Sound Setup Advice for the Ignorant (1 Viewer)

[David Oliver]

The ingnorant is me and I am really itching to get away from my TVs sound to the kind of sound the DVD format truly deserves. My main question is what kind of setup should I have, GIVEN that I will not be able to have rear speakers for now and it will probably be several years until it is possible. Minimally I would think I would need a couple of bookshelf speakers, then a center channel, then a sub-woofer. But I am just guessing and if I am going to spend money I don't want to be guessing. Also what should I be looking for in a reciever? I am not looking to spend top dollar but I will spend reasonable money, up to a grand (i.e. I don't think I want a packaged system. I am not so concerned about being able to also listen to music, although I will be doing that as well. I am mostly concerned with just getting some quality sound for my movies. Thanks!

 

[Bob McElfresh]

Ohhh. You are NOT asking for setup help, but purchasing help. Thats a bit different.
First, you should tell us your budget so we dont give you "Sticker Shock".
Second, you can get by with less-expensive speakers if the system is 90% HT rather than music.
(A DVD soundtrack is highly compressed and focused on the center speaker. It does not need the accuracy that a music system requires. This can save you a lot of money.)
A great intro system is something like the Kenwood HTB-503 (or now 504). This $500 system is a basic receiver, speakers and self-powered sub. Add a DVD player and you are good to go.
A better choice would be a packaged 5-piece speaker system designed for HT. Many manufactures make these: Definitive Tech, Klipsch, Paradigm, Energy. Add a good Yamaha or Dennon receiver from $500-$1000 and a DVD player and you have a better system.
Lots of choices.