Surround Sound Systems

[KenKill75]

My Kenwood Receiver seems to be on its way to electronics hell. Its been giving me problems and appears to be on its last leg. Any suggestions for a good replacement that wont cost me a small fortune?

[Mufumonk]

www.crutchfield.com

[KenKill75]

Cool. Thanks for that link. They seem to have a good selection.

[Mufumonk]

Polk and Infinity make great home theater systems for decent prices.

[KenKill75]

I dont see any of those on the Crutchfield site, but i'll keep an eye out, thanks

[jazz]

you mean to tell me you've never gotten bombarded with crutchfield magazines before?

[KenKill75]

No sir, I have not. Im the invisible motherfucker

[Mufumonk]

I dont see any of those on the Crutchfield site, but i'll keep an eye out, thanks

Infinity (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-oCdswLw7Aay/cgi-bin/prodgroup.asp?g=12700&nvpair=FFBrand%7CInfinity)

Polk Audio (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-oCdswLw7Aay/cgi-bin/prodgroup.asp?g=12700&nvpair=FFBrand%7CPolk+Audio)

[Mufumonk]

Doh, I just realized you said receivers. Do you just need the tuner or do you need speakers as well?

[B]

if you want to look up system reviews, search at

http://www.avsforum.com/

[KenKill75]

My speakers are fine, but if I find a good complete system, i'll probably get it, even though I technically only need the receiver.

[Mufumonk]

My speakers are fine, but if I find a good complete system, i'll probably get it, even though I technically only need the receiver.


If all you need is a reciever go with Sony or Denon. Denon gets to be a bit expensive though, but when you hear one you'll know why.

[KenKill75]

Thanks for the link Sos. Lots of info there.

[KenKill75]

If all you need is a reciever go with Sony or Denon. Denon gets to be a bit expensive though, but when you hear one you'll know why.


But even if I had a Denon or some other better receiver, if I use my current speakers, will they sound the same as with my old receiver, or will they sound better with a better receiver?

[Mufumonk]

But even if I had a Denon or some other better receiver, if I use my current speakers, will they sound the same as with my old receiver, or will they sound better with a better receiver?


Depends on how good your speakers are. The better your receiver, the better your speakers are going to sound, provided they can handle the power of a better receiver.

[KenKill75]

My surround speakers are 100 watts each. Probably wont sound much different with another receiver I would think.

[iha]

Polk and Infinity make great home theater systems for decent prices.
I have Infinity speakers in my jeep and they sound great.. i know someone who just got an infinity surround sound system for his house and it also sounds great... i don't really know anything about surround sound systems though.

[Darken Elise]

Um... SONY... no. Not unless you're looking to fry eggs on it. I sold this stuff for 2.5 years. If you just want a receiver (which I'd recommend over a "home threater in box") I'd recommned Onkyo (5 series or higher), Denon, Kenwood, Harmon Kardon, and Yamaha. There are dozens of other brands out there that have receivers that cost 6 million dollars, but the brands I recommnended are well made, and easily found at Circuit or Best Buy.

Sony and JVC tend to be very hissy due to shitty construction and cheap parts (this is why they are so cheap to buy though). Technics are okay. Sony has an Elite series that is made very well, but is also expensive.

[KenKill75]

I have a Kenwood now, and its kicking the bucket and I havent even had it 3 years yet.

[Darken Elise]

Sounds like a lemon, man.

[KenKill75]

Thanks for the insight Darken. But that doesnt help me much at the moment.

[JDMCivicHatch96]

heres another good place Ken. This is the company my dad bought his system from. It sounds great and he's had his receiver for around 4-5 years and nothing wrong. And I think its a Sony...

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=0

[Darken Elise]

If you don't want to stick will Kenwood after getting burned (I don't blame you), there are many other options including those I listed above. I am an Onkyo man myself and have three of their receivers in my house. My grand father has Onk, so does my dad. They are all I buy, but obvioulsy aren't the only game in town.

[KenKill75]

Thanks for the link JD. Im checking out some stuff on there now.

[Darken Elise]

And I think its a Sony...

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=0

JDM... did you ever see a kid go riding down the street with some fart box of an exhaust and 600 pound wing that looks like crap on his car? You know what he has on his car isn't good stuff, you know better, you want your mugen, your JDM, etc. He has all his mods from K-mart. Same thing applies here.

[PatrickBateman]

Suck Phony.....Get a lower-mid end Denon or Onyko or Pioneer or anything before getting Phony

[JDMCivicHatch96]

JDM... did you ever see a kid go riding down the street with some fart box of an exhaust and 600 pound wing that looks like crap on his car? You know what he has on his car isn't good stuff, you know better, you want your mugen, your JDM, etc. He has all his mods from K-mart. Same thing applies here.

lol... i wasnt standing up for sony in the least. As I was typing that I was trying to remember what brand he had. And, suprisingly, it was Sony. I personally wouldnt buy anything from Sony.

[KenKill75]

I personally wouldnt buy anything from Sony.

"Hope to get a :ps: soon"


:hmmm:

[Darken Elise]

Don't get me wrong, SONY makes some really good stuff. I think their home CD players are good and their TVs are just amazing. Their digital cameras get the job done (I have one, it's alright...) and their DVD players are cool to, but their main-stream receivers just leave way too much to be desired.

I'm on my third PS1! My buddy is on his third PS2! Bad luck? My Xbox also crapped out on my after about two months too. Bah!

[KenKill75]

Are 6.1 or 7.1 systems worth it? As far as I know, not much supports anything above 5.1, right?

[JDMCivicHatch96]

"Hope to get a :ps: soon"


:hmmm:

lol... i should remove that. After what Sony has done to the consumers with the whole PSP and now them getting sued, I've lost almost all faith in Sony

[Darken Elise]

I wouldn't pay for a 7.1 right now as just about nothing supports it at all. A handfull of movies do support 6.1 (I have it, and like it a lot). I think, and could be wrong, that just about anything programmed in DTS takes advantage of 6.1 (DVDs will clearly be marked as having DTS, if you didn't know). I think that the 7.1 receivers will be a little over priced for an option that is still very far from the standard. If you find one you fall in love with that has 7.1, great! But I would not look at that as MY buying point. Does that help?

[Darken Elise]

Sony is getting sued? For what?

[KenKill75]

Yeah, that helps. So maybe i'll see if I find any good 6.1 systems. If not i'll just stick to 5.1.

[KenKill75]

Sony is getting sued? For what?

"Sony Computer Entertainment said Monday it has been fined US$90 million and ordered to halt sales of its blockbuster PlayStation consoles in the United States due to an allegedpatent infringement Latest News about patent infringement.

The company has been ordered to pay $90 million in damages to a U.S. tech company, Immersion Corp. Latest News about Immersion, but it will appeal the decision by a California federal court immediately, an SCE spokesman said."

[Darken Elise]

Whoa.

Ken... some other features I'd look for are multiple optical inputs for Xbox and DVD players, and S-Video switching (the more the better).

[JDMCivicHatch96]

they were being sued for this back in 2002 along with Microsoft. MS was smart though and settled for about 23 million for the liscencing and stakes in the company.

[KenKill75]

anybody know anything about the systems with wireless rear speakers so you dont have to worry about running wires around the whole room?

[JDMCivicHatch96]

Whoa.

Ken... some other features I'd look for are multiple optical inputs for Xbox and DVD players, and S-Video switching (the more the better).

yeah, make sure you look at the back and think about what connections you need now or in the future. I bought a cheap RCA receiver about a year ago... basically a theater-in-a-box and it only had one optical port. Hopefully going to upgrade to something better in the near future.

[Darken Elise]

they were being sued for this back in 2002 along with Microsoft. MS was smart though and settled for about 23 million for the liscencing and stakes in the company.

Translation: Microsoft now owns Immersion Corp.

[Darken Elise]

anybody know anything about the systems with wireless rear speakers so you dont have to worry about running wires around the whole room?


I was never a fan of wireless surround sound myself, but I'm not saying anything bad about it. I just don't know of any receivers that I've seen that have built in wireless. When I worked with the stuff you needed a pre-amp device that came with the wireless speakers.

[KenKill75]

I was never a fan of wireless surround sound myself, but I'm not saying anything bad about it. I just don't know of any receivers that I've seen that have built in wireless. When I worked with the stuff you needed a pre-amp device that came with the wireless speakers.


Does it make the sound any worse? Whats a pre-amp?

[Darken Elise]

Does it make the sound any worse? Whats a pre-amp?

Yes, the sound is worse, it's going to sound as good as an FM broadcast. Will you notice? Not sure, but probably. I have found that when there was no signal being sent (silence) the speakers gave of a slight hissing noise. But that was about 7 years ago and they may have improved their technology by now. I would not go that route unless you had to, or bought from somewhere that you can either listen to them first, or return them without hassle. :confused3

Pre-amp... poor choice of words, sorry. I meant transceiver. You will (pending on what you buy) need to plug your rear speaker wires OR pre-amp outputs (won't work for surround unless you have rear specific pre-amp outs) into a small box that then broadcasts the signal to the wireless speakers.

Pre-amp outputs basically are RCA jacks that you run from your reciever into a separate amplifier. You will most likely only find these on higher end receivers these days.

[JDMCivicHatch96]

Translation: Microsoft now owns Immersion Corp.

they dont really own Immersion. I think they have controlling interest. In '02 the numbers of the settlement went like this:

$20 million = licensing for the technology developed by Immersion
$6 million = stakes in the company (about 10%)

http://www.macworld.com/news/2003/07/29/msimmersion/index.php

[KenKill75]

Sounds confusing. I should probably stay away. :what:

[Darken Elise]

Well, if it's a direction you want to go in, ask questions in the store or send an email to the manufacturer.

[KenKill75]

I dont trust sales scum, so I prefer not to ask those leeches.

[KenKill75]

This one seems pretty good for $400

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-Home-Theater-System-HT-S760-/sem/rpsm/oid/70772/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[Darken Elise]

Looks nice to me. Has a lot of inputs which is good. Has DTS also cool.

How are the speakers you have now? If you have speakers that you want to keep, for 424.00 you can get the Onkyo 602 receiver at Circuit. It even has 7.1! (It's probably a better receiver than what they are packaging with the Home Theater in a Box set-up, it should be, considerig the price). Just a thought!

Here's my reasoning. In 2000, Onkyo's bottom of the line (at the time) 4 series suddenly took a quality nose dive. It still sounded good and had good features, but they started to go cheap on some of the tech stuff like not using a solid aluminum heat sink in that model (heat is bad for electronics) and smaller capacitors (less reserve power which can effect bass response). They did this to compete with the Sony's and Technic's of the world that had surround sound for $200 versus the Onk's $350 bottom of the line. For the price of the HT in a Box, I am suspicious that the receiver may use some of that lower level tech. I'm fairly certain that the 600 series still uses the expensive stuff.

I REALLY hope that I'm not coming across as a dick or a snob here man, I'm just telling you the same stuff that I would want to be aware of if I were dropping cash on a system again. Ultimately, you are the guy who is going to listen to it, and not all ears are the sme, but at least you can get to a point where you can say "Nah, I don't care about THAT stuff...

Well, whatever you decide to go with, don't skimp on the wires. Very important.

[KenKill75]

No, you're not coming off as a dick or a snob. I appreciate the info. Some of the really technical shit it slightly over my head though. I know some, but not all the nitty gritty like that.

[jazz]

i've been using the same sony receiver since 1995 or so, and before that i inherited my uncle's old pioneer receiver that he had for many years, so i've been lucky in that my stuff has lasted...if you want a cheap fix, go with the sony, if you want something a little better and (especially) for a home theater setup, go with the denon or the harmon.

[KenKill75]

I dont fuckin know. Between all the things I want to buy when I move, and my whole job situation, and so on, im goin bananas :nanasad:

[Darken Elise]

Did you ever decide on somethiong, Ken?

[KenKill75]

I expect to hopefully be moving next month, so im waiting until then. Ive browsed around a little but am still not sure exactly what route I want to go.

[Person]

I just (2-3 months ago) completed a 5.1 system for my room. All Klipsch speakers, RF25 floorstanding, and basically their counterpart products for everything else, except the sub which is a part of the higher range.
Yamaha reciever, don't know the specifics, but it's treating me well, other than it's power output which is fairly weak. (but definetly strong enough for most of my purposes).

check out www.klipsch.com if you want to search for my speakers and get the gist of it...

[KenKill75]

Ive still been thinking about this as my receiver still decides to cut off once or twice almost every day, and ive been looking around at whats out there. I think im going to just get a receiver since my speakers themselves are all fine. And I think im going to look into moving up to a 6.1 receiver. I may not hook up a speaker to the 6th channel right away, but I will know I have it if and when I decide to use it.

[Person]

I have a 6.1 reciever, but yeah I haven't got a 6th speaker to plug in, and don't really want to spend any more just yet.

But apparently the 6th speaker really improves the soundscape or something, according to some reviews...

I would recommend a Yamaha, based on my own experience. I've had this for about 2 years without a hiccup, with very common use. It comes with lots of features, isn't that expensive, and you can get 6.1. The power output just isn't incredible unless you want to spend something on a mid-range reciever... but even if you don't achieve your speakers potential, they should definetly be getting loud enough for personal use with a basic rec..

[KenKill75]

From what ive seen I should be able to get a 6.1 receiver with 100 watts per channel for a decent price I think.

[Person]

That's pretty good. Do you have a link? If not, what is it, I'll try have a look into it.

[KenKill75]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=search&Q=&a=329_2746&shs=&ci=2517&ac=&Submit.x=15&Submit.y=11


I hadnt picked a specific one, but there seems to be some decent 6.1 receivers here for pretty good prices.

[Person]

The JVC's and Kenwoods are pretty cheap; surprisingly cheap... Not too bad, I paid $700 AUD for mine. It was too expensive then and I'm annoyed about it.

I don't know what I want next, a new expensive reciever or 6.1 surround, whcih I can complete for about $400? hmm


I was just offering my opinion on the Yamaha for the quality of the thing, considering you have experienced less-than-pleasurable cut-outs with your current one. Good luck with your next purase is all I can say I guess.

[KenKill75]

Thanks Person. My current receiver is a Kenwood, and while I was very happy with it, obviously the recent problems im having with it make me feel like shying away from them. Im going to keep researching it, I wont buy one until I move into my new apartment which hopefully will be next month, but I appreciate your input.

[Person]

not a problem; I like talking about home theater stuff.

[bdf]

www.crutchfield.com

:drool:

[KenKill75]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209695983,00.html


What do you guys think of this one?

[KenKill75]

Person, any opinion on the receiver I posted a link to above?

[Person]

Hey yeah, just did an extremely quick search (for a review or something) on it... didn't find much, but from the looks of things and the specs it's alright. I'd love to give you a more informed opinion, but I am unfamiliar as of yet with the newer range of recievers in this price range. I haven't been interested in really looking a bunch up since I got mine a couple of years ago... Most of the things I've seen have been real expensive things.

But from the looks of things it should perform very satisfactorily. And I haven't heard much from a Pioneer rec. either, but I am very happy so far with my Pioneer DVD/SACD/DVD-A player.

I'd say that if you have looked up a few in that price range, weighed up the options and come to the result that this is probably the best, I'd definetly go for it.

Another option you may not have tried...is go to a professional store and ask for recommendations. Professionals are always helpful... generally.

sorry I can't be of too much help.



in summary: I think it looks good, after small checks of others around the same price, it has good features.

[KenKill75]

Yeah, thats what I thought too. I dont really feel the need to have the top of the line stuff and pay a ton of money. Just a product from a reputable company that has some good features and generally good sound. I might go for this one. Thanks.

[Person]

no worries

[Pun'KinG']

http://big-screen.de/deutsch/image/produktbilder/hifi_sound/elektronik/denon/denon3910.gif
http://www.av-sales.com/assets/images/Denon-AVR-3805.jpg
http://www.asbyon.com/images/testberichte/avr3805_3.jpg



Pictured is the Denon DVD-3910 along with the Denon AVR-3805 receiver.

:drool: Mmmm.. look at all those inputs..

Hook these together with the Denon Link if it's in your budget. (Roughly $2700 US) If I ever do get a chance to purchase this I'll be sure to let you know. Looks bloody unlikely though*.

:hmm:

*Edit: It's never going to happen. Would be sweet though.

[jazz]

if and when i ever decide to purchase a surround sound for my bigscreen, i decided long ago to go with denon. great quality. :up:

[EtchedInCold]

i don't know what the fuck this means, but we just got a Samsung surround sound system for the new house.

[KenKill75]

It means you got a Samsung Surround Sound System for the new house. Enjoy, young Robert.

[KenKill75]

if and when i ever decide to purchase a surround sound for my bigscreen, i decided long ago to go with denon. great quality. :up:


Why wouldnt you and why havent you already? I cant live without surround sound.

[EtchedInCold]

It means you got a Samsung Surround Sound System for the new house. Enjoy, young Robert.
Samsung also makes my cell phone and mircowave... so i'm gonna guess this is not anything worth bragging about

[B]

Pioneer makes the best receiver in the $400 dollar range. The model is VSX-1015TX.

[Keith Moon]

- I was looking at this one:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002472IM/qid=1116440652/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl23/002-0387814-5556868?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002472IM.01-A1NDBS7YGOPBD6._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
- Refurbished: $174 / New: $199

[Pun'KinG']

http://img.shopping.com/cctool/PrdImg/images/pr/177X150/00/01/47/0f/b8/21434296.JPG
KOSS KS3102

Well, whatever you decide, please steer clear of this surround system. (like I had to tell most of you that) My friend received it from his Dad for Christmas and since he doesn't have his own place at the moment he's letting me borrow it.

:shame:

I mean, it gets the job done for now.* But there just exists subtle aspects of it that make it a nuisance to use; mostly dealing with the commands, menu, and just the way it fuckin' works. :down: :no:


REVIEWS on KOSS KS3102

:star: STAY CLEAR OF KOSS HOME THEATER SYSTEMS
Reviewer: C A Larimer Memphis March 10, 2005
The DVD on my KS3102 was never capable of playing any DVD I own or rented from start to finish. All would either jerk, stall, or completely stop or would not be recognized. This included DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW. After 69 days the audio suddenly became a low buzz. The sound level of this "low buzz" was uneffected by the volume control. Nothing worked on this heap of junk from this point forward. Customer service gave me no problems and I am to receive a full refund. Conclusion: NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM KOSS IF IT DOESNT LOOK LIKE HEADPHONES.

:star: Terrible
Reviewer: Geoff US December 16, 2004
This product works great for about 6 months and then the amp or something sound related gives out. It completly stops putting out any audio at all. It even started to smell like it was burning. And I'm not the only one this has happened to. Save $50 extra and buy a Sony. Koss Make headphones not home theater systems.

I realize my selection of these two particular reviews are biased, but they're still hilarious. Especially when I read them aloud to my friend. Hahahahaha. :laughing: Ahem. But seriously there are numerous bad reviews of this home theatre system out there.

* Edit: The system is currently being looked at by my friend's Dad because for some reason the volume level changes automatically from a mouse's snore to Armageddon instantaneously with absolutely no provocation or warning; even if the volume is set on 8. :hmm: Maybe it's because it's a KOSS!!

[Keith Moon]

- I'd like to hear some peepz opinions on this: Harmon Kardon 5.1 receiver (http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/harman-kardon-avr-146/4505-6466_7-32421756.html) ...and if you think it's good enough, then recommend me a nice speaker set (no more than $300, though).

[Bruce]

You just using your television's speakers now?

[Keith Moon]

- Yes, but they are pretty good... surprisingly.

[Bruce]

Ugh.

Are you desperate for a setup? If I were you, I'd get a decent TiaB to get you by. At some point, when either HD or BR becomes standard, I plan on buying a new and complete theatre system. :shrug:

[Keith Moon]

- I'm not really desperate. But if I was going to get a TiaB, it would most likely be this Onkyo 7.1 ss (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O9T2YW/sr/ref=pd_cp_e_1/104-9276909-4359135?ie=UTF8&qid=1189371125&sr=1-56&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_r=104SZW3PQNS1H8FHS3YN&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=250314601&pf_rd_i=B000O8C7VI).

[Keith Moon]

- And I don't want anything over the top.

[Bruce]

Just drop 250 bucks on something to get you by for a couple years. I've had mine for like 4. If it weren't for a new format, I wouldn't be in a hurry to replace it. It was like $350 then. :shrug:

[Keith Moon]

- I just wanna be able to hear the boom-boom sounds!! :dopey:

[Bruce]

You will. :console:

[Pun'KinG']

Mmm Bass. :drool:

http://www.sugarvine.com/media/uploaded_images/recipes/fishworksrec.gif

:lick:

[Keith Moon]

http://www.encircling.us/photoplog/file_411.jpg

[Pun'KinG']

http://jeffreypresley.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/kelly_ripa-coffee_lick_01.jpg:jerk2:

[Bruce]

That looks like it's in need of some PS.

[Pun'KinG']

PS? :huh:

[Bruce]

Photoshop. :captslap:

[Pun'KinG']

:doh2:

:five:

[Keith Moon]

- No. Paper mache.

[KenKill75]

HTiaB usually include DVD player. I would go with a Surround Sound System that just includes the receiver and speakers. IMO, you can usually get a better system for your money.

[Keith Moon]

- The crappy one's have a DVD player.

[KenKill75]

Yes, that's my point. I would avoid those. And find a female sales person and impregnate her.

[Bruce]

And call your :baby: Kenkill.

[Keith Moon]

- :babykee:

[KenKill75]

:nanner13:

[Pun'KinG']

http://users.tpg.com.au/adslf3c3/images/hungry-fat-girl.jpg

[KenKill75]

:gtfo:

[Keith Moon]

- Where we going?

[KenKill75]

Your mom's bedroom of pleasure.

[Keith Moon]

- :boo:

[Da Rafsta]

Yes, that's my point. I would avoid those. And find a female sales person and impregnate her.
LMFAO...:lol:

[Keith Moon]

- I got this: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-HTP-2900-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B000OWO1KO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199300846&sr=1-4 and also got 2 pair of these: http://www.amazon.com/Atlantic-77305018-Satellite-Speaker-Stands/dp/B000289DC6/ref=pd_sim_e?ie=UTF8&qid=1199300846&sr=1-4