5.1 Surround sound, need help with specs + General advice

[Grosser611]

Take a look at the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system

http://reviews.cnet.com/surround-spe...-33310963.html

You may be able to find it on sale for $400 US.

Or build a 3.1 system and add to it later.

I've seen that recomended before and I think it looks awesome and probly sounds the same but in Australia it is near impossible to find. I dont think anyone carries that brand in Aus. Also my post was $400 MAX Australian so yeh its still a little out of my price range. Whats a 3.1 system ? A center speaker, 2 sides and a sub ? I haven't seen any for sale ?!?

[Mr Peabody]

The Energy set up is just speakers though.

One thing about All-In-One systems most come with built in DVD or Blu-ray, of course, DVD being cheaper. Is this redundant or can you use a disc player? Either way it may still be your cheapest way to go. I'd definitely stick with Panasonic, Sony etc. those who have a track record building these. The off brands you pretty much get what you pay for. You should be able to get a HTIB in your budget. If you didn't care about HDMI look for older models being blown or closed out.

A more upscale option would be to look for a used receiver that some one is selling because it don't have the latest gizmos like HDMI and mate it with a decent speaker package. If not wanting used receivers from the likes of Sherwood or Insignia are cheap.

You should at least hook up your LG to see what you think of the sound in stereo.

[Grosser611]

Take a look at the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system

http://reviews.cnet.com/surround-spe...-33310963.html

You may be able to find it on sale for $400 US.

Or build a 3.1 system and add to it later.

I've seen these reccomended on a few sites, whats meant to be so good about them ? I've found them brand new for $380 australian dollars (about $360 US), I'm very seriously considering buying them.

[Mr Peabody]

I haven't heard the system but according to the review they are great sounding matched 5.1 set of speakers.

CAUTION: You will still need a receiver to drive the five satelite speakers. So the speakers will take what you said your budget was, then what?

[Grosser611]

I haven't heard the system but according to the review they are great sounding matched 5.1 set of speakers.

CAUTION: You will still need a receiver to drive the five satelite speakers. So the speakers will take what you said your budget was, then what?

Ok well I found this website that has an absolute **** load of A/V recievers, Can you tell me a luist of features you would consider neccessary and which ones would be "nice to have". Thanks.

Heres the link.
http://www0.dealtime.com/xPP-home_au..._Receiver_hdmi

[Mr Peabody]

First ask yourself what you will be doing with it:
* Do you have a HDTV? If so, am I happy with using component video or do I want HDMI? A new receiver will most likely have HDMI.
* Will I eventually have Blu-ray? If so, the HD audio decoding will be important (Dolby Tru-HD & DTS-MA).
* Will I be interested in "auto speaker set up"? If new at the HT thing this could be handy. It will set up your speaker levels, delay & some even do some room equalizing.

You won't need things like "2nd zone" or maybe not XM radio or HD radio compatible. Many receivers are pretty much the same with features. Another thing that is probably not necessary is video upsampling. IF, you use HDMI AND had a couple other components that don't use HD, like a VCR, upsampling in order to pass it via HDMI could be something to look for.

To get all the current bells & whistles with good performance I'd recommend that Onkyo SR-607. On a budget it looks like the Pioneer 819 will do what you want.

I'd recommend going to some of the retail sites and reading the reviews of users. Let me know if any questions on a specific feature.

[Grosser611]

First ask yourself what you will be doing with it:
* Do you have a HDTV? If so, am I happy with using component video or do I want HDMI? A new receiver will most likely have HDMI.
* Will I eventually have Blu-ray? If so, the HD audio decoding will be important (Dolby Tru-HD & DTS-MA).
* Will I be interested in "auto speaker set up"? If new at the HT thing this could be handy. It will set up your speaker levels, delay & some even do some room equalizing.

You won't need things like "2nd zone" or maybe not XM radio or HD radio compatible. Many receivers are pretty much the same with features. Another thing that is probably not necessary is video upsampling. IF, you use HDMI AND had a couple other components that don't use HD, like a VCR, upsampling in order to pass it via HDMI could be something to look for.

To get all the current bells & whistles with good performance I'd recommend that Onkyo SR-607. On a budget it looks like the Pioneer 819 will do what you want.

I'd recommend going to some of the retail sites and reading the reviews of users. Let me know if any questions on a specific feature.

In my very first post it says I have a full HD t.v. so yeah I'll need HDMI, I'm getting a blu-ray within the next few weeks so I guess yes I will need HD Audio decoding although is that only neccessary if I get the blu-ray enabled speakers because they're too expensive. I think the speaker set up would be something I'd like toplay with myself but it'd be nice to be pointed in the right direction so 50/50 for that one...could live without. How about on a super tight budget like I am would the Sony STR-DH500 tick the same boxes as the Pioneer ? Reasn I ask is the cheapest I can find the Pioneer is $719, cheapest I can find the Sony $225, the sony has HDMI and like 7 different dolby decoding types although it doesn't mention specifically Dolby Tru-HD or DTS-MA like you've mentioned. Those dot points where EXACTLY what I was after, perfect post Mr Peabody (nice name too

[Mr Peabody]

I don't know what you mean by "blu-ray enabled speaker". You just need a regular 5.1 speaker set up. that Energy Take 5 would be great.

$719.00 for a receiver that shows a price of $245.00 U.S. dollars is crazy.

Don't buy the DH500 unless it's absolutely all you can afford. It has HDMI but only passes a video signal, NO AUDIO, which defeats the purpose of having HDMI which is BOTH audio and video. If you can swing it the DH700 is a true full function HDMI and also adds the auto set up. Shame on Sony for even making a receiver like the DH500, I'm sure many a unsuspecting consumers got burned with this one. I guess if that Pioneer was $719.00 the Onkyo must have been over $1k. I'm not a Sony fan but it does show a 2 year warranty if you had any problems with it.

[Grosser611]

I don't know what you mean by "blu-ray enabled speaker". You just need a regular 5.1 speaker set up. that Energy Take 5 would be great.

$719.00 for a receiver that shows a price of $245.00 U.S. dollars is crazy.

Don't buy the DH500 unless it's absolutely all you can afford. It has HDMI but only passes a video signal, NO AUDIO, which defeats the purpose of having HDMI which is BOTH audio and video. If you can swing it the DH700 is a true full function HDMI and also adds the auto set up. Shame on Sony for even making a receiver like the DH500, I'm sure many a unsuspecting consumers got burned with this one. I guess if that Pioneer was $719.00 the Onkyo must have been over $1k. I'm not a Sony fan but it does show a 2 year warranty if you had any problems with it.

I dont really know what a meant by blu-ray enabled speakers either...I just mean like when I look through catalogues and see "blue-ray home theater" and its got the speakers with it, thats the speakers I mean. I thought they where different somehow or something because they're sooooo much more expensive. Well I did some more trawling through eBay and found a Sony STR-DH700 "home theather reciever" for an amazing $277 Australian dollars including postage. Thing is, its American. Are these things region coded like DVD or Blu-ray players or will it be ok to buy overseas ?
haha well I couldn't find the Onkyo 607 but the 606 was $1,031.00 and the 706 was $1,637 so yeah not exactly cheap (and I'm guessing reasonable pricing either). So will that sony reciever do the HD audio decoding ? if so I might have to pick me one up as it seems like a price that wont last....same as the speakers though...and I need to get a blu ray while its still on sale then I got chrsitmas presents to buy and im going on a holiday before that....all on a wage of about $100 per week ;( how is this fair, haha

[Mr Peabody]

What you were calling "blu ray enabled speakers" is what I was calling "home theater in a box". This is more expensive because it's the player, receiver & speakers all in a bundle. If not needing huge power and you have a small room this may be an option. Although the separate receiver and speakers should provide some better performance and more flexibility.

If Austrailia isn't 220 volts from the wall like Europe an American DH-700 should be fine. Now the Blu-ray player may be a different story as I'm not sure what "region" you would be in. For instance, U.S. & Canada are "Region 1". This is usually found on the movie box or if you look at Amazon it will show the Region. Some discs are Region free. Most DVD/Blu-ray players in the U.S. only play Region 1. LG seems to be a player that will do more than one region. Well, now that I think of it Europe also was set up on PAL which is a system for video where the U.S. was on NTSC, now we are digital and ATSC but I have no idea how this would work for Austrailia or if it matters. So if no one else chimes in you may want to call or email Sony and tell them you are thinking of buying one of their receivers and make sure it will work fine in your country.

Maybe forget Sony, the DH-700 DOES NOT have the decoding. I couldn't believe it, so glad I double checked. Check this review, not so good: http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...-33539695.html

How expensive are the "home theater in a box, (HTIB)", keep in mind this could be only one purchase that includes everything, no buying this or that, so you can include your receiver/speaker/player funds all together when looking at the HTIB. I'm afraid this may be what you have to look at to get all you want at a price you can afford. No brands sold at a regular price in Austrailia?

It's a shame those Onkyo are off the chart, the 606 has everything you would need and more.

Here, what's this Pioneer VSX-919 cost in Austrailia? It has verything you will need and supposed to be low price, HD audio, HDMI, auto speaker set up etc. Take a look: http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/Pi...SX-919AH.shtml

[Grosser611]

Ah ok fair enough. I actually thought it would be cheaper because your buying lots at once...hhhmmm :s

Yeah we use pretty standard stuff over here so we wouldn't be 220 volts. Yeah thats ok I'm buying the Blu-ray locally. I'm pretty sure we're Region 2 (Oceana or something). Region free blu-rays are like over a grand still. We're on PAL over here to so yeah I hope it doesn't matter. Yeah ringing Sony could be the go.

GAH ! I can't believe it, everytime I find a cheap reciever that has all the stuff I need it turns out to have something missing and the fun begins again ;(

HTIB's here (including blu-ray) are $999 + (this will buy me a LG 5.1 1000 RWS)

It looks like i'm already going to be up for around $600-700 for the energy/something combo so are the HTIB's worth stretching the money ? Well I just use shopbot.com but even they dont always have everything....they just show prices of stocked items from stores all around Australia. No brands sold at a regular price in Austrailia?

For the Pioneer VSX-919 prices range from $865 to over $1,100. Basically anything I cant find on eBay and have to search a regular store for is grosly overpriced.

I dont know if your allowed to post eBay links on this forum but maybe searching that could be the go as I always buy and sell stuff off there. Love that place

[Mr Peabody]

The Energy Take 5 is JUST speakers. Good quality but ony speakers. You'd still need a receiver and a player. So add up the Take 5 + a Blu-ray player + a receiver and see what it comes too. The LG is all of that in one package or set up. The trade off is quality. The HTIB will not be as high quality as stand alone components. The main difference would probably be in the quality of the speakers. So for the $999.00 you could get everything.

[Grosser611]

The Energy Take 5 is JUST speakers. Good quality but ony speakers. You'd still need a receiver and a player. So add up the Take 5 + a Blu-ray player + a receiver and see what it comes too. The LG is all of that in one package or set up. The trade off is quality. The HTIB will not be as high quality as stand alone components. The main difference would probably be in the quality of the speakers. So for the $999.00 you could get everything.

$1,097 and I could get the energy speakers (with no sub), Panasonic BD60 and Sony STR-DH 800. I think for the extra $100 I'll be getting a lot better components.

[Mr Peabody]

Will the DH800 do all you want? If so, it would be a much better set up than a HTIB.

[Grosser611]

Will the DH800 do all you want? If so, it would be a much better set up than a HTIB.

Well I was hoping you would check it out, but its second from top in that range from Sony so I'm guesing its pretty good quality. It DOES do Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio which is what we discussed as necessary and its got four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output which could deffnately be handy for the blu-ray too. Before we seal the deal and decide this si the right A/V Reciever for me though I just thought I'd let you know some prices of others:
$423.39 Onkyo TX-SR07
$380.85 Onkyo TX-8255
$390.36 Yamaha HTR-6130BL - Refurbished
$403 Yamaha HTR-6140 - Refurbished
$392.33 Yamaha HTR-6140
$333.81 Yamaha HTR-6230
$434.80 Harman Kardon AVR-154
$363.35 Sherwood RD-6513
$429.16 Sony STR-DH800
$483.07 Pioneer VSX-819H-K

If not mentioned these items are new, include shipping and are in Australian currency. I just compiled a list of A/V Recievers that where in my budget, the only ones whos specs I have looked up on their website are the sony ones. I had to go to work before I could do any others. Just after your opinion like always

[Mr Peabody]

I'll try to look some of those up as time permits. I'm off today but have some things to do.

[Mr Peabody]

Onkyo 8255 is stereo and I couldn't find anything on the sr07

The Yamaha are older models and to be refurbs not much of a discount on prices plus I didn't find enough information to be positive either would work.

The Pioneer with only 5 channels seems to be good quality and will meet your needs.

Sony DH800 is cheaper than Pioneer and has a few extra features but I didn't realize how bad Sony sucks until helping you. The DH800 still don't seem to get very good user reviews, about average. Here's a good feature break down: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158STDH...=detailed_info

I would say no on the Sherwood, NO HD audio decoding and the savings isn't much compared to what you get with the Sony for not a lot more money. I really wonder how the Sony sells for so cheap. Any way the Sherwood amp section is pretty cheezy as well.

The HK-154 does not have HD audio decoding or auto set up, although high current amp it's rated at 30 watts x 5. Will sound stronger to some extent than other 30 watt receivers but I can't find any reason to get it over the Sony.

So bottom line, although i was hoping, looks like the Sony is the best bang for the buck. And, considering what you wanted originally to where you are now , should make you happy when all set up.

The Energy have a good rep but you might want to see if you can find anything down there cheaper so you can get a sub. The Sony with small speaker and no sub may be a bit bright. How is JBL or Wharfdale priced where you are? But again, the clarity of the Energy is a plus, just depends how long you think it may take to ad a sub.

Can you buy from Amazon? Some times you can find some good pricing there. But some countries ad duties/taxes etc that void out any savings.

[blackraven]

Can you find some Energy C-200, C-100 and C-50 speakers? Check into the prices if you can. They are closeout models and you might be able to find them heavily discounted. Get a pair of C-100's and C-50's for the rear. Also look at wharfedale diamonds as Mr P. suggested. The infinity Primus 162's and are a decent budget speaker. Just ugly with the grills on.

[Grosser611]

Just as a side note, I've always known Yamaha music/speaker related products to be overpriced, is this the case or are they really worth the extra money ? (anyway I'll follow your advice and give the refurbs a miss).

Why dont you like sony products ? Have you had a bad experience with them in the past?

"I really wonder how the Sony sells for so cheap" I hope they aren't cutting corners with this thing...hoping just because they're a huge company they can afford to give away a bit on their AVR's but make it up with their stupidly priced (expensive) Bravia t.v's

"The Energy have a good rep" with audiophiles who actually can pick a super expensive speakers from a mid range one ?
"The Sony with small speaker and no sub may be a bit bright" How do you mean "bright"?
Well I think JBL is prices damn expensive everywhere and I can only find a limited range, I've found:
A PAIR of JBL Soundpoint In-Wall 2-Way Speakers - $360
JBL FLIX 1 CENTRE SPEAKER - Used - $91.40
JBL In-Wall Dual 5" 2-Way Speaker HTI55 White - $295
A PAIR (I think) JBL Northridge E10 Bookshelf Speakers Black Ash - $295
NEW JBL SP5 II 5-1/4" 2-WAY IN WALL SPEAKER (PAIR) - $271.48
JBL CONTROL NOW 2-WAY DUAL 4" BOOKSHELF SPEAKER - 281.80
PAIR OF JBL NORTHRIDGE SERIES N24 BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS - $227.35
These are all brand new items unless written otherwise.

Wharfdale on the otherhand basically doesnt exist. I couldn't find ANY for sale in Australia :s

Meh once I buy all this gear a sub should follow within the next month or 2...specially if it sounds horrible.

I could buy from Amazon if they do Paypal but everything there tends to be overpriced freight wise and also they dont seem to have the range I was expecting.

[Grosser611]

Can you find some Energy C-200, C-100 and C-50 speakers? Check into the prices if you can. They are closeout models and you might be able to find them heavily discounted. Get a pair of C-100's and C-50's for the rear. Also look at wharfedale diamonds as Mr P. suggested. The infinity Primus 162's and are a decent budget speaker. Just ugly with the grills on.

I'm really busy at the monent but I had a super quick look at Amazon after Ebay returned little results for these and was pleasantly surprized. they seem to have some of each. I'll get some prices up tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion, this could be a good alternative to buying the take 5.0 combo

[Mr Peabody]

I don't like Sony receivers for at least these two reasons, 1. I don't think the quality warrants the price. Although in your case Sony doesn't come out so bad on price, and 2. the same reason you have to buy an 800 opposed to a 700 or lower. I think it's terribly deceptive to the consumer to put HDMI on a receiver that half ass does what it's supposed to do. I mean what kind of crap is that to put a "audio/video" input on a receiver that only does the video, half the job it's supposed to do and people expect it to? If you didn't have the notion to enlist some help you could have very well been sitting there some day wondering why your receiver isn't working like you thought it should and come to find out it's not capable and you wasted your money. There are a lot of Yamaha fans here but I don't think much of them either. They've actually done the same thing with the HDMI and claim dual zone when it's nearly impossible to set it up. At least on the more entry level receivers.

Any way I'm done venting. For you the best way to go is the Sony DH800 and which ever Energy work out to be the best buy. You will have a decent system that will out perform a HTIB and give you something to build on. Meaning adding your sub and BDP or whatever else down the road. Please don't let my views cloud your goal. the DH800 is the best for the price according to what you found.

[Grosser611]

Can you find some Energy C-200, C-100 and C-50 speakers? Check into the prices if you can. They are closeout models and you might be able to find them heavily discounted. Get a pair of C-100's and C-50's for the rear. Also look at wharfedale diamonds as Mr P. suggested. The infinity Primus 162's and are a decent budget speaker. Just ugly with the grills on.

How do you calculate postage costs on Amazon ? Unless I want to buy "Books, VHS videotapes, CDs, DVDs, Music Cassettes or Vinyl" I cant find a damn postage price !!! So annoying when I now have my eyes on a pair of Energy C-50 Bookshelf Speakers, Energy C-C50 Center Channel Speaker and Energy ESW-8 Subwoofer but I dont know what they're really worth without adding shipping costs....they can often be very high as its shipping internationally ;( well for those 3 items before shipping its $369.75 all brand new. For the Energy Take 5.0 system brand new also its $357. The C100 center is way too big and the book shelf c100s are too expensive which is why i checked the c50s. Are the C-50s higher up the range than whats in the take 5.0 system ?

[Mr Peabody]

Put the items in your cart and click "proceed to check out". It will show you a total with shipping before the order goes through. Amazon usually does free shipping for items over $25.00 if it comes directly from them. I don't know if they do that for over seas or out of country. If you decide not to complete the order you can close out the window. When you go back to Amazon, go to your cart and just delete the items out.

I can't answer your Energy question, don't know that much about them.

[Grosser611]

I think it's terribly deceptive to the consumer to put HDMI on a receiver that half ass does what it's supposed to do. I mean what kind of crap is that to put a "audio/video" input on a receiver that only does the video, half the job it's supposed to do and people expect it to? If you didn't have the notion to enlist some help you could have very well been sitting there some day wondering why your receiver isn't working like you thought it should and come to find out it's not capable and you wasted your money.

Any way I'm done venting. For you the best way to go is the Sony DH800 and which ever Energy work out to be the best buy. You will have a decent system that will out perform a HTIB and give you something to build on. Meaning adding your sub and BDP or whatever else down the road. Please don't let my views cloud your goal. the DH800 is the best for the price according to what you found.

@ the first paragraph - Yeah that is pretty deceptive thing to do and i'll bet yeah it does get a heap of people, luckily I've had you to help me out otherwise I woulda been preeeeeety pissed, to say the least.
@ second paragraph - haha I think with ALL the help you've given me your allowed a vent by now, you've earned it
Anyway summing up, I purchased a Panasonic DMP BD-60 (which only supports 5.1 surround but it was a steal so I bought it anyway), I'll probly get the Energy Take 5.0 system and purchase a sub seperate and like we've discussed I'll pick up the Sony STR-DH800. Ahhhh I cant wait
I'll be back on the forums with mounting questions before you know it haha


Also on your next post, thanks for the advice about Amazon, turns out none of those items are shipped outside of USA so I couldn't get them anyway ;(

[bigaugie]

Been reading through this thread and in a similar situation. Just got my first HDTV (Panasonic 54" G10). This goes into my living room and I'm not an audio/videophile by any means, nor can I afford to be. But I'm looking for a decent set-up and trying to keep the price down. I have a HK AVR247 and now am looking at speakers. Been seeing the Energy Take 5.1 Classic and that's a contender. I also found the JAMO 660 so does anyone know how it would stack up?

Feel free to offer other options as well.

Thanks for any help.