What speakers to get?

[Thorin]

Hi Guys,

I'm wanting to buy some decent seakers to go with my Sony DA2400ES AV receiver. I'm currently using a set of Sony SS-FCR7000/M speakers which I've never liked! I don't think I'm getting any value out of the receiver using these cheap speakers.

These will be mainly used for general TV watching / movies but must also be good for general music listening. Room is approx 4m x 8m (open plan). Actual sitting area for the TV is 4m x 4m.

My budget is R5K - R5.5K for a full 5.1 set. I'm kinda keen on going with a small lifestyle type speaker package, but you welcome to convince me otherwise if there are good reasons.

Some speakers I've looked at include:

B&W MT-25 ( Way over budget, but I really love the look of these!)
Boston Acoustics soundware xs 5.1
Kef KHT2005.3 (Also way over budget)
Q acoustics 2000 series cinema pack

I'm going to be traveling to the UK in the next 2 weeks. Should I be looking out for any brands in particular that I can buy there and bring back to S.A. for much less??

Your advice on the best value for money speakers within the R5K -R5.5K (£500 at the aboslute most) budget range would be greatly appreciated! Also advise if these speakers are an over kill for the DA2400ES.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Onkyo S5405 for ~R5000. It means you can get rid of your receiver as well

 

[Thorin]

Onkyo S5405 for ~R5000. It means you can get rid of your receiver as well

AV receiver is only just over a year old. Not looking to replace it. Is the Onkyo S5405 better than the DA2400ES? I paid close to R8000.00 for this amp. Can't beleive that a complete package valued at R5000.00 could be better than the DA2400ES after only 1 year?

 

[Thorin]

Onkyo S5405 for ~R5000. It means you can get rid of your receiver as well

Did some quick research. This would be a huge downgrade. This model Onyko is only 5.1 channels, only supports upto 1080i and does no upscaling. The DA2400ES is a proper 7.1 channel with full upscalling to 1080p. Also has more HDMI ports.

The ES range of Sony amps are not to be confused with the all in one Sony solutions which are flooded on the market.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

AV receiver is only just over a year old. Not looking to replace it. Is the Onkyo S5405 better than the DA2400ES? I paid close to R8000.00 for this amp. Can't beleive that a complete package valued at R5000.00 could be better than the DA2400ES after only 1 year?

Did some quick research. This would be a huge downgrade. This model Onyko is only 5.1 channels, only supports upto 1080i and does no upscaling. The DA2400ES is a proper 7.1 channel with full upscalling to 1080p. Also has more HDMI ports.

The ES range of Sony amps are not to be confused with the all in one Sony solutions which are flooded on the market.

Yeah I'll admit that I didn't view the specs on your receiver, mainly because I don't really see Sony as a high end brand due to those all-in-one solutions. My apologies

There's no way that the Onkyo receiver supports only 1080i though, especially if it supports HDMI 1.4.

In terms of speakers within your budget, that's going to be a bit tough. If you extend your budget by around R1000 then you have:
* Jamo
* Mission 5.0 + Mission sub

 

[Thorin]

Thanks Mike, I'll have a good look at that Mission 5.0 set. Can always keep my current Sub. Have you had any experience with these speakers before?

Any other recommendations? Anyone have first hand experience with any of the speakers I mentioned?

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

I have the Jamos, but do not have them connected as yet. Grimspoon has the same set, so he should be able to provide you with better feedback

Haven't had any experience with the Missions, but you could always head down to the store and demo both.

 

[techead]

sorry dont wanna hijack the thread, but I was wondering the same thing

what kind of system should I go for, one of those bluray 5.1 systems. cheap as possible, but not something that is gonna bass boom me out the house and with sattelites that weigh 20 grams

 

[ponder]

I'm going to be traveling to the UK in the next 2 weeks. Should I be looking out for any brands in particular that I can buy there and bring back to S.A. for much less??

Dunno about cheaper but have a look at Monitor Audio when you are over there. Wish I had some but they were not widely available here (only one place in JHB) when I got my Missions.

 

[ponder]

sorry dont wanna hijack the thread, but I was wondering the same thing

what kind of system should I go for, one of those bluray 5.1 systems. cheap as possible, but not something that is gonna bass boom me out the house and with sattelites that weigh 20 grams

What's your budget. I would say screw 5/7.1 for now and just get yourself a receiver/amp and a stereo setup for now. When you have a bit more cash add the centre & surrounds.

 

[bin3]

What's your budget. I would say screw 5/7.1 for now and just get yourself a receiver/amp and a stereo setup for now. When you have a bit more cash add the centre & surrounds.

Yip: What he said.

Get yourself a pair of decent stereo speakers. Use them a while. If they are good enough, get another set of satellites. If they are not, move them as satellites and get another pair for your main.