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Post by Quizz Kid on Aug 9, 2014 15:22:32 GMT
OK, I had what I thought was a reasonable separates system back in the day, but it's showing its age, and after years of relying on good CD based systems I want to do two things, 1. Get a half decent Hi-Fi system to replay all the vinyl I have and the accumulating stock of heavyweight vinyl that is open and warner bros are issuing! And, 2. Buy into a reasonable 5.1 system preferably with a couple of wireless remote speakers to avoid all the wiring if possible.
I know we have an expert or two or three out there so any advice would be appreciated.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2014 16:52:23 GMT
OK, I had what I thought was a reasonable separates system back in the day, but it's showing its age, and after years of relying on good CD based systems I want to do two things, 1. Get a half decent Hi-Fi system to replay all the vinyl I have and the accumulating stock of heavyweight vinyl that is open and warner bros are issuing! And, 2. Buy into a reasonable 5.1 system preferably with a couple of wireless remote speakers to avoid all the wiring if possible. I know we have an expert or two or three out there so any advice would be appreciated. I am no audiophile, so my suggestions are very pedestrian. That said, I have a Yamaha RX-V465 receiver that handles HDMI audio and handles our HD cable signal for the television. There are five Bose speakers, four of which are mounted in four corners or the ceiling, one center sits on a bookself above the TV, the Bass is a JBL and sits on the floor in front. A sony bluray player tops it off. None of these are exotic and are priced in the middle of all I shopped. And that was 5 years ago or so. The reciever was in the neighborhood of around $400 and the speakers were around 6 or 700 I'm not sure on that. the bluray was $100 and very well worth it as it plays DVD and all audio CDs. It also has a wireless capability and can go online to upgrade firmware as the standard for bluray seems to be upgraded all the time. So that's what I've done yet there's most likely much more affordable and as capable availible. Just depends on the amount you want to spend and the room you intend to "arm". hope this helps a little. Darin
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Post by geebee on Aug 11, 2014 0:26:11 GMT
Hi Quizz and all,
How long is a piece of string? Choosing Surround systems can be a minefield! But you've heard of Tull on 5.1, maybe it's time to experience it! Or pull out that vinyl and remember how good it did sound!
Cliches aside, most people will want to combine a surround system into AV and Hi-Fi. Hi Fi purists like separate systems, but let's assume a combination will suit. For most people, a 5.1 surround package will suit. I can think of a lot of brands, like Pioneer, Yamaha, maybe Cambridge Audio, all depending on budget. These will consist of a 5.1 receiver, 5 speakers and a sub-woofer. You can get away with satellite speakers if you have a good sub. Don't skimp on the sub! Also, I can't comment on wireless speakers - I'm sure they are available, but really, I think you can't beat copper. Cable can easily be run along the skirting board or under carpet (or in the ceiling if you're keen!). A good receiver will have HDMI inputs (and outputs), as well as 5.1 analog and stereo inputs (the old RCA connectors). There usually will be a combination of surround effects you may want to use, especially with movies.
It's probably better to choose a Blu-ray player separately. They will all have HDMI outputs, but the better ones will have 5.1 analog outputs as well. You usually pump audio and video through the HDMI cable, but for music, the analog output is usually better. This is because these players usually have a superior digital to analog audio decoder. This is not essential for a basic system, but is something to consider. You also will want to make sure your TV has an HDMI input as well. You will want to see those Tull Blu Rays and DVDs as well as hear them in 5.1!
I subscribe to some AV forums which helps with advice, but it takes a lot of research, if you want to mix and match. Personally, I have compromised between a Hi-Fi setup and an AV setup. I use a Yamaha Adventage A3030 receiver with B&W 600 series speakers, and some Australian subwoofers. I use (US brand) Oppo brand Blu-ray players, and a Panasonic Digital Video Recorder. Nothing exotic there! I use an Epson projector for display, but of course, any modern flat screen TV will do!
I stuck with Yamaha, as I think it gives the best "bang for buck", but others might disagree. Oppo is not the cheapest, but video and audio quality wise, it is the best value for money. Great performance on CD, DVD, and BluRay, plus they play most other audio and video formats on disc or USB memory. But other brands, such as Sony, Pioneer, Pansonic, etc are also good on a tighter budget.
That's the digital and TV side; what about vinyl?
Now that's a can of worms. If you want to replay all that vinyl (hopefully) stored away safely, I'd suggest a modern turntable, with a new cartridge. Believe it or not, there have been a lot of advances in technology! There are good quality starter turntables such as Pro-ject and Rega, and these will come with reasonable cartridges. (I have Rega turntables, and use Ortofon cartridges.) Don't get anything too cheap, you don't want to wreck your vinyl. AV (and stereo) amplifiers traditionally had a dedicated phono amp. You need this to amplify and correct the tiny output from the cartridge. Some now don't have one - no worries, as a dedicated phon pre-amp will usually be better anyhow. You connect your turntable (with earth / ground wire) to the little box, then connect that into a spare stereo RCA input (such as AUX). There are many brands of phono pre-amp, but good quality would include Pro-Ject and Graham Slee. Again, this is for better quality, you might find that a good AV amplifier that has a phono input will be fine.
The web is a good research tool, but don't take too much advice from large chain stores, who will pump up the bass and treble and try to sell you something "in your face" which you will get sick of quickly. There are still some good hi-fi shops who will sell to your budget.
Hope this helps a little!
Geoff
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Post by Tulltapes on Aug 11, 2014 13:42:54 GMT
What he said. Really though, great advice Geoff. Thanks for posting. I must think of upgrading sometime down the road also.. as long as these great releases continue. My setup is pretty basic, just like this set.. a Sony receiver 5 speakers and a sub. Although I sometimes switch out the left and right speakers with other quality brand speakers I have lying around.. This setup cost me about 5-600.. maybe 7 years ago. I listen to most music through my Presonus studio setup and PA-Sub in my studio. The 5.1 is setup downstairs in the theater with projector and giant screen.. so it's always a treat to have a reason to go down there! This system certainly does the job for now. I also have a BOSE Cine-mate system up in the studio which is 2 speakers and a pretty good sub which I use mainly as my TV sound and somehow it's able to replicate a 5.1 environment. Although not quite the same it still sounds pretty great. The Steven Wilson releases are shocking to hear and can't be described. Well worth the investment. It will give you a whole new appreciation for listening to music..
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Post by Quizz Kid on Aug 18, 2014 22:36:02 GMT
Cheers all, I'm now in the process of checking out a stack of stuff. Popped into a local hi-fi specialists now thanks to you chaps I'm armed with a little more than the buzzwords; I've also been reading up ' Hi-Fi World' and earmarked two rooms one for the 5.1 and another for the hi-fi stuff. Looking forward to getting back into this step by step, probably go for a more expensive Hi-Fi sperates sytem first and a lower end 5.1 home cineman system. One quick question, [revealing my ignorance] I already have a 2.1 samsung system, can that be expanded?
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Post by Tulltapes on Aug 19, 2014 1:37:42 GMT
Cheers all, I'm now in the process of checking out a stack of stuff. Popped into a local hi-fi specialists now thanks to you chaps I'm armed with a little more than the buzzwords; I've also been reading up ' Hi-Fi World' and earmarked two rooms one for the 5.1 and another for the hi-fi stuff. Looking forward to getting back into this step by step, probably go for a more expensive Hi-Fi sperates sytem first and a lower end 5.1 home cineman system. One quick question, [revealing my ignorance] I already have a 2.1 samsung system, can that be expanded? Your receiver must be able to handle 6 speakers total. 5 plus a sub.. (that's the .1) left, right, center, rear left, rear right, and sub. Typical home theater unit.
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Post by geebee on Aug 22, 2014 9:46:21 GMT
Cheers all, I'm now in the process of checking out a stack of stuff. Popped into a local hi-fi specialists now thanks to you chaps I'm armed with a little more than the buzzwords; I've also been reading up ' Hi-Fi World' and earmarked two rooms one for the 5.1 and another for the hi-fi stuff. Looking forward to getting back into this step by step, probably go for a more expensive Hi-Fi separates system first and a lower end 5.1 home cinema system. One quick question, [revealing my ignorance] I already have a 2.1 Samsung system, can that be expanded? Sounds like you're going about this the right way, Quizz! Keep up the research. The home cinema won't be too difficult, as long as you go for a reasonable well known brand. Ask for a demo if possible, play your favourite Blu ray or something you know. Any good Hi-fi establishment will have some systems set up to listen to in a simulated lounge. They might be able to do a deal on the two systems, just make sure they know you want to build the hi-fi step by step. In any system, stereo or surround, good speakers are the first thing to consider. They don't have to be large if you use a good subwoofer, which will integrate nicely in a good setup. Let your ears be the judge! Also, if you go vinyl, you might consider this forum for general advice. www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/index.phpI can't imagine you can do much with your Samsung, except use it in the garage for some music? Geoff
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