Newbie HT Question

adauria · 12-24-2007, 08:27 AM

Hi folks,

I am very new to HT. In fact, my Philips 52" LCD won't arrive until Thursday. I have a few basic questions and was wondering if you kind folks might help me out...

1) Audio - I am not an audiophile. My living room is quite open, so surround sound isn't going to really work out (very high ceilings, no walls behind couch, couple of rugrats make any freestanding options out of the question, etc.). I will likely start with the just the TV speakers.

At some point, however, I'd like to do a basic (and not too expensive) audio upgrade. I just don't want too many speakers. So, are there any good, affordable, HDMI-capable receiver / speaker combos out there that only use speakers in the front (like perhaps L/R and SubW, or something similar)?

2) Blu-Ray v HD-DVD - I'm not getting stuck with a betamax player. Looks like Blu-Ray is pulling ahead, but I think it's way too early to tell for sure. Since I don't want to have to re-buy anything in the near future, any predictions on this front? Any players that support both formats on the horizon? Should I just wait? I'm not really a movie owning type of guy (i.e. no need to worry about getting stuck with a library, just a player) - I will likely just watch what I rent on Netflix.

3) Time Warner cable offers 18 HD channels for free with the HD DVR in my locale (Wake Forest, NC). They also offer something called the HD Suite for another $7 per month. It includes Mojo, HD Net, HD Net Movies, Universal HD, and HD Movies on Demand. Does anyone use this service and/or have any opinions on the value of it?

Thanks!!

-Andrew

gene c · 12-24-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

At some point, however, I'd like to do a basic (and not too expensive) audio upgrade. I just don't want too many speakers. So, are there any good, affordable, HDMI-capable receiver / speaker combos out there that only use speakers in the front (like perhaps L/R and SubW, or something similar)?

I'd go with a basic surround sound receiver and a pair of fronts, a center channel (to anchor the dialog) and a sub. 5.1 receivers aren't much more than a stereo one and offer all the features and flexibility you could possibly need. Without knowing what your definition of "not too expensive" is, look at the Onkyo 605, Pioneer 1017 and Yamaha 661. For speakers, the popular choices seem to be Athena AS-B1.2's and the AS-C1 center from theaudioadvisor.com and the XL-S series from av123.com. Polk RTi's are also on closeout at pretty low prices as well. There are many more options available but these should get you started.

adauria · 12-25-2007, 03:21 PM

Thanks a good start, thanks...

What do you think of those "single speaker solutions" like the Boston Acoustics TV Model 2 or Soundmatters Mainstage HD? (I'd post links to Crutchfield, but I'm apparently too new to do it.)

-Andrew

Joseph DeMartino · 12-25-2007, 08:42 PM

I have no experience with any of these one-speaker solutions, but if I can talk my brother-in-law into upgrading to HD and surround sound for his living room this year I may audition this Polk Audio SurroundBar (r) with him. (SAF is a major issue with my sister, so I'm trying to pre-emptively answer all the objections I know she's going to come up with. Speaker placement - especially in the high-ceiling, open plan house is going to be a major issue. A decent single speaker solution would be ideal.)

I like the fact that the Polk can be connected to any surround sound receiver. While this does create a situation with wires that need to be hidden, I'd prefer that to a system the depends on its own internal amp. Also the idea that the system should work with any room shape and does not depend on bouncing sound off symetrical walls is appealing. (But I'd have to hear it for myself, rather than take their word for it. It also sounds pricey.)

The Boston Acoustics TV Model 2, seems limited in both power and performace according to this review on C-NET.

Quote:

The bad: Only one input; limited dynamic oomph; while spacious, sound makes no claims to "virtual surround" status; only designed to replace your TV speakers, not take the place of a full surround system.

The Mainstage gets high marks, especially for handling music, and has more inputs, so I think I'll audition this one as well, when the time comes.

Regards,

Joe

adauria · 12-26-2007, 08:12 AM

Nice thanks for the research! I think I am leaning to a 1-speaker solution when I am ready to upgrade the sound.

-Andrew

**HTF Ads**

Joseph DeMartino · 12-29-2007, 09:34 AM

When the time comes you might also want to consider the Denon DHT-FS3. It looks pretty slick and Denon is a very well-regarded brand.

(Of course, it also has an MSRP of $1200.

)

Regards,

Joe

adauria · 12-30-2007, 09:09 AM

Yikes! Yeah, that's a little steep for me.

-Andrew

dna4weyland · 04-15-2008, 07:18 AM

I've also got a question about sound bars. I'm thinking about using one to replace my front main speakers and the center channel (like the Polk that has individual inputs). That way I could still run the sperate rear speakers and the sub. Has anyone ran a system this way? How's it sound? Would this be a reasonable option for someone with space constraints by their TV, or should I just go with 3 in-wall speakers to do the job?

Jasen Chandler · 04-16-2008, 11:08 PM

if you can do separated do that.

Pioneer just released a very inexpensive line of 5.1 receivers, vsx518, 818, and 918 I believe.

I'd do a 3.1 you'll love it, great sound. Don't count out surround sound in your room, find a competent installer in your area and hit him up for a consult, he'll be able to tell you your options.