Surround Sound

StateofMind

StateofMind

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I've been needing to set up some surround sound but I never got around to it. Now that Killzone 2 is around the corner, I really want to get something soon. I don't have a lot to spend, and I don't know anything about audio at all. I was hoping someone might point me in the right direction: I can't spend more than $300, but would really rather stay in the $150-$200 range if that's even possible. Thanks.
 
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Logitech Z-5500 is probably your best bet in that price range.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-THX-Certified-505-Watt-Digital-Surround/dp/B0002WPSBC

It isn't the greatest surround sound set up, but for the price it probably is. It's mostly for computer set ups but it works fine for home theater as well if you're on a budget.

And otherwise, I agree with the poster above me. Onkyo probably builds the best home theaters in a box although I would go with Logitech over that.
 
Thanks to both of you for the replies. I'm really liking the price on the Onkyo, still not sure what I'll do yet.

Wow, it sold out as I was contemplating buying it. Ouch.
 
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I realize this might be a little out of your price range but this speaker set is $300 and then you could get an onkyo reciever for about $100-200.

I cannot praise these speakers highly enough, they are seriously much much higher quality than any other speakers in their price range.

http://www.yambekaaudio.com/
 
If you'd like, you could pay me $100 and I would gladly run around you creating sound effects any time you played a game or movie. If not, check out the Sony HT-DDWG700 surround system. I got it for Christmas and really enjoy it; the only caveat being that it doesn't have an HDMI port, only an Optical.
 
[quote name='exileinoblivion']I realize this might be a little out of your price range but this speaker set is $300 and then you could get an onkyo reciever for about $100-200.

I cannot praise these speakers highly enough, they are seriously much much higher quality than any other speakers in their price range.

http://www.yambekaaudio.com/[/quote]

Hmm. Yeah, that is pricey for me (should have said under $300 was limit)...but I don't know, might bite. If I do, I'd probably pay $70 more to get the 7 speaker one.
 
Ah, as I mentioned in the OP I know nothing about this stuff. Looking at the Yambekas at http://www.yambekaaudio.com/ I didn't see any kind of...central control type of thing that I've seen on others. Is that something I'd have to buy separately or does it just go directly to my TV or PS3 or something? Yeah, I'm a complete noob here.
 
Those yambeka speakers look like they might be good speakers, I've been looking for some new towers to complement my new denon, these might do the trick.
 
[quote name='StateofMind']Ah, as I mentioned in the OP I know nothing about this stuff. Looking at the Yambekas at http://www.yambekaaudio.com/ I didn't see any kind of...central control type of thing that I've seen on others. Is that something I'd have to buy separately or does it just go directly to my TV or PS3 or something? Yeah, I'm a complete noob here.[/quote]
Can anyone help me with this please? I'm such a noob. :whistle2:#
 
[quote name='StateofMind']Can anyone help me with this please? I'm such a noob. :whistle2:#[/quote]

I believe you would need to buy the receiver separately.
 
[quote name='StateofMind']Ah, as I mentioned in the OP I know nothing about this stuff. Looking at the Yambekas at http://www.yambekaaudio.com/ I didn't see any kind of...central control type of thing that I've seen on others. Is that something I'd have to buy separately or does it just go directly to my TV or PS3 or something? Yeah, I'm a complete noob here.[/quote]

Yes, you need to buy a reciever also you can get a quality one from onkyo for around $100.

I know you have a limit but honestly you might want to save up just a bit more and spring for a better system. HTIB systems seem like junk compared to the one I reccomended. I started out with a HTIB and then decided to pull the trigger on those Yambekas and the sound upgrade was astounding, totally worth it.

It's a bummer though those speakers have actually gone up a bit, I got mine about a year and half ago for under $200.

If you want any info on sound setups feel free to PM me, it's really confusing at first but once you actually get a nice setup it's all worth the headaches trying to figure everything out.
 
[quote name='kennistond']Try this one. For $150, it's an amazing deal.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10574444

I own this exact system and I love it. No problems at all. If you have any questions about it, don't hesitate to PM me.[/quote]
I wouldn't say "amazing" deal. I bought this as a temporary system when I was living in an apartment for a bit. $150 is the MSRP, so deal...not so much.

For inputs: It has no HDMI, 1 optical, 1 digital composite????(digital though the cord that looks like rca, not toslink) and 2 analogs. I could hook up the PS3, Wii, and cable and the inputs were full...not cool.

Please stray away from this model. Find yourself a reburb Onkyo (7.1 for bluray) you'll be happier in the end.
 
Stay the HELL away from RCA!

www.shoponkyo.com is your best bet. When you register you get 10 Shop Onkyo points which equals to $10 off. I got my Onkyo 606 from there a refurb. Thing came complete and looking like new.

Also ordered a HTIB for my boss at Christmas a couple years ago. Came out to $180 shipped. Very nice set up for the price and eats that RCA shit for lunch.
 
I second Onkyo. I have the HT-SR800 set up and I love it. My new gf was really impressed with it too. So that's always a plus!

Able to have my 360, PS3, Wii, and Dreamcast and NES all connected to it at once. Plus the digital cable box and TV.
 
[quote name='StateofMind']Bought this one for $169.

What cables am I going to need to get? Stuff I can get at Monoprice? It mentions that they're not included. Also, what does it mean that they're lacking labels? Will I need to find out myself which speakers go where?[/QUOTE]

I heard from SlickDeals that Onkyo refurbs usually come with the wires despite the refurb disclaimer.. so you could wait until it comes in to check. Otherwise you should just need some standard speaker wire -- get a big spool and cut whatever size you need.
 
From my research it sounds like most shiponkyo orders do have the wire. My Onkyo's came with speaker wire, but all the posts I read at AVSForum recommended getting better wire. I ordered a bunch of 16 gage wire from monoprice based on the recommendations from reading the AVSforums. Setup was a breeze.
 
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