First home cinema system

[admin_exported]

I am looking to set up my first home cinema system, what i primarily would like is a 42" Pioneer TV or 42" Panasonic Plasma TV, PS3, AV receiver suitable for use with my IPOD and with a built in FM/MW tuner, space is an issue for this system. Couple of questions i have are:

If i plan on using an IPOD for my music, is it worth worrying whether the AV has HD audio output? due to the IPOD format being MP3. HD audio would be good for the movies and games but would it enhance the IPOD stuff.

Budget wise i don't want to spend more than about £350 on a receiver, STR DG820 looks good but doesn't look like it supports using the IPOD? , seems cheap for the money, is it worth going the xtra £100 for the denon 1909?

Am really struggling on what speaker package to get for use with movies, music and games due to so many around, not looking for the best but a decent all round package at no more than £300, i have been looking at KEF 1005.2 ,Yamaha NS-P 440 any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi,

HD audio is only relevant with an HD source (the PS3 you mentioned for example). You won't get HD audio from an iPod - only stereo.

You could buy any amp and not worry about iPod integration as there's plenty of docks available, some manufacturers make docks that match their current range.

The amps you mentioned are both excellent amps and choice will come down to personal taste.

The KEF's are also good quality speakers and again final choice will come down to how great you think they sound with whatever amp you buy and how well they play your favourite type of music.

Remember to factor in the cost of cables (speaker, interconnects).

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[professorhat]

Any AV amp will work with your iPod, you just need an appropriate lead (NB - this is just an example of the lead you need) which will plug into one of the standard RCA inputs on the amp (or you could use a dock as Cofnchtr suggests).
On speakers, I'd check out the Jamo A102HCS5 package as well as the ones you mention.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice guys, i see on the spec sheet for the Sony 820 amp that it has no 'upscaling' or 'up conversion', as i will be using a PS3 which i believe does upscale will this be an issue when watching normal DVD's. WHat is the downside to this lacking (if any) if using a PS3.

 

[Anonymous]

I set my PS3 to 1080i and allow the signal to 'pass through' my onk 606 and this is excellent. I only have a px80 so no downside at all.

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Upscaled dvd's through my PS3 look fantastic on my full hd Pany 42".

 

[professorhat]

Agreed, no downside, the PS3 has a very good DVD upscaler in it, you need to have a pretty expensive AV amp to better it (in my opinion). This is as long as all your DVDs are Region 2 (i.e. UK) DVDs. If you have any Region 1 DVDs, the PS3 won't be able to play them so this is worth bearing in mind before you commit yourself entirely (if you haven't already).