Quote (Ice98 @ 2 Oct 2015 14:03)

Receiver is JVC RX-5020
Center is a Polk RM-7
Sony mids are SS-U31's (rears)
Fronts are KLH SPro4's
Sub is in the closet not being used at the moment, it is a Sony 8" and is also at least 10 years old


Is it the best system? No
Can you do better for what I paid for the whole setup? NO

Receiver $20
Center $50
Sony Mids $2 each
KLH fronts $30/pair
Sony Sub $100

Everything but the KLH and Polk is 10 years old, at least...still going strong, I would say I have gotten my value out of it

I also have a pair of large Yamaha 3-ways, don't use them at the moment because they are about 2' tall, the pair of those was $40 or 50.....

Quote (vittujenkevat @ Oct 2 2015 06:58am)

Not really. It just tells they are easy to drive but that doesn't necessarily mean that the sound quality will be good. And I believe you are referring to dBW, sensitivity dB as it is usually put out. 98dB sensitivity how ever is something producers put out but when it is really measured it is not that high. Usually good speakers range from 88 to 93 dB when measured correctly. Sensitivity how ever means almost as much as the pure watts and ohms. More important is the frequency graph the speakers can output and how much distortion do they have. Crossover in speakers is as important as the elements itself. Even really good speaker elements can sound pretty awful if the crossover is poorly done.

Quote (vittujenkevat @ Oct 2 2015 05:13am)

Was expecting you had some all in one 5.1 setup form your first post. However this isn't much better tho, sorry to say but those are toy speakers after all. Sure it will produce sound, I don't doubt that at all. However I have seen some much better used setups for 200$ price mark, but you need to look up for deals from e of bay / craigslist and be patient on your journey. If you were buying something like those units as new then you would get even better setups for same price as new.

Quote (Ice98 @ 2 Oct 2015 14:20)

My journey? I have had this same receiver for TEN YEARS

Is it going to play lossy/lossless audio with studio perfect reproduction? No, I don't expect it to, but it reproduces movie audio just fine, it is a much better home theater than any box system you can get

The RM7 is definitely the "highest end" component, but when you are watching movies that is where 90% of the voices and music come from anyways...

I am happy with it, I wasn't looking for criticisms or advice on what to buy, I could easily drop a grand on a set of speakers, but I have no desire to. If I want to listen to music in higher quality I use a DAC on my PC, lossless audio files, and my AD700s, again, another budget setup because I don't use it that often


Wanna know where my money goes? Cobra Wireless programmable fireworks firing system and control center, that I have invested about $1,800 in this year ;-)

Quote (vittujenkevat @ Oct 2 2015 05:35am)

Was referring to the journey as if one would be looking to buy audio setup for 200$ now. For 200$ price range, yes it will most likely beat any new boxed setup but in used marked this is not the case.

And as you say 90% goes to center, this is not the case. You would be surprised how much of audio track is driven to front speakers. For movies, yes center speaker is the most important thing but so are the front speakers. And it is suggested that LCR are matching for best sound quality. And as you say if you want to listen music higher quality, why not to watch movies with higher quality sound as well? Will be quite a different experience.

Even for low budget it is possible to get pretty nice setups when you know what to look for and you are willing to take used in consideration. And as you are referring to receiver all the time, you could keep your receiver and get some nice speakers instead. ;)

Quote (JVL @ Oct 3 2015 03:39pm)

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12088521_886263891470402_4230534061120050079_n.jpg?oh=225f233bcec756909f26797e18ab4d11&oe=569864FD

For those interested there's now a portable closed planar magnetic headphone from HiFiMAN :-)

Quote (MGS4BestGameEverMade @ Sep 15 2011 01:49pm)

http://i.imgur.com/Rd1W4.jpg

Picture credits: Kipnis Studio Standard® Ciné Beta: Sony SRX T110 4KHD projector, 48 McIntosh MC2302s, 12.12 channel Snell THX Music & Cinema Reference system

I noticed there are a few people with interest in AV here and this forum is usually used to ask questions about things that don't relate to computer hardware at all (i.e. speakers, TVs)

Let's start off with the most common question: What headphones should I get?

First things first:

http://i.imgur.com/G7jKK.png

When looking for a headset/ pair of headphones, the real thing you should ask yourself is, do you want open or closed design?

Circumaural and supra-aural headphones can both also be further differentiated by the type of earcups:
Open-back headphones have the back of the earcups open. This leaks more sound out of the headphone and also lets more ambient sounds into the headphone, but gives a more natural or speaker-like sound and more spacious "soundscape" - the perception of distance from the source. <-- Usually has a wider soundstage, often better mids/highs
Closed-back styles have the back of the earcups closed. Depending on the model they may block 8-32db of ambient noise, but have a smaller soundscape, giving you a perception that the sound is coming from within your head. <-- Usually has better bass and leaks less.


$50-100

Open headphones:

Audio Technica AD700:
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Open-air-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B000CMS0XU $89.99

Grado SR60
http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-SR-60i-Padded-Headphones/dp/B0006DPMU4/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316111662&sr=1-1 $79.99

closed headphones:

Sennheiser HD280 PRO
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-280-Professional-Headphones-Collapsible/dp/B003YV7BM2 $99.95

Denon AH-510R:
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AH-D510R-Mobile-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B003Y3BHFC/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316111765&sr=1-1 $99.99

Amps:




$100-$200



Open:

Sennheiser HD 598
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-598-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B0042A8CW2/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316111972&sr=1-1 $180.93

AKG K142HD:
http://www.amazon.com/Akg-K142Hd-High-Definition-Headphones/dp/B0028N78HA/ref=sr%5F1%5F2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316111887&sr=1-2 $119.99



Closed:

Audio Technica M50
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316111572&sr=1-1 $140

Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO
http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-DT770-PRO-250-ohm/dp/B0006NL5SM/ref=sr%5F1%5F2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316111516&sr=1-2 $173.50

Denon AH-D1100
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AH-D1100-Advanced-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B0042ETXRQ/ref=sr%5F1%5F4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316114410&sr=1-4 $199

Amps:
Little Dot MK II
Bravo V2





$200-$500

Open:

AKG K702:

http://www.amazon.com/AKG-K702-Headphones/dp/B001RCD2DW/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316112027&sr=1-1 $259

Sennheiser HD 650:
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-650-Lightweight-Audiophile/dp/B00018MSNI/ref=sr%5F1%5F2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316112043&sr=1-2 $346.73

Closed:

Bowers & Wilkins P5
http://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkins-Over--noise-isolating-headphones/dp/B003IHUHGE/ref=sr%5F1%5F2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316114511&sr=1-2 $299

Denon AH-D2000

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AHD2000-Performance-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B000MVEC0Q/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1316114561&sr=1-1 $349

Amps:
Little Dot MK III/IV
John Blue Hydra
Schiit Lyr




$500+

Open:
*Sennheiser HD800
* Anything from Stax

closed:
Denon AH-D5000 + D7000

Amps:
Burson Audio HA-1
Woo Audio

Remember its important to properly invest in amplification for your headphones! You'll need a dedicated amp and a soundcard is much preferred for your PC.



Next subject:

HDTVs --- What type of TV should I get? Plasma or LED?

Since the death of CRT there are two different types of panels today. Plasma and LCD. Plasmas are superior in almost every way, but are a thicker and less ideal if your room is filled with ambient light. In the early days of plasma; they suffered from "burn-in" where an image like HUD or channel logo would burn into the screen forever. This however stopped being a problem in 2007.
A few years ago Samsung/Sony launched "LED TVs" as a brand new technology being superior to anything else on the market. This is false and a lot of people have fallen victim to market hype.
And LED TV is still an LCD TV, but they use LED lights instead of CCFL lights in conventional LCD sets. You have two types of LCD-LED tvs on the market today and they are:

LED-backlit: an array of LEDs are located behind the panel of the LCD TV. This allows a higher contrast ratio and can feature "local dimming" where they shut off all the lights in the panel to create a true black.
LED-edgelit: the LED lights are placed on the side of the TV which lets the manufacturers make them really, really thin (a la samsung C9000). This affects the picture quality and opens up for problems like clouding, line bleeding and uneven lighting.

Why are plasmas superior? Am I bias to one type of technology?

I could explain the differences myself but its easier to read this comprehensive article on wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison%5FCRT,%5FLCD,%5FPlasma

Bear in mind LCD = LED.

Because plasmas are "old technology" compared to "brand new" LEDs, they are almost always cheaper than their LED counterparts, while offering better performance (I.e. Samsung D8000 LED vs D8000 plasma)


With that being said here are the models I would recommend:

Low end TV:

Samsung D550 51" plasma: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+51+Class+/+Plasma+/+720p+/+600Hz+/+3D/+HDTV/2135072.p?id=1218310760716&skuId=2135072&st=Samsungplasma&cp=1&lp=2 $699


Mid range TV:

Panasonic ST30 50" plasma: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasonic+-+50+Class+/+Plasma+/+1080p+/+600Hz+/+3D+/+HDTV/2121716.p?id=1218310410342&skuId=2121716&st=PanasonicST30&cp=1&lp=1 $999
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50st30/4505-6482%5F7-34468791.html?tag=mncol;lst;1

High end TV:

Samsung PN51D7000 plasma: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+51+Class+/+Plasma+/+1080p+/+600Hz+/+3D+/+HDTV/2345191.p?id=1218321953091&skuId=2345191&cmp=RMX&ref=06&loc=01&cisrc=14110944&cisku=2345191 $1499
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn51d7000/4505-6482%5F7-34468721.html



Next topic: Speakers


What speakers should I get and how many?


Its very easy making a bad purchase when it comes to audio. Much like headphones, you're subjected to a LOT OF CRAP. Here are some things to avoid:
"Gaming audio" : gaming seats with built in speakers, any toy that has a speaker, anything that could be a gimmick, is a gimmick and sucks. period.
"soundbars": yes they have very little cables and look slick and clean. But they're expensive and NO, they cannot recreate 5.1 or 7.1 surround.
"Home Theater in a box": They have 5/7 speakers and a subwoofer like many conventional home theater setups but they suck. Never buy them. Not with your TV, definitely not seperately. Cheaply made speakers by Sony/Samsung/Panasonic/LG/Philips etc.. And not always priced that low.


If you're looking for speakers you must first ask your self; do I prefer music or do I prefer movies?

If music is your main priority: Go with the most expensive Stereo speakers you can afford, feel free to pair it with a subwoofer if you want more bass

If movies are your first priority: Go for a 5.1 setup or a 7.1 setup. Sub woofer is a must if you watch action movies, as they always have a soundtrack which is exclsuive to subwoofers. It doesn't matter how deep your speakers can go!


There are so many audiophile companies and so many speakers that a buying guide warrants a topic of its own (And can be written if demand is high)

But here are the speakers I use and I love them a lot. I've auditioned plenty of speakers inside and outside of my budget and after several months of listening to loads of different ~ $500 bookshelf speakers I ended up taking home the B&W DM685s ($600) and the KEF KHT3005 ($1500) and a Denon AVR 1911 ($400)

However, more relevant to this sub forum would be PC speakers. For years PC gamers and PC users a like have been used to using horribly crappy and cheap desktop speakers. Usually defined as the the worst speakers since TV speakers.

These days, there's no excuse not to have good audio on your computer. Whether you use your PC for music, games, movies or general browsing, you're destined to listen to a lot of things. You don't watch VHS movies anymore, and you don't play Nintendo 64 anymore, so why would you use poor desktop speakers?

Very few audiophile companies bothered working on desktop audio but Swans have done a great job and a lineup to fill almost every budget:

< $100

Swan H2: http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product%5Finfo.php?loudspeakers=swan-active-desktop-sound&p=swan-h2&cPath=2124&productsid=134 $89

< $150

Swan D1010MKII08: http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product%5Finfo.php?loudspeakers=swan-active-desktop-sound&p=swan-d1010mkii08&cPath=2124&productsid=191 $148

< $200

Swan D1080MKII08: http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product%5Finfo.php?loudspeakers=swan-active-desktop-sound&p=swan-d1080mkii08&cPath=2124&productsid=161 $178

< $300

Swan M200MKII http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product%5Finfo.php?loudspeakers=swan-active-desktop-sound&p=swan-m200mkii-h2-combo&cPath=2124&productsid=80 $284

< $500

Bowers & Wilkins MM-1s: http://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkins-Multimedia-computer-speaker/dp/B003R6U6HG $499


Those are all 2.0 setups so they do not include a subwoofer. These are active desktop systems. In other words: plug & play. No need for speaker cables or any amplification.

Here are some great 2.1's for those of you who want a subwoofer:
Klipsch Promedia 2.1 http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=klipsch+promedia+2.1&hl=en&prmd=imvnsr&bav=on.2,or.rgc.rpw.rcp.&biw=1920&bih=912&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9124231077149922577&sa=X&ei=tWByTs2aDYj1sgbBl4DyBg&ved=0CGkQ8wIwAQ ~$130 new

Swan M50W http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product%5Finfo.php?loudspeakers=swan-active-desktop-sound&p=swan-m50w&cPath=2124&productsid=167 $279


GOOD WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT!!!


TV reviews: http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/ ||||||||||||||||||||||||| http://www.flatpanelshd.com/ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||| http://www.cnet.com/
Audio reviews: http://www.cnet.com/ ||||||||||||||||||||| http://www.stereophile.com/ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||| http://www.whathifi.com/
Useful forums: http://avsforum.com/ ||||||||||||||||||||||| http://www.head-fi.org/ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| any forums that belong to the aforementioned sites (CNET, Whathifi etc)


Feel free to discuss all hi-fi, cinema, A/V news and etc in this thread!