Upgrading home cinema 5.1

[admin_exported]

Hi all i have a samsung ht-bd1250 home cinema system and am looking to upgrade to seperates using my PS3 as a blueray player. I am not very impressed with the samsung and was thinking of getting somthing like a pioneer vsx 920 and cambridge audio minx s325. i have never had seperates before so am really confused as what is best. my room size is 12x16ft but open plan into dining room at rear(extra 12x16ft). I don't really want somthing to intrusive but am willing to listen to suggestions. I will mainly be watching films and playing games and occasionally music tho i use my ipod dock for most of my music in dining room. many thanks

 

[bigboss]

Welcome to the forum! A separates system will give you huge improvements over your existing system. What's your budget?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi budget is really no more than £1000 for both receiver and speakers but allowing a little extra if i can sell my samsung

 

[bigboss]

Look at spending 60% on speakers & 40% on the AV receiver.

Are you interested in smaller speakers (going by your selection of the Minx)? Music performance can be a little weak, although they're adequate for movies. Many users are happy with their music performance as well.

Your options are:

1) Mission M-cubes

2) KEF 3005SE

3) Q-acoustics 2000

4) Cambridge Audio Minx S225

You can pair them up with a good choice of AV receivers:

1) Onkyo TXSR608

2) Pioneer VSX920

3) Yamaha RX-V767

4) Denon AVR-2311

All receivers sound very different to one another. You must demo your options before making a purchase. Good luck!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for quick reply, i think small speakers would look better in the house we live in an old chapel so not to bulky. I rarely listen to music through the samsung but mainly because its not very good.would the PS3 be ok as the player. the samsung does seem to do ok with blueray you can really notice the sound differance over ipod etc

 

[bigboss]

PS3 is fine as a player. With your limited budget, don't spend on a standalone blu-ray player just as yet. Check PS3's performance yourself on the home cinema system first. You can always buy one in the near future when funds allow & if you'e not happy with the PS3.

 

[Anonymous]

I had a look at your setup (very impressive) and noticed your speakers were mounted in the corner of the room i thought speakers were supposed to be at ear level if this is not a must then i could look at going for some bookshelf sized speakers if it makes a big difference over sound

 

[bigboss]

The rear speakers in my house are, as you said, right at the top corner near the ceiling & facing downwards towards where I sit. They sound fabulous, no complaints there.

 

[v1c]

The amps have already been covered you just need to find out which one you prefer.

The speakers i would add the following to your choices.

Focal sib & cub 5.1

Monitor Audio Vector 5.1

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks the Q-Acoustics 2000 look good and have a good review apart from problems with the sub, Really not sure what to look at have also seen the Wharfdale diamond which also have a good review. think i need to narrow down before i go to a store as i dont have one near me that sells good hifi equipment so will be making a special trip. the choice is mind boggling and spending the money on the wrong equpment is not an option.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi again after alot of reading i have upped the budget. i have been recommended some mission mx3 floorstanders and small mission rears/centre and a rel T5 sub using a pioneer vsx 920 does anyone have any views on this set up im looking to demo soon.

 

[Anonymous]

Please add into the speaker mix some MK M5`s OR M7`s.

I suspect that these will wipe the floor with all that have been mentioned so far especially for movie/gaming performance, MK`S are primarily designed for performance and they don`t fail to give that at all.

If you need on wall speakers then the new MP7`s are simply fantastic as are the new inwall/ceiling 5`s.

You say you have upped your budget, to what may I ask?

cheers Allan

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

The T5 is excellent and you can't compare a floorstander to a satellite. I guess the Mission & REL exceeds your budget though. For a grand try the KEF 2005, you can't beat the eggs!

 

[duaplex]

Just to throw my hat in on this one. I would check out superfi, they have some great packages for £1000 and below i was considering this before sky rocketing into the 4k mark! They have some Epos speakers with a nice LX54 and onkyo 808 receiver, which is a good AV.

Word of advice dont listen to anything that you cannot afford to buy!

Check em out!