Opinions on surround setup?

herr_brush · 28 Mar 2009 at 13:05

OK after some discussion on here and lots of internet research I've decided on the following for a 5.1 setup:

Speakers:
KEF KHT2005.3 (£500)
http://whathifi.com/Review/KEF-KHT20053/

Amp:
Sony STR-DA2400ES (£370)
http://whathifi.com/Review/Sony-STR-DA2400ES/

This will have freeview/dvd/blueray connected to it and my PC.

For the PC, I'm currently using the on-board sound from an Asus P5Q-E mobo. Will upgrading to a separate card make a noticable difference to the sound quality? I mostly will use the pc for gaming but some movies and music as well. Also, does anyone have any experience/comments regarding the speaker and amp setup?

OCdude · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:09

I'd go for the KEFs personally.

Can't comment on the sound quality difference. But getting something like the Xonar HDAV 1.3 would be a good idea (despite the ongoing issues with it). Just don't get some Creative tat please!

EDIT: Don't make any decisions on speakers until you can demo them first, and REALLY don't just go by online reviews (especially not What Hi-Fi!)

herr_brush · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:35

Thanks for that. I'll try to find a store where I can have a listen but I think the Kef's will be good enough quality and the price is quite good. As for the receiver there are a few online reviews that are all positive and it was the cheapest/best option i could find that included video upscaling.

OCdude · 28 Mar 2009 at 14:56

Yeah KEFs have got a pretty good reputation. I almost went for the 3005 set, but then discovered that there were some issues with the sub - and the after sales support was awful apparently (so much so, a few retailers stopped stocking them). But overall they're pretty well respected, i'm sure you'll be happy with 'em.