Topic: Best Surround Sound System To Buy (Read 89 times)

yaazz · « **on:** February 23, 2007, 02:14:00 PM »

I'm looking for a surround sound system to use primarily with video games, but movies will also be a huge factor. Can someone steer me in the right direction?

Vfreitas · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2007, 03:08:00 PM »

You'll probably want to mention the following.

- Spending range
- Room size
- How serious you want to go

yaazz · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2007, 11:33:00 AM »

QUOTE(Hoppy @ Feb 23 2007, 09:28 PM)

I just got the HT-DDW900 for christmas, but this model was second choice and looks pretty good too.

Sony 700 Watt System

The only thing I don't like about it is that there is no video in or outputs. However, this model sets up all your speaker levels itself so your surround sound will be perfectly tuned. The one I have has it and it worked great.

funny you should mention that one, because I was looking at the model above that one that has an HDMI switcher, and a shit load of inputs, how is the sound quality on this system? are you happy with it?

As for price, I would say around 500-600 CDN or less, and the room is currently a fairly small living room...but I move like 10 times a year so it changes all the time

deadparrot · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2007, 12:07:00 PM »

If you want quality sound, don't buy a package. Also, don't buy Bose.

While Bose is very high quality, it is FAR over-priced. Also, you'll end up with those silly little things and a sub that they love to push on you soooo much. You get all the high and low tones, but nothing in the mid-ranges!

I would recommend JBL and Monitor Audio for well priced and high-quality speakers without spending a fortune. We run 2 JBL Studio Series 250Watt floor-standers as fronts, and we have a JBL center (unsure of model). These combined with Monitor Audio ceiling mounted Silver range rear speakers provides an excelltent 5.1 experience.

All this runs from a Pioneer Amp/Reciever (model escapes me) that we have upgraded our Denon AVR-1802 (also a nice amp) to due to HDMI and IR passthough with out Pioneer Plasma.

So, I recommend building your own system, but this can easily get expensive. I know Pioneer and JBL to package deals as well, so they are worth considering if you do choose to go for a cheaper package.

Most importantly, listen before your buy! You want to know what you're getting.

Rylinkus · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2007, 05:36:00 PM »

QUOTE(deadparrot @ Feb 24 2007, 08:14 PM)

While Bose is very high quality, it is FAR over-priced.

Paper drivers are high quality? Bose is all advertising and creative marketing/patenting.

deadparrot · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2007, 06:59:00 AM »

QUOTE(Rylinkus @ Feb 25 2007, 12:43 AM)

Paper drivers are high quality? Bose is all advertising and creative marketing/patenting.

Well, the Bose system that is in our Corvette is pretty nice. But I don't rate their HT stuff.

Rylinkus · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2007, 11:00:00 AM »

I actually think the Bose system in my car blows. Is it better than most stock systems? Yes. Does it compare to a decent system built with an average HU and 4 speakers? Not in my book. But to each their own.

deadparrot · « **Reply #7 on:** February 25, 2007, 02:48:00 PM »

I don't have experience with car systems really (seeing as I can't drive until I'm 17 here) I think it's pretty decent for a stock system though.

Rylinkus · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2007, 07:22:00 PM »

QUOTE(deadparrot @ Feb 25 2007, 10:55 PM)

I don't have experience with car systems really (seeing as I can't drive until I'm 17 here) I think it's pretty decent for a stock system though.

As I've said, it's personal opinion. To me Bose is more marketing than quality. They tell you they're the best and people believe them. And since they're better than entry level crap the people whom buy it believe the hype. I work with a guy with over a grand in his mp3 player + headphones. He's sporting Bose Triports with a Bang & Olufsen MP3 player. (It's didn't come with any memory. You need to buy flash? cards for it???) At least once a week he looks at my setup and tells me I should upgrade my headphones and MP3 player like his. I use an Ipod Nano. Mine cost 200 bucks, came with memory, came with a screen, (His has NO display what so ever.), etc. I have Beyerdynamics DT770 headphones. Worlds superior to his Triports in the same price range. and I run a portable amp velcroed to my Ipod to get better sound. (PA2V2 velcroed to my Nano.) All said and done I'm at half his price and have MUCH MUCH better sound IMHO. But here's the caveat. If we both are at work with our respective rigs he get the comments. "Nice Bose phones." "Sweet looking MP3 player." And to some people that shit matters. He has the BEST and everyone knows it. I just have the best sounding setup I can for me. To me his setup sounds like shit. But he's happy with it. And I'm happy with mine. So, hell, that's the way it goes.

All I'll ever say about Bose is this. Before you buy the hype, listen to a few other setups, (Whether is be headphones, home setups, car setups), that cost about the same and see if Bose sounds the best to you. Sure Bose will beat the phones that came with your walkman or your 70 buck theater in a box from Walmart. But will they compete with something that costs the same as them? THAT's the true test of ANY system.

BTW.... As far as the OP goes. My intial thoughts on a decent surround sound setup is Denon. No particular model. I just know I like em.

yaazz · « **Reply #9 on:** February 26, 2007, 10:35:00 AM »

I ended up getting this one:
http://www.futuresho...i...=&langid=EN

It seems pretty good for the price. Futureshop tried to talk it down a LOT, making up lies about the system, and how it doesnt do dolby digtal, etc, so I would buy a more expensive model. I didnt buy into any of what he was saying, and bought this one, thinking if I didnt like it, I have 30 days to bring it back to the store.

It does everything I want it to, and seems to sound pretty good, so im not sure what kind of crazy crack the futureshop guy was smoking

spiffyville · « **Reply #10 on:** February 26, 2007, 10:43:00 AM »

QUOTE(yaazz @ Feb 26 2007, 11:42 AM)

It does everything I want it to, and seems to sound pretty good, so im not sure what kind of crazy crack the futureshop guy was smoking

He obviously had some of that I work off commission and a larger dollar sale means more money for me crack.

deadparrot · « **Reply #11 on:** February 26, 2007, 10:47:00 AM »

Is that an RX-V357 receiver?

If it is, I'll vouch for it being decent. It's what I run in my room (with JBL E30 speakers, naturally

) For the price I paid, it's pretty good and is fine for stereo sound from my PC.

epsilon72 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 26, 2007, 09:27:00 PM »

QUOTE(deadparrot @ Feb 24 2007, 12:14 PM)

While Bose is very high quality, it is FAR over-priced.

Bose is exceptionally low quality. Give this a quick read.

(stay far away from Bose!!!!)

Anyways, without any info on room size, budget, etc., we could pretty much recommend anything.
Since I'm biased towards my own set up, all post it here to give you ideas if that's the amount you're looking to spend.
EDIT: I just read your post a few posts up and saw that you bought your system already.

Author Topic: Best Surround Sound System To Buy (Read 89 times)