Audiophiles - I'm Looking for an audio system.

[Toogoofy317]

I have the HTS355. I also copied and pasted the specs. Granted I have a one bed room apartment but when I popped in PGR4 for the first time in the 360 oh my word did it blow me away! Then alll the fun stuff they add into. Progressive scan makes your regular DVD very nice. Even my IPOD movies played from the dock were really good depending on what quality I ripped it that is. Need to get a little better radio antenna. I mean even if you don't have a pod you can still line in your MP3 with an additional port. It also has a usb where you can listen to files stored on a flash drive I charge my Ipod shuffle on it and the actually Ipod dock charges my classic and is a nice home for it. For a present my friend did a great job IMHO. Only downside I think the plugs are propriatary I.e don't have place red wire in one spot black wire other spot these have weird shaped plugs not sure how newer speakers are set up now.






AMPLIFIER
Total output power:
- Home Theater mode: 1000 W
- FTC* output power: 510 W
Frequency Response: 180 Hz – 14 kHz / ±3 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 60 dB (A-weighted)
Input Sensitivity
- AUX In : 500 mV
- TV In: 250 mV
- MP3 Line-In: 500 mV
* (1% THD 1kHz)
RADIO
Tuning Range: FM 87.5–108 MHz (100kHz)
AM 530–1700 kHz (10kHz)
26 dB Quieting
Sensitivity: FM 22 dBf, AM 5000μV/m
IF Rejection Ratio: FM 60 dB, AM 24 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: FM 50 dB, AM 30 dB
AM Suppression Ratio: FM 30 dB
Harmonic Distortion: FM Mono 3%
FM Stereo 3%
AM 5%
Frequency Response FM 180 Hz–10 kHz / ±6 dB
Stereo Separation FM 26 dB (1 kHz)
Stereo Threshold FM 23.5 dB
DISC
Laser Type Semiconductor
Disc Diametre 12cm / 8cm
Video Decoding MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 /
/ DivX 3/4/5/6, Ultra
Video DAC 12 Bits
Signal System NTSC / Multi
Video Format 4:3 / 16:9
Video S/N 56 dB
Composite Video
Output 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω
S-Video Output Y - 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω
C - 0.286 Vp-p, 75Ω
Audio DAC 24 Bits / 96 kHz
Frequency Response 4 Hz–20 kHz (44.1 kHz)
4 Hz–22 kHz (48 kHz)
4 Hz–44 kHz (96 kHz)
PCM IEC 60958
Dolby Digital IEC 60958, IEC 61937
DTS IEC 60958, IEC 61937
MAIN UNIT
Power Supply Rating: 120 V; 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 180 W
Low Standby power: < 1 W
Dimensions: 435 x 55 x 367 (mm)
(w x h x d)
Weight: 4.04 kg
FRONT AND REAR SPEAKERS
System: Full range satellite
Impedance: 6 Ω
Speaker drivers: 3" full range speaker
Frequency response: 150 Hz – 20 kHz
Dimensions: 95.5 x 198.3 x 75 (mm)
(w x h x d)
Weight: 0.62 kg/each
CENTER SPEAKER
System: Full range satellite
Impedance: 3 Ω
Speaker drivers: 2 x 2.5" full range woofer,
1 x 2" tweeter
Frequency response: 150 Hz – 20 kHz
Dimensions: 435 x 93.5 x 67 (mm)
(w x h x d)
Weight: 1.26kg
SUBWOOFER
Impedance: 3 Ω
Speaker drivers: 203 mm (8") woofer
Frequency response: 40 Hz – 150 Hz
Dimensions: 159.5 x 355.5 x 370 (mm)
(w x h x d)
Weight: 4.78 kg

Hope this helps! Oh I have a Phillips DVD recorder that plugged right in and they work in perfect harmony that way can record my Ipod movies 
Mary

[The Buddha]

Hope this helps! Oh I have a Phillips DVD recorder that plugged right in and they work in perfect harmony that way can record my Ipod movies 
Mary

OK we're gonna have to see pics/the footage of anythign interesting. OK ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[TheGoodGuy]

Dont get that philips.
I am writing up what you should buy. I personally do not like systems integrated with a dvd player, if one thing fails you are screwed. The system I am setting you up with is a component system.
Amp seperate, dvd player you already have, speakers are part of the package.

Problem is that most HITB, and no offense to you mary, but the specs are HORRID on that. 180-14K .. the whole lower end of the bass is missing.
Philips makes good products, and I have quite a few of them. However that system's specs are horrid looking at it. The 1000W is not 1000W continous, its PMPO. Which is basically crap. You would be lucky to be running 20W RMS on that sucker.

Give me 20 minutes, I will finish lunch and type out the whole setup for 400-500 bucks. It will sound MUCH better. I also have a solution to your existing speaker issue.

M

[scottpA_GS]

I agree w/ TGG... dont buy an all in one system  Esp. because you already have DVD and CD (dont get the need for both???) Going TGG's way you should be in good shape 

[TheGoodGuy]

Okay here you go:

Max budget of 500 - Complete System:

Option 1:  Buy Amp + Speakers + Cable (12 Gauge)

Option 2:

Option 3:

Aww f%$king shaZam!.. what happened to all that typing.. grrrr

[Toogoofy317]

I dunno my neighbors seem to think it sounds good through theri walls. Being that I didn't pay for it I'm not going to bash my system. Besides can you hook your Ipod to the system you put up? I mean 250 or 500 to each their I was trying to help.

I've still gotta get that video of me and flick out for you guys! Know what I'm gonna do just gotta get well enough to do it!

Mary

[TheGoodGuy]

Budget  $500

Good System –  ***/5  - Basic system.

Receiver:
Sherwood USA Receiver – RD6513 - $165+22 shipping @ buy.com or 178+5shipping + 24$ for 3 year square trade warranty@ beachaudio.com

Speakers:
+ Fluance AVHTB+ 199+shipping ($51 to NC) + cables from monoprice.com . Alternate speaker Fluance SXHTB+ 299+s&H
System Highlights:
100W per channel * 5.1 (add sub later). DTS/DD 5.1 HDMI switcher. Basic receiver. 


Better system ****/5   Mid range system


Speakers: Fluance AVHTB+  (alternate Fluance SXHTB+) www.fluance.com
Amp:  Denon AVR1709 (177+25 for 1 year extended  square trade + shipping )or AVR1708 (150+19 for warrenty+shipping).
Prefer AVR1709, better specs.  www.ecost.com (Denon units are recertified by Denon hence the extended warranty but that's your call).
Total Cost of system 199+51s&h+177 = $427
System Highlights: 80W*7.1 (AVR1709) + better amp + mid level receiver - will last you a good while.  Big speakers up front.  YOu are only going to use 5.1 and not 7.1


Better System Alternate ****/5   - Midrange HTIB system.

Ecost.com - Denon DHT488XP – HTIB. $ 389+shipping. Denon Recertified unit.
System comes with 5 speakers + 1 sub + amp. Amp is similar spec to AVR1708.

Alternates are: Ecost.com  Denon DHT 788BA $399+shipping or DHT488BA 379+shipping
Systems come with Boston Acoustic speakers. 5.1 system.  Once again amp is denon recertified.
Prefer DHT 788BA  More powerful amp to the 488BA


Now for cables: www.monoprice.com

You will need to buy good speaker cables (not monster)  Either 12 or 14 Gauge cable. Dont go any thinner than 16. I use 14 on my system. Cables from monoprice

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023902&p_id=2791&seq=1&format=2

or the 100ft version. You can get the cable from RadioShack - they have a spool of it for 20 something bucks. Its 14 or 16 if I am right.

Now for the home theater interconnects:
If your DVD player has Coaxial Digital Out (orange connector) or optical digital out you will need that type of cable. If its coaxial digital out, You can use the Yellow composite cable to connect the dvd player to the receiver. it will work fine. If its optical you will need to buy a TOSLink cable (~5 bucks at monoprice)

Now for the video out. If you have a HDTV. i suggest connect HDMI straight from DVD player to TV, Audio from DVD to receiver.
If you dont have HDTV. Try using Component (Red/Blue/Green) out on your dvd player and tv for video, digital audio to reciever. Component Cable @ monoprice $5/10ft
If you dont support component on tv, use S-Video (black connector with 4 pins) for video. Digital for audio. Svideo cable @ monoprice $2/10 ft.
I dont suggest using the yellow connector for video .. it sucks.

Now if you got a cable / direct tv box. If you want to have surround sound. Connect the appropriate cable on the box to the receiver. All Amps spec'd have 2 digital coaxial and 1 optical TOSlink. So one way or another you are covered.

As for the speaker sitting in the garage. you can try removing the speakers from the front (usually woofer is screwed in the front). Take woofer out, reconnect wire and put it in sons room or connect remaining 2 channels on the AVR1709 to 2nd room for audio.

Call me 818-512-4047 if you need help!


Though if you dont want 5.1 surround (or 5 channel surround). I can set you up with a hella good 2.1 channel for that range.

[TheGoodGuy]

I highly suggest going the Denon route's rather than the Sherwood route. You will be happier.

Whatever system you get, I'll walk you through how to set it up right. If you get the Fluance Speakers make sure you let the speakers breaking 10 hours at least. Actually all speakers should be broken in first .. crank it and you blow it.

[The Buddha]

I highly suggest going the Denon route's rather than the Sherwood route. You will be happier.

Whatever system you get, I'll walk you through how to set it up right. If you get the Fluance Speakers make sure you let the speakers breaking 10 hours at least. Actually all speakers should be broken in first .. crank it and you blow it.

OK Thanks a million, no philips K, On the rest, I'll have to get back on this tonight ... daylight interrupted by rain hard enough to peel the paint off my car = time to look for crap @ all the boneyards.
Cool.
Buddha.

[cafeboy]

rain hard enough to peel the paint off my car = time to look for crap @ all the boneyards.

+1 

[The Buddha]

To that fluance you mentioned, I have to add a subwoofer dont I.
Also Denon has remote with volume on it - Huge huge huge and only item for WAF ... WAF for me works in reverse, big and clunky, looking like a tree is growing in our living room = Maximum WAF. Small and elegant ... she thinks she's going to break it the first time she runs across in front of it = negative WAF.

Cafeboy - ? you going to bone yards too ... call me 704 724 3878 if you wanna meet somewhere (I think I'd pass by your area today) pretty sure I'm going to that kings mtn exit and then on 74 and into SC.
Cool.
Buddha.

[cafeboy]

No,
Today I have to go to Spartanburg to look at a car for my cuz.
If not for that, I would be there. 

[The Buddha]

177 something for the denon, 200 for the 5 speakers and 150 for a sub .. even not counting in shipping. Scary ...
Have a suggestion for a sub goodguy ?
Cool.
Buddha.

[TheGoodGuy]

To that fluance you mentioned, I have to add a subwoofer dont I.
Also Denon has remote with volume on it - Huge huge huge and only item for WAF ... WAF for me works in reverse, big and clunky, looking like a tree is growing in our living room = Maximum WAF. Small and elegant ... she thinks she's going to break it the first time she runs across in front of it = negative WAF.

Cafeboy - ? you going to bone yards too ... call me 704 724 3878 if you wanna meet somewhere (I think I'd pass by your area today) pretty sure I'm going to that kings mtn exit and then on 74 and into SC.
Cool.
Buddha.

You wont miss one. If you set up the amp right, the sub sounds will go to the main speakers but later on you can get a cheap sub, even a 50w one will take care of filling the sound. Heck I have a 50W sub at home, works fine. Though my neighbour has a 400W and its obnoxiously loud. If you are goign to get a sub, let me know I got a list of subs that you can get.

All systems have a remote control, they come with one. I think its given these days that you got to have a remote. You are lucky that your WAF works in reverse, most women want small and cute.. except that when you give them small and cute they want big and hard.. lol

M

[TheGoodGuy]

177 something for the denon, 200 for the 5 speakers and 150 for a sub .. even not counting in shipping. Scary ...
Have a suggestion for a sub goodguy ?
Cool.
Buddha.

you can add the sub later.. But if you want a sub here are some options.

www.partsexpress.com --> http://ww
w.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-631&FTR=&CFID=9521960&CFTOKEN=33311271
thats under 100. There is another better one for $105, but its out of stock.

You dont need the sub right now though. You can get away without it for a while.

There are lots of sub manufacturers.. SONY, Yamaha, Velodyne, etc. I suggest you hold off. there is usually some bloke upgrading his subs on the cheap on CL or audiogon.com

[The Buddha]

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-696

Hey why not all dayton stuff ... cheaper than dayton sub+fluance front/rear/center even if its by just about 75 bones.
Yea ... that fluance 5 pack looks impressive too ... I guess 199+95 is cool.
Cool.
Buddha.

[TheGoodGuy]

LOL i knew you were goign to try do that..

You are better off with Fluance. I dont know how the dayton speakers are .. though those reviews are going good. I know the sub is well received.

[The Buddha]

WAF has kicked in, the big and clunky fluance beats the little ciggy box dayton.
I guess fluance/denon/dayton and what impedance, they all 8 ohm ?
Cool.
Buddha.

[TheGoodGuy]

yup all 8ohm...
THough sub's LFE is probably not 8ohm but whatever it is, it has its own amp.

[JStrube]

About 2 years ago, I finally was able to replace my vintage 1986 Fisher system.  I did a 6.1 setup, not entirely happy with how I placed my rear speakers, but that's what I get for listening to the stereo shop!  Here is what I ended up with:

AMP-Yamaha RX-V2700, they replaced this recently with a 3 series.  has one more HDMI input.  I use one of the 100W internal amps for the garage, patio, master BR & master bath.
Front pair-Paradyme sumptin sumptin...  Very clean sounding highs, not too harsh.  (too lazy to see what they are...)
Center-Klipsch Reference series RC62.  Sounds great for the voice, etc.
rear 3, this is where I screwed up.  Shop said to place all 3 behind the listening area, evenly.  I have a rt, left & center rear.  Should have placed the rt & left to the side of the couch...  These are Klipsch in ceiling 8" speakers.
Subwoofer...  I kind of broke the budget here...  I went looking for a good $500 sub.  Klipsch, Velodyne, Energy...  Then the guy showed me the Velodyne SPL 10" sub for $1800.  OMG, what a powerhouse.  I liked it, but not the price.  I did an internet search & found the SPL 12" sub for $1000 even from audio liquidators.  This thing makes the glasses in the cabinet walk around.  What I like best is that it has a very low resonant frequency.  I used to hate subs.  They all sounded like they were tuned for a high bass hit.  Not this one, it hits as low as you want to go.

Anyway, just thought I'd share.  I built it as the showcase to my front room in the new house.

Later,

John.