Question:
I need help !
I have no idea how to start chosing AV equipment, or even how much to spend on it.
At the moment, I've got a decent telly, and a budget DVD player, so all I need now is the AV kit. I really don't know whether to look at package kits or go straight into separates.....
Anyway, I can probably spend anything upto £1000, so any recommendations ?
With that sort of money I'd probably look at seperates, though all you really need is an amp and speakers, possibly with a sub as well.
You definitely get better quality from seperates and you can mix and match different manufacturers to get the best of each bit of kit!
As it's your first system you may well want to upgrade in the future so going for seperates means you can replace one bit at a time as well.
That's sort of what I was thinking as well, but there is so much kit out there... how do you decide what to get !
Start with a magazine, pick a few things that get decent reviews and match your budget then go along to a local store and get them to demo your shortlist. Then tell them you're going to think it over and go and buy it all cheaper from the internet;)
Not that I'd condone that sort of behaviour, and to be honest you could probably get a decent price from the shop and get them to chuck in a bit of free cabling etc.
Oh, and that reminds me, remember to budget for cables, I think approx 10% of your total budget is considered about right.
Hi Mate,
Well i'd chose something that has been well reviewed
in home entertainment or home cinema choice magazine.
Personally for a first system I'd go for something that was well reviewed and cheap - the marantz sr4200 for example available
for a good price from Richer Sounds - that does well for movies and music.
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=205730
£199.99 online....
SETTING IT UP
Setting up the receiver for the first time was very easy, it only took about 10-15 mins. The manual goes through the setting up of the unit step by step so if you do find something a bit hard then the manual is very helpful.
LOOKS
This receiver is available in either Black or Gold(myself I think that the gold looks better), the front panel has all the buttons and knobs that are needed and still does not look cluttered. The sides and top are a gold colour like the front, and don't look cheap and nasty like some others I have seen.
FEATURES
It has both Dolby Digital and DTS decoders built in and a Dolby Pro Logic II decoder (Movie\Music). It also has 96 kHz/ 24 bit decoding for playback of 96 kHz/ 24 bit PCM audio sources.
AMPLIFIER SECTION
It is rated at 70watts per channel (Continuous Power Output) at 8 ohms and 100watts per channel (Maximum Power Output) at 6 ohms, when compared with some other receivers on the market this seems quite low for an amp at this price but it isn't, all manufacturers measure the power in different ways and 70watts on an amp by Marantz is equivalent to about 100-125watts on an amp by Sony, Technics or something similar.
TUNER (AM/FM Radio)
This receiver has a built in AM/FM Tuner which saves you having to go out and buy a separate Tuner which would cost you around £60-100 (depending on how good it is). This Tuner has RDS(radio data system), RT(radio text), and PTY for searching for different program types such as News, Weather, Pop music, and Jazz Music
REMOTE CONTROL
It comes with a remote control unit (RC5200SR) which is capable of controlling all your other equipment (TV,DVD,SKY,CD...), the control is quite large compared to some others but all the buttons are layed out well. It is very easy to set it up to control all your other equipment, There is a list of codes at the back of the manual all you have to do is find the code next to the manufacturer of your equipment, hold down the button for the function you want to program(TV for example) and enter the code.
SOUND QUALITY
This receiver has excellent sound quality for both Home Theatre and Music which is quite rare, most Home Theatre receivers will be good for Home Theatre but will not sound quite right when playing music.
SOUND MODES
It has quit a few sound modes that all sound good, some receivers will have sound modes that just makes the sound distorted. The Sound modes on this receiver are:
-Auto -
automatically detects what sound is best for each function
-Stereo -
Normal 2 channel stereo sound
-DTS -
(Digital Theatre System) 5.1 channel sound for DVD's containing DTS audio
-Dolby Digital -
5.1 channel sound for DVD's containing Dolby Digital audio
-Dolby Pro Logic -
For things that aren't Dolby Digital or DTS compatible (TV, VCR...)
-Dolby Pro Logic II(Music) -
For 5.1 channel sound from a CD, MD, or Tape player.
(This is a very good mode and is usually only available on more expensive receivers.)
-Dolby Pro Logic II(Movie) -
For 5.1 channel sound from a VCR, TV, or Satellite System.
(This is also a very good mode and is usually only available on more expensive receivers.)
-Hall -
For a sound effect that makes you feel like your in a hall or another large room
-Matrix -
Similar to the hall effect but gives you the feeling of being in an even larger place.
-Game -
For use when playing games on a console or PC.
-Virtual -
Gives a surround effect through just two front speakers.
-5-channel Stereo -
For stereo sound through all five speakers.
CONNECTIONS
It has all the connections most people will ever need, They are:
Analogue audio -
CD(in)
TAPE(in/out)
CDR/MD(in/out)
DSS/VCR2(in,out)
VCR1(in/out)
DVD(in)
TV(in)
Digital audio -
Optical - Digital 1(in) - (can select any function)
Optical - Digital 2(in) - (can select any function)
Optical - Digital (out) - (can select any function)
Coaxial - Digital 3(in) - (can select any function)
Coaxial - Digital 4(in) - (can select any function)
Coaxial - Digital (out) - (can select any function)
Composite Video -
DSS/VCR2(in,out)
VCR1(in/out)
DVD(in)
TV(in)
Monitor(out)
S-Video -
VCR1(in/out)
DVD(in)
Monitor(out)
Remote Control - (for connecting to other Marantz equipment)
1x IN
1x OUT
Pre-Out - (for connecting separate amplifiers for more power)
Front L
Front R
Surround L
Surround R
Center
Sub-Woofer
Speaker Outputs -
Front L
Front R
Surround L
Surround R
Center
AC Outlet -
1x (230v 50hz) Switched 100W max.
Antenna out -
1x FM(75 ohm)
1x GND + AM
"The first affordable surround sound receiver to sound truly musical, multi channel performance that equals the previous class best." - What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine.
And a nice speaker package to go with it...
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=206073
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=205416
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=209578
Should leave you enough money to get a panasonic DMR-E30
dvd recorder from www.comet.co.uk for £399.99
Regards
Niteman1969
Wow, awsome post Niteman1969 !! :notworthy !!
I have seen that marantz mentioned elseswhere, so I think I'll definitely put it on my shortlist.
I think the DVD recorder can wait until next christmas .. preferably one with a hard disc and PVR facilities...
I am a bit concerned about those speaker packages on richersounds though ... Am I really going to get the best from the amp with £200 of speakers ? Will I notice much difference if I spend, say, £400, or £600 on the speakers ?
also, do I want an Amp with 6.1 ? The marantz has 5.1, but I don't know what the extra speaker in 6.1 is for ... ?
Extra speaker is for in between the rear L and rear R, essentially a center speaker at the rear. you would need to spend a bit more for a 6.1 or even 7.1 system of the same quality as the marrantz described above
Originally posted by mostlyharmless
I am a bit concerned about those speaker packages on richersounds though ... Am I really going to get the best from the amp with £200 of speakers ? Will I notice much difference if I spend, say, £400, or £600 on the speakers ?
Have a look about for different speaker packages, there are gains to be made [and mistakes too] at all prices levels. Justin at www.upgradeheaven.co.uk (http://www.upgradeheaven.co.uk/shop.htm) is selling the new Tannoy FX5.1 sub and sat package which is good for the price, but
www.hifibitz.co.uk (http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/Warehouse/details.asp?ProductID=TANFX51SV) also have it in stock and are throwing a free pair of speaker stands in with the price.
As said before, try not to get carried away with the buying as prices can escalate rapidly. Try and demo some kit that you are interested in, not what the salesman wants to sell you!
Don't be afraid to ask on here either, we've all been through this too! ;)
Boink!
Thanks for the pointers to the Tannoy's. I hadn't thought of stands, but I guess I'll need something to stop the rears disappearing behind the sofa ...
I had a look round that hifibitz site, and they've got some nice looking kit .. you can spend some serious money on this stuff ... :norty: :)
It looks like I can spend £600 and get a pretty reasonable setup, so I think I'll look at stuff around that price range.
Thanks for all the help so far. Please post any more suggestions for stuff I should consider :thumbs:
I have no idea how to start chosing AV equipment, or even how much to spend on it.
At the moment, I've got a decent telly, and a budget DVD player, so all I need now is the AV kit. I really don't know whether to look at package kits or go straight into separates.....
Anyway, I can probably spend anything upto £1000, so any recommendations ?
Answers:
With that sort of money I'd probably look at seperates, though all you really need is an amp and speakers, possibly with a sub as well.
You definitely get better quality from seperates and you can mix and match different manufacturers to get the best of each bit of kit!
As it's your first system you may well want to upgrade in the future so going for seperates means you can replace one bit at a time as well.
Answers:
That's sort of what I was thinking as well, but there is so much kit out there... how do you decide what to get !
Answers:
Start with a magazine, pick a few things that get decent reviews and match your budget then go along to a local store and get them to demo your shortlist. Then tell them you're going to think it over and go and buy it all cheaper from the internet;)
Not that I'd condone that sort of behaviour, and to be honest you could probably get a decent price from the shop and get them to chuck in a bit of free cabling etc.
Oh, and that reminds me, remember to budget for cables, I think approx 10% of your total budget is considered about right.
Answers:
Hi Mate,
Well i'd chose something that has been well reviewed
in home entertainment or home cinema choice magazine.
Personally for a first system I'd go for something that was well reviewed and cheap - the marantz sr4200 for example available
for a good price from Richer Sounds - that does well for movies and music.
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=205730
£199.99 online....
SETTING IT UP
Setting up the receiver for the first time was very easy, it only took about 10-15 mins. The manual goes through the setting up of the unit step by step so if you do find something a bit hard then the manual is very helpful.
LOOKS
This receiver is available in either Black or Gold(myself I think that the gold looks better), the front panel has all the buttons and knobs that are needed and still does not look cluttered. The sides and top are a gold colour like the front, and don't look cheap and nasty like some others I have seen.
FEATURES
It has both Dolby Digital and DTS decoders built in and a Dolby Pro Logic II decoder (Movie\Music). It also has 96 kHz/ 24 bit decoding for playback of 96 kHz/ 24 bit PCM audio sources.
AMPLIFIER SECTION
It is rated at 70watts per channel (Continuous Power Output) at 8 ohms and 100watts per channel (Maximum Power Output) at 6 ohms, when compared with some other receivers on the market this seems quite low for an amp at this price but it isn't, all manufacturers measure the power in different ways and 70watts on an amp by Marantz is equivalent to about 100-125watts on an amp by Sony, Technics or something similar.
TUNER (AM/FM Radio)
This receiver has a built in AM/FM Tuner which saves you having to go out and buy a separate Tuner which would cost you around £60-100 (depending on how good it is). This Tuner has RDS(radio data system), RT(radio text), and PTY for searching for different program types such as News, Weather, Pop music, and Jazz Music
REMOTE CONTROL
It comes with a remote control unit (RC5200SR) which is capable of controlling all your other equipment (TV,DVD,SKY,CD...), the control is quite large compared to some others but all the buttons are layed out well. It is very easy to set it up to control all your other equipment, There is a list of codes at the back of the manual all you have to do is find the code next to the manufacturer of your equipment, hold down the button for the function you want to program(TV for example) and enter the code.
SOUND QUALITY
This receiver has excellent sound quality for both Home Theatre and Music which is quite rare, most Home Theatre receivers will be good for Home Theatre but will not sound quite right when playing music.
SOUND MODES
It has quit a few sound modes that all sound good, some receivers will have sound modes that just makes the sound distorted. The Sound modes on this receiver are:
-Auto -
automatically detects what sound is best for each function
-Stereo -
Normal 2 channel stereo sound
-DTS -
(Digital Theatre System) 5.1 channel sound for DVD's containing DTS audio
-Dolby Digital -
5.1 channel sound for DVD's containing Dolby Digital audio
-Dolby Pro Logic -
For things that aren't Dolby Digital or DTS compatible (TV, VCR...)
-Dolby Pro Logic II(Music) -
For 5.1 channel sound from a CD, MD, or Tape player.
(This is a very good mode and is usually only available on more expensive receivers.)
-Dolby Pro Logic II(Movie) -
For 5.1 channel sound from a VCR, TV, or Satellite System.
(This is also a very good mode and is usually only available on more expensive receivers.)
-Hall -
For a sound effect that makes you feel like your in a hall or another large room
-Matrix -
Similar to the hall effect but gives you the feeling of being in an even larger place.
-Game -
For use when playing games on a console or PC.
-Virtual -
Gives a surround effect through just two front speakers.
-5-channel Stereo -
For stereo sound through all five speakers.
CONNECTIONS
It has all the connections most people will ever need, They are:
Analogue audio -
CD(in)
TAPE(in/out)
CDR/MD(in/out)
DSS/VCR2(in,out)
VCR1(in/out)
DVD(in)
TV(in)
Digital audio -
Optical - Digital 1(in) - (can select any function)
Optical - Digital 2(in) - (can select any function)
Optical - Digital (out) - (can select any function)
Coaxial - Digital 3(in) - (can select any function)
Coaxial - Digital 4(in) - (can select any function)
Coaxial - Digital (out) - (can select any function)
Composite Video -
DSS/VCR2(in,out)
VCR1(in/out)
DVD(in)
TV(in)
Monitor(out)
S-Video -
VCR1(in/out)
DVD(in)
Monitor(out)
Remote Control - (for connecting to other Marantz equipment)
1x IN
1x OUT
Pre-Out - (for connecting separate amplifiers for more power)
Front L
Front R
Surround L
Surround R
Center
Sub-Woofer
Speaker Outputs -
Front L
Front R
Surround L
Surround R
Center
AC Outlet -
1x (230v 50hz) Switched 100W max.
Antenna out -
1x FM(75 ohm)
1x GND + AM
"The first affordable surround sound receiver to sound truly musical, multi channel performance that equals the previous class best." - What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine.
And a nice speaker package to go with it...
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=206073
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=205416
http://www.richersounds.sv01.net/index.php?f=itemdetl.php&p=209578
Should leave you enough money to get a panasonic DMR-E30
dvd recorder from www.comet.co.uk for £399.99
Regards
Niteman1969
Answers:
Wow, awsome post Niteman1969 !! :notworthy !!
I have seen that marantz mentioned elseswhere, so I think I'll definitely put it on my shortlist.
I think the DVD recorder can wait until next christmas .. preferably one with a hard disc and PVR facilities...
I am a bit concerned about those speaker packages on richersounds though ... Am I really going to get the best from the amp with £200 of speakers ? Will I notice much difference if I spend, say, £400, or £600 on the speakers ?
also, do I want an Amp with 6.1 ? The marantz has 5.1, but I don't know what the extra speaker in 6.1 is for ... ?
Answers:
Extra speaker is for in between the rear L and rear R, essentially a center speaker at the rear. you would need to spend a bit more for a 6.1 or even 7.1 system of the same quality as the marrantz described above
Answers:
Originally posted by mostlyharmless
I am a bit concerned about those speaker packages on richersounds though ... Am I really going to get the best from the amp with £200 of speakers ? Will I notice much difference if I spend, say, £400, or £600 on the speakers ?
Have a look about for different speaker packages, there are gains to be made [and mistakes too] at all prices levels. Justin at www.upgradeheaven.co.uk (http://www.upgradeheaven.co.uk/shop.htm) is selling the new Tannoy FX5.1 sub and sat package which is good for the price, but
www.hifibitz.co.uk (http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/Warehouse/details.asp?ProductID=TANFX51SV) also have it in stock and are throwing a free pair of speaker stands in with the price.
As said before, try not to get carried away with the buying as prices can escalate rapidly. Try and demo some kit that you are interested in, not what the salesman wants to sell you!
Don't be afraid to ask on here either, we've all been through this too! ;)
Boink!
Answers:
Thanks for the pointers to the Tannoy's. I hadn't thought of stands, but I guess I'll need something to stop the rears disappearing behind the sofa ...
I had a look round that hifibitz site, and they've got some nice looking kit .. you can spend some serious money on this stuff ... :norty: :)
It looks like I can spend £600 and get a pretty reasonable setup, so I think I'll look at stuff around that price range.
Thanks for all the help so far. Please post any more suggestions for stuff I should consider :thumbs:
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