23 replies to this topic

[Gannu]

The title has summed it up!

Budget: 35k. Stretchable to 40k MAX!

Requirement: I have a PS3 and a Xonar DX on my PC which can output signals thru HDMI and optical-out respectively. Display is not an issue per se. This is perhaps a temporary solution for about 4~5 years - I may invest in a better system and a display later on as the need arises.

I've come across this Pioneer entry-level AVR which could suit my requirement - Newegg.com - Pioneer 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver VSX-519V-K but have no clue as to which speakers could pair up well with it.

Some suggestions in this regard would be really helpful.

TIA

[sarang]

Gannu said:

I've come across this Pioneer entry-level AVR which could suit my requirement - Newegg.com - Pioneer 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver VSX-519V-K but have no clue as to which speakers could pair up well with it.

And how exactly do you plan to get it to these shores? If you've figured it out already then consider the JBL SCS 200 speaker package @ about 22 - 25K.

My suggestion would be to ditch the HDMI and settle for a AVR which has 2 or more optical inputs. What exactly do you need the HDMI for?

Do you have any BDs for which you need Multichannel LPCM? Most games and *ahem* rips would have DD, DTS, AC3 only which any run of the mill AVR should handle easily.

[Gannu]

^As a precautionary measure, assuming I may buy BDs/HD-DVDs later on, I need not have the AVR changed soon enough.

As for the AVR, I have a friend's sibling who's willing to come down to India later next month.

[sarang]

If the sibling could get it for you nothing like it. The power section in the specs say 120 @ 60Hz so you'd also need to invest in a transformer.

I'd still recommend that dont buy electronics you "may" need.

[anooj30299301]

Gannu, have a look at this: DENON DHT-390 HOME THEATER SYSTEM gifts in india at rediff shopping..

Check review and the otehr forums. Best bang fo bauck, I think.

[Gannu]

^Yup I saw that. sarang uses the very same system and that could just fit my needs except for the single optical input.

How about using a Toslink optical to coaxial converter? Are we talking of any loss in signal quality here as a result of the conversion? Is anyone using the same?

[sarang]

Not really, If you are getting those converters do start a go i'll take two of them. Sorry I did not get time to confirm the Coax part on my Xonar. Alternatively lets ask Cranky if the Xonar can do a Coax from the same port. If yes then you know your options.

[Gannu]

^How can a Xonar possibly do that without a converter? sarang please do a google shopping search for the least priced converter as well as for the M-Audio CO2. Cant access google shopping at work.

[sarang]

The cheapest converter i found is on Amazon Amazon.com: Digital Fiber Optical (Toslink) to Digital Coaxial (S/PDIF) Converter: Electronics

For about 12 USD. Another one is around 24 USD from SiiG on the egg Newegg.com - SIIG CE-CTC012-S2 Toslink-to-Coaxial converter - Adapters & Gender Changers

The CO2 is too pricey for what it does, at about 50 USD minimum.

[Gannu]

^How about a GO for the Amazon one then? Perhaps by the month-end.

Seems like the Co-axial output is slightly betetr than the Toslink ones - maybe the distance screws the signal quality over the Toslink cable.

[sarang]

Sure enough. Lemme shoot KMD a PM n see what he quotes? Are you in for one or two?

[Vasishta.Sushant]

anooj30299301 said:

Gannu, have a look at this: DENON DHT-390 HOME THEATER SYSTEM gifts in india at rediff shopping..

Check review and the otehr forums. Best bang fo bauck, I think.

Wouldn't the Onkyo 5205 be a better buy ?

[sarang]

@SushantV: Depends, i heard the S502 so called Exhillarator and did not like it at all. the speakers are plasticky, try knocking them once with your knuckles. The sub is barely passable and worst part is the center is underpowered. In a surround setup the center is a key component when it comes to movies and it has have crystal clear mids, the onkyo though strong on paper fails to deliver on a lot of fronts to please me.

And, the HDMIs on it are still pass through.

[Vasishta.Sushant]

Yupp but the 390 has the similar specs as well.

I haven't heard the 5202 but it should be better than the 3200 I auditioned. Now since the 3200 is with the passive sub, still it sounded NOT SO BAD, I was hoping that the 5202 would sound better.

The Denon I heard (do not remember the mdoel number) wasn't quite better except for the price.

Actually even I am looking for something similar as OP and trying to squeeze all within 30K. Seems like HTiB is the only option. And in that budget, 5205 is the only thing that I can think of. Denons mostly cost more for the same mettle.

EDIT: Check the specs, they are cut to cut same for the Denon and the Onkyo. And the centre channel in both the options have equal power, how do you say its underpowered ? Man 100W is good enough (even if you discount for the extrapolated figures).

About the HDMI, we have again passthrough in both the models.

here: http://www.sightands...90_E2A_leaf.pdf
http://www.onkyoindi...s5205/index.htm

[Gannu]

I'm in for just one converter sarang.

I might actually take one step further down, and get the Z5500 system as a temporary solution for the next 3~4 years' time before I settle down with a decent AVR and a HT system. The Z5500 is not as bad as it is speculated to be - for gaming & movies per se.

[Vasishta.Sushant]

Gannu said:

I'm in for just one converter sarang.

I might actually take one step further down, and get the Z5500 system as a temporary solution for the next 3~4 years' time before I settle down with a decent AVR and a HT system. The Z5500 is not as bad as it is speculated to be - for gaming & movies per se.

Why not Onkyo 3100 then ? In the same price.

[sarang]

@SushantV: Not specs wise underpowered mate. Pop in a DVD of your fav film, for my auditions I had "Dead Poets' Society", "Matrix Reloaded", and "Lord Of The Rings 1".

The key is you should be able to clearly hear the dialogs which are typically driven through the center.

And secondly I'd advice that just trust your ears. If one equipment sounds good to you it IS good for you. I trust my ears more than the on papers specs. And considering the limnited options in the Indian markets I had little choice but to demo the Onkyo as well ;).

Another very good system to consider is the JBLSCS140 + HK AVR 133. @around 22 - 25K.

@Gannu: Have you heard those(The big Z)? If you can live with them then go get 'em.

[Vasishta.Sushant]

Hey Sarang, did you try this ? India JBL

The combo looks good with an active sub and decent speaker system. Receiver is good but lacks terribly in features. But the only thing I like about it is the front USB. Will be a lot easier for my wife to listen to the audio, without all other hassles.

I didn't like the shape of JBL system while the HK speakers look sleek. Any idea about the pricing ?

[Gannu]

sarang said:

@Gannu: Have you heard those(The big Z)? If you can live with them then go get 'em.

Thrice - once at ANP!!!'s place driven by an X-Fi XtremeGamer (IIRC) and the rest at auditions. Sounded bad for music - needless to the say the sub booms at low volumes and although the sats did handle the highs without a dedicated tweeter, that midrange should be enough for gaming. HAving 2 digital inputs is a blessing I'd say. Looking for the right price though - 15k and any lesser would have been a sweet deal.

[sarang]

The system I mentioned above is the entry level system from the same team JBL + HK. The HK speakers are overpriced. The JBL speakers are decent for what they sell at.

The SCS 140 + HK 133 combo is priced around 22 - 25K depending on your bargaining skills. :).

The front USB is very limited in features. Strictly MP3/WMA/AAC. No lossless formats except plain old Wave (PCM). But good for wives ;)