Sound system advice.....

[admin_exported]

Hi.

Just bought a Toshiba 40 LCD pic frame TV and have no idea of what sound/cinema system to buy.......

I have no knowledge what so ever on this subject!

Haven't really got a load to spend so would appreciate any advice on what's the best for me on a 3-400 pound max budget, job lot.

I'll probs play dvds/blue ray films thru my PS3, so dont necessarily need a system that has a player, but if it does have a player, can I still use the PS3 to watch the film whilst using the system to get my sound? Does the system then need to have 2 HDMi? (one to tv, one to PS3? I really have no idea!)

Was thinkin of a 5.1 set up, but open to suggestions.

Different suggestions to me to date are

• Sony HTSF2000
• Sony DAV-DZ830W
• Sony DAV IS10

All Sony?????????

Like I said, am open to any suggestions and appreciate advice guys.

Thanx.

 

[Andy Clough]

Hi there

At this stage, and given your budget, you have two options: go for an all-in-one 5.1 system such as those you've suggested, or buy a budget surround amp and set of speakers to go with it.

Buying a system of separates on your budget will be tight, but you might be able to get a good deal on Onkyo's TX-SR505 receiver (normally £250) as it's about to be replaced with a new model. You could then partner that with a compact style speaker package such as Jamo's A102HCS5 (£250) and use your PS3 as the source. That way you'd have a complete system for £500.

Alternatively, you could connect your PS3 to an all-in-one system like the Sony DAV-IS10 (officially £600, but available for less), or the LG HT902TB (£270). I'd avoid the Sony DAV-DZ830W as we only gave it 3 stars due to its average sound quality, whereas the other two are both top 5-star buys.

Obviously you won't strictly need the DVD player on the all-in-one systems as your PS3 will play DVD and Blu-ray discs, but yes, you can send the sound through the external system.

The only thing the above systems won't give you is the benefit of high-definition surround sound from Blu-ray discs, which the PS3 is capable of decoding. For that you'd need to spend more.