Selection of Home Theater Components?

Question

Hi Everyone,
I am planning to set up a Home Theater and would appreciate your suggestions on components.

Here is what I already have that I would like to connect:
1- Nintendo Wii
2- iPod touch
3- satellite TV box, including PVR and HD capability (1080i) (has HDMI out)
4- Archos 704 with DVR station
5- Cable TV box, non-HD channels

Finally ;) here are the components that I would like to get and my current choices:

1- HDTV 46-52' - currently considering Pioneer Kuro 50'
2- Blu-Ray Player - Panasonic DB-35
3- A/V Receiver - Sony DG820
4- 5.1 speaker system (no idea whatsoever!!!)

So any help/advice on these would be very appreciated.

Answer 1

To be honest your receiver is a poor choice I suggest you get an Onkyo SR705 from Accessories4less(it's where I got mine). It decodes all hdmi has a good power supply, and pre-amp outputs. It's also THX and has better audio processors than the 606.



For budget speakers check out the speaker company. They offer free in home trials. At least try them. But If you can afford them I suggest you get the KEF iQ Series. They are going on clearance right now and have a very even response through the mid range. I suggest you just pick up 7 iQ3s that will cover all your channels.



another solution would be 6 infinity beta 20's and an infinnity beta 360 center. They are bulky though. They do have metal grills which are good for environments with children.



If you need small then go with the KEF 3000 series(it's better than the 5000) Again I suggest a different subwoofer. DIY is the best way to go on a sub. Even if it's just a DIY kit with everything you need.



www.parts-express is a good resource. For a driver I suggest an Infinity Perfect 12VQ. There is a box on audioholics.com engineered for that sub.I'm building two myself.



For your sub I suggest a DIY solution. Dayton Express even offers kits. A DIY sub will be much better than a commercial one.

Answer 2

First, set your budget. From a quick google, it looks like this so far:

Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080- $2700

Blu Ray - Pana DB-35 - $400

Sony DG-820 - $300

5.1 speakers?????



I'll try to pick parts within the same price from what you were originally saying:



1 TV: Pana Viera TH-50PZ800U - $1900

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A1837857&cs=04&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=30098&lid=674095

Blu Ray - If you are going to spend $400, get a PS3. More functions at the same price.

Receiver: Lots of options. @ $300, you have to look around for the inputs that you want, and get as many as you can if you want to run it all from the receiver.

Marantz SR5002 - $300

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5002/Marantz/SR5002-receiver-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

Onkyo TX-SR606 - $300

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR606SLV/Onkyo/TX-SR606-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-Theater-Receiver-SILVER/1.html



IMHO, the Onkyo might have a few more options for you for the price. I would get that.



Speakers: This is a tough one. Depends on a lot of things, starting with the size of your room, what you will listen to, style, budget constraints. Since there is an $800 diff, between the TVs, let's say that $800 is your budget.



For a satellite system:

Energy Take 5 - $600

http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/take-classic-5-1-overview/



KEF KHT1005.2 - $500

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFKHT10052GB/KEF/KHT1005.2-5.1-Sattelite-Subwoofer-Speaker-Package-GLOSS-BLACK-/1.html



Jamo A320HCS6

http://appliancebestbuys.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=81361

Answer 3

go with the Pioneer Elite Kuro...PRO 111

switch up the Blu Ray Player to the BD-55

Dont do sony for the Receiver they suck at audio...

Go with the best audio possible... Towers

DO a set of Martin Logan towers with Fresco LCR speakers DENON 2309 RECEIVER WITH PIONEER ELITE AMP

dont go cheap on the audio.... THATS THE BIGGEST PART OF A HOME THEATER .. VIDEO IS ONLY 30% THE REST OF THE 70% IS AUDIO..

Answer 4

genraly you will get charged 50$ an hour or greater via a private installer that's a plenty safer wager then a huge field save. the fees are generaly decrease from installers then massive field retailers examine the internet yet make certain you get producer coverage on any internet purchases