How would you spend 2.5K ??

[admin_exported]

Hi folks, total newbie here

, so go easy on me please.

I'm looking to buy a complete AV system. 40-42" screen (and a stand), an amp, and a KEF egg style speaker system. I plan to run it with a sky HD box, and a PS3.

My problem is i really dont know where to start. Its quite a confusing subject unless its your hobbie (it isnt, mines is cars)

So, instead of asking lots of questions about whether i need an amp that has upscaling hdmi's or if i want my dvd player to upscale instead, i thought i'd ask for recomendations of what you would buy and why.

My main viewing will be through Sky. Although i'll be getting an HD box, most of the content will still be SD i'd imagine. I dont tend to spin that many discs, so hopefully the PS3 will suffice (unless you can convince me otherwise

) I suppose i rate visual above audio, but i still want it to impress with the tunes. I'm guessing anything will be better than the 28" CRT and the inbuilt speakers

From initial numpty research of what can be had on the best deals, i was guessing something like a Sony 40W4500, with an onkyo 606, and the kef 3005SE. That lot can be had for £1950, so would leave me some budget for the stand, speaker cables and a Sky HD box. I already have the PS3.

Your help is much appreciated with this one. If i can ever repay the favour with car related advice, please dont hesitiate to ask

cheers

Neil

 

[lobby]

Yes it took me a while in deciding what av equipment to buy, but it was worth it after spending many hours on the forums. I didnt have any ideal at the time and ending up with a 40" Samsung lcd Quadlites and Onkyo 606 with Qed xt speaker cable Chord hdmi using it with my ps3, and really happy with it.I think your choices are good ones for movies and games, but don't expect to much for music. Im guessing from your choice of av you've looked at Sevenoaks, because they have some good deals at the moment on the Kef Onkyo combo's. Also i would consider looking at the Panny plasma's. If it was my money i would buy the plasma with the Kef 3005se and Onkyo 606 at that price .That leaves enough funds for TV stands, speaker cables and hdmi's etc.Also have a look at A1 sounds and Creative Audio they do good speaker packages.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes the decision is tough ! I'm going through the same process at the mo.. but hey come on its fun and the kit will bring you many years of pleasure so a little bit of research will be worth it!

By the way what is the best price that you have found for the Kef 3005SE style package?

 

[Anonymous]

I saw an offer on sevenoaks that did the 606 and the 3005SE for 1100 as opposed to 1400. Not been able to find anyone that sells those speakers for cheaper than retail, unless your buying as a package. Hopefully can get an even better deal if i'm buying a Tv and stand as well.

My main area of uncertainty is the amp to be honest. I've pretty much picked the speakers setup (based on looks, such a tart

) What features does the amp need to function properly. Does it need video upscaling?? Or does my PS3 upscale well enough? Can i get away with a 505 or an even cheaper amp? that would allow me to spend more on the screen? Like i say, the picture is probably more important to me, and although i enjoy music, i listen through my tv speakers, or a set of pc speakers at the moment, so i'm sure the KEF's will be a huge improvement for me.

 

[lobby]

With that deal at Sevenoaks, if you can get it i dont think you will get any better. The only other way is to go for the 2005.3, then spend the rest on the best Panasonic 42-46 plasma. Or if you can afford the Pioneer 5090 at £2099, then buy the budget Sony dg820 amp for £220 and Jamo102hcs5 for £180. This will give you the best tv around and good starter into av world, you can always upgrade in the future, but i think you will be very happy when using your Ps3 with this setup. then in a couple of years when or if Bluray moves on upgrade to a standalone player and maybe new amp and speakers, as you wont lose loads on you budget system. If i could room the 50" plasma i would definetly get that and then save for speakers and amp.

 

[Anonymous]

My viewing distance is 3.5m away from where the TV will sit, so could possibly stretch to a 50" screen. What do you think at that distance??

 

[XSnPX]

Hi there,

I found this site whilst researchign to buy an amp and speaker package and they seem to be good too..

http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/hotsystemsAMP_ONK606.php

The Tannoy speaker package i believe were well rated too.

Ben.