home cinema
18 November 2003, 02:46 PM
#1
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what set-up are people on here using?
what is recommended in various budgets.. say £300, £500 and £1000. an all-in-one (which one)? seperates (which ones)?
already have a great tv on it's way. now i just need the sound sorting
what is recommended in various budgets.. say £300, £500 and £1000. an all-in-one (which one)? seperates (which ones)?
already have a great tv on it's way. now i just need the sound sorting
18 November 2003, 02:49 PM
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you could buy all your speakers separately if you wanted but I'm assuming you want to buy them all as a set.
Have a look in your newsagents, What TV & Video (I think) are currently running a feature on just this kind of setup with different budgets in mind.
http://www.whathifi.com/latest.asp
Mine TV Sony Wega £1600
Sony Amp £500
B&W 600 series S2's front and Centre speakers £400
Rear speakers from old hifi
Subwoofer coming at chrimbo...
[Edited by messiah - 11/18/2003 2:54:10 PM]
Have a look in your newsagents, What TV & Video (I think) are currently running a feature on just this kind of setup with different budgets in mind.
http://www.whathifi.com/latest.asp
Mine TV Sony Wega £1600
Sony Amp £500
B&W 600 series S2's front and Centre speakers £400
Rear speakers from old hifi
Subwoofer coming at chrimbo...
[Edited by messiah - 11/18/2003 2:54:10 PM]
18 November 2003, 02:52 PM
#3
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Mine cost £1200 all in and basically coinsists on a £400 Sony surround sound stereo, a white out roller blind and a £2k projector i got 2nd hand for £300, oh and a £100 DVD player, oh and a PS2 
All in around a grand and it blows everyone away that sees it.
Oh and I forgot I have and £300 sub woofer aswell, my dining room is now literally a Home Cinema.
edited cos I is a tube
[Edited by hail-hail - 11/18/2003 2:54:21 PM]
All in around a grand and it blows everyone away that sees it.
Oh and I forgot I have and £300 sub woofer aswell, my dining room is now literally a Home Cinema.
edited cos I is a tube
[Edited by hail-hail - 11/18/2003 2:54:21 PM]
18 November 2003, 02:55 PM
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I've recently set up my home cinema stuff as follows:
Pioneer VSXC100 (I think!) for £150 (down to £120 now I think)
Eltax Spectrum 5.1 satellite speaker set for £100 (silver although I wanted black but couldn't get them
)
Pioneer DV464 MR for £110 (plays just about everything you can throw at it - jpeg, mp3, vcd, wmv etc.)
Cables £35
Looks good (the pioneers are slimline and black to match TV but both can be had in silver too), good quality, good build, decent menus etc. Sound and picture is good etc.
So total is:
Amp £150
DVD £110
Speakers £100
Cables £35
So a total of £395.
With prices going down, you may get the same setup for £350 if you're lucky.
Pioneer VSXC100 (I think!) for £150 (down to £120 now I think)
Eltax Spectrum 5.1 satellite speaker set for £100 (silver although I wanted black but couldn't get them
)Pioneer DV464 MR for £110 (plays just about everything you can throw at it - jpeg, mp3, vcd, wmv etc.)
Cables £35
Looks good (the pioneers are slimline and black to match TV but both can be had in silver too), good quality, good build, decent menus etc. Sound and picture is good etc.
So total is:
Amp £150
DVD £110
Speakers £100
Cables £35
So a total of £395.
With prices going down, you may get the same setup for £350 if you're lucky.
18 November 2003, 03:06 PM
#6
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Can you get wireless surround speakers? Are they expensive?
I'm getting the Tosh 330 DVD player for Crimbo (£80) and need suggestions on a 5.1 Amp/tuner that I can put all my other seperates through. On a budget
I'm getting the Tosh 330 DVD player for Crimbo (£80) and need suggestions on a 5.1 Amp/tuner that I can put all my other seperates through. On a budget
18 November 2003, 03:09 PM
#7
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rotel dsp1066 processor
marantz dv17 dvd player
rotel 6 channel amp to power centre and rears
bryston bp25 pre-amp
bryston 3bsst for fronts
pmc db1 front and rear
pmc tb2c centre channel
relQ150e subwoofer
panasonic 28" widscreen, to be replaced with tosh 42" rear projector
just got the two towers special edition thru the post this morning and i finish work in 30 mins
if your looking for a mini system for music and cinema, i would suggest denon. they cost abit more than comparable systems, but they are well worth it! i do know a very good retailer in the surrey area if your interested, i'll email you details if you like?
[Edited by stormyuklondon1 - 11/18/2003 3:11:03 PM]
marantz dv17 dvd player
rotel 6 channel amp to power centre and rears
bryston bp25 pre-amp
bryston 3bsst for fronts
pmc db1 front and rear
pmc tb2c centre channel
relQ150e subwoofer
panasonic 28" widscreen, to be replaced with tosh 42" rear projector
just got the two towers special edition thru the post this morning and i finish work in 30 mins
if your looking for a mini system for music and cinema, i would suggest denon. they cost abit more than comparable systems, but they are well worth it! i do know a very good retailer in the surrey area if your interested, i'll email you details if you like?
[Edited by stormyuklondon1 - 11/18/2003 3:11:03 PM]
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18 November 2003, 03:25 PM
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Stormy, what do think of the rear projectors, i found the picture quality pretty poor especially when you move off center, hence the reason I went for the 'normal' projector.
I was looking in the sub £1k bracket to be fair though.
I was looking in the sub £1k bracket to be fair though.
18 November 2003, 03:27 PM
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I've only got a flat so can't have anything too powerful or huge. My system comprises of a 32" Sony WEGA Widescreen TV with 100 Hz and digital enhancement (DRC). Doubles the effective resoultion or something like that 
And I've got a Sony integrated DVD Player / Amplifier / Speakers -DAVS800, Dolby 5.1 and DTS. Plays Super Audio CD (SACD) as well.
For under £2000 I thinks it's great. Sound quality is excellent and DTS well worth having. Impressed with the TV as well, really sharp picture.
Okay many may argue (myself included) that these systems aren't really "Hi-Fi". However until I get detached house there isn't much point in having a really expensive system that I can't fully appreciate without the neighbours complaining.
And I've got a Sony integrated DVD Player / Amplifier / Speakers -DAVS800, Dolby 5.1 and DTS. Plays Super Audio CD (SACD) as well.
For under £2000 I thinks it's great. Sound quality is excellent and DTS well worth having. Impressed with the TV as well, really sharp picture.
Okay many may argue (myself included) that these systems aren't really "Hi-Fi". However until I get detached house there isn't much point in having a really expensive system that I can't fully appreciate without the neighbours complaining.
18 November 2003, 03:28 PM
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I looked at the Bose system for stealthiness but performance wasnt up to the system I oped for - I now wish I'd gone for bose as the 3.5' KEF fronts dominate my lounge!
Ah well, I guess when I move into that 6 bedroom detached place with its separate cinema room they'll look ok
Ah well, I guess when I move into that 6 bedroom detached place with its separate cinema room they'll look ok
18 November 2003, 03:32 PM
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hail, i know what you mean, i found that the tosh's had the best picture quality and brightness when 'off axis' and where the shallowest (spelling?) front to back, which was a major consideration. i would have loved afront projector, but the fan noise on them would drive me wild, as it would have to be mounted directly above my listening position. so all in all, the projector is a bit of a compromise until i got the space/finances to go for a vidikron or barco projector!
18 November 2003, 03:33 PM
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Sony STRDB-940 Amp
Sony 32" TV (FX-60?)
Sony DVPNS905 DVD
Mission 773e Fronts, 771e Rears and 77C Centre
All a couple of years old now (apart from the DVD) but it still sounds and looks superb. Wait till the wife goes up and crank it up
Deano
Sony 32" TV (FX-60?)
Sony DVPNS905 DVD
Mission 773e Fronts, 771e Rears and 77C Centre
All a couple of years old now (apart from the DVD) but it still sounds and looks superb. Wait till the wife goes up and crank it up
Deano
18 November 2003, 03:34 PM
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wireless speakers are generally pants justin...
Some of the sherwood amps that richer sounds flog aren't bad if you are on a budget. Unilet in New Malden is where all my stuff came from though..they're usually willing to do a deal too.
Mine's very low/mid range
Denon AV3800
Pioneer DV515 ( it's old, but it works .. )
Mission 774 fronts
Mission C1 centre
Mission m7ds rears
Qed interconnects and cable.
Had it a few years now, so the model no's have changed.
Nice Sonus rack to finish it off.
Steve
Some of the sherwood amps that richer sounds flog aren't bad if you are on a budget. Unilet in New Malden is where all my stuff came from though..they're usually willing to do a deal too.
Mine's very low/mid range
Denon AV3800
Pioneer DV515 ( it's old, but it works .. )
Mission 774 fronts
Mission C1 centre
Mission m7ds rears
Qed interconnects and cable.
Had it a few years now, so the model no's have changed.
Nice Sonus rack to finish it off.
Steve
18 November 2003, 03:36 PM
#17
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sony 44" rear projection TV which is the dogs nads, much better picture quality than a plasma. Denon avr 3300 amp, pioneer dvd565a, sky+, mordaunt short ms25 pearl main speakers, Rogers center, Eltax Bipolar rears, Yamaha sub. PC and playstation running through telly and amp for games.
18 November 2003, 03:40 PM
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I used to have a nice Prologic setup back in the UK, and one of the things I said to myself was that when I got over here I'd get a decentish DD/DTS setup.
Here's what I ended up with (excluding TV)
Amp Denon AVR-1804
4 x B&W DM601 S3 speakers in Black Ash (Front Left, Front Right, Rear Left, and Rear Right)
1 xB&W LCR60 S3 Speaker in Black Ash (Center)
1 x ASW 300 Sub-Woofer in Black Ash (Sub-woofer, funny that! )
1 x Denon 910 DVD Player
Plus stands and cabling.
Very nice system. I've had B&W Speakers for a few years now and love them, hence wanting a complete B&W Speaker setup. DD movies are great, and DTS, OMG! amazing! I'm planning on adding another LCR60 so I can have a 6.1 setup, as the amp supports that, then I'll be happy, maybe!
Must get a PS2 when GT4 comes out, as that will rock with surround sound!
Here's what I ended up with (excluding TV)
Amp Denon AVR-1804
4 x B&W DM601 S3 speakers in Black Ash (Front Left, Front Right, Rear Left, and Rear Right)
1 xB&W LCR60 S3 Speaker in Black Ash (Center)
1 x ASW 300 Sub-Woofer in Black Ash (Sub-woofer, funny that!
)1 x Denon 910 DVD Player
Plus stands and cabling.
Very nice system. I've had B&W Speakers for a few years now and love them, hence wanting a complete B&W Speaker setup. DD movies are great, and DTS, OMG! amazing! I'm planning on adding another LCR60 so I can have a 6.1 setup, as the amp supports that, then I'll be happy, maybe!
Must get a PS2 when GT4 comes out, as that will rock with surround sound!
18 November 2003, 03:42 PM
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storm, I find that the volume switch on my stereo soon sorts out any issues with the fan noise
To be fair, it's a valid point, but I can honestly say that i do not notice it. It is pretty loud but like all background noise it effectively disappears after a few mins. My projector is about 3ft behind my sitting position, pretty much level with my head (slightly higher obviously).
I find that the volume switch on my stereo soon sorts out any issues with the fan noise To be fair, it's a valid point, but I can honestly say that i do not notice it. It is pretty loud but like all background noise it effectively disappears after a few mins. My projector is about 3ft behind my sitting position, pretty much level with my head (slightly higher obviously
).
18 November 2003, 03:44 PM
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One thing I forgot to mention. I'd always go for separates. When I had the prologic setup, I'd got a Sony TV with built in prologic, then realised I'd like to plug in my existing, though crappy, speakers, but could not, so I then went and got a prologic amp, if I'd used my brain I'd have just got a nicam TV and the cash I'd saved, get a better amp. Now I'm sold on the separares idea, it's great, can mix and match components
My brother is lucky as he's inherited my setup, must say I think his flatmates think he's rahter cool for getting a nice set of speakers they can use as drink rests lol.
My brother is lucky as he's inherited my setup, must say I think his flatmates think he's rahter cool for getting a nice set of speakers they can use as drink rests
lol.
18 November 2003, 03:54 PM
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I agree with Markus......go the seperate route,takes more time but you end up with exactly what you want.No compromises.
My set up is
Denon2802 amp
Sony dvpn900 dvdplayer
Energy take 5 satellite speaker setup.
Also dont scrimp on cables,richersounds do some great cable for £1 metre.One more tip,although the internet may be cheaper getting it from a proper hi-fi store they should set it up for free.Thats worth a few quid imo.
My set up is
Denon2802 amp
Sony dvpn900 dvdplayer
Energy take 5 satellite speaker setup.
Also dont scrimp on cables,richersounds do some great cable for £1 metre.One more tip,although the internet may be cheaper getting it from a proper hi-fi store they should set it up for free.Thats worth a few quid imo.
18 November 2003, 04:03 PM
#22
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Sounds like me and Graz have the same TV - The Sony Wega.
This (ahem) little (ahem) peach was sat next to a Bang & Olafson (sp) set in a local "top-end" home entertainment shop. The Sony got shifted to their specialist tv showroom 'cos no-one bought a B&O set the whole time it was there!
Superb Picture, and home cinema also takes video-gaming to whole new level.
This (ahem) little (ahem) peach was sat next to a Bang & Olafson (sp) set in a local "top-end" home entertainment shop. The Sony got shifted to their specialist tv showroom 'cos no-one bought a B&O set the whole time it was there!
Superb Picture, and home cinema also takes video-gaming to whole new level.
if you know what I mean
18 November 2003, 04:36 PM
#24
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Tomb Raider Angel Of Darkness is superb through home cinema. Pity the soundtrack is the best part of the game.
18 November 2003, 04:55 PM
#25
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In agreement with Paul about cables. I've known someone who spent an obscene amount on a setup only to use very cheap cables <shakes head>
18 November 2003, 05:09 PM
#26
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Mine
TV has a built in 5.1 and DTS amp but do agree with the fact the purer sound comes via seperates.
I am no audiophile but do like a good pic and nice deep sound (which I do get, so I am happy)
TV has a built in 5.1 and DTS amp but do agree with the fact the purer sound comes via seperates.
I am no audiophile but do like a good pic and nice deep sound (which I do get, so I am happy
)
18 November 2003, 05:20 PM
#27
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Ah pictures
Here's some of mine then:
Boxes lots of boxes
Can't really crank it up, might upset the neighbours, but I've not had any complaints yet.
Only other thing missing from the list is the Digital Cable box, which is great, especially as some of the movies are DD! lovely!
Here's some of mine then:
Boxes lots of boxes
Can't really crank it up, might upset the neighbours, but I've not had any complaints yet.
Only other thing missing from the list is the Digital Cable box, which is great, especially as some of the movies are DD! lovely!
18 November 2003, 05:22 PM
#28
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My student budget allowed (just about!):
Panasonic TX28PS1 Wide 28" Flat TV - £370 (techtronics.com but it's gone up now)
Toshiba SD330 DVD - £80 (Multiregion from Richer Sounds)
Sherwood RVD6095RDS Surround Amp - £60 (in Richers Sale - was graded so without remote or manual)
Gale Moviestar2 5.1 Speakers - £100 (Richer Sounds)
LG 720 (I think) VCR - £50 (Richer Sounds)
Freeview box as and when I have the spare £s.
Doesn't sound or look bad for ~£700 (inc interconnects etc). Not sure where the weakest point would be in my setup, I won't be upgrading any time soon though.
Ben
Panasonic TX28PS1 Wide 28" Flat TV - £370 (techtronics.com but it's gone up now
)Toshiba SD330 DVD - £80 (Multiregion from Richer Sounds)
Sherwood RVD6095RDS Surround Amp - £60 (in Richers Sale - was graded so without remote or manual)
Gale Moviestar2 5.1 Speakers - £100 (Richer Sounds)
LG 720 (I think) VCR - £50 (Richer Sounds)
Freeview box as and when I have the spare £s.
Doesn't sound or look bad for ~£700 (inc interconnects etc). Not sure where the weakest point would be in my setup, I won't be upgrading any time soon though.
Ben
18 November 2003, 07:39 PM
#29
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Sony KV32FQ75 Wega 100hz DRC £1300
Pioneer 656A M/R + DVD-A + SACD £320
Pioneer VSX811 7.1 DD + DTS (£290)
Cyrus II + PSX (driving main pair through VSX'x pre-outs(kicks the Pioneers @ss on stereo music playback)) £650
JVC HR7700S SVHS £250
Cyrus DAD7 £900
Mission 764 (17 years old and still awsome) £450
Mission 77C centre £100
2 pairs Mission 77DS bipolar surrounds £100/
Cabling by Cyrus/QED/Ixos £200ish
Next move will be a 42" Plasma, probably Panny 6, and a Samsung DVD350 for the bedroom (combined DVD(M/R) VHS (SVHS playback) DD&DTS processor, amps and all 6 speakers) £310 and a 18" LCD monitor with tuner £340 from dabs.
Pioneer 656A M/R + DVD-A + SACD £320
Pioneer VSX811 7.1 DD + DTS (£290)
Cyrus II + PSX (driving main pair through VSX'x pre-outs(kicks the Pioneers @ss on stereo music playback)) £650
JVC HR7700S SVHS £250
Cyrus DAD7 £900
Mission 764 (17 years old and still awsome) £450
Mission 77C centre £100
2 pairs Mission 77DS bipolar surrounds £100/
Cabling by Cyrus/QED/Ixos £200ish
Next move will be a 42" Plasma, probably Panny 6, and a Samsung DVD350 for the bedroom (combined DVD(M/R) VHS (SVHS playback) DD&DTS processor, amps and all 6 speakers) £310 and a 18" LCD monitor with tuner £340 from dabs.
