Home Cinema System - Seperates / AIO / Panasonic

chezybezy

My home cinema system (LG HB405SU) has finally keeled over and died. A few months ago I asked for some advice pertaining what to do with it (repair/ refund etc) and a few people said to skip out happy and come here for advice for separates at a reduced price.

My main points are that I need surround sound, preferably 5.1 as 2.1 just seems odd to get!

• It has to be a DECENT 3D BluRay player (its one of the reasons I'm justifying the upgrade and the 3D must be good!) that and the fact the tv has 3D capabilities :P
• I use the sky hd box and the xbox 360 so I think it either needs 2 optical inputs or 2 hdmi inputs and the hdmi out thingy (arc??). But I have heard that sky can be difficult so it may need to have the optical as a backup option??? I am not sure about this.
• My current lounge is ROUGHLY 15x14foot and it is a semi -detached so don’t want to upset the neighbours too much. I don’t know if this will affect anything at my price point!
• Also what is a must is to be able to adjust the settings so the speech is clear even in explosions etc (I assumed all cinema systems would do this yet the last one seemed to not allow this to the extent needed).

I have been looking at the Panasonic home cinema systems seeing as my tv is a Panasonic and I am delighted with it so it seemed fitting. Also being a total noob to this separates world it seems safe to go for another one of these AIO systems.

Iv been looking at the SG-BTT290 and SG-BTT590 systems. But any reviews seem to “big up” the 590 by saying things such as it does xyz, yet when you look into it the cheaper system does the same. (eg ARC).

bengalknights

i would recomment the SAMSUNG HT-E5500/XU 5.1or PANASONIC SC-BTT190EBK if on budget

benje302

I must admit I would never get a combined DVD with surround sound as if one part fails it makes the whole of it useless. I know you get the whole set up with speakers but in the long run AV separates will be the better option.

i know you can spend silly money on them but there are bargains out there and can save a bit by getting a model that has just been upgraded.

I have an old but trusted Technics AV receiver (amp with tuner) surround sound set up with Tannoy speakers. If I was going to upgrade/replace it and I was you (depending on budget) I would go for an Onkyo, Sony or Pioneer.

One other thing to remember is that separates take up quite a bit of space. Average size of an amp is 43 cm wide by 16 cm high.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask more questions

Ben

RichardD1970

Have you got a Richer Sounds close to you? They have always given me good advice, and have good prices.

chezybezy

bengalknights - i think the PANASONIC SC-BTT190EBK - doesnt have the dual inputs i need to use sky and xbox. (will look into the samsung one)

benje302 - ive got a few questions about separates once i get a little more research ill compile a list if you dont mind. thanks for the heads up about the size i didn't realise there was a big difference that may affect my choice.


RichardD1970 - unfortunately the closest is a little too far to keep going back and forth in the event of problems (which i seem to attract like iron filings and magnets - i obviously did something wrong with electronics in a past life!)

googler

C'mon, nobody needs surround sound. You want surround sound.

How much are you willing or able to spend?

Again, I'd always go for separates, for ease of replacement if one piece goes south.

chezybezy

i cant think of any other way of listing my requirements to enable fellow members to compile the basis to enable them to form suggestions.

its roughly between those two models i mentioned taking roughly about 250 with a little movement. along with the option for stretching if it really is worth it.

almillar

Yep you'll want at least 2 HDMI inputs.
Sky boxes don't do 5.1 over HDMI. They should, but they don't. That's why you'll also need an optical cable for it (XBox should be fine). You THEN need to make sure that you can select the optical input ALONG WITH an HDMI input for Sky. That trip to Richer Sounds seems worthwhile.
With a separate amp costing from £150, and Blu Ray player, what, £50, if you could re-use your existing speakers, we could get you started with a much more flexible separates system...