Need help in picking a home theatre

[redriverangler]

Hi all, I have no idea what so ever to buy.
I purchased a HD Samsumg tv 7 series from Futureshop
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=BDL10003189&CMP=ILC-Clicks_From_Flyer_Pages&langid=EN

and they sold me

Samsung Home Audio System (HT-AS720)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010100499&catid=19701&logon=&langid=EN

The package in total with a ps3 went for 3150 $ can 2500$ for the tv and the htib was listed at 629$

I am not convinced that this is the right choice

I figure that the my real cost of the home theatre in the box was about 400$.

I am not willing to spend double than that or even more since I seee this system as my system for the next 10 years

Any advice?
I would like a system that I could have wireless back speakears. i have purchased some rocketfish device for that

Thanks:13:

I would apppreciate any advice
Thanks

[blackraven]

Take a look at this system that was on a previous post. It will be better than that Samsung system and it seems worth the money. Energy is a well respected company and its a Canadian company.
http://hometheatermag.com/compactspeakers/608energy/index.html

All you would need is a HT receiver, something like the Onkyo TX SR506. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_i_0?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=onkyo%20tx-sr506&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aonkyo%20tx-sr506%2Ci%3Aelectronics&tag=tanis010108_94558-20

Or this Yamaha receiver http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546277-REG/Yamaha_HTR_6130BL_HTR_6130BL_5_1_Channel_Digital_H ome.html

Or the Pioneer VSX 917 or 817. Amazon has the 917 on sale for under $200, it retails for $450.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pioneer+home+theater+receivers&x=0&y=0

I would probably go with the Onkyo or Pioneer but all three would do the job. If your willing to spend some more money, go for the Onkyo TX SR606. Its a very good receiver and will last you for years. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015S8PGW

If you want to build your own system of speakers, look at the PSB B25's or T45's for the front, B15's for the rear and C40 or C60 for the center and Mirage S8 sub. http://saturdayaudio.com/

[jaytrezza]

but i do not even like samsung ht in abox. of course everything depends on your budget(you probably have heard that as much as caesar heard "you're the bomb"). First consider your room size,big, medium,small and adopt a system accordingly. I use vanns.com and amazon as feelers for price. you can build a very good system at any price range you want. you will hear a lot of negativity concerning "budget equipment" but use sites like Home theatre Magazine, Sound and Vision, and Cnet, and even reviews on amazon and decide for yourself what is good and what is hype. A lot of these guys on these forums are audio snobs and will tell you how b&w or some other audiophile overpriced gear is the only way to go . but you really only want to watch movies with good sound and awesome video,correct? use your good judgement even if you make mistakes ,don't worry(geez that was quite a run on sentence)and i guarantee you will be happy. your good judgement will lead you to good equipment. happy hunting(hunting is all the fun!!!!!!!!!)

[RoadRunner6]

I don't know if Costco Canada is in your area. The Energy Classic system which BR recommended is a great set for smaller rooms as is for sale at my local Costco in the States for $399, a steal!

[blackraven]

Personally JT, I feel there are very few snobs on this forum. We all started out with simple systems and most of us are on a budget and are about value. Most of us dont recommend HTIB because for the money you can usually put together a better system for about the same money and sometimes less money. Redriverangler's instincts tell him he could probably do better than the Samsung and is looking for a system that he could be happy with for ten years. There are dozens of budget speakers that would do a better job than the HTIB. He obviously came to this forum looking for such advice.

[jaytrezza]

i didn't really mean on this forum. i come here for help from you guys to get good info. but i have run into others sometimes here but mostly on other forums and in the non-cyber world( who)(whom?) that like to tell others with absoluteness what they should and shouldn't do, and then get upset if you don't agree with them. my apologies again if i insulted anyone.and i am not bitter because rr6 chastised me for an unmatched system. in fact please look at my equipment list on my signature rr!

[blackraven]

JT no need to apologize. I took no offense, I was just sticking up for this site because although we have our differences of opinion, I don't think we are audio snobs in general. We are here to help each other and share our knowledge and learn from others.

[RoadRunner6]

i am not bitter because rr6 chastised me for an unmatched system

chastised

My online dictionary defines chastise as " To criticize severely; rebuke"

I do feel strongly that matched speakers are very important so I emphasize it as a priority. When someone asks for help (constructive criticism implied) I offer specific comments intended to help them. You asked for ... "Harsh critism welcome!!"
Sorry, if you felt you were chastised by me. That is not my intention here, ever. I only wish to offer my experience or advise as I feel I have something to contribute.

RR6

[blackraven]

I have to agree with RR. Some times when someone asks our opinion
there will be some constructive criticism with out meaning to disrespect the person.

[redriverangler]

Thanks for the imput
Now tell me what you guys THINK
be honest and brutal , mabye not very brutal

Gonna give back the samsumg htib
and have an option of
1) Harman Kardon 5.1 HDMI Home Theatre Receiver (AVR154)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10100634&catid=
with
Harman Kardon 5.1 Home Theatre Speaker System (HKTS15)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10084144&catid=

OR
for 350 more
Harman Kardon 7.1 Channel HDMI Home Theatre Receiver (AVR254)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10100640&catid=
and
Polk Audio 5.1 Home Theatre Speaker System (RM6880) - Black
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10112413&catid=

Thanks

[RoadRunner6]

If you are limited to these choices, because Future shop has you locked in with a return credit only instead of a refund, then I would go with choice #2. This receiver has considerably more power. The Polk speakers are 3dB's more efficient (means they will play louder with the same amount of power) and the 254 receiver decodes the latest higher resolution audio which you will find on Blu-Ray discs such as Dolby True HD audio.

This for $350 more is well worth the upgrade and in my opinion a no brainer between these two choices.

(OK, here is the brutal part....do you have an option of returning the whole package and starting over?)

RR6 :D

[blackraven]

I was looking at the future world web site and they offer the Energy Take 5.1 system. If you can swing it, I would definitely go with it over the Polk, otherwise go with the Polk system.

[redriverangler]

The energy system is about 899$ I would then need a receiver Should I then try to swing the 254 ?
AND YES i CAN IF i WANT RETURN THE WHOLE SYSTEM

[RoadRunner6]

You might want to consider starting with this TV. We talk a lot here about LCD versus Plasma and I feel this is a superior display (a great display...better for TV, movies and games) for $1000 less to start with (only 2" smaller).

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010100268&catid=

I see that Future shop combines the Energy Take Classic 5.1 speakers sytem with a Pioneer 918 receiver for only $700. This Pioneer VSX-918V-K (which they sell separately for $371) model doesn't have the Dolby True HD. Maybe you can get them to substitute a better receiver for the increase in price of the receiver such as the Denon AVR-789 which they sell for $600 and is $229 more than they sell the Pioneer. That would make the combo $929. Or the Pioneer VSX-1018TXV-K for $229 more or the Yamaha HTR-6160 for $266 more. All three of these are a good choices.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=BDL10002818&catid=

See what kind of package deal they can make with the PS3 and you should have a nice systyem. Just some food for thought.

RR6

[blackraven]

Go for the energy system and upgrade the receiver tothe Pioneer VSX 1018 or the the Yamaha. The Pioneer 1018 is a good budget receiver. A lot of people have this one and like it. Either receiver would do the job and you would be much happier in the long run with this system.

[redriverangler]

Are there any particular reasons not to buy the harman carmen ? is is because of the price or that the yamaha and the pioneer are just superior systems?
I could swing the energy system
I would swing anything really

[RoadRunner6]

Redriverangler, you haven't really given us any info about your room size, listening habits (loud...very loud?), etc., so we're sort of shooting in the dark here.

The Harmon Kardon 254 receiver is fine and mainly a personal preference. If it has the look and features you like it is a good choice but about $200 more than the Pioneer, Denon and Yamaha mentioned.

The Energy Take classic system is an excellent sounding system for smaller rooms (quiet loud) and moderate to fairly loud volumes in medium sized rooms. It is very small with accurate midrange and extremely musical sounding. If you feel you want to play very loud and room shaking bass in a medium to large room with larger sized bookshelf speakers then I would advise letting us know. We can recommend systems that would perform accordingly with Future Shop's line (but it will cost you more).

I definitely would consider a change in displays which will save you lots of money and actually offer superior picture quality.

RR6

[redriverangler]

The system will be in my basement
It is an open area aprox. 16 x 30
I kinda divide the room in 2 , so figure the viewing area is 15 x 16
I have to say that I do not see myself playing stuff very loud , that is what my teenagers would do. How does music sound on these sytems
I must say, I really appreciate your help . I have fallen into great hands
The last time I bought a stereo system was 1990

[RoadRunner6]

I have to say that I do not see myself playing stuff very loud.....How does music sound on these sytems

Sounds like the Energy system will be fine. Hope you read the review that Blackraven posted above. These speakers are excellent for music and vocals, extremely natural and neutral sounding. They are great for jazz, pop, classical, etc. but not the best for hard rock, rap, etc. If you like a boomy bloated warm bassy sound these are not for you. When the bass is there you will hear it cleanly and well defined. They are good for movie soundtracks at reasonable levels but do not go down super low or very loud.

[blackraven]

I dont know if Audio Advisor ships to Canada, but 2 pair of these speakers along with the center channel and sub would make a killer budget system go for HT and Music.
speakers- http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENC100

Center channel- http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENCC100

Sub- http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENESW8

This would cost $563 and would probably be better than the Take 5.1 system. But either way you go you will have a very good budget system that you could be happy with.

My problem with the HK 254 is that its 50wpc. Now HK tends to under rate the power on their receivers, but for me, I would want a good 75-100wpc. With that being said, the HK would probably do just fine. I hope I havent confused you more. The bottom line is that any of the speakers and receivers mentioned will do a good job and be better than the polk and samsung systems you were looking at.

Good Luck,
Larry

[RoadRunner6]

BlackRaven, Future Shop has the C100's for $99/pr (fabulous online only price) but didn't seem to have the matching center listed. I think a great idea would be to buy 3 pair (6 ea) of the C100's (total $300) and use them for all 5 speakers (center channel an exact match in the vertical position), he would have one left over if he wanted to go 6.1. Then match them with this excellent Energy ESW-V8 sub for $299 (I checked Energy...that's 26-120Hz @ +/- 3dB, 200 watts RMS/800 watts peak, MSRP - $550!..this is one really fine quality 8" sub) Total system price $600. (we're talking here of a system with a $1175 list price)


http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10096139&catid=#

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10112898&catid=10552&logon=&langid=EN

Redriverangler, what I'm suggesting here is buy 3 pair of the exact same speakers for all 5 speakers (or six speakers if you want two as the side surrounds and a sixth as a rear surround). You would have three of the C100's across the front. This is exactly what I have in my system, three small bookshelf speakers as left, center and right. This is actually a better acoustic match than laying the center speaker over on its side but is not practical for most rooms and that is why most systems have a horizontal center speaker (I can explain this concept more if you like). With a small bookshelf (the C100 is only 31.5cm high) it should be fine. Otherwise maybe Future Shop has the CC100 center channel and just doesn't list it. This ESW-V8 sub is a significant step up from the ESW-8. Aren't you happy with all the choices we are throwing at you? :biggrin5:

BR, that 50 watt per channel rating on the HK 254 is actually with all 7 channels operating 20-20,000z, 0.07%. That is a pretty strong amp.

More food for thought.

RR6

[blackraven]

RR, that Energy V8 sub is probably the same sub as the Mirage Prestige S8. The power spec's are the same and they are made by the same company.

I wasnt knocking the HK 254, I tend to think that the HK 2ch receivers are a good buy. HK tends to rate their power specs low at lower and more true distortion levels than other companies which give higher power ratings at higher distortion. The HK probably is more like 75wpc.

[redriverangler]

Okay Guys
Let me hear your blessings or your damnations\
the HK 254 WITH THE POLK RM85FS ht SYSTEM.
tHEY ARE OFFERING it to me for about 650 more than Samsung Home Audio System (HT-AS720)
so about 1299 $

[RoadRunner6]

So now we are back to another HTIB system (Polk this time, special model number for Future Shop with an inflated list price) with the HK 254 for $1299. Above I listed how to get a far superior speaker system with the HK 254 for $1200 (Future Shop shows the HK 254 for $600). Blackraven also listed a great system for $563 plus the price of the receiver. Also, now FS lists the Energy Take classic system for $500. That makes it with the HK 254 for $1100.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10100640&catid=10551&logon=&langid=EN

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10095518&catid=

Then they will end up selling him $500 worth of expensive cables, etc. and of course a $500 extended warranty.

I give up. Well, at least we should be happy that the Bose word hasn't surfaced yet!

RR6

[blackraven]

RED, go with the energy system or build your own with the energy speakers that I listed. This will be a better system than any of the others that you have mentioned. The type of receiver that you go with will not matter as much as the speakers. The Pioneer VSX 1017, Denon 589, HK 254 or the Yammy HTR will all work and sound the same. Its the speakers that will make the biggest difference. You will regret buying the polk in the long run.

RR and I have given you good sound advice. Also, for cables and speaker wire look at www.bluejeancables.com They make excellent cables with reasonable prices. Much better than Rocketfish and monster cables IMO.

Don't let Future shop talk you into something you will regret buying.

[redriverangler]

I see your point rr6, the guys at fs have me on the ropes, I have been the victim of brand name advertising, When you hear of polk , bose etc , you automatically think quality, high end , top of the line. Again , thank you , sorry for the frustration.I am learning , slowly.
By the way, they push the warranty like crazy, both on the tv and system.
Raven , more and more I am lookin at the energy system , looks like the differnce from the take system and the 6 c100s is about 100$, but you get an extra speaker making it a 6.1
As you guys said all of the recievers are about the same, I have read that he 254 has some issues with upgrades and firm ware, mabye the yamaha would be a good choice
As for the cables, Future shop really pushes the monster cables Monster 1M HDMI Cable (HDMI850HD) at 121.00$ and this powerprotector monster HTS1000MKIII at 236$
RR6n I am looking at the Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV** (TH50PZ85)
I could save about 600$

[RoadRunner6]

The Panasonic TH-50PZ85U is an excellent choice, outstanding picture quality for the price and great for HDTV, SDTV, games, SD DVD's and Blu-Ray. Panny plasmas are very reliable, only about 2% repair rate. If you do get a plasma don't play any SDTV in the 4x3 mode with the black bars on the sides (use the "just" stretch mode to completely fill the screen).

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010100268&catid=23526 (if you don't intend to hook up a PC then the model TH-50PZ80U is fine if cheaper)

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-Plasma-HDTVs.list.75003_11002_7000000000000005702 (compare models here)

The PS3 is excellent for games and Blu-Ray. If you don't do games then go for the Panny DMP-BD35K.

The HK receivers have a very good amp but seem to have somewhat of a recent reputation for some reliability issues. I might tend to go for the Pioneer 1018. Otherwise the HK or the Yamaha 6160 should be fine.

Polk are good speakers but they are trying to sell you a HTIB (Home theater in a Box) system that is a special model number for FS. They inflate the price so it makes it look like they are giving you a big discount. They make more profit on this system. Bose is the most mediocre and over priced brand on the planet.

For speakers I would go with the Polk RTia 5.1 system, the Energy C100/Energy sub, or the Energy Take Classic system in that order, depending on what you can afford. For even more money yet you could put together a system from the Energy Connoisseur series or the Klipsch Reference RB series.

FS is obviously got one purpose in mind, to maximize profit. Forget the extended warranty, They make lots of profit on it. Forget the Monster anything. Buy cheap bulk speaker wire or lamp cord/zip cord for speaker wire at the hardware store. 18 guage is fine, 16-14 guage for long runs. Buy your cables either from Monoprice or Blu-Jeans online or AR or other cheaper brnads locally. Forget the power conditioner, again lots of profit and not necessary. You can find a decent surge protector online or at the hardware store for $50-$75 or less.

As you have seen they will push you very hard for the high profit items, don't believe any of the stories, it's only good for their commission. Just be polite but firm and say NO!.

Good Luck.

RR6

[blackraven]

Red, RR's is correct with the above post. Don't let them talk you into buying Monster cables. They are way over priced. Plain old 16g Radio Shack pure copper speaker wire is great or go with the Bluejean Cables wire speaker wire Belden 5000 14g unterminated for 0.57 cents a foot. If you want to terminate them the banana plugs they sell are easy to put on the ends of the wire. Also the BJC interconnects are excellent. http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

Bluejean also makes excellent HDMI cables for low cost. http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdmi-cables/index.htm

Go with the F2 for runs under 15feet and the Series one for 15' or more.

For Speaker choice I like the Energy EC series or the Take system. Good luck and stand your ground against Future Shop. Also that Yammy receiver is a good choice.

Larry

[redriverangler]

After much reflection and thought , I was going to buy the energy take classic with the yammy 6160 receiever
Today, I got the BEST BUY boxing day flyer via email
they have the pioneer 1018 amp for 399
and a Klipsch sub 12 inch for 239
and a pair of Klipsch sunergy f1 speakers for 299
I would need i more pair of speakers mabye the c100
so 399+ 299+ 239+ 99 = 1030 aprrox , the yammy and the energy take run 1000$
link to best buy
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10074984&catid=20326
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10074985&catid=20322
Am I going insane ?
by the way I'm going to get a full refund from Futureshop today
Tell me what you think
Thanks again

[redriverangler]

Wait , am I right to say that the f1 seiries is entry level stuff:nono: and the amp may pop the speakers and that I am still better off with the energy ?
:10: :thumbsup:
man I love these smilies:thumbsup:

[redriverangler]

Better yet how do you rank the Energy Loudspeakers C-500 with the c100s and a subwoofer from klipsch? I can get the 500s for 299 the pair
Man I have not done so much research since graduate school
:p

[blackraven]

If you can get the C-500's for that price go for it. They will sound better than the C-100's and you won't need to spend an extra $100 for speaker stands. Jump on that deal.

How much for the Klipsch sub and what model? I still prefer the Mirage Prestige S8 or the Omni S8. These are well respected subs.

[redriverangler]

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10074984&catid=20326&test_cookie=1 for 239 $
All I then need is mabye one pair of c100s

[blackraven]

Save your money and get the C-50's for the rear and the CC-100 for the center and what ever sub you like. If your going to buy a lower priced sub, below $800, I would stick with an 8-10" sub. I think that cheaper 12" subs will tend to be boomy or muddy. Cheaper subs tend to use less powerful magnets compared to driver size and therefore can sound muddy. Many use the same magnets of their smaller brothers. I would much rather have a higher priced 8-10" sub than a comparable priced 12" when we are talking about inexpensive subs!

However, I cant comment on that Klipsch sub as I have not hear that model. It may very well be a good sub for the price. Maybe other's can shed some light on it.

[redriverangler]

Merry Christmas all
Thank Blackraven, RR6 and everybody else
I made my purchase
The Yammy 6160 with the energy take one classic speakers
Thank you guys a million
The INTERNET has become the GREAT EQUILIZER
Consumers helping consumers
To all a good night

[blackraven]

Good choice Red. Let us know how you like the system.

Merry Christmas!

[redriverangler]

Guys,
Futureshop has 2 c100s now(bookself) for 79$
Are they appropriate for surround speakers to complete the take energy system to a 7.1 and can the Yammy handle all the speakers.
This is fun;)
Thanks:2: :2:

[blackraven]

The could work but you may run into problems with matching the other speakers in loudness and tonality. If your receiver has separate volume controls for each channel then it would work. If they sound similar to the center channel, they might be better used as the front speakers because they are larger and probably a better speaker than the TAKE speakers. But for $79, its worth the risk. If they dont work you could always give them to your kids or put a stereo in your bedroom.

You should see if they have the C-50's for sale. They may be a better match for the Take speakers because its a smaller speaker than the C-100's.

[redriverangler]

Klipsch Synergy Tower Speaker (F1) 2 for 249$ in store
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10074985&catid=20322&logon=&langid=EN
can i match them with the energy take system?
thanks jimmy

[blackraven]

Jimmy, if you went with the Energy Take system then stick with Energy speakers. They probably all use similar drivers. Adding Klipsch will just make things worse. Besides, I would listen to the Take 5.1 system before jumping to a 7.1. You will like what you hear. Do you really want 7 speakers? If anything you would be better starting from scratch and build your own 5.1 system with better speakers or subwoofer with the $249 you were going to spend on the Klipsch.

[redriverangler]

I ended up buying the 6190 (rx-v 1800)Yamaha for 200$ more than the 6160(rx-v 663)
Thanks
Jimmy

[thulasitk]

Take a look at this system that was on a previous post. It will be better than that Samsung system and it seems worth the money. Energy is a well respected company and its a Canadian company.
http://hometheatermag.com/compactspeakers/608energy/index.html

All you would need is a HT receiver, something like the Onkyo TX SR506. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_i_0?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=onkyo%20tx-sr506&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aonkyo%20tx-sr506%2Ci%3Aelectronics&tag=tanis010108_94558-20

Or this Yamaha receiver http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546277-REG/Yamaha_HTR_6130BL_HTR_6130BL_5_1_Channel_Digital_H ome.html

Or the Pioneer VSX 917 or 817. Amazon has the 917 on sale for under $200, it retails for $450.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pioneer+home+theater+receivers&x=0&y=0

I would probably go with the Onkyo or Pioneer but all three would do the job. If your willing to spend some more money, go for the Onkyo TX SR606. Its a very good receiver and will last you for years. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015S8PGW

If you want to build your own system of speakers, look at the PSB B25's or T45's for the front, B15's for the rear and C40 or C60 for the center and Mirage S8 sub. http://saturdayaudio.com/

Energy Take Classic 5.1 Vs HSU Performance 1
Would anyone tell me which one to go with.

I tried calling Costco Irvine, looks like it was only available during holiday season. I am a lil inclined towards HSU even though it costs more than Energy.

Any suggestions would be of great help.

Thanks!
thulasitk is online now Report Post Edit/Delete Message

[thulasitk]

I currently have a Pioneer VSX 1017 and my room size could be 15 X 20

[Auricauricle]

Okay guys, fire away!

I am seriously considering purchase of an Optimus Pro CS-5 center channel from a guy this week. I've read here that it's not a bad unit by any stretch, and that at $40.00, the resale--if need be--should be acceptable.

Any thoughts on this? Remember: Mains are Polk 7c and an Eoson RSP-112 sub....