2. home-theater
  3. 1354580245

Starting small home theater, need advice

First of all, let me apologize for my lack of knowledge. I have been reading on this site, and realize how much I don't know! So, from a newbie, my apologies.

Now for the question. I've been contemplating installing a VERY mild home theater in my small(ish) family room. (prob 15 x 20). The TV is about 10 ft from the couch, and the speakers would go alongside the TV. I'm looking at a 3.1 channel setup for now, run by a multichannel receiver, with the capability of expanding to 5.1 later. I'd like to spend around $1,000 on the setup as a whole. The primary use for the system would be TV sound (80%), movie (5%) and music (15%). In my opinion, the money is best spent on quality used equipment, rather than on a "system in a box".

My biggest question is: What brands of receiver/speakers/subwoofers should I be looking for, that combine good quality with affordability? I've been looking at the Denon/B&W range, but this may be out of my price range. I assume Denon/Harmon Kardon/Paradigm/Definitive Audio are all good. But honestly, I have little/no experience with these brands. Am I relegated to the big box stores with this price range?

I realize this is like asking a Ferrari mechanic on advice to do an oil change, but I come to you knowing the collective knowledge you all possess. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

Brian
bminchen

Showing 6 responses by bminchen

bminchen OP
6 posts
 
Is there a current push to have higher quality audio broadcast on HD channels? Or is that not really important because of the increased cost and bandwidth associated with it? And probably the few people that would actually take advantage of it....

I will say, the Onkyo receiver that Realremo suggested does have the internet capability, and the Android app for playing music through a smartphone/tablet. I do really like that....
bminchen OP
6 posts
 
Wow! Realremo, I can't begin to thank you for all your advice. I will take the time to research what you have laid out for me. Thanks so much for your time and wisdom, it is much appreciated.

Brian
bminchen OP
6 posts
 
Realremo (or anyone else), I Googled 24/192 compatibility, but got confusing results. Can you help me understand what this is? Is it the ability to play files from a USB source? That was what I came away with after reading the top results.

Thanks,
Brian
bminchen OP
6 posts
 
Totally makes sense! Thanks for the thorough and complete explanation. Gosh, I was way off!

Okay....one more question and then I'm done (I promise!)

What are your thoughts on optical inputs? Are those for just audio? Or audio/video? If they are just audio, how do you tell the receiver, "okay, when you are on HDMI 1, use optical input 1" Does it override the HDMI input?

I'd be using a DirecTV HD box for one input, and a Samsung Blu-Ray for the other. I'm not using them now (obviously), and I don't want to invest in optical cables if the HDMI will produce the same result.

Thanks again for all your help. I have learned an awful lot so far.

Brian
bminchen OP
6 posts
 
Thank you so much all for your comments on my situation. It is greatly appreciated. Since I promised that I would stop asking questions, this is just a curiosity :)

You have all suggested I get "monitors". What's the difference between monitors and full range speakers? Is it simply the frequencies that they can reproduce? Do monitors require the use of a subwoofer? Or does a monitor provide a more true to life reproduction of what was intended? This would be as opposed to full range speakers that could "color" the sound in the way the manufacturer intended, maybe to give it a characteristic sound?

Again, no obligation, but I hadn't heard that term (unless it's on stage at a performance), so I was curious.

Genuinely, thanks for all your suggestions. I'm always welcome to hear any more you may have if they come to mind.

Brian
bminchen OP
6 posts
 
No Soix, that's not confusing at all! Thanks very much. I get a little hesitant because I am so new to this site, and although I have some general knowledge, I'm not nearly where you guys are. I know it can be annoying to have someone hop on a site like this and ask very basic questions, but I do really appreciate all the help I've gotten so far.

Thanks again,
Brian
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