New to home cinema

[admin_exported]

I'm totally new to home cinema so excuse the stupid questions!

I'm considering getting some speakers for my TV but first have to decide what do go for. I don't really want to go for 5.1 simply because I don't want to go to the trouble of fixing the rear speakers to the wall and having wires trailing around the lounge.

I'd like a couple of speakers that enhance the sound of the TV and deliver some decent bass when required. A 2.1 system would be ideal but my new TV only has optical out and I've been advised that you can't get a 2.1 system that takes optical out?

So my question is, would I be able to buy an AV Receiver and attach a couple of bookshelf speakers? Also, would I need to buy a sub too?

Assuming the answer is yes to the above, with a £300-£350 budget, where should I spend my money - any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[Frank Harvey]

You could look at one of Yamaha's Soundbars - a left/centre/right speaker that sits under the TV and incorporates surround processing and some spare inputs. This saves on having a big bulky AV receiver. You can add a sub to make it 3.1.

 

[Anonymous]

How about this one?

http://www.richersounds.com/product/soundbars/yamaha/yas71/yama-yas71-blk#

Do these sound bars really have good quality sound? And is the simulated surround sound really any good?

 

[Anonymous]

Have you considered adding active speakers to your TV's headphone out?

I use active speakers (built in amplification), as they are a lot less hassle than searching for amps and speakers that are a good match etc.

This means that your TV will control the volume and switch inputs for you so there are no extra buttons to press.

Adam Audio's AX range is a good place to start. http://www.adam-audio.com/en/pro-audio/products/a5x/description

Others to consider are Tannoy Precision, Dynaudio BM, Genelec etc

Look for speakers with RCA phono inputs (like the Adam AXs) as they are easier to install, as you could just use a shop bought 2xphono - 3.5mm jack cable. Speakers with XLR inputs only would require a bit of soldering.

Its a bit of an alternative approach but I hope this helps.

 

[Anonymous]

Theres also these http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/q-tv.htm if youre less bothered about sound. Same premise as active speakers