Surround Sound/Home Theatre Bargains

M

Mypro-D

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Joined
Feb 27, 2007
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1,539
New Setup

Hey Guys

Been reading through all these thing and I want to get something for my HTPC and whatnot.

Currently running Z-5500's and a Xfi platinum card.

Ive been looking at the Dions specials and they seem really good?
The SR5007 + S428 setup looks decent. Only problem is not one branch has stock!

What would you guys recommend or change?

Thanks guys
 
M

MR.C

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Mar 7, 2008
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4,988
Mypro-D said:
Hey Guys

Been reading through all these thing and I want to get something for my HTPC and whatnot.

Currently running Z-5500's and a Xfi platinum card.

Ive been looking at the Dions specials and they seem really good?
The SR5007 + S428 setup looks decent. Only problem is not one branch has stock!

What would you guys recommend or change?

Thanks guys
Click to expand...

Did u try to buy online ? They had free deliveries but don't know if that offer is still on.
 
F

flarkit

Executive Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2006
Messages
6,546
Mypro-D said:
Hey Guys

Been reading through all these thing and I want to get something for my HTPC and whatnot.

Currently running Z-5500's and a Xfi platinum card.

Ive been looking at the Dions specials and they seem really good?
The SR5007 + S428 setup looks decent. Only problem is not one branch has stock!

What would you guys recommend or change?

Thanks guys
Click to expand...

So the Z5500's + XFi aren't cutting it anymore? That's a pretty decent setup for most folks
 
M

Mypro-D

Expert Member
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Feb 27, 2007
Messages
1,539
Well this is the problem I am having. Its still a decent setup but would I gain a lot more if I go this route?

I listen to a lot of music hence the Marrantz decision.

Alternatively ill get out the old Arcam Solo and just run two speakers for the HTPC.
The Z's are only connected to my PC, nothing else.
 
Last edited:
F

flarkit

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Mar 27, 2006
Messages
6,546
I'd visit a few specialist audio shops and listen to a similar setup to the one you're after. Even at Dion Wired, you can compare an amp + speakers with Logitech equivalents. If you have the cash to blow, a dedicated audio setup will generally sound better, but may also need some research an effort to fine-tune
 
K

Keeper

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Mar 29, 2008
Messages
23,624
R5000?

I just want to know if the hdmi will work with xbmc, and if it sounds nice. I am not an audiophile nor can i max the volume regularly (neighbors)
 
Mike Hoxbig

Mike Hoxbig

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Keeper said:
R5000?

I just want to know if the hdmi will work with xbmc, and if it sounds nice. I am not an audiophile nor can i max the volume regularly (neighbors)
Click to expand...

That's kind of the problem. Systems like that Samsung tend to be very bass heavy and lack the all round clarity.

I'm no audiophile either, but trust me it can be very annoying when you have to ramp up the volume because you can't hear the dialogue, and then 2 minutes later there's a loud explosion that rattles the neighbour's window. Having the ability to control your dynamic range (equalising the volume between high and low frequencies) is very important if you don't want to reach for your remote every 2 minutes, or every time there's an ad break. It also helps having the right speakers to be able to provide you with a clearer sound. So if its possible to save up another 3k, definitely go with the Dion Wired combo.
 
Mike Hoxbig

Mike Hoxbig

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I'm sure you can, but the issue is the more nifty features such as dynamic volume adjustment and so on. It's a lot of money so why not do it properly the first time and not have to worry about upgrading again because it may lack features that proper systems have?
 
techead

techead

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Apr 11, 2008
Messages
12,187
Keeper said:
Surely one can set the bass levels on that system?
Click to expand...

hey man :) long time no chat...

I was in the same boat as you. Had the money on the table and was about to buy a all-in-one system, was also a Samsung.

Im not saying they are BAD, but after going to a mates house and watcing him fiddle with the volume the whole movie through, I decided that my decision warranted some more investigation...

The bottom line is that you get what you pay for. I saved up my money and got myself a Marantz 1402 and Jamo S426 setup. It was the best decision I had made in a long time. I would say come and listen, but the whole setup is packed away waiting for when I move house.

I really cant stress enough that Im glad I decided to save a bit more, and get a decent setup that is going to last me years. Delayed self gratification :)
 
M

MR.C

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Denon's xx12 range is replaced with the xx13 range so look out for clearance bargains.
 
L

LoneWolf

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Nov 28, 2007
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if you can choose between a Onkyo for R10k and a Marantz in the same class for R10k, which one will you guys choose? mostly for movies, gaming and general HD PVR viewing...
 
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