questions about home theater

[dsantamassino]

hi everyone,

I was looking to buy a 5.1 surround sound system in components instead of a whole package deal. In components i get to pick what i want and how i like it instead of it already in a box. It will cost more though so i will just buy a few items at a time when i save up. How many speakers do i need for 5.1?? how many sub woofers do i need for 5.1?? how many receivers?? I wanted a receiver that could hook up TV, VCR and my DVD Player. I wanted to purchase everything separate only at bestbuy. To get an idea i wanted to look online at http://www.bestbuy.com/ but i dont know which is high or which is low quality the same with the bass.. nothing to expensive and nothing to cheap. Im always poor. Thats why i have to buy items at a time. I have a small room so i need something or want something that will not blow out my room or the room mates. If you guys have any questions just ask me. Please reply back ASAP. btw please list in order what is the most important to get to the less important and show me on the bestbuy website. thanks.

[paulspencer]

Derek,

This site is really about DIY audio - ie. building your own stuff. This is not to say we all build everything ...

5.1 means 5 speakers plus one subwoofer. For a 5.1 system you need:

1. dvd player
2. 5.1 receiver
3. 5 speakers - fullrange
4. subwoofer

To get a decent system like this in Australia, I'd recommend spending a minimum of:

1. $250
2. $800
3. $2500
4. $1500
Total: $5050

If you are on a tight budget, then buying all that stuff can mean you end up buying cheap junk. If you want quality, an alternative is to just get a good stereo system with a sub. This would cost ~$3250 for the same quality.

Notice how the speakers and sub are the most expensive? You can build your own easily for less than half the cost. So this means you can get a surround system with DIY speakers and sub for less than the stereo version bought at a store. It won't be hard to make them much better - better quality parts, louder, cleaner, more accurate.

If you aren't so keen on diy then you might start with a stereo system, get a cheap 2nd hand amp and some decent bookshelf speakers, then add a DIY sub as most of the ones you buy are either crap or very expensive. Subs are easy to do.

[purplepeople]

Another way is to start with a DVD player with 5.1 analog outputs, so that you don't need a surround receiver.

Just add volume control, amplification and speakers. These can be DIY or 2nd hand stereo, which is very inexpensive these days.

DIY:
6-channel volume control (digital, or stereo preamps, or etc.)
6 gainclones
5 single driver speakers
1 sub

2nd hand:
3 stereo receivers (70's Marantz, Sansui, Pioneer, etc.)
5 small studio monitors
1 passive sub

It is possible to have single volume control by using the same 3 of the same stereo units and one remote control.

:)ensen.

[dangus]

The sane thing is to buy a complete A/V receiver for around $200. I'd steer clear of the "in a box" systems. DVD players are dirt cheap; if the built-in deck dies you have an expensive repair problem, but if a $40 outboard player dies you're out only $40.
Two things that I'd look for in a receiver: number of SVideo and digital inputs. Running out of inputs and having to swap cables or get an external switchbox is a pain, and will confuse any normal people who want to use your system. Check the reviews at Epinions.com to see what other people thought of the receiver you're interested in.

You could build gainclones, but then you need the A/V switching, remote volume, DTS/DD decoder. Getting a DVD player with built-in decoder will cost you more, and won't help with other digital sources like computer or satellite. There were a few standalone DD/DTS decoder boxes like the Technics SH-AC500, but they didn't switch video inputs, and usually didn't provide analog volume control. Maybe use your PC as the brains of the system, and to play DVDs and CDs; install a tuner card for TV. The sound card should have 4 channels out, so run each of them to a Gainclone if you're going to DIY.

As for speakers... building 5 boxes is a bunch of work... that's 30 panels, 120 edges to get square. I"m not too proud to say that I picked up a 6 of the LX-5 's from Rat Shack when they had them massively discounted. Keep your eyes open and you may run across real deals like that.

Or, you could start out with 4 speakers, in two pairs; it's usually possible to tell your receiver that you have a "phantom" center and assign the center information to L and R front. So, maybe you can buy or build two good speakers for the front to begin with, and use whatever is lying around for the rear channels.

Think about building a subwoofer: that's the best bang for your buck. Only one box to build, and results you can feel. Search the site for Adire Tempest. Spend a few hundred bucks here and you can be the envy and/or bane of your neighbours.

[Jennice]

dsanta....whatever (what a name to pick)

Anyway,

First, there's no such thing as ASAP replies in a voulenteer forum. (all you get from being pushy is that people leave you alone). I understand that you're eager to get something established, but take your time, ESPECIALLY considering that you're on a tight budget.

Let's start from scratch: What audio equipment do you have at the moment, if any?
Since budget is limited, you won't get high-end gear, but given some thoughtful planning, you may end up with something decent - over time.
Wait with the sub. It's a cool extra, but not essential - especially since I understand that you have limited space, and must consider that you're not alone in the world (neighbours getting mad if you play loud.)

I'd start with a decent surround receiver. It's the cheapest way of getting a decoder, volume control, Audio/video input switching, and radio all-in-one. If you can get hold of a used Denon, Sony or find an offer when the new models get to the market, there are bargains to be found...

Next, buy a cheap no-name DVD player. Compared to a VCR, EVERYTHING is a huge improvement

If you have a stereo set already, consider re-using the speakers (probably as rear) for the surround system.

The center speaker CAN wait, provided that the wiever(s) are fairly in the middle of the setup (left/right-wise). It serves to make sure that speech comes from the center (speaker usually placed under/above the screen).

Give it time, and you just may find a decent way to experience surround. I agree, that box'ed solutions are mostly crap, but quality doesn't come for free.

I started my system that way. Today I've got a projector setup, still no sub (but good main speakers that can handle low frequencies decently). I still have totally different speakers for the rear, than my main ones, and the center speaker is a third brand... but it works surprisingly well !

Using a PC DVD/soundcard is also an option, if you have one at hand with a fairly good graphics card.

Jennice

[paulspencer]

Derek,

that link does not work for me ... some more feedback from you would help us to give some useful suggestions. Also if we don't hear back we may assume that you aren't reading this and hence people may stop offering more suggestions.