choosing a new HT system - Please help

Jasonw

I'm looking for recomendations on a new HT setup and I'd like to pick the collective boards expertise as I have little or none in this area.

Please bear in mind that I am looking for the best quality system I can to fit my budget.

I currently have UPC Chorus but will be getting in Sky HD when the system is ready.

Room size: 13' x 12'
viewing distance - 12'

New equipment required:
HDTV (min size 42" max size 50")

AV reciever: sized to fit the following new and existing equipment. This is where I need most guidance as I am a HT novice.

Blue ray player. To deliver maximum picture and audio quality.

5.1 speaker system incl sats and SW: Needs to be small and unobtrusive pref wall mounted. again emphisis is on sound quality don't really need a huge amount of power as I am in a semi-D.

Games console: ps3 160 gb


control: Ideally I would like the whole system to work off one remote control.

Existing Equipment:
I would like the system to play music through my laptop or iPod.
I also have a HDD recorder/dvd player.


Budget:
around 4000 pounds/euro. remember to leave approx €500 for top quality cabling and mounts/stands

Thanks all,
JAson

akaSol

Panel : SONY KDL40W4500 / Panasonic TH42PY80
AMP : Denon AVR 2809 / Yamaha DSPAX863se
Speakers : Tannoy Arena/ Kef 3005SE
Blueray: Panasonic DMPBD55(If you can find it) / Sony BDP550
Remote: Logitec Harmony One
*note the ps3 uses bluetooth

>Sol

Idleater

akaSol wrote: »

Remote: Logitec Harmony One

OP, You haven't specified where you want to store the equipment.

I mention this, because if you can, you can make a decision now to place all the equipment in a cupboard somewhere.

This will require a little more cabling, but can reduce clutter and leave you open to selecting different components from different brands.

If you go down this route you should go for the Logitech Harmony 895/1000 or philips pronto as they have RF/IR extenders to work in such situations.

I have done just this, and run a single HDMI cable from AVP to Display which makes for a very neat solution.

L.

The Ritz

I wouldn't disagree with the advice you've gotten here already, but if you're sitting distance is 12', I'd be going for a 46" or preferably bigger fullHD screen.

Ritz

Jasonw

I think in the back of my mind I've already settled on the Pioneer Kuro 50" even though it's right on the threshold of what would look right for the size of the room.

Jasonw

On the speakers it's no deal on the Eggs. they really have to be very discreet. I have the wifes buy in on Jamo A102 speakers. I'd stretch to the mission m-cube if the general opinion is that the sound is worth the extra money. only around £50 more than the Kef.

eddiem74

Not sure where you are planning to buy but many on Boards would recommend checking out Richersounds in Belfast. Current catalogue to give you a taste of prices.

They also have an interaction forum here on Boards.

Keep us posted on what you decide on !

Jasonw

Thanks, Will most likely be making a trip when I've decided on the package.

Anyone know where I could find Mission M-cube speakers? RS do not have them on their site.

JoeA3

Jason,
I recently got myself a Sony40W4500 and Sony Blueray 350 player. The TV is absolutely fantastic, and has won numerous critical awards in the last weeks and months. The picture quality on blueray movies has to be seen to be believed. I was a HD skeptic, but now I can finally see what all the fuss was about, it's fantastic!

Next size up for that Sony is 46", or 52" if you're feeling very adventurous! When I first set up my 40" I thought it looked huge, after having a 32" CRT. But having gotten used to it now, I think I could have squeezed in a 46"! Although I'm also in a semi-d house, so 46" would look overkill I reckon.

I am waiting delivery on Jamo A102 speakers, expecting them to arrive tomorrow. I sourced them in tekshop247.com. €225. They are at least €400 in any irish shops, if you can find them!

And finally, I'm getting myself a Pioneer 1018 AVR from Richersounds in Belfast. JohnMc in RS recommended this particular amp to me, and they are doing excellent deals on it and other AVR's. The Pioneer allows you connect up your iPod to it directly via USB, and you can control the iPod then using the Amp's remote. Very neat I think.

I also considered the Denon 1909 and Onkyo 606 which are roughly the same price - i.e. €350 or less. Again, the irish shops are much more pricey than that.

You're €4000 budget leaves you a lot of room anyway. All the above will have cost me little over half of that.