i need help finding good speaker system...

[Kryz11]

I'll look into those speakers. For bass I would have to buy something that includes it's onw AMP inside the bass or the sony or onky (below choices) have bass amp?
So far I'll pick the Sony STRDG820 7.1 Audio Video Receiver Or the Onkyo TX, but since I am buying by end of spring, prices might change.. so which ever one is way cheaper over the other, I'll go with that one.

 

[bevo]

If your on a tight budget for speakers, you can do like I did and go to polk direct. I don't know how you feel about polk, but I love mine. Some people have started to look down on them since they started being sold at chain stores. Polk direct is their ebay store, and they sell all factory refurbished speakers, all come with a 2 year warranty. I got 900$ speakers for 380$ before the shipping. They sound great, and looked to be brand new.
Here's a link
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Direct__W0QQ_armrsZ1
The inventory changes everyday. If you see speakers on their website, and their not on the ebay store, you can call if they have any of that model refurbished for sale.

Polks RTi A line are very nice sounding speakers, and are very easy to push. I've got the RTi A5's and am very impressed with them.

Either way you go, the ebay store is worth checking out.

 

[Kryz11]

Refurbished.. For one, I would never buy a refurbished Game console.. but speakers? WHY NOT! as long it has good worrenty!

Thanks for the heads up. I'll check it out.




For the receiver.. I really want to pick it up from a store. I found this..
I click on HDMI recievers.. and price range from 250-500. but I won't go over 420.. which ones work both for audio/video HDMI? What is easierst way to find out? I was checking few websites, and most say HDMI, then i click on review and it says HDMI audio is not compatible, so whats best way to find out?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...id&list=y&iht=n&st=processingtime:>1900-01-01

as well bit cheaper...
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...id&list=y&iht=n&st=processingtime:>1900-01-01

 

[Scaff]

Refurbished.. For one, I would never buy a refurbished Game console.. but speakers? WHY NOT! as long it has good worrenty!

Thanks for the heads up. I'll check it out.




For the receiver.. I really want to pick it up from a store. I found this..
I click on HDMI recievers.. and price range from 250-500. but I won't go over 420.. which ones work both for audio/video HDMI? What is easierst way to find out? I was checking few websites, and most say HDMI, then i click on review and it says HDMI audio is not compatible, so whats best way to find out?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...id&list=y&iht=n&st=processingtime:>1900-01-01

as well bit cheaper...
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...id&list=y&iht=n&st=processingtime:>1900-01-01

The easiest way to check that an amp/receiver can handle HD audio over HDMI is to look for two things.

1. 7.1 output
2. HD audio formats (DTS-HD/Dolby Tru-HD/LPCM)

The list you provided has one standout model which is the Sony STR DG820, it fits within your budget and will handle HD audio over HDMI, its also been very, very well reviewed picking up a number of awards along the way.

In regards to the Sub question you asked, yes you will need to get an active sub (with the amp built in), which will not be a problem as the vast, vast majority of Home Cinema subs (outside of single box kits) are active.


Regards

Scaff

 

[Kryz11]

Thanks a lot! Seems it's not near any of stores nearby, I think I'll order it online, so yeah just like you pointed out before.. It's same model.. So it's way cheaper to buy it from AMAZON! THUMBS UP! 👍
That tip about HDMI audio helps a lot now, thanks.

Check out how much you can pick up a Sony DRG-820 for.

It will give you full HD audio via HDMI and has been extremely well rated, should come in cheaper than the Onkyo as well, leaving a bit to spend on speakers.

Yep $320 on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015HPYDK/?tag=gtplanet-20

Review - http://whathifi.com/Review/Sony-STR-DG820/

Regards

Scaff

OK Bought from Amazon! Thanks for heads up and everything 320 is huge savings over the original pierce and Onkyo
Bought it now since it's on sale.. But it say's 1-2 month wait.. I don't mind, it will give me some time to think over the speakers and Sub.

 

[Kryz11]

My SONY Amazon order got canceled about month ago because AMAZON could not get the system. So I never bough it.. Good thing, saved me some money back then, I also need to buy books for school which was unnexpected. So it was good that AMAZON did not have it! lol..


So my brother was looking at Onkyo on newegg today..

2009 Model
$494.00 FREE SHIPPING
ONKYO HT-S5200 7.1-Channel Black Home Theater System with iPod Dock
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120141

Since its 7.1 it will have audio via HDMI so its perfect.
The iPod DOCK, will it work with ZUNE player?

 

[nick09]

From my experience with zunes and ipod cables they do work but I would not know for sure if they connect correctly.

 

[Kryz11]

In that case, if it wont work I'll get the male cable.

I just placed the order, its cheaper 100 bucks over Onkyo site as well free shipping is a win.

 

[bevo]

My SONY Amazon order got canceled about month ago because AMAZON could not get the system. So I never bough it.. Good thing, saved me some money back then, I also need to buy books for school which was unnexpected. So it was good that AMAZON did not have it! lol..


So my brother was looking at Onkyo on newegg today..

2009 Model
$494.00 FREE SHIPPING
ONKYO HT-S5200 7.1-Channel Black Home Theater System with iPod Dock
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120141

Since its 7.1 it will have audio via HDMI so its perfect.
The iPod DOCK, will it work with ZUNE player?

That should work good for what you're going after. You should be able to pass dolby true hd, and dts-master audio through it with the ps3. I'm assuming you can at least. If it has HDMI 1.3 it should be able to, I think.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

 

[Kryz11]

YEAH MAN THANKS!!!
3 day shipping!!! hmm.. I did not check email if they send it out TODAY or maybe on Monday.. But for sure I'll get it next week!

Oh man I cant wait.

It's funny that my gaming room will have way better surround sound then the TV/movie room haha.

 

[Kryz11]

Got the system today, I set it up, mic test works etc etc..

I can't get sound from my PS3.. I am using all HDMI cables, (PS3 to Receiver, Receiver to TV all HDMI)
I get picture, full 1080p, but sound wont come on... I am looking at the manual, and seem it talks about HDMI giving both SOUND and PICTURE.. yet it only gives me one..
On some pictures i See Optical cable connectors...

what am I doing wrong? I am looking at settings, and I don't see any HDMI options on the receiver.. oi..


After more instruction read..


There are 3 steps for HDMI connections
1. Connect HMDI TV to AV rectifier's HDMI OUT jack (OK done)
2. Connect your HDMI-Compatible player to the AV receiver's DHMI in 1,2, or 3 jack (done, picture is working no sound with the 7.1 only sound from TV.)
3. Connect your HDMI-Compatible player to an analog and/or digital audio input on the av receiver ( I don't have the cable, seems PS3 is Optical, will get it tomorow)

So guys, I do not get why a 7.1 system with HDMI SOUND and PICTURE will still need OPTICAL CABLE so that PS3 can work? .. I do not get it.. someone explain.. or I don't need the cable and I am doing something wrong.. oi


So Seems I need the Optical cable... never knew 7.1 was supported through optical..

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

Got the system today, I set it up, mic test works etc etc..

I can't get sound from my PS3.. I am using all HDMI cables, (PS3 to Receiver, Receiver to TV all HDMI)
I get picture, full 1080p, but sound wont come on... I am looking at the manual, and seem it talks about HDMI giving both SOUND and PICTURE.. yet it only gives me one..
On some pictures i See Optical cable connectors...

what am I doing wrong? I am looking at settings, and I don't see any HDMI options on the receiver.. oi..


After more instruction read..


There are 3 steps for HDMI connections
1. Connect HMDI TV to AV rectifier's HDMI OUT jack (OK done)
2. Connect your HDMI-Compatible player to the AV receiver's DHMI in 1,2, or 3 jack (done, picture is working no sound with the 7.1 only sound from TV.)
3. Connect your HDMI-Compatible player to an analog and/or digital audio input on the av receiver ( I don't have the cable, seems PS3 is Optical, will get it tomorow)

So guys, I do not get why a 7.1 system with HDMI SOUND and PICTURE will still need OPTICAL CABLE so that PS3 can work? .. I do not get it.. someone explain.. or I don't need the cable and I am doing something wrong.. oi


So Seems I need the Optical cable... never knew 7.1 was supported through optical..

An AV receiver with HDMI input for audio (regardless of video), you will no need optical. Either you have it set up incorrectly or there is something wrong with your system.

Make sure you have selected HDMI output as well as the audio formats your receiver supports by checking your PS3 Audio Output Settings menu.

Also, select the video settings, and scroll down and make sure that both the BD/DVD and BD Audio Output Format is set to Linear PCM.

Next, be sure you have the correct input selected on your receiver's menu. In other words, if you have the PS3 connected to the AVR via HDMI #1, make sure you have selected HDMI #1 on your receiver's audio input menu.

If after all that it still doesn't work then you have a problem with your system. If that is the case, then the next step is to isolate the problem by testing and ruling out each item, as it could be a problem with a specific HDMI connector, cable, etc.

 

[Kryz11]

My brother made quick phone call, HDMI is PASS THROUGH and they told us we do need the Optical, separate audio connection.

I never knew what PASS THOUGH means.. but oh well.. hey for the PRICE its decent, and its 7.1

Im going to store to get the cable(s) and see if it works.

Thanks guys.

 

[TB]

Then the next issue you're going to run into is the PS3 can only output 5.1 over fiber. HDMI is the only one that can do 7.1.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

I never knew what PASS THOUGH means.. but oh well..

Post #43 in this thread:

Give this a read before you decide officially. Most notably this:

When compared to the paltry jack packs of other HTIBs in this range, the HT-SR800's connectivity options are excellent: you get four AV (including the front panel's set), three component, and two HDMI inputs. But there is a catch: the HDMI jacks are video pass-through only--they support as high as 1080p resolution, but they won't carry the audio signals from your disc player, game system, or set-top box. Annoyingly, that means you'll need to connect a dedicated audio feed as well; stereo RCA or (for surround) optical or coaxial digital or analog multichannel. The latter option--running six or eight cables to the Onkyo's 7.1-channel analog inputs--is your only option for getting the best sound from HD DVD or Blu-ray players.

Not cool.

hey for the PRICE its decent, and its 7.1

But not in lossless HD audio, as also mentioned in this thread:

Optical is only going to give you 2-channel HD Audio (PCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA). HDMI will give you 5.1+ channel HD audio.... even if your receiver does not have Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA decoders... as your PS3 will be able to decode them and simply pass on the multi-channel PCM signal to your receiver.

Frankly, I'm very surprised any AVR made today does not accept an audio signal from an HDMI input, especially one with four HDMI 1.3 inputs!

There are countless AVRs with 7.1 HD Audio input support via HDMI that sell for under $500 (and you don't even need ones with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders, all you need is support for PCM and HDMI input). Heck, you can even get a Harman Kardon AVR with 7.1 HD Audio, HDMI 1.3a switching with Deep Color and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing for under $500.

The difference between bitstream (Dolby Digital, DTS) and PCM (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, PCM) is certainly significant enough to warrant *returning a receiver that does not support full channel HD Audio... especially seeing as the cost is going to be about the same, and very likely less than the $494 you spent.

*NewEgg's return policy normally includes a 15% restocking fee, but considering their listing for that receiver does not mention any HDMI pass-through limitations, you should have no trouble returning it for a full refund. 👍

 

[Kryz11]

Oh yeah, I forgot about it
First time I seen was 7.1 and HDMI, so I automatically thought it will work..

Everything is set.. that baby sounds sweet, 10 times better over my other SONY 5.1

Yeah PS3 and OPTICAL only supports 5.1 yet the ONKYO makes the 2 back speakers works with some black magic...

I pop in GTA4... And I swich to 5.1 surround in game.. but all 7 speakers work INDEPENDENTLY!!!!! In game when I stand on side walk and car drives back.. It starts from REAR speaker, to middle one, to front one.. It is just amazing.. Sure its not TRUE 7.1 over HMDI, but damn impressive. I still think 500 bucks was worth it..
The bass is too powerful at even MEDIUM settings, its as big as mini frige



Like you mention you can get a lot of FULL HDMI like the Harman Kardon AVR with 7.1 HD Audio.. but its only the receiver right? My Onkyo came with everything for 500 bucks and FREE shipping... shipping alone would be expensive.. So it is really a best buy.


PS It's a shame it will be gone in few months ... My brother is taking it once he moves out!

 

[bevo]

Sounds like you enjoy it and that's all that matters. 7.1 is great isn't it. Lot's of people say it's pointless, that 5.1 set up right is just as good. I for one, will never go back to 5.1. Those 2 rear speakers make a really big difference, especially in a decent sized room.

I just read the last line of your post. You had better start saving up for your own system.

 

[TB]

Sounds like you enjoy it and that's all that matters. 7.1 is great isn't it. Lot's of people say it's pointless, that 5.1 set up right is just as good. I for one, will never go back to 5.1. Those 2 rear speakers make a really big difference, especially in a decent sized room.

The jump from 5.1 to 6.1 was huge. For me, and maybe this'll change once/if I actually do it, but 6.1 to 7.1 doesn't sound like as big a change.

 

[bevo]

The jump from 5.1 to 6.1 was huge. For me, and maybe this'll change once/if I actually do it, but 6.1 to 7.1 doesn't sound like as big a change.

You're probably right about that. 6.1 seemed like a big step to me too. My rear speakers really need to be a couple more feet apart to have it set up just how I would like it, in my 7.1 setup. I would also like to make my whole area a little more compact. Im about 12 feet from my fronts, about 8 would be perfect.

Right now I have a little bit of a deadzone between my fronts and sides. Not a big one, but enough for me to notice. And my rears being as close together as they are sound more like a 6.1 a lot of the time.If they were about 3 more feet apart, I feel that it would be a major improvement. Maybe someday I will get around to that.

 

[Kryz11]

My Cheaper Sony Bravia HDMI 5.1 was good at first.. but now with 7.1 its just amazing. As well the ONKYO sound quality is through the roof. I was just playing KZ2 to test them out.. I felt like I was on the battlefield.

The REAR speakers do add a lot. Now i can actually feel sound move from FRONT to back, or BACK to front in more detail.

The room I have it is medium sized gaming room. But its perfect because my seating position to play my PS3 or watch movies/tv is at center, so its just perfect.

 

[Kryz11]

Where could I stick in Butt Kicker Gamer?
http://www.onkyousa.com/zoom.cfm?class=Systems&m=HT-S5200#

I also hear some news on new buttkicker gamer.. So i might wait it out a bit.

Or I might build my own .. way cheaper.. and way more fun if you build it your self!