5.1 surround sound for tv

This topic is locked from further discussion.

Avatar image for duderino_23
duderino_23

337

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#1 duderino_23
Member since 2008 • 337 Posts

Hey

I have bought a new 32" lcd tv 6 months ago and am really pleased with it, but unfortunately the sound doesn't cut the mustard. It's ok, not terrible, but my thoughts are turning toward a surround sound system. I have £100 maybe £150 to spend, I don't want a home cinema system I already have a dvd and bluray player and i've been having probs finding a seperate speaker system within my budget. I have found it very confusing and would be pleased if someone would recommend a particular piece of kit, I have also been looking at sound bars, would these be better for my needs?

Thank you for any replies

Avatar image for Bozanimal
Bozanimal

2500

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 68

User Lists: 0

#2 Bozanimal
Member since 2003 • 2500 Posts
In that price range you will be hard-pressed to find a decent surround sound setup. Not including the blu-ray player, a decent - emphasis on decent - entry-level surround sound system is going to start at about $500 USD. Going the sound bar route is a good idea, but even a decent sound bar is going to be outside your price range. The Sony HT-CT150 is just on the edge of your budget, and will get you some low-end, but honestly I'd wait and save up some money. If you absolutely must have a surround sound system within your budget you'll have to look to the used marketplace. E|Bay or a local dealer might have something. Avoid cheap HTIB (Home Theater in a Box) setups, which are generally poor quality. If you're willing to settle for upgraded audio without surround sound you might be able to find a decent set of powered speakers or a 2.1 setup, but I'd still recommend saving up for something decent. Good luck! Boz
Avatar image for kraken2109
kraken2109

13271

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#3 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts

You say you want 5.1 but you don't want a home cinema system? That's exactly what 5.1 is.

However, with that budget you'd be better off going with a 2.1 setup.

Avatar image for duderino_23
duderino_23

337

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#4 duderino_23
Member since 2008 • 337 Posts

Firstly thanks for your replies.

I have found 2 systems which are within my budget but are they worth the money?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004NP5G4S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A36AX784RJ2179

and

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0049NSUHO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A38ZCC034OR44X

Is there a particular brand I should look at?

Avatar image for Bozanimal
Bozanimal

2500

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 68

User Lists: 0

#5 Bozanimal
Member since 2003 • 2500 Posts
Brands will vary by region; while you have many of the same brands available to you in the UK that we do here in the states, I've never heard of Auna or Majestic, and that's likely for good reason, since I'm familiar with quite a few excellent UK and Scottish brands, like Bowers and Wilkins, Mission, Tannoy, and Wharfedale. This is not to sound elitist - you may get one of those products you linked and be satisfied - but it's a roll of the dice. I'm guessing if your budget is that low, you value every dollar. I firmly believe there is a minimum threshold for quality in the audio world even for non-enthusiasts. If you can be patient, earn a few bucks, and hold off, you can get a system that will last you a lifetime at a reasonable price. I've had mine for over seventeen years now, and it's not exactly top-of-the-line. At a minimum you should visit your local- I'm not sure what is your Best Buy equivalent. Go to a local home theater retailer in person and demo some products before you buy anything; compare different prices and see how much having a decent system means to you. That should give you an idea of the difference between a $1,000 home theater and a $200 or $300 HTIB, and where your priorities lie. And if all that doesn't convince you: What reason do I have to dissuade you from buying a home theater? I just want to help a fellow gamer get the right product for them! You can ask around the forum: I am not hesitant to recommend a less expensive product or off-brand in other areas when it suits the needs of the forumgoer. I can't do that here, though, because budget home theater products are - for the most part - such crap. Happy gaming, Boz
Avatar image for duderino_23
duderino_23

337

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#6 duderino_23
Member since 2008 • 337 Posts

At the atmost top end of my budget I have found this

http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cinema-systems/lg/sr906/lg-sr906

Granted its not a £400 rig but what do you think?

Avatar image for kraken2109
kraken2109

13271

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#7 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts

At the atmost top end of my budget I have found this

http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cinema-systems/lg/sr906/lg-sr906

Granted its not a £400 rig but what do you think?

duderino_23
Go to your nearest Richer Sounds. They are good shops with lots of choice and knowledgeable staff. They will let you test out some setups and you can see what you like.
Avatar image for duderino_23
duderino_23

337

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#8 duderino_23
Member since 2008 • 337 Posts

Ok i have whittled it down to two 5.1 systems

this one

http://www.ebuyer.com/256220-logitech-z906-surround-sound-5-1-speaker-system-980-000469

or this one

http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/pioneer/htp071/pion-htp071

I am leaning toward the logitech - I would idealy like to order one this afternoon so any speedy replies would be much appreciated

Thanks

Avatar image for Bozanimal
Bozanimal

2500

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 68

User Lists: 0

#9 Bozanimal
Member since 2003 • 2500 Posts
If it's between the two I'd go with the Pioneer if only for the more robust receiver. It has a lot more options regarding connections and processing, more robust electronics (power supply, caps, etc.), and will provide a better foundation if you decide to upgrade the speakers later if you're dissatisfied. Happy gaming, Boz
Avatar image for kraken2109
kraken2109

13271

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#10 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts

The Pioneer has better inputs, no HDMI on the logitech means no Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio.