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Basic 5.1 CD / DVD Shelf System Recommendations

post #1 of 16
7/26/09 at 2:03pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Everyone,

My name is Cameron, and I'm an audio-muggle...While I enjoy 5.1 surround sound, I only need the basics.

I have used the same cheap all-in-one 5.1 system for the last 9 years, but it's cd changer has begun to get stuck, so it needs to be replaced.

In shopping around and not finding what I would like in a more modern upgrade, I figured I would ask the people who live & breathe audio...you.  :-)

What I would like:

Complete system out of the box   (a single low profile cd/dvd/receiver all in one would be ideal)
Decent 5.1 sound (not amazing, just decent)

small-medium size speakers

sub-woofer is NOT a concern...I'm not a bass junkey.
5 disc cd/dvd player  (tray type preferred over “stacking cassette”)

hdmi output

ipod dock

line in input for non-ipod mp3 connection
usb connectivity for playing MP3s off a memory stick

    (AND if possible, ability to play AVI files from a USB drive...that's pushing it, I know...)

Price-wise, I would like to spend a maximum of $500.

So is there anything out there that matches my needs/wants?  I can spend more if absolutely needed.

Thanks,
Cameron

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post #2 of 16
7/26/09 at 5:12pm
Samsung HT-Z520 perhaps?  I think that more or less gives everything on your list.  Bestbuy has them refurbished for $220.

The crowd here doesn't tend to go for these all-in-one HTiB systems, because we like "amazing" not "decent" sound, and tend to be bass junkies :)  Also we like separate components because if the DVD breaks or we want to upgrade it, don't have to replace everything, plus we need lots of expansion ports for our DVRs/Blu-ray/game consoles etc. which is a major downfall of these things.  But separate components cost more & take up more overall space.

But given your price constraints combined with feature requests, I would go for the Samsung.

If you have HDTV & are considering Blu-ray in the future though, you might well want to go another way.  The 5-disc requirement is also kind of limiting, I don't see much need of it when you can just plug in an ipod and have essentially a 500-disc changer :)  I retired my CD jukebox 8 years ago.
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post #3 of 16
7/27/09 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Stephen, that's a good recommendation, and you've given me some things to think about.

So let me ask you this:  If I decide to drop the integrated DVD and keep a separate DVD player, PLUS drop the 5-disc changer and go with a unit that has a single cd tray, what other options open up?

Thanks,
Cameron
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post #4 of 16
7/27/09 at 11:31am
Trying to keep this low end but not junk, how about something like this (add a DVD player):

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3200-5-1-Channel-Entertainment-Receiver/dp/B001VEI2NG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248719015&sr=8-3
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post #5 of 16
7/27/09 at 12:41pm
My biggest issue with out of the box surround sound, is the manufacturer generally specializes in one area (electronics) or the other (speakers) so, although I agree that Onkyo is one of my top choices for affordable, reliable, and stocked with a decent amount of features...5.1 A/V Receiver, I am not sure what the speaker quality will be, and that is where your sound is reproduced. Here is another option..take it or leave it.   (mmm..side note..I have a link to an affordable Sony, besides Onkyo, only because it offers the HDMI 1080i in your price range)

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=207934190&listingid=22124542&dcaid=17902

http://www.onlyfactorydirect.net/servlet/Detail?no=153

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGLF_enUS283US284&q=onkyo+5.1+receiver&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=2850178820930851815&ei=TwBuSoeNKIfosQOAwaDKDg&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=4#ps-sellers

Good luck in your hunt!!

TriMe
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post #6 of 16
7/27/09 at 1:16pm

Quote:
So let me ask you this:  If I decide to drop the integrated DVD and keep a separate DVD player, PLUS drop the 5-disc changer and go with a unit that has a single cd tray, what other options open up?

Well, for ~$470 from Amazon you can get a Pioneer VSX-819, Yamaha NS-SP1800BL speakers, and a Samsung DVD-1080P9.

That is much more expensive than the all-in-one Samsung option, but it does rate to sound better, you gain many ports for future expansion, and can replace speakers/DVD to upgrade easily if desired in the future.

You could also even get a Blu-ray instead of the DVD player; Walmart has a new Magnavox for only $98!  The Samsung DVD is ~$70.  That does lose a few minor features though to get you Blu-ray for that price though: no MP3/AVI off memory stick (MP3 can be handled by the Pioneer), no BD-live, no Netflix.  Have to get more expensive players for those. For me BD-live is junk, MP3/AVI can be handled other ways (I use my xbox360).  Netflix is pretty neat, but there are alternatives for that also.  Depends how badly you need the AVI thing.

Mainly it depends on how fanatic you are about sound quality, and whether you are looking for something really cheap that will get thrown away later if you want to add/upgrade stuff, or you are looking for pieces that can be kept a long time & built around.
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post #7 of 16
7/27/09 at 5:05pm
Thread Starter 
Those are great suggestions.  Thanks Stephen and everyone! 

I like the idea of getting a good entry level receiver like the Pioneer vsx-819H and those Yamaha speakers for now.  I can keep my current hdmi dvd player until I decide to go blueray and then get one that has a usb port to play avi files. 

Dropping CDs all together and just using an iPod with the system seems like a good idea, too.

Lots to think about, and a lot of great info.  Much appreciated!

Thanks,
Cameron
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post #8 of 16
7/28/09 at 12:20am
Thread Starter 
Stephen, I have a question about the Pioneer VSX-819H.  Can I plug a memory stick with MP3s into the USB port and play the MP3s directly from it?  In the promotional info, it sounds like the usb is meant for an iPod connection only...?

Thanks,
Cameron
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post #9 of 16
7/28/09 at 9:06am
Manual says it can.
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post #10 of 16
7/28/09 at 4:21pm
Thread Starter 
Cool, thanks.  :-)
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post #11 of 16
7/29/09 at 7:11am
This post is making me regret purchasing my Pionner VSX-519-K receiver last night. I know its a good entry level buy but after a set of bookshelf speakers, Im already at $300 without the center, rears, and subwoofer. This setup is for a smaller apartment living room so I think it would be plenty sufficient.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al.Anderson View Post

Trying to keep this low end but not junk, how about something like this (add a DVD player):

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3200-5-1-Channel-Entertainment-Receiver/dp/B001VEI2NG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248719015&sr=8-3


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post #12 of 16
8/9/09 at 11:57am
Thread Starter 
Hi Stephen,

I went with the Pioneer VSX-819H-K receiver & Yamaha speakers and I am *very* satisfied.  The sound quality is excellent to my ears.  The receiver plays MP3 from a usb flash drive just fine, and anything 256kb or higher sounds fantastic.  Even lower bitrate MP3s sound pretty good!

The receiver has a LOT of surround modes, but I pretty much use two: Dolby Pro Logic for music, and "Pro Logic II Movie" mode for movies, as those two sound the best to me.

Thanks for recommending these two components -- they work GREAT together and the price was well worth it.

Best,
Cameron
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post #13 of 16
8/9/09 at 3:38pm
Glad you like it. 

I assume you are using Pro logic II music for the music, which is fine if you like the simulated surround sound effect.  (Personal taste, some people like to listen to music in plain stereo only).

You shouldn't be using Pro Logic II movie for most movies though, only the 2.0 only discs.  Normal 5.1 discs should go to plain Dolby Digital, no Pro Logic II. Are you not getting true 5.1 out of your DVD player?  You may want to check settings, see if you are using bitstream output.  What model is it and how do you have it connected?   Or are you using trying to feed the old HTiB DVD/receiver through?




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post #14 of 16
8/12/09 at 12:38pm
Thread Starter 
Well, it does depend on the movie.  For some movies, there is a better balance of voice & music with Pro Logic 2 (movie) mode.

I am running the DVD into the receiver via HDMI, then Receiver to TV via HDMI. 

For MP3 music, I'm using regular pro logic.

I will try plain dolby digital for my next movie.

Thanks,
Cameron

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post #15 of 16
8/12/09 at 3:06pm
My main point was that if you were really getting 5.1 output from the DVD, normally the receiver would prevent you from applying "Pro-logic II".  (not IIx, with 7.1).  I suspect you are only getting 5.1 folded down to 2.0, not discrete 5.1.

Is this a standard standalone DVD player, or an HTiB DVD/receiver combo?  An HTib combo might be preventing true 5.1 output.  If it's just a regular DVD player (which model?), perhaps the audio settings are outputting PCM stereo rather than Dolby Digital 5.1, look for "bitstream" settings for the HDMI output.  Or perhaps the receiver's audio parameter, "HDMI" has to be set to "AMP" rather than "THRU".
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post #16 of 16
8/19/09 at 3:38pm
Thread Starter 
Hey Stephen,

I just got a chance to go through the DVD's menu and sure enough it was set to PCM output.  The other option was "Raw" and once I chose that, the receiver's only audio mode for movies is "Dolby Digital" -- The sound has gone from great to incredible for movie watching.  Thanks again!

Cameron
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