Posted: 6/20/2004 2:47:08 PM EDT
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I'm looking for a complete package, DVD player, reciever/tuner, and speakers. I am not overly obsessed with audio/video so I don't care that I'll get a better system by spending $10k on individual components. I'd like for it to have at least one component video in, two would be better, and a component video out. I have seen packages from Yamaha that have a separate dvd changer & receiver, and units from Sony and others that have an all in one dvd/receiver. I want a powered sub, and the small satelite speakers. I don't really care if it's 5.1 or 6.1 or whatever else is bleeding edge. Maybe something along these lines? |
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Just bought myself an Aiwa AVJ-R5G, DVD, VCR, Dolby 5.1 sub/sat, radio tuner. All in one box and a brilliant bit of kit. Its the same unit as the Sony HT-V600DP just badged as an Aiwa here in the UK(sony own Aiwa now) Paid £250 UK for it, @$420 US,. Andy www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=4F14X45Xrrp4886B9uByVMFHHmrkmD3Nezk=?CategoryName=hav_HomeTheater_HTSeries&Dept=hav&TemplateName=item%2fsy_item_b&ProductSKU=HTV600DP |
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Unfortunately, those all-in-one systems tend to be crap. And if part of the system breaks, you run the risk of having nothing work. Quality seperates can be had for good prices without investing a lot of money. I picked up a refurbished Onkyo TX-SR501 with two component video inputs capable of switching HDTV for less than $200 shipped from E-cost.com. Looks like it's only $159 now since they just introduced the 502. Just because a receiver has the inputs doesn't mean it has enough bandwidth to switch an EDTV or HDTV signal. I use my X-Box for a DVD player, and its picture is surprisingly good, though an upgrade to a Denon 2900 is on my list of things to save for once my project arrives. I picked up the Audiosource 230 5.1 speakerset from Best Buy last Christmas for $50 during the day after Thanksgiving sale where they were regularly $150, and have been very impressed with it. They're by far not the best speakers on the market, but for $50 you'll be hard pressed to find a better speaker set for 5 times the price. I found the Audiosource 380 package 5 surround speakers with an 80 watt powered subwoofer on the net at electrified.com for $94. Refurbished Onkyo TX-SR501 with full factory warranty ($159): www.ecost.com/ecost/ecce/shop/detail.asp?dpno=157373 Audiosource 380 package ($94): www.electrified.com/catalog/itemdetails.asp?UserID=776245882&CategoryID=154&SubCategoryID=&ItemID=5281 For $100, you can get any number of decent entry-level DVD players. So for $400, you can get a system that will surpass those HT in a box systems and won't suffer from a total system failure if one part of the system breaks. If you do wish to go with a HT in a box setup, I'd stick with Yamaha and Kenwood. Remember the Alamo, and God Bless Texas... |
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agreed. I did tech support for sony, including their dvd players and their "dreamsystems" which are dvd players and surround sound receivers combined. A separate dvd player and a receiver with way more inputs and outputs than what the combined systems have won't always cost that much more I spent about $550 total on my panasonic dvd player and rca receiver and am very happy with it
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Anything but Bose please. As much as it pains me a theather in a box probably is aimed at your requirements and taste. Pick a good name brand and you'll not go wrong by far. Have a listen to them if it matters to you but comparing them is difficult as the room and speaker placement has so much to do with the sound. |
Is that sub powered? |
You have this one yourself? How many component video ins does it have? |
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I've found www.hometheaterinabox.com/ to be a useful site. A few months back I was looking for a DVD player/Suuround Sound combination set-up - went to the Best Buy website and found a Yamaha system to fit the bill for under $200 - love it. There's a lot of good options out there - prepare to go nuts if you look at it too hard. |
this I do know
Hmm, at over $1k I don't think this is at all what I'm looking for
why?
While true, there is a point of diminishing returns. I don't hear the difference between $5k and $500 systems personally.
I've not looked at Denon before, thanks for the suggestion
I really want at least 2. I haven't seen anything with 3 before, are there any out there that aren't expensive? |
Yes, it's powered. 80 watts. As far as the Onkyo TX-SR501, I have owned one since December, and it has two component video ins and one out. Both component inputs have enough bandwidth to actually switch HDTV signals, which not all receivers with component ins can do. You certainly won't find another one for $150. It's rated at 80 watts per channel, but that's real wattage and it gets loud in my 18x16ft room. Remember the Alamo, and God Bless Texas... |
Cool. If I hadn't lost my card I'd be ordering one right now. |
Upgradability, but it's not necessary. I can't think of any source material that is natively higher than 5.1 at this time. The Onkyo has 6.1 analog inputs and converters to convert 5.1 to 6.1 if you hook up a 6.1 speaker setup.
There are differences, but you have to be pickier than I am to find them. Some people are pickier about how bright or boomy a set of speakers are. I prefer mine a little brighter than average, but not overtly so. I built my system on a modest budget, but took into account that I might want to upgrade. While I will definitely want to buy better speakers down the line and a new DVD transport, I'll likely have my Onkyo receiver until I go full-on HD. At that time there will be more receivers with the amount HD capable inputs that I require.
Sony ES isn't as good as it used to be. I'm just not that impressed with the ES line as I once was. Denon is great, but it's also money. I'd love a DVD-5900, but the 2900 is more realistic for me.
Yep, 2 component is pretty standard right now. But DVI is finally showing up in HD products even though HDMI is looking to be the new HD connector standard. HDMI will be nice because it will be audio and video in one cable, but I wish they'd stop making new standards that aren't necessary. Remember the Alamo, and God Bless Texas... |