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Surround soun system

Hi all
I am looking to buy the above for an xmas pressie and really don't know where to start.I would like a good quality one to go with our samsung plasma tv, i do not know anything about theses things and wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction on what to look for.

Many thanks in advance.

Comments

  • keith1950
    keith1950 Posts: 2,597 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have a look at http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/pioneer/shs100/pion-shs100 and http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/sony/strdh510/sony-strdh510 these would give you a starting point at the budget end and have enough inputs for extra equipment connection in the future. Don't be tempted by the cheapo £99 complete systems you see around, they are generally poor quality and usually leave no room for extra connections as your needs change. Personnally I would built up a system that would last for years and spend a minimum £300 on the amp/receiver and a similar amount on the speaker kit. If you go for the cheapo option you will be disappointed - eventually.
  • littleminx_2
    littleminx_2 Posts: 475 Forumite
    edited 11 December 2010 at 5:38PM
    Thanks for that,really don't want a budget one,looking for the best quality and don't mind how much it costs.If possible i would like to buy it all in one package.I was offered this one for £150 today http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/samsung-ht-c460-5-1ch-home-cinema-system-exclusive-model-with-850w-04965840-pdt.html
    but i think i would rather have a system with the taller speakers.

    LM
  • keith1950
    keith1950 Posts: 2,597 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 11 December 2010 at 6:43PM
    Hi, that system is ok as a budget surround kit but is not really upgradeable, it only has one audio input and one optical, so when you need more inputs you would have to bin it and buy something more suitable, as an example my system which I set up 10 years ago has 4 optical,2 coaxial,13 phono audio inputs and various other inputs. Ok, so it doesn't have HDMI so that you can switch the video signal through it but as far as audio it still does everything I need.In my opinion it is best to get a seperate amp/receiver and not have built in DVD etc and then look for a home cinema speaker kit that suits you needs. If you want best quality but value for money I would set a budget of £300/£400 for the amp/receiver and around £500/£600 for the speaker kit.
  • Coopdivi
    Coopdivi Posts: 3,412 Forumite
    If you don't want to spend a grand Amazon have a decent Logitech home theatre speaker system for £200 including delivery.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Digital-Multimedia-Theatre-Speaker/dp/B0006HBCL8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1292179113&sr=8-2
  • keith1950
    keith1950 Posts: 2,597 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I think that the Logitech would be an acceptable system for a computer but in no way could it be described as a quality Home Cinema System. It all depends whether you want surround sound or whether you want quality sound. If you want both you would definately have you aim higher. !!
  • Coopdivi
    Coopdivi Posts: 3,412 Forumite
    The problem is the OP is looking at spending £150ish whereas you think she should shell out at least £1000.

    This is a money saving website so I try to make suggestions within posters' budgets. I suggest you try and do the same.
  • bobhawke
    bobhawke Posts: 359 Forumite
    Coopdivi wrote: »
    If you don't want to spend a grand Amazon have a decent Logitech home theatre speaker system for £200 including delivery.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Digital-Multimedia-Theatre-Speaker/dp/B0006HBCL8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1292179113&sr=8-2

    I have this system for my computer which is also connected to my tv. It is a good sound system, it makes a wee noise when you switch it on but good quality sound for the price. It is VERY loud with a big subwoofer.

    Only audiophiles and snobs would moan about the sound quality for home theater
  • keith1950
    keith1950 Posts: 2,597 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 14 December 2010 at 7:20PM
    Hi, if you read my replies you will see that I said that the OPs suggestion was ok as a starting point for a budget system and only then went on to point out its connectivity shortcomings. I used to repair and install tvs and home cinema kits and found that too many people jump in without researching what they really need and end up dissappointed with their choice. Yes the OP mentioned a system for around £150 but later said ' they dont want a budget one and want best quality and don't mind how much it costs'. May be you should also read what the OP says.If they go for a £300 ish kit and check that it has reasonable future connectivity they should be ok, however my suggestion of the seperate receiver and seperate speaker kit would give very good sound for around £250 and ensure that it lasts and it would be much better value than the Logitech computer kit.
  • Many thanks for all your help guys, really appreciated.I am so confused with all the bits and pieces you need, i have decided i will go shopping with OH, and let him choose a system for himself.

    Thanks again


    LM
  • Mankysteve
    Mankysteve Posts: 4,257 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you really don't mind mind spending a lot richer sounds is your best bet on the high street. I can't recommend them more.
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