recommended Home Theatre system? (1 Viewer)

I just moved into a new apartment, and could use some advice regarding a Home Theatre system (preferably wireless) that will sound great but not break the bank. I was intrigued by the Sonos system, as it has a well-regarded PLAYBAR for the TV which, if combined with a pair of PLAY:1 rear speakers and a SUB, seemed like it would suit my needs, and allow me to add additional wireless speakers throughout the apartment. The downside is that Sonos doesn’t support AirPlay, which might be a deal breaker for me as much of my music is on Apple devices (MacBook, iPad, iPhone), but I’ve also read that I don’t necessarily need AirPlay to play my iTunes library through Sonos…?

BTW – I already have a blu-ray player, so don’t need a system that includes one (nor am I necessarily seeking an all-in-one ‘home theatre in a box’ type system… am happy to combine products to create what works).

TV is a 64" Samsung plasma (5000 series) with 2 x HDMI and 1 x digital audio (optical) out.

Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated!

McB

How much is "break the bank"...cause Sonos already costs 10x what most people say "break the bank" is(meaning...usually $500).

Why do you need wireless? WiSa products aren't cheap and PlayFi isn't really ready for primetime.

And, you do realize all the "wireless parts" all have to actually plug into the wall...

And yes, Sonos has a desktop interface to load your itunes into.

Good questions, schan1269! I haven't put together a new sound system in over a decade, so am flying a bit blind here, both in terms of cost and necessity.


I just did some quick math, and a complete Sonos system would cost (I think) around $2500 before taxes. I have no idea how that compares to other options. I would always like to pay less if possible!


Is wireless "too good to be true"? I realize that the speakers have to be plugged in, but I love the idea of putting additional speakers into other rooms without wiring. Also would like to avoid running wires around the living room to rear speakers, if possible. That said, if the technology's not ready for primetime, as you suggest, I guess wires it is.


Excuse my ignorance, but what's the difference between WiSa and PlayFi?


Thanks!

McB

New to the forum, so just now found your Sept 2014 post on wireless speakers, schan1269. Sorry to pester you with questions you've apparently already answered dozens of times!


My takeaways from your original post are that:


1) With Sonos, or any other wireless system, what you gain in practicality and aesthetics, you lose greatly in fidelity.


2) Wireless rear speakers are sometimes acceptable because they need not be the same quality as primary speakers (?).


3) There are single point and bluetooth wireless speakers that can be used to augment a traditional, wired system if one wants to extend that system's reach to the porch or kitchen.


Have I read your post correctly?


And, as it seems I now have to re-think my notions of Home Theatre, how do you suggest I begin? As I mentioned in my previous post, it's been a LONG time since I've bought any new hardware! I have a TV and blu-ray player, but will otherwise be starting from scratch.


McB

Wired is always better. WiSa has never mentioned "fidelity loss" in their specs. AptX will likely be along for the ride(even if WiSa calls it something else). But, I don't see anybody producing a reference quality SACD/DVD-A/BD-A/CD player with AptX anytime soon.

I've already heard a $50,000 WiSa system. Several mumbled...wires would still sound better.

Aperion had 5.1 and 7.1 Summit(Summit is the "wireless tech" behind WiSa) that cost $3500 and $5000.

WiSa and PlayFi are competing codecs for the same thing. 1 will die off...or they'll merge(I expect that within 2 years). PlayFi, as yet, doesn't have as "grand a scale" as WiSa. WiSa wants to make Atmos, Auro and X "easy"...

Put it this way. 2015 and 2016 will be the make or break for WiSa and PlayFi. Several manufacturers are already going to release WiSa products for 2015(WiSa and the HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 delays are the holdup. I worked, and get my info from, the wholesale sector. Meaning...I can't say anything till "retail release").