Recomendations for a Newbie

[dave_k]

Hi All,

I'm new to the world of home cinema and HiFi, but i've got a full HD Plasma TV crying out for some HD feed rather than just Freeview SD and a non-upscaling DVD player connected by scart.

I haven't space for a full surround system, or the budget, so I'd like you opinions on setting up a stereo speaker arrangement.

Should i get a blu ray player and a stereo amp, or can i get a player that i can connect directly to a pair of speakers? I'll also be using it for music CD playback.

I hope this isn't to vague, i'll appreciate any caomments...

Thanks, Dave

 

[Big Aura]

do you want this for "better tv sound" only or will it be 50-50 for a music system as well? If mainly movies and a bit of music, you could investigate soundbars or the new Sony Bluray 2.1 systems. But the more emphasis on music will mean a switch towards a stereo amp and speakers...

What's your budget?

 

[dave_k]

Yeah it'll be 50-50 probably,and i like the idea of getting separates as they can be upgraded or added to as funds and space allow.

I've around £500 to spend and would probably get the player first then amp/ speakers next. Any thoughts on what would make a good combination? I like the look and reviews of Pioneers bdp 51fd...

Thanks again

 

[Anonymous]

Personally before you start looking for better audio is to invest in a blu-ray player or if you are still unsure of the blu ray then get a DVD player that has a hdmi lead. Even without any upscaling you will notice the difference, deeper colours and crisper edges. You can get the Sony BDP350 for around £150 now or a decent dvd player for £70.

With the audio I think Big Aura is right, the best route is either a 2.1 system or a soundbar - if you go the movie route. Again this is just personal taste but I'd go with the soundbar and sub combo. You don't have to go for 5* equipment. I've heard a friends Yamaha soundbar with a Yamaha YST-FSW050 sub and it was surprisingly good, it didn't have that expansive feel of a properly set up full system but the effects were there which decent movement and the sub though small gave a fullness to the sound.

Don't forget that as soon as the bug bites (and it will bite

) you will probably want to upgrade the system so when considering your budget I would take into account that you only buy these items once every few years (5-10 years for some things) get the maximum you can afford and make sure you tick all your personal boxes.

Hope I haven't waffled on too much!

 

[Big Aura]

Then, trying to keep to your budget how about this (you can get the newer s360 for about £40 more) and this and these (or these to break the bank or these to go cheaper)?

Don't forget to get cables, and please, where possible audition stuff using a CD/movie that you're very familiar with!

EDIT: mixed up a link, should be correct now!

 

[dave_k]

Thanks for the advice and recomendations, i do like the idea of going for a player/amp/speaker set up rather than an all in one. However i've a question about the S350: i see it doesn't decode DTS HD Master Audio, so if i were to play a disc with it's soundtrack in this form i presume i'd get no sound?

 

[professorhat]

Because you're only looking at a stereo amp, you'd connect the Blu-Ray player up using the analogue stereo outs. In this case, the soundtracks are output in stereo so you'd still get sound fine.

 

[dave_k]

Ah I see, thanks for the clarification professorhat

 

[dave_k]

Ok so i have another quick question.

Could i add a sub into a stereo set up for movies, and, asides from the obvious, what would i need to be able to do this?

 

[Big Aura]

you can, provided the amp has a pre-out for a sub. Some do, some don't (I think the Cambridge 340A doesn't, the 540A does). Check first, tho.

To be clear, you won't get a 2.1 from dolby digital - you're still only going to get 2 channel analogue stereo, but the lower base frequencies will be sent to the sub.

Apart from the sub (which must be active (the ones included with all-in-one-box-home-cinemas are generally passive)), you'll need a sub-woofer cable (they generally don't come with one). You can pick one up for about a tenner, but it may be better to get a half-way decent one. I bought a Chord Crimson one from an ebay seller called Analogue Seduction (they have a normal shop up north somewhere) and they were very reasonable.