My home theater system is about 10 years old and its time to move on. I have the blu-ray and a nice big LED tv but now I need a great surround sound to finish off the ensemble. What is the best system for movies and sports that is still under about a grand? Thanks!
mark_hensley@sbcglobal.net
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Check out ehow.com to reliably answer additional questions. I love your question I get to spend someone's money. Smile.
I will tell you this. You want to make sure you have really good peak power. For instance a 10w amp with a peak power of 60w is not going to give enough head room for sudden explosions, jet fighters flying by then fading away in the distance, the same for race cars. Your power source will have a constant and peak power pay attention to those two sets of numbers. Another expectation is really good bass response for convincing background nuances. Personally I hate muffled highs make sure you don't have roll off on the high end. The mids is the range for the human voice, as you know its all important but you have to know for $1000 their will be compromises. The question is to what extent and where.
My thinking is to make a commitment to have as your anchor a really good amplifier. A really good brand amp can cover a host of weaknesses. Top on my list is Russound, Emotiva and NAD because their commitment for quality parts and circuit boards. NAD uses a toridial device to power its amps which may sound like greek to pronounce but its a delight to listen to. You can do well to get an even better product off of ebay or refurbished with your budget instead of brand new this can save you 10-15% for the type of performance you want.
Personally I am not a big fan of surround sound. When you go to the movies the speakers are in front with a big screen. One could argue two speakers and a sub can get it done. If you can get a full spectrum speaker which has a built in subwoofer JBL has distinguished itself in movie audio on the high end stuff. Many movie theaters use JBL which is a good base line of what is possible and from what brand. A good amp and a pair of full spectrum speakers can be a good spend for upgrading your sound system.
Another option is to purchase a pair of Satellite speakers check out Energy veritas speakers or the CB5 series again get them used or refurbished, then purchase a killer subwoofer like HSU or Velodyne. This type of combination is worthy of your consideration over the mulitple wires and speakers of a surround sound.
Sigh. Thanks for the great question. Smile.
Best.
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I'm not sure about under $1000. But when you're going to spend just about $1000. Then go all of the method and buy some thing a little bit extra pricey. Go for an built-in encompass receiver/amp from "denon". Buy two giant studio speakers for left/correct channel so music will sound good. The centre and two rears can also be smaller. Don't go together with all small speakers. Small is excellent for encompass sound movies however you will remorse taking note of stereo track. Make certain you get a subwoofer as good. Notice: spring loaded speaker clips for wiring is a sign of cr@p!
Melv H
Total price $1338 (oops),
NAD C 326BEE, $550,
http://www.listenup.com/NAD%20C%20326BEE-p-C326BEE-p-.html
Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 Speakers, $349,
http://www.onecall.com/wharfedale-diamond-10-1-cinnamon-cherry-pr
Sanus Systems SF-30B, Steel Speaker Stand, $120,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006885FS/
Hsu Research, STF-2 Subwoofer, $319,
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html