The Ringer
Super Freak
I am upgrading my 5.1 system for a new one. Any recomendations?
Surround Sound in a Box recomendations
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Mesa
Super Freak
my suggestion, don't buy your system all in one box. Component stereo equipment is the way to go. This also allows for upgrading over time by replacing individual pieces as your budget allows. And I've never liked those dainty little speakers in the surround sound box, get big ones.
component stereo >> surround sound in a box
component stereo >> surround sound in a box
Rook
Super Freak
Everything Mesa said is the truth.
EVILFACE
Super Freak
Spend the $$$ on speakers first then add everything else later.
ProgMatinee
circlesendwheretheybegin
Personally, I am not impressed with all in 1 box systems.
I'd just buy a decent receiver and replace the speakers your later. (or obviously if you can afford to buy it all now, do that)
Anyway, I have a Denon receiver and Klipsch speakers and love them all. My Denon is about 5 or 6 years old and rocks the mfn house. I loved the 5 speaker stereo feature for CDs and stuff too. Not sure if other manufacturers do that too now.
I'd just buy a decent receiver and replace the speakers your later. (or obviously if you can afford to buy it all now, do that)
Anyway, I have a Denon receiver and Klipsch speakers and love them all. My Denon is about 5 or 6 years old and rocks the mfn house. I loved the 5 speaker stereo feature for CDs and stuff too. Not sure if other manufacturers do that too now.
hairlesswookiee
PALPATINE CRUSADER!!!!
onkyo is the best place to start looking for a receiver. great receivers for a good price...you can get decent 5.1 speakers for cheap and just add better ones over time.
ProgMatinee
circlesendwheretheybegin
I don't know nothing about Onkyo, but the name sounds freaking cheap ass. Sounds like something you'd pay a lot for bells and whistles, but fall apart in 2 years. Are they really good?
Can't go wrong with Denon or Mitsubishi from my experience long term.
Can't go wrong with Denon or Mitsubishi from my experience long term.
Havok
Super Freak
Well all my surround sound systems have been all in one box, and I've been more than satisfied with them. It's cheaper that way, and I don't think there's anything wrong with them, there's some very good quality ones out there. I have a Panasonic right now, don't know the exact one, and it sounds great.
creecher
Such is Life - Ned Kelly
How can it be surround, in a box? Just get a friend and have them stand on the other side of the box, and you'll have it surrounded.
You're upgrading, but from what? And what are you wanting from your system? As Havoc said, the small all in one unit can have an excellent sound. Technological improvements have made cheap, not bad at all, within reason. Panasonic are good, but over here they are pricey. Something you can throw out into the backyard for a barbie or party. This may be what your looking for. An all in one box with good sound and cheap enough that it's not so much of a problem to update with a new replacement every so often, depending. Though, the illusion of surround sound, is probably not an accurate description, of these type of units.
You want a high quality set up for a particular room? You can spend as much as you want on a system. 50% of your budget, minimum, for the speakers, Then 25% on the amp, from there it's add on stuff.
Do you want something small and inconspicuous? Are you after sound quality primarily? Willing to sacrifice space for audio excellence? Have a budget of ..... What do you already have that you'll keep? e.g. New beaut blu ray, or happy with the ol DvD player.
Basically, need more info.
You're upgrading, but from what? And what are you wanting from your system? As Havoc said, the small all in one unit can have an excellent sound. Technological improvements have made cheap, not bad at all, within reason. Panasonic are good, but over here they are pricey. Something you can throw out into the backyard for a barbie or party. This may be what your looking for. An all in one box with good sound and cheap enough that it's not so much of a problem to update with a new replacement every so often, depending. Though, the illusion of surround sound, is probably not an accurate description, of these type of units.
You want a high quality set up for a particular room? You can spend as much as you want on a system. 50% of your budget, minimum, for the speakers, Then 25% on the amp, from there it's add on stuff.
Do you want something small and inconspicuous? Are you after sound quality primarily? Willing to sacrifice space for audio excellence? Have a budget of ..... What do you already have that you'll keep? e.g. New beaut blu ray, or happy with the ol DvD player.
Basically, need more info.
hairlesswookiee
PALPATINE CRUSADER!!!!
onkyo has been around for a long time and making stuff that is better than sony and a lot of the other name brands.
Mesa
Super Freak
I've had a Sony, Yamaha, Panasonic, and Onkyo Receiver. my order of preference is:
1. 7.1 Onkyo
2. 6.1 Panasonic (ALL DIGITAL BABY)
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100. tied: Yamaha or Sony
For speakers, I got most of them off some sort of clearance or going out of business deal. I am currently listening to:
7.1 surround Athena's in my theatre area
6.1 surround Cerwin Vega in my bedroom
and have enough speakers to easily set up another 7.1 system in my other living room (when I get around to it). When I do, I'll use my currently unused 6.1 Yamaha or much older 5.1 Sony Receiver.
You should definitely be patient in getting your surround system. Maybe buy something cheap now if you need it now. Otherwise, wait for the deals, as speakers and receivers always go on sale or can be found in the classifieds. And as much as I loathe Best Buy, I also like to check their open box area too, and used to do the same when Circuit City was still around.
When you buy an RX, look for the wattage output of each channel (typically 75W - 150W) per channel. I think my Onkyo is 100W per channel. Then for each speaker, get something just slightly above that, so you have no fear of blowing your speaker, but also so you don't have to overdrive the speaker (i.e. max power from RX to speaker) in order t get it loud or you'll star getting distortion.
Setting up a good sound system is fun, and educational. Go to radio Shack and buy a sound Level Meter for $20-$30 so you can balance each surround channel when you are sitting in the seating area of the viewing room. Once you have it set up right, your friends will be jealous.
The Ringer
Super Freak
Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I will build my own creation from scratch.
The Ringer
Super Freak
What would you guys recomend for receivers. There are so many to choose from and I'm looking to spend under $400.
https://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v663/
This is the receiver I am using right now and I got it online for about $350 shipped last year. It does only have two HDMI inputs but I have a 5 line HDMI switcher from Monoprice and it works fine. Plus it will allow you to expand to 7.2 from 5.1 if you ever want to go bigger. It doesn't upconvert 480 inputs to 1080P but most TV's will do that anyway so that isn't a big deal. It isn't top of the line but it is a good mid range receiver, good value for the price, well reviewed and it sounds great to me!
Here is the place I ordered it from. I just checked and they have a coupon code: AFLAUD25 that you can enter on checkout and get it for $374.25 with free UPS Ground shipping! It is a steal for that price!
https://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=YAMRXV663BL
I have never had a problem with Yamaha receivers and I have used 3-4 different ones from upgrading over the last 20 years.
This is the receiver I am using right now and I got it online for about $350 shipped last year. It does only have two HDMI inputs but I have a 5 line HDMI switcher from Monoprice and it works fine. Plus it will allow you to expand to 7.2 from 5.1 if you ever want to go bigger. It doesn't upconvert 480 inputs to 1080P but most TV's will do that anyway so that isn't a big deal. It isn't top of the line but it is a good mid range receiver, good value for the price, well reviewed and it sounds great to me!
Here is the place I ordered it from. I just checked and they have a coupon code: AFLAUD25 that you can enter on checkout and get it for $374.25 with free UPS Ground shipping! It is a steal for that price!
https://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=YAMRXV663BL
I have never had a problem with Yamaha receivers and I have used 3-4 different ones from upgrading over the last 20 years.
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The Ringer
Super Freak
So I have a cheaper receiver that you can only hook up one other thing to cable box/bluray player. Is there any kind of splitter to buy so both can be hooked up at the same time?
BadMoon
Demi G0D Overseer
Sure there are. Just google the type of splitter you are looking for.
Eli26
Super Freak
I have Klipsch... man do those speakers/sub woofers rock!
BadMoon
Demi G0D Overseer
Eli26
Super Freak
We both like hockey (teams in Pennsylvania), dogs, own Macs, collect SideShow, and have Klipsch speakers?! Madness! Oh and good quality beers!
