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Home Theater Recommendations

post #1 of 10
4/2/08 at 10:43pm
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I am trying to setup my first home theater in my apartment. I have researched and found so many options that my mind is boggled, so I decided to go the other way. List down my requirements. Here is what I want to do:

Home theater needs to have excellent input connection. I plan to connect all these:

- PC DVI to HDMI input
- PC Optical out to Optical In
- Cable box Component out to component in
- Xbox to Component in (maybe get a HD converter?)
- DVD play to component in. I have an old DVD player but I might end up upgrading to an upconverting player or Blu Ray player
- So essentially all components connect to the home theater and then only video output goes to TV.

Here is another problem. I have been researching virtual surround, 5.1, 7.1, etc. and I believe as my apartment stands I need as minimal wires as possible or none at all.

so question is

- What is a good receiver?
- Is 2.1 or virtual surround systems available to meet my needs along with good audio
- Are wireless 5.1/7.1 systems/speakers available?

Thanks a lot for your help and recommendations.
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post #2 of 10
4/2/08 at 10:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CoolBlue3k View Post

Here is another problem. I have been researching virtual surround, 5.1, 7.1, etc. and I believe as my apartment stands I need as minimal wires as possible or none at all.

so question is

- What is a good receiver?
- Is 2.1 or virtual surround systems available to meet my needs along with good audio
- Are wireless 5.1/7.1 systems/speakers available?

Thanks a lot for your help and recommendations.


#1 question, what is your budget for the system?

#2 question, what is your definition of "good audio"? Do tiny plastic speakers with 3" drivers sound good to you?
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post #3 of 10
4/3/08 at 8:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Damion83 View Post

#1 question, what is your budget for the system?

I don't want to spend a lot. I know I will get cheaper sounds systems for $300 or under. However I think I can go up to $600-$700 for the whole system (receiver + speakers + woofer)

I wouldn't mind a cheaper alternative too ;-).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Damion83 View Post

#2 question, what is your definition of "good audio"? Do tiny plastic speakers with 3" drivers sound good to you?

What I mean by good audio was the "production of sound" with good bass and treble productions. I am not sure what 3" drivers means!!!
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post #4 of 10
4/3/08 at 10:19am
Here's a possibility for a pretty nice starter system for less than $700:

Onkyo TX-SR505 (refurb from ShopOnkyo.com) ~$200 shipped
4 x Polk Audio R150 and 1 x Polk Audio CSR speakers (Frys.com) ~$220 shipped
BIC Acoustech H-100 subwoofer (2 eBay stores handle this) ~$250 shipped
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post #5 of 10
4/3/08 at 1:39pm
Thread Starter 
Hmm, I also looked at the Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System. What is the view on the complete speaker system? Is there no way for not using speaker wires?
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post #6 of 10
4/3/08 at 2:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CoolBlue3k View Post

Hmm, I also looked at the Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System. What is the view on the complete speaker system?

I think it's got a few fans here. Might get more responses in the speaker forum.

Quote:


Is there no way for not using speaker wires?

Well, the signal must get to the speakers somehow. There is the Rocketfish wireless kit, but you're still running wires from the Rocketfish "receiver" to any other speakers, so no system is truly completely wireless (although it might help if you have rear surrounds or something.)

I personally don't like wireless systems (interference, etc.), but the Rocketfish does have a few fans, so you might at least inquire about it.
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post #7 of 10
4/3/08 at 4:13pm
Thread Starter 
Yes, I believe I have read that not very many wireless solutions that are good and cheap are available. Which is one of the reasons I started looking for virtual surround sound systems. Any views on those?
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post #8 of 10
4/3/08 at 4:28pm
They can work if you have the right room. A fully enclosed room is best, as they can bounce sound off the walls and have a surprisingly convincing effect.

If you have big openings, especially at one side, not so much.
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post #9 of 10
4/3/08 at 7:34pm
Thread Starter 
Damn.. that leaves virtual surround systems out of the picture. I saw your "modest setup". Very nice. How did you run wires for your rear speakers and also how did you mount them?

what's the view on this setup:

onkyo receiver as suggested above
Fluance AVHTB+ speakers
Fluance 150 W Woofer.
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post #10 of 10
4/3/08 at 8:30pm
I used what is known as wire mold. It's a plastic conduit that you can send wire down and then attach it to whereever, like where the wall and ceiling meet. You can kind of see it in the rear speaker picture, running along the top. Also in the main pic (with the TV), it goes up the corner to the right.

It's not totally invisible, but can be pretty discreet. It can also be painted to match the walls.

The rear speakers are mounted using some cheap mounts I bought at an electronics/audio/video store. The speakers are Athena WS-15 models, and they are built with keyhole hangers for attaching to the mounts.
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