Which 5.1 setup to buy?

[ViddyD]

Okay, so I'm buying a 50" hdtv and want to get a nice 5.1 setup for a decent theater effect for my movie nights. I don't necessarily need it to be super loud, just good quality and engrossing. However, I have very little knowledge when it comes to audio equipment. I know there is a difference between pre-made home theater packages (or "home theater in a box") and custom ones (more pricey/high-end), but that's about it. I wouldn't want to spend more than about $300 for the audio element and found a few potentials on Amazon, but if they all suck and I'd be much better off going custom feel free to say so (but keep in mind that I'm not made of money and this isn't exactly the top of my priority list).

Onkyo HT-S3500: http/www.amazon.com/dp/B0077V88V8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3V30AMHPCK1MV&coliid=IJM2GXL7LFFGC

VIZIO S4251w-B4: http/www.amazon.com/dp/B00CDIK908/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3V30AMHPCK1MV&coliid=II85M70W2C0F2

Polk Audio RM705: http/www.amazon.com/dp/B000WGJX5A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3V30AMHPCK1MV&coliid=IGRKYNTJGVE5P

Yamaha NS-SP1800BL: http/www.amazon.com/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3V30AMHPCK1MV&coliid=I2T4OLZROGN1E3

I noticed that the Onkyo is the only one that comes with an AV receiver, which seems really cool, but makes me wonder if that means the quality of the setup is lower, since the Vizio and Polk are about the same price and don't have one. Maybe the Onkyo is comparable to the Yamaha in sound quality? I'm just guessing. Oh, and if I get any of the ones that don't have an AV receiver, how important would it be to get one?

So do any seasoned experts have any advice on what to look out for, maybe some guidelines or handy rules of thumb? Like what good impedance, frequency, wattage, or sound pressure levels are, or anything else that could be deemed important. Also, I was told that some premade setups can have their parts upgraded individually and some can't; I would prefer the option of upgrading without having to replace everything. Oh, and apparently I need to "voice-match" custom setups if I mix and match, how can I check for compatibilities in that area?

I know this is a lot of questions, but I'm totally new to this. Thanks in advance.

 

[pjg]

Onkyo HT-S3500 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker/Receiver Package

but they will always come out with something new like every 5 weeks 7.1 is going down in price now and if you what a year or 2, 7.1 will go down to like $300

 

[ViddyD]

Thanks. Anybody else? I'm trying to get a collaboration of opinions/experiences.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Unfortunately, I'm no audiophile, so I can't say what the best route for you would be. I do, however, own an earlier version of the Onkyo system (HT-S3200) and I have been extremely pleased with it (though my apartment neighbors have not). I have it set up in my living room (22'x13') and it more than suffices on movie night.

-Wolf sends

 

[ssddx]

generally speaking HTIB units arent recommended for two reasons: the speakers are often small/cheap and the receiver/dvd combo box doesnt have many inputs and may not support other devices very well.

it looks like the onkyo set does include a receiver so this isnt an issue.

if you could be persuaded to spend a bit more on a home theater system you may want to check out the energy take classic 5.1 which is just a bit above you budget but doesnt include a receiver so that would be extra like some of the other sets you listed. its one of the highest rated products in that price range.

as far as size goes....

satelite speakers are best used for small rooms like bedrooms, dens, etc. they may not be powerfull enough for large rooms.
bookshelf speakers may be a bit much for a small room but are perfect for medium sized rooms but may fall short in large rooms.
tower speakers are best for large rooms but they can completely overpower in smaller sized rooms.

all of the sets listed are in the satelite category so are suited for small to medium sized rooms.

as far as wattage to decibels and how many db sound drops in a given distance... see below

http/www.digikey.com/Web%20Export/Supplier%20Content/PUI_668/PDF/PUI_speaker_power_distance.pdf?redirected=1

and here is a decibel chart so you know what the db levels sound like

http/www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/dBA-Chart-PNG.png

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[ViddyD]

Oooo! accessories4less.com has a the Onkyo HT-S5600 7.1 setup for $300 (with around $50 shipping). It's refurbished, but they're a certified Onkyo dealer and I've read good things about them. They also have the HT-S5500 7.1 for $270 ($320 after shipping) at regular price, also refurbished.

For a custom setup, I went to Amazon and slapped together a hypothetical 5.1 setup with Pioneer SP Series speakers (front floorstandings, center, and rear bookshelves), a Polk 10-inch Monitor Series subwoofer, and either a Yamaha/Sony/Onkyo AV Receiver. It comes out to about $670 that way, or $550 if I substitute the floorstandings for another pair of bookshelves.

I know the Pioneer/Polk setup will be higher quality everything, but ultimately, it would be at least $230 more and have 2 less channels, and a lot more power than I would ever be able to use (probably legally since I live literally next door to a hospital and have neighbors on the other 3 sides). Oh, and after doing the math I found that speaker setup I made would only be $10 more than the Energy Take Classic 5.1, which also needs a receiver.

I'm pretty set on getting the HT-S5500 7.1. Yeah, it's $20 over my budget, but for 2 extra channels I think it's worth it. Any words of warning or arguments/info as to why I should still go custom setup? I'm open for change for a real good argument.