[G-Rex]

This is for the master bedroom so space/ electronics clutter is an issue. System for blu-ray, Netflix/Vudu streaming, and cable tv. Thinking of a Dali Motif or Fazon 2.1 (retail approx $1000) with a small subwoofer (sub budget $300+) with Cambridge Audio Sonata receiver ($600 retail). The CA is tiny which is what I need to fit on a dresser. However, it has no dolby digital or DTS processing. I would be getting analog sound only out of two direct radiating high quality speakers. I can't find a micro receiver with digital processing.


Other alternative is the Yamaha YHT-S400 or the soon to be released JVC TH-BS7. I gain digital sound fields and simulated surround (sound field openess). Easy to understand dialogue is very important. What do you guys think would deliver the best sound? This may be a situation where spending more $ may not equate to what I would be losing (digital processing & simulated surround). Please also give an opinion if I can find a small enough digital receiver, would you still go with a sound bar to add the surround effects and center channel location of the bar being under the 50" plasma? Thanks.

 

[ickysmits]

I'd probably go with 2.1 but that's my preference. As far as small receivers...


Marantz has a slim one -> http://www.marantz.com/new/index.cfm...=comp&type=avr


...and the R-904N from Sherwood looks interesting -> http://www.sherwoodusa.com/


A friend of mine has the Def Tech SSA-50 and it does pretty good -> http://www.definitivetech.com/Produc...d=MythosSSA-50


There are lot's of space saving speaker solutions these days... I guess it depends how much compromise in you're willing to make for the space.

 

[da1writer]

...or you could buy the Sony CT-500 for $365. Don't let the ealier posts about the soundbar scare you, the kinks have finally been worked out and I can report from experience that there are no problems and sounds really good (surround as well)!

http://www.provantage.com/sony-ht-ct500~7SNY90LE.htm


Check out my review:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HTCT500-S...DateDescending

 

[G-Rex]

Thanks for the replies. The Sherwood R-904N looks interesting. So looks like the Sherwood in 2.1digital with Dali speakers vs JVC or Yamaha S400 sound bars are the final options. The only thing I would lose with the Sherwood is the openess that a simulated surround field would give via the sound bar rear channel. Any more thoughts?