I just got a 42 inch Pansasonic Plasma television. I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of sound surround system would work best with this. I will primarily be watching sports and movies on it. I was hoping to spend somewhere between 200-300 dollars on it. I don't really need a dvd player included with it, because I already have one, unless it makes the system better? Anyways thanks for the help and suggestions.
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I just got a 42 inch Pansasonic Plasma television. I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of sound surround system would work best with this. I will primarily be watching sports and movies on it. I was hoping to spend somewhere between 200-300 dollars on it. I don't really need a dvd player included with it, because I already have one, unless it makes the system better? Anyways thanks for the help and suggestions.
I went to circuit city earlier and they tried selling me some Pansasonic system where the back speakers were apparently wireless. I went home and read reviews and everyone said they "claim" they are wireless but you need to run at least one wire to them to make it work. It's tough for me because I have an apartment and can't really drill into the floors or wall to set up wiring. I am going to look into the Bose speakers I have heard good things.
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I went to circuit city earlier and they tried selling me some Pansasonic system where the back speakers were apparently wireless. I went home and read reviews and everyone said they "claim" they are wireless but you need to run at least one wire to them to make it work. It's tough for me because I have an apartment and can't really drill into the floors or wall to set up wiring. I am going to look into the Bose speakers I have heard good things.
Do NOT buy Bose............it's overpriced crap. I'm serious.
Do you already have a receiver? If so, is it DD capable.......at least for 5.1? For $200-$300 your choices are limited (remember....you need 4 + a center.....or 5 matched), however Klipsch makes some good bookshelf speakers that you may be able to find on sale. Their horn tweeters work well for HT systems. Boston Acous. also makes some inexpensive bookshelf spkrs that you may be able to find 4-5 of for surround. A good subwoofer can make up for going cheap on surround speakers.............& can be had for around $400-$500, even cheaper on ebay. How old is your DVD player? Is it at least a progressive scan player? What kind is it?
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Do NOT buy Bose............it's overpriced crap. I'm serious.
Do you already have a receiver? If so, is it DD capable.......at least for 5.1? For $200-$300 your choices are limited (remember....you need 4 + a center.....or 5 matched), however Klipsch makes some good bookshelf speakers that you may be able to find on sale. Their horn tweeters work well for HT systems. Boston Acous. also makes some inexpensive bookshelf spkrs that you may be able to find 4-5 of for surround. A good subwoofer can make up for going cheap on surround speakers.............& can be had for around $400-$500, even cheaper on ebay. How old is your DVD player? Is it at least a progressive scan player? What kind is it?
Yeah I am able to spend between 400-500 on the system. The only thing is I am not sure I want to go with the 5 speakers now, just because rear speaker will be difficult in my apartment because I can't drill into the walls or the floor. I was thinking about just going with a sub and 2 front speakers. My roomates have an XBox 360 which is apparently an HD dvd player. Sounds like you know a good deal about this stuff though. Do you think it is just better off for me to buy an entire system. It will only be in this apartment for 5 months before I move out, so if you think buying a 5 speaker system is more worthwhile I will definately do that. Hope that helps... but 400-500 dollar range is fine.
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Yeah I am able to spend between 400-500 on the system. The only thing is I am not sure I want to go with the 5 speakers now, just because rear speaker will be difficult in my apartment because I can't drill into the walls or the floor. I was thinking about just going with a sub and 2 front speakers. My roomates have an XBox 360 which is apparently an HD dvd player. Sounds like you know a good deal about this stuff though. Do you think it is just better off for me to buy an entire system. It will only be in this apartment for 5 months before I move out, so if you think buying a 5 speaker system is more worthwhile I will definately do that. Hope that helps... but 400-500 dollar range is fine.
Know what you mean about being in an apt...........I started building my system about 4 years ago while in one.............had to tuck the speaker wires under the baseboards & stuff............& my neighbor wasn't real thrilled either.
There's two ways you can go. Either buy a complete system that will serve your needs for a while............or start building a GOOD system one component at a time. Best Buy has some decent home-theatre-in-a-box (HTIB's) deals. There is a Yamaha system that would serve your needs for quite a while & it's under $400..........includes a Yamaha receiver, 5 speakers & a sub. You don't have to use the rear speakers now but at least you'll have a matched set when you're able to. Mind you, you get what you pay for, but this little system costs about 1/4 of what the equivilent Bose system does & will sound at least as good if not better. Not sure if it has a HDMI plug or not though (look it up online). There are other systems to choose from as well, some more, some less.
The alternative is to start going into mid-fi stuff where a decent receiver will run you at least $500-$600. Then you start working on getting a good sub for around the same price, then speakers, which is where you really want to drop most of your $$$...............it adds up quick. A fun but spendy hobby. Buying on ebay or Audiogon can save you major bucks should you ever decide you want to get into it more.
BTW........Bose is a popular name because they advertise a lot. The best audiophile equipment is stuff many people have never heard of........Krell, Mark Levinson, Bryston, Wilson Audio, Sonus Faber, Hafler, Martin Logan, Paradigm, B&W..............there's a lot of great & expensive stuff out there. If & when you get into it, don't get suckered in to buying expensive cables. Monster is the most well known offender but there's worse out there. Unlike Bose, however, Monster makes a good product..........they just charge to much for it.
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Know what you mean about being in an apt...........I started building my system about 4 years ago while in one.............had to tuck the speaker wires under the baseboards & stuff............& my neighbor wasn't real thrilled either.
There's two ways you can go. Either buy a complete system that will serve your needs for a while............or start building a GOOD system one component at a time. Best Buy has some decent home-theatre-in-a-box (HTIB's) deals. There is a Yamaha system that would serve your needs for quite a while & it's under $400..........includes a Yamaha receiver, 5 speakers & a sub. You don't have to use the rear speakers now but at least you'll have a matched set when you're able to. Mind you, you get what you pay for, but this little system costs about 1/4 of what the equivilent Bose system does & will sound at least as good if not better. Not sure if it has a HDMI plug or not though (look it up online). There are other systems to choose from as well, some more, some less.
The alternative is to start going into mid-fi stuff where a decent receiver will run you at least $500-$600. Then you start working on getting a good sub for around the same price, then speakers, which is where you really want to drop most of your $$$...............it adds up quick. A fun but spendy hobby. Buying on ebay or Audiogon can save you major bucks should you ever decide you want to get into it more.
BTW........Bose is a popular name because they advertise a lot. The best audiophile equipment is stuff many people have never heard of........Krell, Mark Levinson, Bryston, Wilson Audio, Sonus Faber, Hafler, Martin Logan, Paradigm, B&W..............there's a lot of great & expensive stuff out there. If & when you get into it, don't get suckered in to buying expensive cables. Monster is the most well known offender but there's worse out there. Unlike Bose, however, Monster makes a good product..........they just charge to much for it.
I hate to go against TheMugg... but I purchased 4 bose systems. Bought 2 as a gift and have 2 in my house... I wouldn't want it any other way. Back in the 90's Bose never advertised... in the 2000's they are advertising like crazy. Go figure? The bose system in 1996 are just as good as 2007.
The best system on the market right now.. Acoustimass 16
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I hate to go against TheMugg... but I purchased 4 bose systems. Bought 2 as a gift and have 2 in my house... I wouldn't want it any other way. Back in the 90's Bose never advertised... in the 2000's they are advertising like crazy. Go figure? The bose system in 1996 are just as good as 2007.
The best system on the market right now.. Acoustimass 16
moneyshot........if you're happy that's all that matters. But look at the the specs for the Onkyo system in the link provided by bsforsale & then the bose system.............anything missing? Yeah, bose won't post any performance specs for their gear. You'll also notice that the Onkyo system has 2 & 3-way speakers for fronts & rears, not the cheesy little boxes with 2.5 inch full range(LOL) drivers. It also has a legit subwoofer with a 10 inch driver, not a "bass module" with multiple 5 1/4 inch drivers. You cannot produce true bass with this design. Hell, the mid-range drivers in my Axiom M-60's are that big. The specs for the Onkyo are not all that impressive but they are posted & are probably legit.............& it's less than half the price of the acoustimass system. I can almost guarantee you it will outperform the acoustimas as well. Don't take my word for it. Find a good store & do an A/B with the bose & just about anything else.........
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moneyshot........if you're happy that's all that matters. But look at the the specs for the Onkyo system in the link provided by bsforsale & then the bose system.............anything missing? Yeah, bose won't post any performance specs for their gear. You'll also notice that the Onkyo system has 2 & 3-way speakers for fronts & rears, not the cheesy little boxes with 2.5 inch full range(LOL) drivers. It also has a legit subwoofer with a 10 inch driver, not a "bass module" with multiple 5 1/4 inch drivers. You cannot produce true bass with this design. Hell, the mid-range drivers in my Axiom M-60's are that big. The specs for the Onkyo are not all that impressive but they are posted & are probably legit.............& it's less than half the price of the acoustimass system. I can almost guarantee you it will outperform the acoustimas as well. Don't take my word for it. Find a good store & do an A/B with the bose & just about anything else.........
I'll check it out Mugg Always looking for better stuff. It's just Bose to me is superior. I wouldn't chance any other company. I just really never looked into a Onkyo system... but like I said... always looking for better sound. Thanks for the advice
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I'll check it out Mugg Always looking for better stuff. It's just Bose to me is superior. I wouldn't chance any other company. I just really never looked into a Onkyo system... but like I said... always looking for better sound. Thanks for the advice
Neither of the systems we're discussing are really "Hifi"..........they are strictly entry level stuff..........just a way to into a HT system. Onkyo doesn't make a lot of good gear outside their mid-level receivers. However, in this case, you'll get more for your money with the Onkyo system. If you're looking to improve I would suggest looking into these speakers: Monitor Audio Paradigm Axiom RBH Tannoy Infinity Energy Klipsch Pinnacle
There's a ton more out there but these range from the higher end of entry level through mid level. The Paradigm Studio & Signature series are exceptional but probably the most spendy of this group, along with RBH. Axiom is an online only co. but are wonderful to deal with. They offer free shipping & no tax with a 30 day money back guarantee..........don't like em? Send em back..........no questions asked. My setup features the M60's, M22's, VP-150. They are excellent...........not quite as nice as the Paradigm Studios but then I only paid about $1500 for all 5 speakers about 3 years ago. Couldn't find anything near the value in the local stores.
It's a fun hobby as you can always find a deal on quality stuff to upgrade your system.
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Neither of the systems we're discussing are really "Hifi"..........they are strictly entry level stuff..........just a way to into a HT system. Onkyo doesn't make a lot of good gear outside their mid-level receivers. However, in this case, you'll get more for your money with the Onkyo system. If you're looking to improve I would suggest looking into these speakers: Monitor Audio Paradigm Axiom RBH Tannoy Infinity Energy Klipsch Pinnacle
There's a ton more out there but these range from the higher end of entry level through mid level. The Paradigm Studio & Signature series are exceptional but probably the most spendy of this group, along with RBH. Axiom is an online only co. but are wonderful to deal with. They offer free shipping & no tax with a 30 day money back guarantee..........don't like em? Send em back..........no questions asked. My setup features the M60's, M22's, VP-150. They are excellent...........not quite as nice as the Paradigm Studios but then I only paid about $1500 for all 5 speakers about 3 years ago. Couldn't find anything near the value in the local stores.
It's a fun hobby as you can always find a deal on quality stuff to upgrade your system.
TheMugg I need you to come to CT and pick out my entire system Honestly the employees at circuit city know nothing about the systems they are trying to sell. I tried to ask some simple question, which they had a hard time answering or gave some bullshit answers. I think I am going to go with one of the HTIB systems and try to expand off of that when I get more money. This way at least it will be better than the regular speakers... and like you said I can work my way up
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TheMugg I need you to come to CT and pick out my entire system Honestly the employees at circuit city know nothing about the systems they are trying to sell. I tried to ask some simple question, which they had a hard time answering or gave some bullshit answers. I think I am going to go with one of the HTIB systems and try to expand off of that when I get more money. This way at least it will be better than the regular speakers... and like you said I can work my way up
woop...........starting with a HTIB is a good idea. Gives you a frame of reference without draining the wallet. ANY 5.1 system is cool when you get it in place. You may be totally satisfied for years with your 1st buy. Just a note..........good speakers will sound better with better gear.........but a start is a start. If you like surround sound, you'll get the bug........& upgrade-itis will set in, so wallet beware.
Listen to as much stuff as you can & pick what you like..........there is no real right or wrong.........just what YOU like for what YOU"RE willing to spend.Again, there is no "golden ear" that makes any expenditure right or wrong............only your ear. Some places let Bose set up their own little area that optimizes the Bose sound........beware if there are no other systems afforded the same luxury.........do some shopping......have fun with it.
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woop...........starting with a HTIB is a good idea. Gives you a frame of reference without draining the wallet. ANY 5.1 system is cool when you get it in place. You may be totally satisfied for years with your 1st buy. Just a note..........good speakers will sound better with better gear.........but a start is a start. If you like surround sound, you'll get the bug........& upgrade-itis will set in, so wallet beware.
Listen to as much stuff as you can & pick what you like..........there is no real right or wrong.........just what YOU like for what YOU"RE willing to spend.Again, there is no "golden ear" that makes any expenditure right or wrong............only your ear. Some places let Bose set up their own little area that optimizes the Bose sound........beware if there are no other systems afforded the same luxury.........do some shopping......have fun with it.
Do NOT buy Bose............it's overpriced crap. I'm serious.
Absolutely. Overpriced, overhyped, garbage. Relative to what you get for what you pay for compared to other "high-end' systems. This goes for home audio as well as car.
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Quote Originally Posted by THEMUGG:
Do NOT buy Bose............it's overpriced crap. I'm serious.
Absolutely. Overpriced, overhyped, garbage. Relative to what you get for what you pay for compared to other "high-end' systems. This goes for home audio as well as car.
Hey MUGG, If you could spend between 500-750 dollars, what surround sound system would you suggest? I have a 42" Vizio and the room is 24x24.
Are we talking just 5 speakers?........speakers + a sub? Or the whole works..........speaks, sub, receiver/amp, etc.? If it's the latter, Best Buy has a Klipsch/Yamaha combo on sale for about $900. They have a full Yamaha system for around $600 but it has a weak sub & weak speakers. I'd definitely stretch my budget & get the $900 system. If you only need speakers, you can mix & match many Klipsch models to suit your needs. There are other brands that could suit your needs in that price range, but I find, for the money, that Klipsch provides the most options. Their tweeter (& midrange in some models) design provides great clarity for HT use. The only drawback is that they can be bright at high volumes.
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Quote Originally Posted by Dr. Luck:
Hey MUGG, If you could spend between 500-750 dollars, what surround sound system would you suggest? I have a 42" Vizio and the room is 24x24.
Are we talking just 5 speakers?........speakers + a sub? Or the whole works..........speaks, sub, receiver/amp, etc.? If it's the latter, Best Buy has a Klipsch/Yamaha combo on sale for about $900. They have a full Yamaha system for around $600 but it has a weak sub & weak speakers. I'd definitely stretch my budget & get the $900 system. If you only need speakers, you can mix & match many Klipsch models to suit your needs. There are other brands that could suit your needs in that price range, but I find, for the money, that Klipsch provides the most options. Their tweeter (& midrange in some models) design provides great clarity for HT use. The only drawback is that they can be bright at high volumes.
A $750 cap is tough to build a whole system of quality components from. I don't know how serious you are about getting great sound or being able to expand from your initial investment. There are many HTIB's you can get in your price range that contain all you need..........speaks, sub, DVD player, receiver................& will probably sound just fine. Best Buy has a LG system for $444.99 that has gotten some good reviews & appears to have all the connections one would want for a small system. The problem with HTIB's is that they advertise a lot of power but in reality you probably wouldn't mix any of its components with higher end gear. They are cheap components that are designed to sound best with each other. That's why I think the Yamaha/Klipsch combo, although a bit out of you price range, would be a good start. You can pick up a prog. scan dvd player for $50-$75 & the speakers are good enough that if you wanted to upgrade to a better, more powerful receiver in the future, you would be just fine with them. And the sub should hold it's own should you eventually go to bigger floor standing speakers. So there are some options to upgrade off of that system. Most importantly, you'll be starting out with a better sound than you would if you spent $2000-$4000 on any of the Bose systems.
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A $750 cap is tough to build a whole system of quality components from. I don't know how serious you are about getting great sound or being able to expand from your initial investment. There are many HTIB's you can get in your price range that contain all you need..........speaks, sub, DVD player, receiver................& will probably sound just fine. Best Buy has a LG system for $444.99 that has gotten some good reviews & appears to have all the connections one would want for a small system. The problem with HTIB's is that they advertise a lot of power but in reality you probably wouldn't mix any of its components with higher end gear. They are cheap components that are designed to sound best with each other. That's why I think the Yamaha/Klipsch combo, although a bit out of you price range, would be a good start. You can pick up a prog. scan dvd player for $50-$75 & the speakers are good enough that if you wanted to upgrade to a better, more powerful receiver in the future, you would be just fine with them. And the sub should hold it's own should you eventually go to bigger floor standing speakers. So there are some options to upgrade off of that system. Most importantly, you'll be starting out with a better sound than you would if you spent $2000-$4000 on any of the Bose systems.
Honestly the employees at circuit city know nothing about the systems they are trying to sell. I tried to ask some simple question, which they had a hard time answering or gave some bullshit answers. I think I am going to go with one of the HTIB systems and try to expand off of that when I get more money. This way at least it will be better than the regular speakers... and like you said I can work my way up 
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