PSX5Central
Non Gaming Discussions => Off-Topic => Topic started by: bigrob on January 14, 2003, 01:37:21 AM
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Well, some of you might rember that I am renovating my appartment(currently livingroom wall, putting new mortar on) and in a new apartment you cant have and old big stereos to mess the perfection up. But since I knopw pretty much jackshit about this stuff, can someone recomend a good system. MAX Budget is 1000€, but target spending is 700€. It has to be small, well designed , play mp3/dvd/cd/cdrw and have a radio tuner and I need to be able to connect my ps2/xbox to it (1 at the time is enough).
I found this, but any other suggestions are most welcome. Please help.
http://www.dvdupgrades.ch/cgi-bin/shop/401256.html
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Tips: don\'t skimp on the display. For my budget I went all out and get a 32" wega ($900 is mucho for me). I\'ll put a simple one together for you:
Panasonic RV32k (http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/NewDesign/ModelTemplate.asp?ModelId=16365&show_all=false&product_exists=True&active=1&ModelNo=DVD-RV32K&CategoryId=%202977) DVD Player - Plays CDR/CDRW/DVDR/MP3/WMA and Matsushita always makes great mpeg2 chipsets- $100
Kenwood HTB-505 (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product.jsp?productTypeId=33&sortBy=price&productId=2463) Surround Sound Package - I know home theater in a box deals are the devil but you simply have no option with your budget. The receiver has a built-in tuner for radio and does DD/DTS/DPLII at 100wx5 with 100w sub and 5 speakers. - $400
32" Sony Wega or Toshiba FST Pure - Going a little over budget here, but you can get a non-flat TV for $250 less. Your choice. - $750 flat or $500 round.
Just please whatever you do don\'t get a Philips or Sony HTB with the cutesy small speakers. They may look shiny, but they focus more on cosmetics than performance.
edit- ok I re-read your post and it doesn\'t say you are in need of a TV. Assuming you don\'t we have much more to play around with. :)
I\'d keep the Pana DVD player as your music source and upgrade the receiver to a Denon 1603 (80wx5 - $400)
Speakers, many choices here but with $500 were still doing a budget system.
1) JBL Northridge series (http://www.jbl.com/home/products/series.asp?SerId=NOR) w/Sony SAWM40 (http://www.cheaphometheater.com/sony-sawm40.htm) 12" Powered 120w Sub
This sub is cheap but has been getting rave reviews for a while on the HT forums. I have JBL Northridges and these are currently the budget speakers of choice. N24\'s for the rear and N26\'s or 28\'s up front.
2) Energy Take 5.2 (http://www.energy-speakers.com/take5-2/take5-2_speakers_system.html) with matching 8" sub
Nice but pricey, you may be able to find one at your price point used.
3) Home Theater Direct (http://www.htdaudio.com/levtwospeak.html) Level 2 package
Also popular on the HT forums, great bang per buck. Probably what I\'d get now if I had to start all over with the same budget.
http://www.cheaphometheater.com
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I;ve heard a lot of good things about energy.
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I hate you americans and your cheap electronic goods. sniff.
In the UK, we pay 50% more for most things, some even 100% more
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Originally posted by videoholic
I;ve heard a lot of good things about energy.
I\'ve had a pair of the C-8s for the last four years, and they are real performers for the price. If you get a chance to audition the Connoiseur or Vertitas lines, do so, you will be impressed for the price-point.
uhh, sorry to veer-off topic bigrob.
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I am getting a new tv I think this year. Then a sofa, then possibly a speaker upgrade. I\'m ready for sure.
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Well, see, the thing is. In this case cosmetics are also very importat. Seriosly guys, since when is it only the inside that matters. I always judge a book by its cover. No matter what its about. girls, stereos, books...etc etc. And in this case SIZE really matters. It has to be SMALL.
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I feel your pain Bigrob. Not everyone want to sacrifice looks and style by buying big bulky gear. :)
Well, seeing your constrains I\'d choose one of those \'home theater in a box\' system that you\'re already looking at. I dunno about Phillips\' systems, but Panasonic and Sony should be alright. Or what about this JVC system (JVC TH V 70) - I believe it has gotten good reviews and an award at the EISA show:
(https://psx5central.com/community/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsamwise.netfirms.com%2Funtitled.bmp&hash=93fe84f9b879cf282ca886a1e17d9b77768c9e27)
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well, its done, I bought the philips system. got a good deal and I aint a sound whore, but a design whore.
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Hopefully it gives you enough of what you are looking for. Usually those systems will get hammered on movies where there are battles and large blasts. I have never looked at any though so it is probably perfect for you.
I\'m glad we all could help. :)
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hehehe yea. Although you didn\'t take our advice I\'m sure the system will serve you well. I guess we can\'t blame you for going Philips, you are in Sweden after all.
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And people in Sweden only buy Philips? :confused: :)
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Yea, they say they are Amsterdam good products.
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philips is not swedish, it\'s a dutch brand !
The system is still in itys box, since my living room is currently wwIII.
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damn I coulda sworn... What else does Holland make?
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weed !, and if philips is has the same quality system as that country has quality weed. I just bought the best system in world ;-)
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I did a rollback on my philips, since I can not connect my console to the philips one. Even though the salesman told me so. I called them up and talked to them, and now they are coming home to change it.
Now i will have a sony dav-s550
http://www.netonnet.se/item.asp?iid=45846
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Pfft @ all these fancy designer home sets.
Come on, get the huge A/V rack, get you a decent amp, receiver, DVD player, TV and other goodies and have cables everywhere.
It looks a lot more manly.
:D
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Once systems go firewire, the mess will fade away.
Bigrob, that system looks very slick, but I\'m not into Sony for speakers. Certainly look nice though.