Home Cinema question

[exboxster]

I was looking around for a one box home cinema system and stumbled over this:

http://www.sselectricals.com/model.php?ID=1435

It states that the surround sound speakers are wireless and whilst this sounds great in principle, how are they powered ? Rechargables, hyrogen cells, fresh air ?? I like the idea of fewer cables, but not if the speakers are feeble. thanks

[imperialism2024]

The Panasonic system I'm familiar with requires a power outlet for the wireless receiver, which them powers the surrounds. The Panasonic system's wireless rear speakers also sound like sh!t when made wireless... Perhaps it's best to go to a store and take a listen?

>> Edited by imperialism2024 on Wednesday 22 June 14:41

[parrot of doom]

I have possibly the finest radio microphones you can buy as part of my gear for work. They cost about £2000 per channel, and they don't compare well with a good solid cable.

So I predict that this system will be sh1te.

[Incorrigible]

I would spend the money on a decent 2 channel system

Unless you just want the odd "tink tink" coming from behind you

The Parrot has it right

[Edt]

I've now got a decent budget 5.1 system, all cabled. Splashed out a further £2 on some nice bevelled coving lengths; caulked the edges in; glad to report people dont notice its there now. Took a while to install & did hit my finger a few times with a hammer though
ED

[pdV6]

Its all been said really. The speakers will have no cables between them and the amp, but will probably need a power socket each, which is fine as long as you have some at just the right spots in the room.

The signal quality from the amp to the speakers will be the weak point, so even if the speakers are top notch bits of kit, it'll still probably sound shite.

[angusfaldo]

Edt said:

I've now got a decent budget 5.1 system, all cabled. Splashed out a further £2 on some nice bevelled coving lengths; caulked the edges in; glad to report people dont notice its there now. Took a while to install & did hit my finger a few times with a hammer though ED

I agree with Ed. In fact I ended up cutting my cables into the walls, covering them and redecorating. A right royal pain in the butt but really makes for a classy finish.

I am yet to try a cordless audio component that comes anywhere near the quality of even a budget wired component and speakers being such a major part of your system - I reckon you're onto a loser.

[bigtone]

I bought one of these two weeks ago:

www.comet.co.uk/comet/html/cache/183075.html

and am well impressed with it! Yes, it's a budget model, but it does what I need it to do, and more - some creativity with the wiring and you'd never know it was there, and the sound is superb!

[zooooom]

Ask any electrical engineer and they will tell you that hard wiring will beat wireless every time.

[scorp]

zooooom said:

Ask any electrical engineer and they will tell you that hard wiring will beat wireless every time.

Ok, ill answer this (as an unofficial elecrical engineer);

You're right when applied to analogue radio signals, if the speakers are digital however, the signal will be recreated perfectly (through digital error correction). Inteference shouldn't be a problem as the error tolerance is very high, and the range is very short.

Digital (radio) speakers would cost a lot more than analogue though (lots of electronics needed, per speaker, not to mention power consumption)

Of course, with wireless speakers, you can move them were you like.

I am speaking from a theoretical point of view however; i didn't check if digital speakers are on the market yet, as i imagine they would be pretty expensive for a 7.1 set!


>> Edited by scorp on Wednesday 22 June 17:34

[Pigeon]

It does mean that there's no point spending money on a top notch amplifier as the hard work is now all done by the amp built into the speakers...

[exboxster]

Thanks for all the response. Looks like I'll start looking for a decent standard set-up. Any recomendations in the £3/400 area ?