Clemsonfan15
New member
Does anybody here know a good bit about home audio?
I'm looking to maybe build a little home system, but definitely need some help.
I'm looking to maybe build a little home system, but definitely need some help.
Home Audio
- Thread starter Clemsonfan15
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Thai
Elite Member
I know a little...what do you need help with??
Clemsonfan15
New member
I'm thinking about buying some speakers to hook up to my TV and also play some music. Either from my computer or iPod.
I'm not trying to spend a ton of money.
I was looking at just using two towers. Maybe spend around $200 each on them.
What else would I need? Just a receiver? Or would I also need an amp?
If that isn't a good plan would it just be better to buy a "box" system?
I'm not trying to spend a ton of money.
I was looking at just using two towers. Maybe spend around $200 each on them.
What else would I need? Just a receiver? Or would I also need an amp?
If that isn't a good plan would it just be better to buy a "box" system?
Cubslover
New member
Don't buy BOSE...my first advice.
No Highs?
No Lows?
It's gotta be Bose.
Boston Acousic
Polk Audio
Infinity
Yamaha
Klipsch
My top 5 "Money Conscious Consumer" Brands.
If money is no object, there are others...Thiel, Mark Levinson, Bang & Olufsen etc..
Thai
Elite Member
The above list is good. I like Polk Audio myself over the others on the list...Polks are good value IMHO.
However, given Clemsonsonfan (I think that he's still in school, correct me if i am wrong), i wonder if "theater in a box" would be a better choice simple because you get a lot for your money with these combos. I think that, in most cases, you get a Blu-ray player, surround reciever with integrated amp, and speakers (e.g. subwoofer) for a very reasonable price.
Now, if you want to build a nice system, then i recommend that you wait until you are settled in your career, have a home that you will be at for a while, and have spare cash. Remember, electronics change often...speaker technology not so often. In other words, TV and receivers go outdated quickly. A good set of speakers last a very very long time. This is why i think that you should only get a good system when you're ready in life. It would do you no good to buy a nice set of speakers and have crappy electronics because your funds are limited...and vice versa.
As for me, i love my Logans:
Attachments
Thai
Elite Member
BTW, i do think that PS3 is a great DVD/BD player (and gaming console). My brothers are computer folks...and they tell me that Sony put in an amazing processor in the PS3...it can easily handle future stuff. And with PS3, this is Sony's pride & joy...so, any updates go first to PS3, then migrates down to the other players.
So, more than anything else, i would get PS3...and then maybe a "theater in the box" (TIB) that does not include a DVD/BD player. Without the player, you should be able to get a decent TIB system.
So, more than anything else, i would get PS3...and then maybe a "theater in the box" (TIB) that does not include a DVD/BD player. Without the player, you should be able to get a decent TIB system.
borgzman
New member
For plug n play, Get a Home Theater In a Box. Like Thai said, it already have a Blu-Ray player on it. So no more mismatch of input/output plus cost of cables when interfacing blu-ray player and receiver. many HTIB systems have FM radios integrated, and of course 5.1 surround in most models.
If you have external inputs like music players, most newer model HTIBs have the lastest inputs/outputs compatible with most devices and some are even wifi and even can be paired with cellphones. Research which one you'll use..ipod docks are usually included in those systems. When choosing one, compare the audio input/output..basically digital or fiber optics are the latest. Most HTIBs are advertised as 1000W(all channels combined) should be enough to do wonders in a medium sized living room.
I am not into sound system anymore, But if you want to go into the next level, from my 15 mins surfing local bestbuy store here are what catches my attention for a "medium budget" system, they are NOT HTIBs though:
1. Insignia™ - 670W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System - NS-HTIB51A
2. Yamaha - 600W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System - YHT-493BL
3. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Denon+-...stem/9887699.p?id=1218189763196&skuId=9887699
I bought my sound system here: CompUSA.com| 7.1 Channel Home Theater Systems, Surround Sound Home Theater Systems&
You can also get reasonable priced system online from brands like Denon, Boston Accostics, Yamaha, Onkyo...even below $600 bucks range. I would look for bundles so I can save for speaker cost.
and LoL! stay away from bose - I can buy a marantz w/martin logans for that price.
If you have external inputs like music players, most newer model HTIBs have the lastest inputs/outputs compatible with most devices and some are even wifi and even can be paired with cellphones. Research which one you'll use..ipod docks are usually included in those systems. When choosing one, compare the audio input/output..basically digital or fiber optics are the latest. Most HTIBs are advertised as 1000W(all channels combined) should be enough to do wonders in a medium sized living room.
I am not into sound system anymore, But if you want to go into the next level, from my 15 mins surfing local bestbuy store here are what catches my attention for a "medium budget" system, they are NOT HTIBs though:
1. Insignia™ - 670W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System - NS-HTIB51A
2. Yamaha - 600W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System - YHT-493BL
3. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Denon+-...stem/9887699.p?id=1218189763196&skuId=9887699
I bought my sound system here: CompUSA.com| 7.1 Channel Home Theater Systems, Surround Sound Home Theater Systems&
You can also get reasonable priced system online from brands like Denon, Boston Accostics, Yamaha, Onkyo...even below $600 bucks range. I would look for bundles so I can save for speaker cost.
and LoL! stay away from bose - I can buy a marantz w/martin logans for that price.
Last edited:
Clemsonfan15
New member
Thanks for the suggestions borgzman. Denon makes good equipment?
Thai- Your correct, I'm still in college and will be for a least another year or two. That's a really nice set up. I don't have your kind of money...at least not yet.
Part of me wants something that I can keep for a while, but I don't know if I can afford that.
For example here is something that I was looking at: Polk Audio - Dual 5-1/4" 2-Way Floor Speakers (Each) - Cherry - TSI300 CHERRY
I would definitely not buy it at Best Buy, but their website is good for market research.
The thing holding me back from a TIB is the Blu Ray player. I don't buy any movies at all and certainly not Blu Ray. I feel like that would be wasted money.
Thai- Your correct, I'm still in college and will be for a least another year or two. That's a really nice set up. I don't have your kind of money...at least not yet.
Part of me wants something that I can keep for a while, but I don't know if I can afford that.
For example here is something that I was looking at: Polk Audio - Dual 5-1/4" 2-Way Floor Speakers (Each) - Cherry - TSI300 CHERRY
I would definitely not buy it at Best Buy, but their website is good for market research.
The thing holding me back from a TIB is the Blu Ray player. I don't buy any movies at all and certainly not Blu Ray. I feel like that would be wasted money.
004Gunner
New member
Tons of good advice in hear. I would just add that you can skip the towers and get good sized bookshelf speakers instead. And while I agree with what Thai said regarding good speakers vs. good receivers, I think the receiver is the most important part. A good receiver should be able to squeeze every bit of performance out of an average speaker.
Thai
Elite Member
Yup, 004gunner is right...a good receiver with a good calibrating system will do wonders. My favorite auto-calibrate program is Audyssey.
Clemsonfan15
New member
Well that's good to know. So it's better to budget more for the receiver than the speakers.
What kind of receiver would it take to power those towers? The ones I found were really expensive.
What kind of receiver would it take to power those towers? The ones I found were really expensive.
Hawkdog21
New member
I currently run Denon hardware with B&W speakers... absolutely love it, but like what was said earlier, before you drop tons of dough on your media room, id wait for the job to get the good stuff that will last forever. If you are still in school (Im guessing clemson, I went to clemson btw and was looking out for your 3rd gen on football saturdays but never saw it, but i digress ) I would recommend the theater in a box system. It will put up with the abuse of roomates etc. and it is super simple to plug and play. I ran polk and yamaha stuff in school and I was very happy with everything. Also, having the Blu Ray built in will save you money on another HDMI and optical audio cable, and they pain of more wiring.
borgzman
New member
Clemson, do your project before December !! Nothing beats having a good sound system for the holidays.:cheers:
For music, a loud good brand 2 channel receiver I think is ok, you may not hear those birds chirping, but it will have the power like boosted bass and treble. Many wants a multi channel system, but most music are best amplified in stereo. Effects and calibrations can be made digitally by the player(laptop, Ipods, mp3 players) itself.
BTW, those power thing...manufacturers advertises its PMPO power, like 1000W per channel PMPO. I can say that PMPO don't have standard. Example for marketing, they say its 500W PMPO. Don't get excited with that, When comparing the power output of a receiver, see its RMS power..basically from brand to brand the RMS power output is computed with the same standard(if they are not liying). RMS power output are usually not printed in the box, you can see the receiver's specs online.
[..listening to music as stress relief ahH..]
For music, a loud good brand 2 channel receiver I think is ok, you may not hear those birds chirping, but it will have the power like boosted bass and treble. Many wants a multi channel system, but most music are best amplified in stereo. Effects and calibrations can be made digitally by the player(laptop, Ipods, mp3 players) itself.
BTW, those power thing...manufacturers advertises its PMPO power, like 1000W per channel PMPO. I can say that PMPO don't have standard. Example for marketing, they say its 500W PMPO. Don't get excited with that, When comparing the power output of a receiver, see its RMS power..basically from brand to brand the RMS power output is computed with the same standard(if they are not liying). RMS power output are usually not printed in the box, you can see the receiver's specs online.
[..listening to music as stress relief ahH..]
Uneek
Super Moderator
I like Onkyo receivers. Especially for budget minded, it'll be tough to find another brand at a similar price point with the same feature set. The only thing about Onkyo's is they run a bit warmer.
I can't agree more about the PS3. The firmware upgrade-ability makes it the most bang for your buck. The latest firmware gives it full 3D support. Gran Turismo 5 will be 3D ready. Too bad my TV isn't 3D.
The only thing about the PS3 is it does not bit stream DTS or Dolby. It decodes the DTS or Dobly track and bit streams it in PCM. So on your fancy receiver, you don't get the kool DTS Master Audio or Dolby True HD lights, but you will still get 7.1 audio.
I can't agree more about the PS3. The firmware upgrade-ability makes it the most bang for your buck. The latest firmware gives it full 3D support. Gran Turismo 5 will be 3D ready. Too bad my TV isn't 3D.
The only thing about the PS3 is it does not bit stream DTS or Dolby. It decodes the DTS or Dobly track and bit streams it in PCM. So on your fancy receiver, you don't get the kool DTS Master Audio or Dolby True HD lights, but you will still get 7.1 audio.
MikesToy
Banned
Don't buy BOSE...my first advice.
:whipping2 I have Bose 801 speakers powered by a Yamaha 6.1 receiver hooked up to my 55" Sony TV. After 6+ yrs and counting, my living room still sounds like a Movie Theatre.
Thai
Elite Member
BOSE is good for what it is...it is a good value for the most part. It is very efficient in terms of space and power requirements. It provides decent sound for size that won't fatigue your ears. However, it is not as true to the original source as some other speakers. I think that BOSE speakers don't show their deficiency as much when use as a theater (aka movies) setup.
So, yeah, we all crap on BOSE, but they do have their good points...and certainly sells very well.
In car audio, i do think that BOSE need to make major advancements because they fall behind other brands in both materials used and sound reproduction.
Clemsonfan15
New member
Good point borgzman. All these companies advertise 1000W etc..., but they're actually putting out much less RMS. And of course RMS is the more important number.
I think I'm now leaning more towards a TIB. It just seems like it's the best thing to do right now. I'm sure it will last for at least five years and by then I should be able to afford something even nicer.
I'm looking at something along the lines of this system: Denon - 3D Pass Through Floor Speaker System - DHT591BA
$500-650ish
I'm gonna head over to Best Buy sometime and sample some speakers and see which ones I like.
I think I'm now leaning more towards a TIB. It just seems like it's the best thing to do right now. I'm sure it will last for at least five years and by then I should be able to afford something even nicer.
I'm looking at something along the lines of this system: Denon - 3D Pass Through Floor Speaker System - DHT591BA
$500-650ish
I'm gonna head over to Best Buy sometime and sample some speakers and see which ones I like.
