Home Cinema - Whats the way to go?

[admin_exported]

I am in a bit of turmoil as to the way to go to get the best out of my existing hi fi kit and my relatively new flatscreen tv.

In terms of hi fi I have an audiolab 8000c pre and an 8000p power amp running a pair of Mission 753's. I watch blue rays via a PS3 into my Sony KDL46W4500 LCD TV and SKY HD box for everyday TV.

I have a budget of around £400 if it means more speakers to the rear or dedicated home cinema electronics but there must be a way to compliment what I have and get the audiolab amps and 753's livened up with the tv on, surely!. What are my options?

 

[Anonymous]

I think you'll struggle to get a system together to use with your existing system. Do you have your tv connected to your hifi? If not, that would definitely improve the sound.

To get a surround system to incorporate your current set up you would need a receiver with pre-outs plus a centre and surround speakers to match your Missions. I would suspect that would cost more than £400.

 

[dave_k]

Maybe you could get a dac to connect between your TV/PS3 and pre amp? Add a mains conditioner? Buy many more blu rays?

Without going for a surround set-up i think there is only scope for tweaks here and there, or buy lots of nice media, sit back and enjoy what you have

 

[Anonymous]

Paul, thanks for your input to my turmoil.

I have not connected my TV to the hifi. I suppose I have a couple of options here too with connection from the SKY HD box to the amps? In terms of the PS3 I don't believe that has any outs for audio other than via the HDMI direct to the TV but I will need to check that out.

I had considered an AV receiver with inputs from both the SKY box and PS3 with outs back to the audiolabs to drive the Missions but I know zip about AV receivers and there capabilities. I will do some research here and look at the What HiFi reviews for a good one in my price range. If the AV receiver comes first and the surround speakers later then I am happy to build on the system over time as long as the foundations are right.

Dave K mentioned a DAC but again need to research my options. I know less about these than AV receivers. Any thoughts?

 

[Anonymous]

You can use the analog outputs via the PS cable and set the audio options via there if you wan't to hook the PS3 to the amp, obviously output will be in stereo.

 

[Sliced Bread]

How about adding an active sub. It will certainly liven up films! Combine this with connecting the TV via the analogue inputs as per the OP comments and I think you will have an enjoyable sound.

You can add a home cinema amp and speakers in the future if you wish.

If you add a home cinema amp now and just use it in stereo I think that you will gain nothing until the other speakers are attached in the future. In fact the amplification will probably not be as good so you may find that you will have a worst sound in the short term. In terms of buying an AV amp and speakers for 400 pounds, I think that you will be very disappointed with the sound if you do.

Adding a sub will bring alot more excitement to films from the word go.

Just my 2 pence!

 

[Anonymous]

Your tv has rca outputs. Just use these to connect to your amp and the sound from whatever you are watching, be it PS3/Sky will be heard through your speakers. Should sound tons better than the telly speakers. You don't need to connect each component seperately.

A home cinema amp in stereo is a bit of a waste to be honest, it would just give a bit more connectivity.

 

[jc.com]

BigTalc:

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there must be a way to compliment what I have

Tell it how nice it looks