MikeP
Orchestrator
Posts: 537
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Post by MikeP on Oct 11, 2008 21:07:50 GMT -8
I figured this would be a good place to get some advice on a home theater setup, as I know we have knowledgeable people who share my taste in music! I already choose a TV (Samsung LN46a650), but need help with the sound portion.
Here is what I have so far:
Sub: Elemental Designs A2-300 (already purchased) Receiver: Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K CD Player (that can also play DVDs): OPPO DV-980H
Speakers: - Okay, this is where I stall. Music is a concern, but of course I'd like something for movies as well. My budget is around $1,000 for the speakers. I can go a bit higher if it's worth it. Also, I'm willing to get just the fronts if there is a compelling reason.
Any suggestions? I've created an intimidatingly long list of potentials, and I'd like to see if I'm headed in the right direction.
Edit: Decided on the pioneer receiver.
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Post by Joseph Bat on Oct 11, 2008 22:00:22 GMT -8
Bose, bose, bose.
Joe
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Post by Michael Arlidge on Oct 12, 2008 4:54:00 GMT -8
I'm afraid I can't help you with the speaker options you're investigating. However, I must compliment you on your choice of TV. I'm getting the exact same model some time this week, albeit the 40" version (the 46" is a bit too big for my room).
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sdtom
Conductor
Posts: 1,109
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Post by sdtom on Oct 12, 2008 7:15:50 GMT -8
The one bit of advice I can give you is to listen listen listen until your sick of it. Deal with a store that will be willing to let you take the speakers home and set them up and then hear them in your own enviroment. This makes a huge difference. And of course if your unhappy the dealer is happy to let you exchange until you get the right set of speakers. And listening to music is secondary, remember that. They are designed for film watching. Get it right the first time and they'll last forever so paying a little more averaged out over 40 years will mean nothing. thomas
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Post by natedogg23 on Oct 12, 2008 11:42:18 GMT -8
Tom makes excellent points, better to work with a company that will be willing to give you knowledgable advice and allow you to listen to a wide array of speakers. If they will allow you to take them home and listen with no restocking fee that is even better.
I am not near the audiophile that my dad is, but I have been learning a lot more about it recently. I can tell you to stay away from Bose though, they have a great marketing campaign but there are much better speakers out there. Additionally, personal preference can play a big part too as some speakers may sound good to one person, but not good to another. That is why listening to a lot of different types of speakers is important. I can ask my dad and get his opinion on specifics. EIther way, sounds like you have a pretty awesome set up going, should be a very enjoyable home theater.
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Post by Joseph Bat on Oct 12, 2008 14:47:43 GMT -8
Additionally, personal preference can play a big part too as some speakers may sound good to one person, but not good to another. Then you can't really say to stay away from Bose. I'm not going to say Bose is the number one out there, but they are very high and I have only been impressed by their audio solutions. From their home theatre systems to their noise canceling headphones which rock. I even have Bose in my 2009 Murano. Most people have a bias against Bose because when you are dealing with their high end stuff it gets pricey. You get what you pay for. Joe
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sdtom
Conductor
Posts: 1,109
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Post by sdtom on Oct 12, 2008 18:51:19 GMT -8
The key is to forget the name and listen.
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MikeP
Orchestrator
Posts: 537
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Post by MikeP on Oct 12, 2008 19:37:34 GMT -8
Thanks for the advice so far, guys.
I'll be hitting Circuit City and Best Buy later this week to check out some speakers. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of specialty AV stores in my area... although there is one that carries some specialty Klipsch speakers that Best Buy doesn't have.
I'll probably buy either Polk or Klipsch, as I'm not too confident in buying speakers over the internet before I get to listen to them.
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Post by Hook on Oct 24, 2008 11:31:03 GMT -8
I already choose a TV (Samsung LN46a650), but need help with the sound portion. So are we all agreed this is a good set? I'm thinking of getting this. edit: ok, how about Sony's V-series? Upon further reading, I'm leaning more towards that.
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Post by Joseph Bat on Oct 24, 2008 12:23:12 GMT -8
Can't go wrong with the Sammmy LN's 5 series and above. I have one myself.
Joe
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MikeP
Orchestrator
Posts: 537
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Post by MikeP on Oct 24, 2008 16:44:48 GMT -8
I went ahead and ordered the samsung... it should come in Thursday next week. (oh the wait!)
From what I understand, Samsung 650+ series has the edge in picture quality for LCDs at the moment. What about the V-series draws you to them? They are quality as well.
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Post by Hook on Oct 25, 2008 18:10:00 GMT -8
From what I've read, the LN series has a few technical issues which require you to take them to the shop as well as a firmware problem which hasn't been addressed that may hinder DVD playback. There's also a widespread problem, cross-brand, with LCDs and "white spots" on the screen. It seems Sony released the firmware update, but I don't see that from Samsung. All in all, I find Sony more appealing for its intuitive user interface, less reported technical faults, its more rugged built-in speakers (I don't expect to hook up my TV to a speaker system all the time), and the fact that I'm yet to be let down by a Sony product.
Oh, I sound like such a shill. In the end, though, I think Sony would be more convenient for me if repair issues come up with the set. I'll go see them some time next week.
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