I wonder if you could give me some advise on choosing a Home Theatre. I currently have the Philips MX5800SA but I think its days are over as DVDS dont sound the same as they use too. I am interested in perhaps a Sony this time but don't really no much about them (or home theatres) and was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I was looking for an average system between 2-300 pound. Would that be a pretty poor system at that price???
Hi, from my experience Sony all-in one box systems are terrible and not worth the money, so steer away from them. I don't know much about quality brands b/c I sadly bought a Sony.
Hi Berny, I'm not really looking for a Home Theatre System which is better then my old Philips as I quite liked the sound quality from that, just something new with the same power for the price I'm looking for. I guess something with the same wattage, Optical input etc. I also would like to know what is HDMI and do I need that on a system. Thanks
Also, how are Yamaha?? I have heard good reviews for them although I have one of their TSS-10 which I brought back from U.S and wasn't very impressed. That was only $210 though so I guess you get what you pay for, its been collecting dust for the last couple of year
I have a Yamaha HTIB, I like it. Got a $500 store display for $250. Can't beat it for that price for sure. It isn't a current model and none of the ones they have out now have 3 way front speakers, so the current models might be different.
Thanks Berny, I think I will probably head towards a Panasonic as I've seen some quite nice units at great prices. I quite like the Samsung HT-Q70 but unfortunately its not available here in England, well I cant find it.
One more thing, I seen two panasonics that I like. ones 200 pound and the other is 300. I prefer the cheaper one(looking wise), just because one is more expensive it doesn't mean it would sound any better doe's it??
This is the product. Could you give me your opinion on this Berny?
Playable Type DVD-Audio Yes DVD-Video Yes +R1/ +RW1 Yes SVCD2 Yes Video CD Yes CD, CD-R/RW3 Yes HighMAT Level 2 Yes WMA Yes MP3 Yes MP4 Yes JPEG Yes HDCD Yes MPEG4 Yes DivX 6 Yes Television Signal System Television Signal System PAL 625/50, PAL 525/60, NTSC RMS Power Output Total Power 850 W Front 110W x 2 1kHz, 3ohms, 10 percent THD Center 225W 1kHz, 6ohms, 10 percent THD Surround 90W x 2 1kHz, 4ohms, 10 percent THD Subwoofer 225W 100Hz, 6ohms, 10 THD DIN Power Output Total Power 440 W Front 80W x 2 1kHz, 3ohms, 1 percent THD Center 75W 1kHz, 6ohms, 1 percent THD Surround 65W x 2 1kHz, 4ohms, 1 percent THD Subwoofer 75W 100Hz, 6ohms, 1 percent THD receiver section H.Bass Yes Center Focus Yes S. F. C. Yes 7 preset Digital Synthesizer Tuner Yes DVD/CD SECTION Dolby Digital Decoder Yes Dolby Pro Logic II Yes DTS Decoder Yes Audio D/A Converter 192kHz/ 24-bit Progressive Scan PAL/NTSC Yes Depth Enhancer Yes Monitor Selector Yes Cinema Mode Yes Dialogue Enhancer Yes Variable Zoom Yes Video D/A Converter 108MHz/12-bit Input/ Output Scart Terminal Yes Component Video Out Yes S-Video Out Yes Video Out Yes Music Port Yes Audio Input Yes Weight (kg) 3.35 Dimensions W x H x D mm 430 x 60 x 354 Front Speaker Configuration Full range, 1-speaker, Bass-reflex Full range 6.5cm cone type Woofer - Dimensions W x H x D mm 252 x 1123 x 234 Configuration Full range, 2-speaker, Bass-reflex Full range 6.5cm cone type x 2 Weight (kg) 1.25 Dimensions (W x H x D) (mm) 270 x 92 x 95.4 Suround Speaker Configuration Full range, 1-speaker, Bass-reflex Full range 6.5cm cone type Weight (kg) 0.75 Dimensions W x H x D mm 92 x 135 x 95.4 Subwoofer Speaker Configuration Bass-reflex Woofer 16cm cone type Weight kg 4 Dimensions W x H x D mm 183 x 396 x 267
Thanks Berny for all your advise. I did just see another Panasonic for 220 pounds but was only 360 watts and this one is 850 so I guess I will purchase the above one tomorrow. I'll take Spiderman 2 with me to test, perfect movie for the job.
What model is this? If your DVD player has a Coaxial Digital output, you'll be fine. If this unit has a DVD player you won't need it unless you have equipment that only has optical output.
This model is SC-HT540EB-S. I want to connect my Xbox 360 which has Optical Out. Even though my Philips MX5800SA has seen its day or so I believe this was another reason to get another system because it doesn't have an Optical in so therefore I am playing games through pro logic II and that really sucks.
Hi Berny, do you now anything about the Panasonic SC-HT855?? Its got some good reviews and has the Optical input which I need and HDMI whatever that is, I keep hearing about it
Sorry Stephen I have not had the chance to try out the Panasonic HT, so I cannot pass judgement. But I have heard a lot of people with positive reviews regarding the Panasonic HTIB.
If it has the optical input that you need and you feel that it will serve your needs, I don't see a down side.
The HDMI is a great feature, which required only one cable as a conduit for high definition video AND audio. If you have peripherals that use HDMI, your connections will be a lot simpler. But you will not be able to use it if you don't have any other equipment that has these connections.
Thanks alot Berny, I think I'll get that one. Although I did wan't 4 speakers on stands as apposed to 2 at the front and 2 small satelite ones which I have to mount. Beggars can't be choosers
Hi again Berny, One more question before I go and purchase the Panasonic HT. I believe that when a HT states a high wattage like the Panasonic I'm interested in like 850 watts just means that that is the amount of peak power for a very quick burst, right? reason I'm asking is because there has been a couple of other systems I have seen and liked but were only around 400 - 500 watts and kinda out me off (Pioneer). The room I wan't it for is not a Barn but around 18' by 12'. Do I need 850? would 400 -500 be reasonable?? Cheers
I am planning to buy the bose Acoustimas 5 series OR The Acoustimass 6 speaker system. I would like to know which amp i should go for HK, Onkyo or Denom and if you can give me the model number please.
Whats and amp and a receiver? If i buy an amp do i need a receiver and vice versa? or an amp or receiver is good enough? sorry abt this confusion. I am confused
OR shall i go for Acoustimass 5 speaker system/SA-3 amplifier package? Do i still need to buy a seperate amp/receiver for this setup?
Or should I go for The Bose CineMate digital home theater speaker system since i wont have to buy an amp.
First thing you need to do is look for other speakers other than Bose...do not even put them in the equation nor consideration, unless you are really in love with their sound or lack thereof.
Where are you located and what is available?
What is your budget?
Then the next thing you need is to start your own thread. Hijacking Stephen's thread is frowned upon. Then we'll correspond some more.
