$1500 Home Theatre??

[silence]

Hey guys,

Long time lurker, first time poster :)

I'm trying to source a decent home theatre system for my mother. She obviously doesn't want to spend megabucks and would most likely go for something along the lines of a $1300 package deal from Noel Leemings etc. Think "regular Joe Bloggs consumer".

Can anybody recommend either a decent off-the-shelf package (Panasonic perhaps?), or a selection of components to make this happen for around the $1500-or-less mark?

[Michael Jones]

Welcome along here, silence. I hope you don't match up with your name: post often here!

The cheap all-in-one packages do look tempting at very attractive prices. You may weant to take along a couple of favourite CDs and listen to a few - see if you think any of them a). sound any good, b). are any better than the others.

[silence]

Thanks for your reply Michael, I guess I was hopeful that there might be a stand-out brand in the entry-level home theatre market?

The reason I mention Panasonic is that I have heard they offer the best quality/most bang for your buck of the consumer-level gear, but maybe others will disagree. Ideally I'd prefer that the DVD player be MP3 capable and also region-free, but then it's not going to be my equipment :)

I may have to just have a play with a few examples as you suggested, if nobody has any further recommendations.

[PartTimer]

Are you considering second hand / demo equip?
The classified section on this site, and the trademe website, have some good bargains at times. You may be able to pick up a fairly new 'component' system for the same price as the all-in-one systems. Ususally better quality, longer lasting etc.

[silence]

Originally posted by PartTimer
Are you considering second hand / demo equip?
The classified section on this site, and the trademe website, have some good bargains at times. You may be able to pick up a fairly new 'component' system for the same price as the all-in-one systems. Ususally better quality, longer lasting etc. Thanks for the suggestion, probably not though. I'm just trying to make sure my Mum doesnt wind up wasting her money on something from the Warehouse, you know? :)

[Senator]

My brother in law has one of the HTIAB from Yamaha. He seems happy enough with it, as it suits his requirements (I havent heard it in operation myself personally so can't confirm if I would have one or not).

I heard one of the Sony HTIAB's in operation at harvey Normans on the weekend, I would recommend you steer clear of it. Harsh hi's, no midrange to speak of and sloppy bass.

Sen

[cyclist]

Another option is a higher end multimedia speaker set plus separate DVD player. Have a look at the "poor mans home theatre" post on this forum for an assessment of the Logitech Z-680. There are plenty of reviews on the web for this, and similar setups in it's class.

Perhaps a worthy alternative to investigate, although I have no personal experience.

[silence]

Thanks everybody for your thoughts. I've done some further investigation on the net (I should really be working I know) and I'm leaning heavily towards the JVC TH-V70 - http://www.jvc-australia.com/products/_products_sub_group_details.asp?ID=1046

From everything I've read this system performs great and it's very stylish, which is probably of more importance to my mother :D

It's region-free, has progressive scan (she needs a new TV anyway lol) and I've found the whole package for $1,445.22 incl GST at http://www.ascent.co.nz - I love those guys, always great service.

[Michael Jones]

Originally posted by silence
From everything I've read this system performs great and it's very stylish, which is probably of more importance to my mother :D

I'd be cautious on believing "everything" or even anything about what you've read on system such as these. I've never come across anyone doing proper reviews of these system, only puff pieces.

Go and have a listen and a play with it before buying.

[Senator]

Do you mean that tone(less) has done something?

[silence]

Originally posted by AudioEnz
I'd be cautious on believing "everything" or even anything about what you've read on system such as these. I've never come across anyone doing proper reviews of these system, only puff pieces.

Go and have a listen and a play with it before buying.
Fair call. I've been sure to read as many customer reviews as editorial (advertorial) pieces also. Does the "Home Theatre system of the year award - EISA (European Imaging & Sound Association) for 2002/2003" hold any weight as far as you know?

http://www.eisa-awards.org/awards/2002-2003/ht.htm

[Boris]

Originally posted by Senator
Do you mean that tone(less) has done something?


I really enjoyed their in-depth feature article on big screen TV options (HEAVY sarcasm). Hope they charged an advertising fee for all the pretty pictures that filled most of the pages.

Sorry, I'm sure this post is out of line (and off topic) but that effort was pathetic. I've been assessing my options recently and was really looking forward to some NZ specific answers. Apart from a couple of facts on the difference between Plasma and LCD that accidently slipped in, the entire article said nothing.

[JimmyC]

I agree with what Michael said about basing ones opinions on reviews and articles only. Hearing them yourself is the only way to go...

Having said that, I've posted my thoughts on the Z-680 system back in the poor mans home theatre thread. It's rather long (again) but after listening to quite a few different sub/sat systems I think it's worthwhile to point out a very viable alternative to what's considered mainstream...

[silence]

Originally posted by JimmyC
I agree with what Michael said about basing ones opinions on reviews and articles only. Hearing them yourself is the only way to go...

Having said that, I've posted my thoughts on the Z-680 system back in the poor mans home theatre thread. It's rather long (again) but after listening to quite a few different sub/sat systems I think it's worthwhile to point out a very viable alternative to what's considered mainstream...
Hey JimmyC - I had a look at that, cheers for the informative thread. As you say, it gives a real alternative to 'mainstream' options. It's interesting to see the crossover of multimedia audio coming into the home theatre market.

I should be checking out a few systems in the near future (this weekend?), I'll try to drop back in and let you all know how it goes :)

[JimmyC]

With sound cards like the Audigy2 packing in the EAX format for simulated surround sound in games, the PC can now become an incredibly powerful entertainment centre for the home. DVD, mp3, CD, PC games etc etc...

These new games are seriously involving if you have a surround setup. I can't believe you'd ever need all the power these systems like the Z-680 or the MegaWorks from Creative can throw out. When you consider how close the PC speakers are placed to the user normally, you could very easily do some serious damage.

In this respect the line between HT and PC is indeed getting very blurred!

I look forward to reading about your weekends discoveries.

[Geege]

Originally posted by JimmyC

In this respect the line between HT and PC is indeed getting very blurred!


Too true - Ive been meaning to test the Pioneer 2011 receiver with some games. That particular receiver comes equipped with a USB connection of all things, ready to hook up to a PC.