Surround Sound/Home Theatre Bargains

[KaMoS]

Marantz NR1402 - R3500
Jamo S416 - R3500

Awesome special, considering the speakers alone are usually around R7000. Go go go!

I have this set and I would recommend it to ANYONE looking for a decent HT system. For that price it is a steal!

 

[derekc]

Hi guys,

on the dion promo guide, they have the amp with the Jamo A101HCS5 for R7000. Is that a good set of speakers take into account that my house is quite small (complex) and I don't have space for the S416? thanks

 

[ToxicBunny]

I think its probably a very good deal..

Its a pity you don't have space for the S416's since they're apparently incredibly good.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Hi guys,

on the dion promo guide, they have the amp with the Jamo A101HCS5 for R7000. Is that a good set of speakers take into account that my house is quite small (complex) and I don't have space for the S416? thanks

I'm a bit sceptical about the "slim" subwoofer, best to go test it for yourself. Keep in mind that you may need to increase the input source level on the receiver to bring the speakers to life.

 

[derekc]

thanks. another note. So basically stuck with two choices. Onkyo HT-S5405 or the Marantz with the A101 speaker set? Onkyo is R6000 and the Marantz/Jamo combo is R7000. Don't know too much about these audio setups but I just need a simple set up but don't want to get the Sony/Samsung Bluray packs at the moment. What are your thoughts?

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Between those two I'd go with the Onkyo HT-S5405.

 

[ToxicBunny]

If the Onkyo is an option, definitely would go for that.

 

[MR.C]

Listen to both first before deciding.

 

[xrapidx]

Doubt that'll be possible... does Dion Wired have listening space?

I see they finally opening one in Canal Walk

 

[derekc]

they do actually...some stores actually have a dedicated room for sound. I'll go and check it out and see. thanks for the advice!

 

[derekc]

so i ended up getting the Onky HT-S5405. Must say for R6000 it's a pretty good buy. Does it's job for my needs. Issue is the wiring of surround sound. The surround cable is only 8m long and to wire it, had to buy 20m cables. Even then...good system and the passthrough makes it fairly easy to use. thanks for the advice all.

 

[Jinx10]

so i ended up getting the Onky HT-S5405. Must say for R6000 it's a pretty good buy. Does it's job for my needs. Issue is the wiring of surround sound. The surround cable is only 8m long and to wire it, had to buy 20m cables. Even then...good system and the passthrough makes it fairly easy to use. thanks for the advice all.

I bought the same system, will only be able to set it up this weekend. Will let you know how it goes. Where did you get it? Dion Wired told me they dont sell it anymore with out the BR player and that bundle costs R9900!!

 

[derekc]

Got it at Sounds Great. I went to Dion and they told me the same thing. Wasn't worth R4000 for the bluray player.

 

[chrisc]

Although the law of diminishing returns especially applies to audio equipment, some recommendations can be gleaned from The Absolute Sound, or Stereophile or other high-end publications (see http://www.goodwinshighend.com/).

You basically get what you pay for. An R80k blu-ray player will be better than the unit you get at Hi-Fi Corporation for R 200, but not amazingly so. A good compromise is an Oppo BDP-930 which is about R12k.

The most important components in any audio or home theatre system are the source and the speakers. A 55" Panasonic Plasma will probably give you a stunning picture, but is still over R 65k. Then you should not compromise on speakers. Some well-rounded full range B&W units, but with the addition of 2 REL subwoofers for classical music will round off the experience. A good centre channel is a must, but don't blow too much on rear/side speakers as less than 15% information comes out here.

Also, most important, don't forget treatment of the mains plugs and wiring. As well as having a good electrical connection - either US Style flat pin and earth, or UK square plugs, not the South African variety with poor overall contact points between plug and socket, you must have a properly rated mains conditioner capable of 20 amps. Take a direct 4mm live and neutral cable from the audio equipment plug directly to its own dedicated circuit breaker on your DB board. You don't want to be sharing power with a fridge or kettle.

So, my recommendation is - don't buy cheap. There are no bargains in new audio and home theatre. For bargains, look at avsa.co.za and see the classifieds section. If you are quick you can pick up something worthwhile for a song.

 

[Dolby]

... and your room conditions play a huge part in the sound.

The shape, size, materials will absolutely make your jaw drop or think 'wtf is wrong after blowing my cash?'

EDIT : I agree with the main plugs and wiring in theory, but not in practise

 

[DemonKnight]

I bought the same system, will only be able to set it up this weekend. Will let you know how it goes. Where did you get it? Dion Wired told me they dont sell it anymore with out the BR player and that bundle costs R9900!!

The Onkyo is now going for R5500 at Dion Wired!

 

[xrapidx]

The Onkyo is now going for R5500 at Dion Wired!

http://www.dionwired.co.za/onkyo-surround-system-ht-s5405-b.html

 

[LoneWolf]

would it be a wise move to sell my Sony 6.2 A/V Component system and by this Onkyo HT-S5405B system?

 

[DemonKnight]

http://www.dionwired.co.za/onkyo-surround-system-ht-s5405-b.html

Bought it yesterday. Fantastic system thus far.

Have not optimised the settings as yet, but so far, so good.

Anybody has any good tips, tricks or suggestions with this system?

 

[xrapidx]

would it be a wise move to sell my Sony 6.2 A/V Component system and by this Onkyo HT-S5405B system?

No brainer.