possible to build a decent DIY system? Id rather spend a bit more and get good value for money then go cheep and regret it. Also anyone know of some good online retailers that ship worldwide as amazon doesnt ship to my country large parcels unfortunately.

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 01:49 PM**

buget is expandable up to 1500 euro

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 02:38 PM**

I decided to go the custom build way, now im at a dilemma as to which receiver to get I was considering the Onkyo TX-SR576 which is priced at 350 euro which sounds reasonable to me. Am I right in the assumption that I do not need a receiver to decode HD signals as the PS3 can output the sound in linear PCM ? Or must I invest in a HD decoder? Is the extar price for the HD worth it ? sorry im new to surround

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 02:58 PM**

What o you guys think of the bose Acoustimass 6 speakers (5.1) for now then extended to 7.1 later

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 03:40 PM**

Just read the bose reviews on this site anyone have any suggestion for better speakers

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 03:54 PM**

opinions on denon SYS-76HT speakers to compliment AV reciever

**salvasol** · **02-16-09, 03:57 PM**

Quote:

stifler wrote:

I was considering the Onkyo TX-SR576 which is priced at 350 euro which sounds reasonable to me. Am I right in the assumption that I do not need a receiver to decode HD signals as the PS3 can output the sound in linear PCM ? Or must I invest in a HD decoder? Is the extar price for the HD worth it ?

I think you're okay with the 576 (it has HDMI connectors need it to get HD audio from PS3); the 576 can decode DolbyDigital Plus, so maybe you'll need to decode other formats on PS3 ...but you'll be fine.

Good luck with your project.

**salvasol** · **02-16-09, 04:01 PM**

Quote:

stifler wrote:

opinions on denon SYS-76HT speakers to compliment AV reciever

I think it will be a better option to get an Onkyo system (6100, 7100, etc.), their speakers have a better frequency response than most HTIB.

What other brands can you get where you live??? ...JBL, Polk, etc.

**stifler** · **02-16-09, 04:09 PM**

Il phone a couple of retailers in the morning and post the outcome.

**jackfish** · **02-16-09, 04:21 PM**

It is likely you can get what you need in Europe. What country and city are you in?

My recommendation for buying something unheard would be the underrated Infinity Primus line. Person after person, review after review places these speakers squarely in the "Best for the Money" class. The tower, bookshelf and center speakers listed below all use the same drivers and are extremely well matched.

Infinity Primus P252 towers - $295/pair
Infinity Primus P152 bookshelves - $155/pair
Infinity Primus PC250 center - $134
Infinity PS210 subwoofer - $295
TOTAL - $879 or €688
International shipping available.
If you need 7.1 just add another pair of P152s.

Matched with the Onkyo TX-SR576 for €350 and you are in for under €1500 with shipping.

**stifler** · **02-17-09, 12:25 AM**

Im from Malta within the EU, what retailer sells the above speakers?

**stifler** · **02-17-09, 12:50 AM**

Is placing the center speaker behind the TV a issue with surround systems as the way the room is furnished this is the only option (it cant rest on the TV) as its a plasma hence paper thin in construction

**nathometheatre** · **02-17-09, 01:06 AM**

I have to agree with "Jackfish" in recommending the Infinity Primus speakers. My first system was the Infinity Interlude speakers, and at that time I had a Denon avr-2802. If your comfortable buying on ebay or Audiogon, you could probably find a mint condition Denon avr-3802 or 03 for around $300 american dollars. This is a great starter system, and the infinity's mix well with any high current Denon receiver. This system will blow away most HTIB systems. For what it's worth, in my opinion I'd stay away from Bose no matter what the cost. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

**jackfish** · **02-17-09, 10:18 AM**

Quote:

stifler wrote:

Im from Malta within the EU, what retailer sells the above speakers?

International shipping more than doubles the cost of these items. You'ld be better off buying within the EU even if the prices are a bit higher. Call these establishments and ask about the Infinity Primus line; you have the model numbers from above.

EU Infinity Home Audio dealers:
Cutajar Ltd. Birkirkara, Malta Phone +356 21441720/21445603 Fax +356 21498632 Email cutajar@vol.net.mt
Kenwood Electronics Italia S.P.A. Milano, Italia Phone +39-02 204 821 Fax +39-02 2295 16281 Email info@kenwood.it
Harman France S.A. Paris, France Phone 33-1 55 78 54 00 Fax 33-1 55 78 54 01 Email hci_contact_france@harman.com
Lyric Ae Athens, Greece Phone 30-182 10 263 Fax 30-182 19 193 Email lyric@otenet.gr
Amacom 11633 Athens, Greece Phone 210 701 5259 Email theo@amacom.nu
Amacom - Greek Showroom GALATSIOU 41 3rd Floor GR-111.41 Athens, Greece Phone 0030-210 2232621 Fax 0030-210 2232621
Media Audio Split, Croatia Phone 00-385-21-343-161 Fax 00-385-21-315-220 Email info@mediaaudio.hr
BOFEX d.o.o. Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone +386 1 309 38 22 Fax +386 1 524 54 78 Email gregor.klancnik@bigbang.si
Harman Consumer UK St. Albans, Hertfordshire UK Phone +44 1707 278100 Fax +44 1707 278129 Email info.uk@harman.com

There are over 100 dealers that handle Infinity Home Audio in Germany. "http://www.infinity.de/home/where_to_buy/international_where_to_buy.aspx" Copy the text between the quotes and paste into your browser and select Germany.

You can place your Plasma TV on top of the center channel speaker.

**MasterGuns** · **02-18-09, 06:59 AM**

stifler,
There are obviously a lot of ideas out there. IMHO you have two choices.
1. stck with your current budget and get a HTIB ( I also recommend the Onkyo as I have owned several, and put them in my kids rooms when I am ready for an upgrade.)

2. Save more money and get a custom system that you will meet your needs over time. (you end up saving more in the long run) Tons of choices here. Read posts and they can give you a million ideas.

I know it is hard to wait, but you will definately notice a difference.

Best of luck to you.

**salvasol** · **02-18-09, 09:11 PM**

Quote:

stifler wrote:

Is placing the center speaker behind the TV a issue with surround systems as the way the room is furnished this is the only option (it cant rest on the TV) as its a plasma hence paper thin in construction

If the TV will block or reflect the speaker audio...yes is an issue.

Can you use a shelf above/below TV??? ...Can you post a picture of your setup???

**stifler** · **02-19-09, 04:05 AM**

Hi guys, thanks for all the posts. I have narrowed down my A/V choice to a TX-SR806 or 876 box as I have read that the 806 has some serious issues with 1080p direct feed (blue pixles etc) can someone confirm that the 876 is free of such issues and can pass a 1080p signal untouched?

**stifler** · **02-19-09, 05:00 AM**

Anyone ever used the Mission M cube 5.1 speakers as my friend recommended them due to there small size, any opinions?

**tonyvdb** · **02-19-09, 10:21 AM**

Quote:

stifler wrote:

Hi guys, thanks for all the posts. I have narrowed down my A/V choice to a TX-SR806 or 876 box as I have read that the 806 has some serious issues with 1080p direct feed (blue pixles etc) can someone confirm that the 876 is free of such issues and can pass a 1080p signal untouched?

The 876 is fine with video, the 806 has a smaller power supply and did poorly driving a 4ohm load but for most people it is still a capable receiver I am personally happy I have the 805 rather than the 806.

Quote:

stifler wrote:

Anyone ever used the Mission M cube 5.1 speakers as my friend recommended them due to there small size, any opinions?

Mission makes decent speakers however they are not as good as they used to be in the early 90s. That said any small cube type speaker should be avoided see here for more info on that subject.

**stifler** · **02-25-09, 10:55 AM**

I ended up getting the NR906 A/V receiver. can someone suggest some killer speakers to do this bad boy some justice? - I was thinking the M cubes sound nice

**stifler** · **02-25-09, 12:25 PM**

What type of connectors (speaker wire termination) does this receiver support as I want to order some quality cable from monster

**tonyvdb** · **02-25-09, 12:33 PM**

Quote:

stifler wrote:

What type of connectors (speaker wire termination) does this receiver support as I want to order some quality cable from monster

Do not waist your money on monster cables, they are no better than generic wire you can buy at the Home depot in a spool. You should buy 14awg wire for the speakers and use HDMI cables for your DVD/BluRay player and to your display again dont buy over priced cables as they make no visual or audible difference. A decent HDMI cable should cost no more than $40 for 6ft.

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