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Thread: New Home Theatre |
    
New member Username: Ohmss
Post Number: 5
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 04:05 pm: |
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Hi Everybody,
I wonder if you could give me some advise on choosing a Home Theatre. I currently have the Philips MX5800SA but I think its days are over as DVDS dont sound the same as they use too. I am interested in perhaps a Sony this time but don't really no much about them (or home theatres) and was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction. I was looking for an average system between 2-300 pound. Would that be a pretty poor system at that price???
Thanks to all |
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Silver Member Username: Camaro823
British Colu...
Canada
Post Number: 613
Registered: Jun-05
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| Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 05:59 pm: |
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Hi, from my experience Sony all-in one box systems are terrible and not worth the money, so steer away from them. I don't know much about quality brands b/c I sadly bought a Sony. |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10114
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 08:26 am: |
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You may want to consider a receiver and separate speaker system. All-in-one home theaters are not much of an upgrade from your current set-up. |
New member Username: Ohmss
Post Number: 6
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 09:28 am: |
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Hi Berny, I'm not really looking for a Home Theatre System which is better then my old Philips as I quite liked the sound quality from that, just something new with the same power for the price I'm looking for. I guess something with the same wattage, Optical input etc. I also would like to know what is HDMI and do I need that on a system. Thanks |
New member Username: Ohmss
Post Number: 7
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 10:14 am: |
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How are Panasonic?? I've seen some at quite good value and quite good specs (for what I know) |
New member Username: Ohmss
Post Number: 8
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 10:52 am: |
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Also, how are Yamaha?? I have heard good reviews for them although I have one of their TSS-10 which I brought back from U.S and wasn't very impressed. That was only $210 though so I guess you get what you pay for, its been collecting dust for the last couple of year |
Gold Member Username: Samijubal
Post Number: 2995
Registered: Jul-04
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 11:32 am: |
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I have a Yamaha HTIB, I like it. Got a $500 store display for $250. Can't beat it for that price for sure. It isn't a current model and none of the ones they have out now have 3 way front speakers, so the current models might be different. |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10134
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 05:46 pm: |
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If you were not impressed with Yamaha, you probably never will. It could also be the fault of the speakers, thier line up is not very good at all.
The main thing is that you go out there and listen to the systems for yourself and check which ones you like.
The Panasonic is not bad...but as I stated listen and judge. There are also units from Pioneer. |
New member Username: Ohmss
Post Number: 9
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 06:01 pm: |
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Thanks Berny, I think I will probably head towards a Panasonic as I've seen some quite nice units at great prices. I quite like the Samsung HT-Q70 but unfortunately its not available here in England, well I cant find it. |
New member Username: Ohmss
Post Number: 10
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 06:05 pm: |
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One more thing, I seen two panasonics that I like. ones 200 pound and the other is 300. I prefer the cheaper one(looking wise), just because one is more expensive it doesn't mean it would sound any better doe's it?? |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10137
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 06:13 pm: |
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No it doesn't  |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
Post Number: 11
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 06:14 pm: |
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This is the product. Could you give me your opinion on this Berny?
Playable Type
DVD-Audio Yes
DVD-Video Yes
+R1/ +RW1 Yes
SVCD2 Yes
Video CD Yes
CD, CD-R/RW3 Yes
HighMAT Level 2 Yes
WMA Yes
MP3 Yes
MP4 Yes
JPEG Yes
HDCD Yes
MPEG4 Yes
DivX 6 Yes
Television Signal System
Television Signal System PAL 625/50, PAL 525/60, NTSC
RMS Power Output
Total Power 850 W
Front 110W x 2 1kHz, 3ohms, 10 percent THD
Center 225W 1kHz, 6ohms, 10 percent THD
Surround 90W x 2 1kHz, 4ohms, 10 percent THD
Subwoofer 225W 100Hz, 6ohms, 10 THD
DIN Power Output
Total Power 440 W
Front 80W x 2 1kHz, 3ohms, 1 percent THD
Center 75W 1kHz, 6ohms, 1 percent THD
Surround 65W x 2 1kHz, 4ohms, 1 percent THD
Subwoofer 75W 100Hz, 6ohms, 1 percent THD
receiver section
H.Bass Yes
Center Focus Yes
S. F. C. Yes 7 preset
Digital Synthesizer Tuner Yes
DVD/CD SECTION
Dolby Digital Decoder Yes
Dolby Pro Logic II Yes
DTS Decoder Yes
Audio D/A Converter 192kHz/ 24-bit
Progressive Scan PAL/NTSC Yes
Depth Enhancer Yes
Monitor Selector Yes
Cinema Mode Yes
Dialogue Enhancer Yes
Variable Zoom Yes
Video D/A Converter 108MHz/12-bit
Input/ Output
Scart Terminal Yes
Component Video Out Yes
S-Video Out Yes
Video Out Yes
Music Port Yes
Audio Input Yes
Weight (kg) 3.35
Dimensions W x H x D mm 430 x 60 x 354
Front Speaker
Configuration Full range, 1-speaker, Bass-reflex
Full range 6.5cm cone type
Woofer -
Dimensions W x H x D mm 252 x 1123 x 234
Configuration Full range, 2-speaker, Bass-reflex
Full range 6.5cm cone type x 2
Weight (kg) 1.25
Dimensions (W x H x D) (mm) 270 x 92 x 95.4
Suround Speaker
Configuration Full range, 1-speaker, Bass-reflex
Full range 6.5cm cone type
Weight (kg) 0.75
Dimensions W x H x D mm 92 x 135 x 95.4
Subwoofer Speaker
Configuration Bass-reflex
Woofer 16cm cone type
Weight kg 4
Dimensions W x H x D mm 183 x 396 x 267 |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10143
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 06:35 pm: |
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I don't see anything wrong with it. |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
England
Post Number: 12
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 06:41 pm: |
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Thanks Berny for all your advise. I did just see another Panasonic for 220 pounds but was only 360 watts and this one is 850 so I guess I will purchase the above one tomorrow. I'll take Spiderman 2 with me to test, perfect movie for the job. |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
England
Post Number: 13
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 06:56 pm: |
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Well I guess Panasonics out the window, I can't see any that have an Optical input |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10146
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 07:22 pm: |
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What model is this?
If your DVD player has a Coaxial Digital output, you'll be fine. If this unit has a DVD player you won't need it unless you have equipment that only has optical output. |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
England
Post Number: 14
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 07:32 pm: |
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This model is SC-HT540EB-S. I want to connect my Xbox 360 which has Optical Out. Even though my Philips MX5800SA has seen its day or so I believe this was another reason to get another system because it doesn't have an Optical in so therefore I am playing games through pro logic II and that really sucks. |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10148
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 09:29 pm: |
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Oy, so the Optical input really matters. Any other options?
Don't worry too much about watts. At this price point and mass market, the ratings are not standardized nor relevant. |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
England
Post Number: 15
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 06:43 am: |
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Hi Berny, do you now anything about the
Panasonic SC-HT855?? Its got some good reviews and has the Optical input which I need and HDMI whatever that is, I keep hearing about it |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10322
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 06:57 am: |
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Sorry Stephen I have not had the chance to try out the Panasonic HT, so I cannot pass judgement. But I have heard a lot of people with positive reviews regarding the Panasonic HTIB.
If it has the optical input that you need and you feel that it will serve your needs, I don't see a down side.
The HDMI is a great feature, which required only one cable as a conduit for high definition video AND audio. If you have peripherals that use HDMI, your connections will be a lot simpler. But you will not be able to use it if you don't have any other equipment that has these connections. |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
England
Post Number: 16
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 08:10 am: |
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Thanks alot Berny, I think I'll get that one. Although I did wan't 4 speakers on stands as apposed to 2 at the front and 2 small satelite ones which I have to mount. Beggars can't be choosers |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
England
Post Number: 17
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 11:27 am: |
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Hi again Berny, One more question before I go and purchase the Panasonic HT. I believe that when a HT states a high wattage like the Panasonic I'm interested in like 850 watts just means that that is the amount of peak power for a very quick burst, right? reason I'm asking is because there has been a couple of other systems I have seen and liked but were only around 400 - 500 watts and kinda out me off (Pioneer). The room I wan't it for is not a Barn but around 18' by 12'. Do I need 850? would 400 -500 be reasonable?? Cheers |
New member Username: Kclusa
Post Number: 1
Registered: Aug-06
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 04:00 pm: |
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Hi Stephen,
What you really care is the sound pressure level (or how loud it is through the speaker).
Speakers which convert the electric energy to sound energy vary much more than the power amplifier.
For example, 900W amplifier vs 450 W amplifier has a difference about 3DB.
However, speaker efficiency varies from 85db up to 100 db + (with 1W input) depending what you get.
So depending on which speaker come with the HTIB, you may find 400W system is louder than 800 W.
It is dangerous to make decision based on power output of the amplifier.
You should either listen in person or investigate the speaker efficiency by looking at the SPEC. It is typically listed in the last last page. |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10440
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:04 pm: |
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Stephen, do not worry about the power ratings on any mass produced home theaters in a box. It is a futile effort and very misleading.
Try out both of them and judge by the way they sound and by the features you like, not by wattage. |
New member Username: Sebastiao
Post Number: 6
Registered: May-06
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| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 04:21 am: |
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Hi Berny,
I am planning to buy the bose Acoustimas¨ 5 series OR The Acoustimass¨ 6 speaker system. I would like to know which amp i should go for HK, Onkyo or Denom and if you can give me the model number please.
Whats and amp and a receiver? If i buy an amp do i need a receiver and vice versa? or an amp or receiver is good enough? sorry abt this confusion. I am confused
OR shall i go for Acoustimass¨ 5 speaker system/SA-3 amplifier package? Do i still need to buy a seperate amp/receiver for this setup?
Or should I go for The Bose¨ CineMateª digital home theater speaker system since i wont have to buy an amp.
OR shall i just go for SONY HTIB DAVDX150?
Please need your adive
Thanks |
Platinum Member Username: Project6
Post Number: 10453
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 10:44 am: |
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Sebastiao,
First thing you need to do is look for other speakers other than Bose...do not even put them in the equation nor consideration, unless you are really in love with their sound or lack thereof.
Where are you located and what is available?
What is your budget?
Then the next thing you need is to start your own thread. Hijacking Stephen's thread is frowned upon. Then we'll correspond some more. |
Bronze Member Username: Ohmss
England
Post Number: 18
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 05:55 pm: |
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Hi Berny, could you give me your advise on the specs of this Pioneer before I go and purchase the Panasonic I was talking about to you before?
Thanks
Main Features DCS-360
Total Output Power 360W
Speakers 5.1
DVD System DVD Player
Plays DVD-Video, DVD-R/-RW
DVD+R/+RW
CD-R/-RW
SVCD, VCD
MP3, WMA, JPEG, DivX
HDMI Yes
USB Yes
RDS Tuner (FM/AM) Yes
Power Consumption (in use / standby) 44 W / 0.36 W
Surround Sound DCS-360
Dolby Pro Logic Surround Yes
Dolby Pro Logic Surround II Yes
Dolby Digital Yes
DTS Digital Surround Yes
Surround Modes Action, Drama, Rock, Pop, Hall, Live
Playback DCS-360
DivX® Video Playback Yes
JPEG Viewer/Slide Show Yes
MP3 Yes
Twin-Wave Laser Pickup Yes
Still/Step Play (Forward/Reverse, except VC) Yes
Still/Step Play (Forward/Reverse, except VCD reverse) Yes
10-Key Direct Search & Play Yes
Title Search Yes
Transfer Bit Rate Indicator Yes
Picture Quality DCS-360
Video Signal D/A Converter 108 MHz/12-bit
Audio DCS-360
Bass/Treble Tone Control Yes
Channel Level Control Yes
Terminals DCS-360
Audio / Video Inputs Analog/-
Audio / Video Output No/Yes
Euro-SCART Yes
Tuner DCS-360
Presets 30
Auto Tuning Yes
Specifications - Speakers DCS-360
Front Satellite Type Tallboy
Front Satellite Impedance 4 Ù
Front Satellite Frequency Range 70 - 20.000 Hz
Front Satellite Maximum Input Power 60 Watt
Front Satellite Dimensions (W x H x D) 260 x 1.095 x 260 mm
Front Satellite Weight 4,20 kg
Centre Satellite Impedance 4 Ù
Centre Satellite Frequency Range 75 - 20.000 Hz
Centre Satellite Maximum Input Power 60 Watt
Centre Satellite Dimensions (W x H x D) 270 x 96 x 90 mm
Centre Satellite Weight 0,78 kg
Rear Satellite Impedance 4 Ù
Rear Satellite Frequency Range 70 - 20.000 Hz
Rear Satellite Maximum Input Power 60 Watt
Rear Satellite Dimensions (W x H x D) 260 x 1.095 x 260 mm
Rear Satellite Weight 4,20 kg
Subwoofer Impedance 4 Ù
Subwoofer Frequency Range 30 - 2.500 Hz
Subwoofer Maximum Input Power 360 Watt
Subwoofer Dimensions (W x H x D) 190 x 360 x 320 mm
Subwoofer Weight 4,00 kg
Magnetically Shielded (Satellite) Yes
Magnetically Shielded (Subwoofer) Yes
Amplifier DCS-360
Surround RMS Front 60 W/Channel (1 kHz, 10% T.H.D., 4 Ù)
Surround RMS Surround 60 W/Channel (1 kHz, 10% T.H.D., 4 Ù)
Surround RMS Centre 60 W (100 Hz, 10% T.H.D., 4 Ù)
Surround RMS Subwoofer 60 W (100 Hz, 10% T.H.D., 4 Ù)
Specifications - System DCS-360
Power Requirements 220 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions (W x H x D) 420 x 60 x 330 mm
Weight 3,10 kg
Conveniences DCS-360
On-Screen Information Yes |
