Can you help an A/V novice.
Discussion
I've never had anything fancy in the way of Home Cinema before so have decided to treat myself to a decent setup.
Have spent ages looking for all the components, and I'd just like to get some confirmation from the pros on the following.
This is what I've got my eyes on so far (not set in stone by any means)
TV - Panasonic TX-P50G10B
PVR - Humax FoxSat-HDR - I don't have SKYHD or freesat at the moment. Will this work fine for regular freeview until I get freesat?
AMP - SONY STR-DH500 A/V Receiver
Now I'm new to the whole idea of AMPS (in the past have always just used the TV speakers which I'm sure makes you all cringe!) As I understand it all the inputs come into this and this is then connected to the TV via an HDMI cable.
So I would connect the PVR, Wii, Speakers, Computer to the AMP? I've checked the specs and it looks like that would all work with the items I've picked out above.
My PC's GFX card has an HDMI output, so hopefully there's no problem connecting that up to the Amp also - very keen on playing videos from the PC -> TV a fair bit, as well as blu-ray via the PC.
In terms of speakers, I'm not 100% sure on this. Am I precluded from using any particular type? The number of inputs/outputs for the amp is quite extensive -
What kind of speakers should I be getting? Digital / analogue? Will I notice a difference on the majority of stuff? From the above grid I can't even tell what output I'd use for Amp -> Speakers. If I was going to spend round about £300 for a 5.1 setup, what would would work best with this amp?
Can you see anything that would set off any warning bells in your mind (apart from my obvious lack of a/v savvyness)?
Thanks in advance.
Have spent ages looking for all the components, and I'd just like to get some confirmation from the pros on the following.
This is what I've got my eyes on so far (not set in stone by any means)
TV - Panasonic TX-P50G10B
PVR - Humax FoxSat-HDR - I don't have SKYHD or freesat at the moment. Will this work fine for regular freeview until I get freesat?
AMP - SONY STR-DH500 A/V Receiver
Now I'm new to the whole idea of AMPS (in the past have always just used the TV speakers which I'm sure makes you all cringe!) As I understand it all the inputs come into this and this is then connected to the TV via an HDMI cable.
So I would connect the PVR, Wii, Speakers, Computer to the AMP? I've checked the specs and it looks like that would all work with the items I've picked out above.
My PC's GFX card has an HDMI output, so hopefully there's no problem connecting that up to the Amp also - very keen on playing videos from the PC -> TV a fair bit, as well as blu-ray via the PC.
In terms of speakers, I'm not 100% sure on this. Am I precluded from using any particular type? The number of inputs/outputs for the amp is quite extensive -
What kind of speakers should I be getting? Digital / analogue? Will I notice a difference on the majority of stuff? From the above grid I can't even tell what output I'd use for Amp -> Speakers. If I was going to spend round about £300 for a 5.1 setup, what would would work best with this amp?
Can you see anything that would set off any warning bells in your mind (apart from my obvious lack of a/v savvyness)?
Thanks in advance.
Edited by bonsai on Monday 12th October 00:06
Edited by bonsai on Monday 12th October 00:07
I have no direct experience of the products you posted, so I'm reluctant to give specific advice about them.
A few things to bear in mind before you get too carried away:
The Amp acts in 2 ways. Firstly it's a switiching box. You plug all your "sources" into it and then it outputs to the TV via HDMI, and sound via cables to the speakers. Secondly, it's an amplifier - it divides up the sound signals and amplifies them to drive each individual speaker. There's no such thing as digital speakers - they're just boxes with magnets in at the end of the day! The amp drives them. They connect by plain old 2 core copper wire, you just connect the bare wire ends to the binding posts on tha amps and speakers.
SO, the things you really need to consider about your amp are:
Does it have enough inputs for me?
Is it future proof? Will i need a new one in 2 years?
Does it decode the right audio formats?
Is is powerful enough to give me the sound I want?
The first is probably the most important. If you have 3 HDMI inputs, they may get used quickly leaving you swapping cables about - not ideal. I might be tempted to go for This Sony STRDG820 As it is slightly fuller featured, newer, and has 4 HDMI inputs. I have it, but don't let that put you off! It is however £80 more.
Beware using your PC as a source for Blu-Ray - You need to make sure that your PC outputs both Audio AND video over HDMI. As I understand it some graphics cards only output the video, meaning that you would have problems getting the audio feed amplified by the amp. It's not impossible, but you want to make sure that the kit you are going to spend your hard earned cash on does what you expect it to do. Also, how loud is your PC? Most PC's I know are unacceptably loud for living rooms or use as home cinema, and cooling fans etc would have to be given special consideration to keep unwanted noise to a minimum.
Re speakers: Find out how much space you have. A few months ago, tannoy and Q acoustics were doing well respected speaker packages for around £500. I think that £300 is cutting it very fine for "proper" speakers. You can get sub/sat packages for that kind of price, but they don't have the dynamic range of full sized speakers and will sound poor if you want to listen to music. Ask yourself: Do I want speakers on my walls? Do I want them on stands? Can I afford to dedicate a room to the cinema set up, or does normal living room business have to go on around it? Then you'll be closer to the best solution for you. - Edit just to say that richer sounds websitre shows the "Q Acoustics 1010i" 5.1 speaker package for £349. This strikes me as a real bargain as they were getting highly favourable reviews at £550, and are proper speakers that will do film sound effects and music justice.
Finally, please don't forget to budget for cables. 5 runs of decent quality speaker cable doesn't come cheap. DOn't go mad, but acceptable speaker cable starts at around £1 a meter, so 5 5 metre runs (and you'll be lucky to get away with that little) will be £25, plus you'll need HDMI cables (Shop online, cheap cables make no differnce to quality, don't let people sell you £50 HDMI cables!!) and probably an optical cable to feed the TV tuners output back to the amp to have proper sound when you're just watching TV from the telly tuner. Then stands and cable conduit and stuff. I spent about £100 on cables, and £200 on stands and that was really shopping around and getting the best deals I could online. It's totally worth it though, I've got a great set up and love spending time relaxing with a blu ray or some computer games.
So:
1) Work out waht you want to achieve
2) Research to check that what you intend to buy does indeed achieve it
3) Shop around lots! Don't worry about misisng a bargain TV, there'll be a better newer cheaper one along next month
4) Once you've got it all, set up, sit back, enjoy, and don't let anyone say you got the wrong thing, as you know you've got it right!
A few things to bear in mind before you get too carried away:
The Amp acts in 2 ways. Firstly it's a switiching box. You plug all your "sources" into it and then it outputs to the TV via HDMI, and sound via cables to the speakers. Secondly, it's an amplifier - it divides up the sound signals and amplifies them to drive each individual speaker. There's no such thing as digital speakers - they're just boxes with magnets in at the end of the day! The amp drives them. They connect by plain old 2 core copper wire, you just connect the bare wire ends to the binding posts on tha amps and speakers.
SO, the things you really need to consider about your amp are:
Does it have enough inputs for me?
Is it future proof? Will i need a new one in 2 years?
Does it decode the right audio formats?
Is is powerful enough to give me the sound I want?
The first is probably the most important. If you have 3 HDMI inputs, they may get used quickly leaving you swapping cables about - not ideal. I might be tempted to go for This Sony STRDG820 As it is slightly fuller featured, newer, and has 4 HDMI inputs. I have it, but don't let that put you off! It is however £80 more.
Beware using your PC as a source for Blu-Ray - You need to make sure that your PC outputs both Audio AND video over HDMI. As I understand it some graphics cards only output the video, meaning that you would have problems getting the audio feed amplified by the amp. It's not impossible, but you want to make sure that the kit you are going to spend your hard earned cash on does what you expect it to do. Also, how loud is your PC? Most PC's I know are unacceptably loud for living rooms or use as home cinema, and cooling fans etc would have to be given special consideration to keep unwanted noise to a minimum.
Re speakers: Find out how much space you have. A few months ago, tannoy and Q acoustics were doing well respected speaker packages for around £500. I think that £300 is cutting it very fine for "proper" speakers. You can get sub/sat packages for that kind of price, but they don't have the dynamic range of full sized speakers and will sound poor if you want to listen to music. Ask yourself: Do I want speakers on my walls? Do I want them on stands? Can I afford to dedicate a room to the cinema set up, or does normal living room business have to go on around it? Then you'll be closer to the best solution for you. - Edit just to say that richer sounds websitre shows the "Q Acoustics 1010i" 5.1 speaker package for £349. This strikes me as a real bargain as they were getting highly favourable reviews at £550, and are proper speakers that will do film sound effects and music justice.
Finally, please don't forget to budget for cables. 5 runs of decent quality speaker cable doesn't come cheap. DOn't go mad, but acceptable speaker cable starts at around £1 a meter, so 5 5 metre runs (and you'll be lucky to get away with that little) will be £25, plus you'll need HDMI cables (Shop online, cheap cables make no differnce to quality, don't let people sell you £50 HDMI cables!!) and probably an optical cable to feed the TV tuners output back to the amp to have proper sound when you're just watching TV from the telly tuner. Then stands and cable conduit and stuff. I spent about £100 on cables, and £200 on stands and that was really shopping around and getting the best deals I could online. It's totally worth it though, I've got a great set up and love spending time relaxing with a blu ray or some computer games.
So:
1) Work out waht you want to achieve
2) Research to check that what you intend to buy does indeed achieve it
3) Shop around lots! Don't worry about misisng a bargain TV, there'll be a better newer cheaper one along next month
4) Once you've got it all, set up, sit back, enjoy, and don't let anyone say you got the wrong thing, as you know you've got it right!
Edited by WeirdNeville on Monday 12th October 01:30
Edited by WeirdNeville on Monday 12th October 01:36
That's a very detailed reply, many thanks.
Interestingly enough I got recommended those very same speakers by someone else as well so they're obviously a good deal to those in the know! Think I'll be going for them.
I feel the same way as you about inputs to amp - would be a minor nuisance having to use a switch if I maxxed it out.
No problems with PC noise since it's in that room currently.
I know it's eBay (and doesn't conform to the £1 / metre rule) but does this speaker cable appear OK for use with those Q Acoustics speakers? I certainly don't mind paying more for noticeably better quality.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50m-Oxygen-Free-Hi-Fi-Loud-S...
And I'm with you on those £50 HDMI cables! I won't get suckered in by those.
Thanks again.
Interestingly enough I got recommended those very same speakers by someone else as well so they're obviously a good deal to those in the know! Think I'll be going for them.
I feel the same way as you about inputs to amp - would be a minor nuisance having to use a switch if I maxxed it out.
No problems with PC noise since it's in that room currently.
I know it's eBay (and doesn't conform to the £1 / metre rule) but does this speaker cable appear OK for use with those Q Acoustics speakers? I certainly don't mind paying more for noticeably better quality.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50m-Oxygen-Free-Hi-Fi-Loud-S...
And I'm with you on those £50 HDMI cables! I won't get suckered in by those.
Thanks again.
Edited by bonsai on Monday 12th October 11:46
Just a little thing to add with the HDMI, i agree that there are loads of rip off priced cables out there but be aware that HDMI is not just HDMI, it has already gone through several version upgrades and is now on v1.4 (ish), an original spec HDMI cable will proberbly not work with v1.4 spec equipmpent, now here is the funny thing, it actually will work to a point but you wont get any of the v1.4 extra features 
In short a v1.4 spec device conected to a v1.4 spec device using a v1.0 spec cable is only guaranteed to work to a v1.0 spec.
When buying cables they never state what version they work for, generally they list the features (like Deep colour/ High bandwidth). Basically check what all of your devices are and buy a suitably appropriate cable. If you are going for long lengths then £50 isnt really a rip off.
In short a v1.4 spec device conected to a v1.4 spec device using a v1.0 spec cable is only guaranteed to work to a v1.0 spec.
When buying cables they never state what version they work for, generally they list the features (like Deep colour/ High bandwidth). Basically check what all of your devices are and buy a suitably appropriate cable. If you are going for long lengths then £50 isnt really a rip off.
bonsai said:
I know it's eBay (and doesn't conform to the £1 / metre rule) but does this speaker cable appear OK for use with those Q Acoustics speakers? I certainly don't mind paying more for noticeably better quality.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50m-Oxygen-Free-Hi-Fi-Loud-S...
I think it would take a special set of ears to tell the difference between that and more expensive cable with those speakers. I'm sure it'll be fine. I forgot to mention, you'll also need a Co-Axial cable to feed the Sub (The sub gets a signal feed and has it's own on board amplifier) - it's like one half of an interconnect cable only longer. Your audio shop will sell you what you need! Personally I've never heard a diffence in the sound of speaker cable in the £1/m to £5/m price range. Just knowning that my amp can kick out 40amps at peak power means that I want a decent thickness of cable!http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50m-Oxygen-Free-Hi-Fi-Loud-S...
WeirdNeville said:
bonsai said:
I know it's eBay (and doesn't conform to the £1 / metre rule) but does this speaker cable appear OK for use with those Q Acoustics speakers? I certainly don't mind paying more for noticeably better quality.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50m-Oxygen-Free-Hi-Fi-Loud-S...
I think it would take a special set of ears to tell the difference between that and more expensive cable with those speakers. I'm sure it'll be fine. I forgot to mention, you'll also need a Co-Axial cable to feed the Sub (The sub gets a signal feed and has it's own on board amplifier) - it's like one half of an interconnect cable only longer. Your audio shop will sell you what you need! Personally I've never heard a diffence in the sound of speaker cable in the £1/m to £5/m price range. Just knowning that my amp can kick out 40amps at peak power means that I want a decent thickness of cable!http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50m-Oxygen-Free-Hi-Fi-Loud-S...
bonsai said:
Righty cheers for the confirmation, luckily there's a Richer Sounds half a mile away so I'll be going in there to buy the wires and STRDG820. The Q Acoustics speakers arrived today. Haven't unpacked them yet but judging by the pile of boxes almost reaching the ceiling they're a bit bigger than the pictures led me to believe! All good though, I'm sure they'll sound ace.
Enjoy it mate!DOn't worry too much about the space, there'll be lots of packing material in there. Get some stands though, Richer do reasonably priced ones. I've seen and heard the Q acoustics speakers first hand, and they're compact for how they sound. You'll love them.
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