HDMI 1.3 is pointless in terms of audio. I use a PS3 which won't output over bitstream, and after the firmware update this past April, it now decodes both Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD-MA tracks internally.
I've got Paradigm Monitor 9s for fronts. I was focused on Anthem because, as you said, Paradigm and Anthem have the same parent company. I'm also considering B&K and Outlaw, as I have experience with both those brands. Do you have any opinions on Sunfire, Rotel, or Adcom? Wish I could afford Lexicon, Krell, or McIntosh... Oh, that's right. Duh.
Rotel is very good for an affordable line. I would place them ahead of Anthem, personally, but I have never heard a Rotel-Paradigm combo. Sunfire I only know by reputation, which is similar to Rotel. Personally, I can't stand Krell. I don't find them to be musical at all. It is like all muscle and no finesse. I don't know, but I would not even use it if it was a gift.
I don't have a PS3. If I get one it's solely going to be used a BluRay player. I'm debating whether or not I'm better off with just a standalone BluRay drive. I do have a 360 with the HDDVD add-on though, and I've been using that since I got my new TV. I still have plenty of movies to watch on that before I need to worry about BluRay. Will the PS3 not work with a home theater in a box? I'm no audiophile, I just can't stand the sound coming out of my flat panel. I'm just looking for a cheap upgrade. I'll even be happy with a 2.1 system.
you could probably do better with a 3.1 with right center and left speakers with the sub and a reciever.
hopefully someone reads this but.... I have basically everything I need except the subwoofer. The reason is at first I was gonna build one myself but realized I have more money than time (unlike in high school when I built everyones subwoofer boxes for their car) Anyways the sub that matches my speakers is a ported design and I like that it matches the cosmetics of the other speakers. But I have from experience disliked ported subs and moved toward sealed subs (in car audio) due to the boomy nature. Will a ported sub be OK for home audio for someone who can hear (and dislikes) port noise? This particular sub has a EQ that is specifically designed to eliminate boomy tones.
I still haven't bought my home theater, but I'm debating between these two: http://www.consumer.philips.com/con..._CONSUMER/DVD-Home-Theater-System+HTS3566D-37 http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HT-A1...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224892499&sr=8-1 My question is if I go with the Philips 5.1 can I use the rear speakers (the tall ones) for the front and not use anything for the back? Essentially it will be a 3.1 system, but I'm not using the main speakers at all. Will this distort the sound? Also, I'm aware it doesn't have a digital optical input. Is there a way to get whatever I'm viewing on my TV (Dish, antenna, PS3, 360) to play on these speakers? Am I better off just getting the Samsung 2.1? I was intrigued by the Philips because it's only $200 at Costco and it comes with those stands with built in speakers. I forgot to mention I also saw a Yamaha soundbar with a subwoofer at Costco for $250. I'm skeptical about these soundbars and I don't want to take up an entire shelf on my stand, but nonetheless another option if someone can recommend it. I have no problem buying anything from Costco thanks to the return policy and the fact that one just opened up right across the street from my office!! Thanks!
I would get a $150 dollar reciever and a pair of tower speakers. Would give much better sound than those you are thinking about.
My gf got be this thing. SAMSUNG HT-Z510 5.1 Channel DVD Home Theater System http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882676098 Sounds good so far, don't think I have the speakers set up perfectly yet, although when I get off work tomorow I'm going to use the mic it came with the see how that optimizes it. The only thing that bugs me is the wireless speakers amplifier has a buzzing noise too it, kind of annoying but with the speakers turned up you can't hear it.
I have heard the Home theater in a box system and I'll say it again. There is no way the surround sound it worth having those little speakers. If you got this reciever http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117254 and two of these http://shop3.frys.com/product/3679035?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG You would be a little cheaper than most of the HTiaB and could add speakers later as you decide you need them.
Thanks, that's actually a pretty good deal when you add everything up. I actually ended up with the Yamaha soundbar (model YAS-70) from Costco and I was up and running in less than 10 minutes. My room is set up perfectly for a soundbar and I have to admit I'm really impressed so far. I think down the road I'll end up with an actual receiver/speaker system, but for what I'm looking for right now this will suffice. I just REALLY hate wires and that's why I was looking for something simple. It also matches my TV and stand well and looks very elegant. I don't think I'd be able to handle looking at a bulky receiver.
$250 at Costco. Amazon is selling it right now for $500. Better TV sound was one thing, but I also didn't mind feeling somewhat surrounded. The room my TV is in is basically enclosed and perfectly symmetrical. I don't have any problem with the noise bouncing off the walls and it's real easy to adjust the angles. After reading all the reviews I decided to pick it up just to test it out for a while (I can still go with your setup), but I'm pretty much sold on this unit and will be keeping it. I also want to mention that my TV is not in the living room, rather, an empty room upstairs which I converted into a media room.
I am not partial to my specific setup I was just trying to point out the comparison in price. It seems the system you bought has no surround speakers and very small speakers in general. It also has no HDMI and only one input? The reciever could switch between several inputs and change your TV at the same time. The huge advantage would be the amplifier and speaker upgrade. A real tower speaker will beat the 2" speakers on anything, but for music and Home theater it would not even be close.
