[Barten]

I just got a new TV, and i wanted to upgrade my sound system. I currently have this 200$(Back in 2002) Sony home 5.1 sound system. all in one bundled.

I have done some research into what i would need to do to get a 7.1 sound system (Besides spend a bunch of money.) I would need a amp, 7 speakers, and a Sub. der. I don't know much past that. i don't know whats good, what stats i should look for, what brand, anything. Ive done the traditional Google "How to make the right home theater system" but no real help there. Usually the walk threw is extremely old, or it amuses i have a ton of money.

From my research, i have found that my best bet, considering i don't know much about Home Audio, is to settle for ONKYO HT-S5200 7.1 all in one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882120141

I found one on Ebay for around $400.

My questions:
1. Do you think i could pick the parts and build something better for less? if so, what would you put together for around $400?

2. Do i really need a 7.1 sound system or should i stick with 5.1?

The room is about 25 feet by 30 feet.

Thanks for your time, just thinking about it for a couple of days, just want some peoples ideas about it.

 

[coreyL]

honestly you want to save $40 over newegg? its $440 @ newegg WITH FREE SHIPPING. you will prolly have to pay shipping on the ebay one. really man you are willing to go through that much risk that your item will be DOA and not new to save a few bucks?

 

[pioneerisloud]

I would rather spend the money on some better quality speakers and amp myself. Personally, I would start yourself out with a good 7.1 reciever, and maybe a good set of front speakers. Use your current speakers as your surrounds. And upgrade them when you get the chance.

 

[coreyL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pioneerisloud I would rather spend the money on some better quality speakers and amp myself. Personally, I would start yourself out with a good 7.1 reciever, and maybe a good set of front speakers. Use your current speakers as your surrounds. And upgrade them when you get the chance.

well said

i was aiming for polk audio speakers but then my speaker technician said that polk audio is TERRIBLE

so now i dotn know

 

[pioneerisloud]

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreyL well said i was aiming for polk audio speakers but then my speaker technician said that polk audio is TERRIBLE so now i dotn know

Nothing wrong with Polk Audio. The absolute BEST way to pick out speakers....go to a good stereo shop locally and take a listen. Pick the ones that suite your ears the best.

 

[Barten]

is 7.1 really worth it? i do watch blue rays

 

[Barten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pioneerisloud I would rather spend the money on some better quality speakers and amp myself. Personally, I would start yourself out with a good 7.1 reciever, and maybe a good set of front speakers. Use your current speakers as your surrounds. And upgrade them when you get the chance.

What would you get on my budget.

 

[coreyL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pioneerisloud Nothing wrong with Polk Audio. The absolute BEST way to pick out speakers....go to a good stereo shop locally and take a listen. Pick the ones that suite your ears the best.

problem is im not rich so i wont have true high end sound EVER. GOOD speakers will cost more than my entire computer setup.

that friend iw as talking about has a pair of speakers worth $18,000 in his basement. this is like two small boxes on poles we are talking about. there is some small pin like part in the tweeters worth $2000 alone. meaning that for a piece of metal in EACH of his tweeters, is worth TWICE as much as i payed on my rig. the price of the material is only second to diamonds he said :O

i will forever have TERRIBLE speakers now

 

[Trojita]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barten is 7.1 really worth it? i do watch blue rays

Depends. The majority blu-rays are released with lossless 5.1 not 7.1. You can have it configured so that your receiver emulates the rear channels though.

To be honest 90% of people do not have the proper room arrangement to benefit from 7.1 audio. You need to place the speakers behind your couch or seating arrangement, which means you can not be sitting against a wall. A well placed 5.1 sound system will always sound better than a poorly placed 7.1 system.

 

[Trojita]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barten I just got a new TV, and i wanted to upgrade my sound system. I currently have this 200$(Back in 2002) Sony home 5.1 sound system. all in one bundled. I have done some research into what i would need to do to get a 7.1 sound system (Besides spend a bunch of money.) I would need a amp, 7 speakers, and a Sub. der. I don't know much past that. i don't know whats good, what stats i should look for, what brand, anything. Ive done the traditional Google "How to make the right home theater system" but no real help there. Usually the walk threw is extremely old, or it amuses i have a ton of money. From my research, i have found that my best bet, considering i don't know much about Home Audio, is to settle for ONKYO HT-S5200 7.1 all in one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882120141 I found one on Ebay for around $400. My questions: 1. Do you think i could pick the parts and build something better for less? if so, what would you put together for around $400? 2. Do i really need a 7.1 sound system or should i stick with 5.1? The room is about 25 feet by 30 feet. Thanks for your time, just thinking about it for a couple of days, just want some peoples ideas about it.

YES YES YES. HTIB (Home Theater In a Box) use the crappiest speaker parts out there. You will definitely get your moneys worth building your own. The only thing in this HTIB worth anything is generally the receiver. If you are strapped on cash right now, I would recommend putting together a great 3.0 or 3.1 system right now rather than a decent 5.1 system. Speakers generally will last you a long time if you make a good investment. Unlike most technology, speaker technology doesn't advance fast.

If you just want a cheaper speaker set without sacrificing quality, I would recommend the Energy Take Classics. Everyone that I talk to that owns these love them.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-004-_-Product

You can add a subwoofer and receiver to that and you will have a pretty good Home Theater experience.

 

[Barten]

Thank you very much Trojita. was very helpful.