Spec me a 5.1 system.

Slade2 · 14 Oct 2012 at 20:10

Ok,

I have finally decide that I am going to leave my audio equipment and my TV stuff seperate with that mind I have 46 inch Sony bravia TV is last years 3d model and it came with a BDP-S480 blue ray dvd player.

I would like to either replace or add to the blue ray player to get 5.1 sound. I have a budget of about £300, max would be £400 if it meant getting something much better.

I have been looking at the Sony HTAS5.1 just to add 5.1 to the system I have already but would concider a complete home cinema in a box system like the Sony BDVN590, I have been looking Sony stuff becuase of course I have the TV and the blue ray player but am open to anything suggestions.

Having looked at the 590 system I would like to be able to stream media from my network and it would appear the 590 can do this so what ever system I get it would be nice to have this feature even if I have to connect it via eternet since it would probably be needed for hi-def content.

I would ideally like something that is also good for music so my wife could listen to some tracks from the network.

So, GD spec me please.

TheVoice · 15 Oct 2012 at 17:17

I'd avoid the all-in-one systems myself, I had a Samsung one a couple of years ago and it was terrible. They look fancy in photos, but in my experience the actual build quality leaves a lot to be desired with these things, and they lack the connectivity and ability to tweak and customise the system that a proper AV receiver would have. After my Samsung was returned and refunded, I bought an Onkyo system and I've been very happy with it since.

Check out the Richer Sounds website and see what's on there, you should be able to get a decent bundle with your budget.

413x · 15 Oct 2012 at 19:17

Agree with that. There's nothing you can take forward.

I started with a budget av receiver and respectable (but still budget) satellite 5.1 system that I am selling soon.
It sounded good and has allowed me to upgrade in stages. And sounds way better than the package bundle my step dad has which just pumps out massive but bad bass to flood the sound

I'm still using the current (but underpowered) receiver on my half done new stuff. But better than having to upgradeinone go!

Slade2 · 15 Oct 2012 at 22:01

Thanks for the replys guys, I am currently looking at the Onkyo HT-S3505 and am planning on visiting richer sounds tomorrow to sound out what they have. Also perhaps tempted by the offer they have at the momemnt which is

Sony STRDH820 TSP + Boston Acoustics Soundware XS SE

for £419 although I`m not 2 sure on the speakers as of yet I want something a little bigger but have to wait to see how it sounds.

413x · 15 Oct 2012 at 23:43

Slade2 said:
Thanks for the replys guys, I am currently looking at the Onkyo HT-S3505 and am planning on visiting richer sounds tomorrow to sound out what they have. Also perhaps tempted by the offer they have at the momemnt which is

Sony STRDH820 TSP + Boston Acoustics Soundware XS SE

for £419 although I`m not 2 sure on the speakers as of yet I want something a little bigger but have to wait to see how it sounds.

The Boston acoustics is what I'm about to get rid of.
I thought they sounded decent once it's set up,
the sub/satellites are a good match, and the sub does a lot of work with this set (turn the sub off and you will see) So you must run it even with music.
Music is in fact where it lacks the most. (my upgrade was most noticeable here) You really have to tell the av receiver to up convert stereo (the Yamaha I had did a very good job of this with dolby pro Logic music) to 5.1 to enjoy it

It was my first 5.1 set and was amazingly good compared to anything I had before

Mine was paired with a Yamaha av and I'm sticking with the Yamah , that's completely a personal choice and I haven't heard anything else tbh

Freefaller · 16 Oct 2012 at 12:24

Didn't read OP carefully.. Ignore

Slade2 · 16 Oct 2012 at 18:00

Thanks for all the replys.

In the end I went for the Yahama YHT-398

Its the NS-PB150 speakers with the HTR-3065.

Have not set it up yet just got it all out of the box. After talking to the guy in the shop I can always upgrade the fronts for perhaps some warfendale diamond 10s at a later date its 4k and 3D compatible as well so a little future proofing in there. All in all happy so far just need to get it setup and have a listen.

I did have a look at the same AV reciever with a set of the Tannoy SFX5.1 but I was convinced the yamaha setup would sound a little better for some reason.

FeFiDoh · 16 Oct 2012 at 21:42

Did you get all of that from RS? How much did it come to? Looking at around the same price point in your original post myself and was looking at the ONKYO HTS3505 from RS.

Disco Boy · 16 Oct 2012 at 22:11

FeFiDoh said:
Did you get all of that from RS? How much did it come to? Looking at around the same price point in your original post myself and was looking at the ONKYO HTS3505 from RS.

I'd go for the Yamaha because the receiver has an output for an active sub, allowing more opportunities for upgrades.

Slade2 · 16 Oct 2012 at 22:12

Hi FefiDoh,

Yes, basically its the AV reciever and a set of 5.1 speakers in the same box thats all much like the Onkyo you are looking at yourself. I paid £400.

I am not sure how long the Onkyo has been out but the speakers in my box were only manufactuered in june of this year so its a fairly new system I think. I did say I might want to upgrade the fronts at a later date and he said the Yamaha would be better for this becuase it has a more natural sound. I was also looking at various other setups but am happy with what I have got today so far just need to get it all connected up and find out how it sounds.