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August 13, 2008 - 12:13am
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College film major looking for 5.1set/receiver advice
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I like Denon 3802 better than either the Onkyo or the Harman Kardon.
I'm hard pressed to think of a decent 5.1 speaker system for under $500 even on the used market.
Have you heard of HDMI, BluRay and Dolby TrueHD?
That 3802 is a dinosaur!
RG
We're talking about a very limited budget here. He can always get a new receiver when he gets the money. The 3802 is only around $200 and as such, I think it can be a throw-away. Besides, for the money, the sound quality of a 3802 is leaps and bounds better than what you can get for $400-$500 with HDMI, True Dolby, etc.
Especially in a small room, I can promise you that spending that much money on a 2.1 system will result in a MUCH better sound.
But your personal preference and happiness controls. If you simply would not feel happy having a 2-speaker system, then don't do it. If you're all about the 5.1, then I'd be very patient and try craigslist and garage sales. It will probably take some time.
Also, if you have heard the speaker/amp combo you are thinking about and you like the sound, then screw the opinions of the people on here and go for it.
Onkyo TX-SR606 $390 More sources
Yambeka Audio 5-speaker System $300 Review
Infinity PS10 subwoofer $215
Believe it, this will sound about the best you will find for the money.
So, is the consensus that it's folly to go for 5.1 in my price range? or is the consensus that my price range is folly? Remember people, college student here. But that said, if 2.1 is a better avenue than I'd definitely want to pursue options in it. The thing is, I'm placing cinematic realism before my aural needs here. I'm not at the (fiscal) point in my life where I can demand maximum fidelity of my system. The Yambeka/Infinity system looks good and that's definitely something I'll investigate.
So I guess I'm left wondering how a 2.1 system would compare, not only in fidelity but also in terms of creating a delicate soundscape for cinematic presentation/positioning (i.e. dialogue sounds like its coming from the direction of the speaker/ when a person yells something from behind, one hears it coming from behind), and what that comparative optimal setup would be.
And, of course, thanks for all the responses, there are so many options I would just never think of so I really appreciate you all illuminating a few of those potential choices. Anyway, I'll do a little research on the Yambeka/Infinity in the meantime and see what I can find. Thanks again
It depends on what is truly important to you.
A stereo system will not make sounds appear to come from behind. You will get clear dialogue, and all of the effects and music will be reproduced - but they will be mixed down to two speakers.
If 360 degree positioning is critical you need to go with five or more speakers. In exchange you give up some sound quality versus putting the same money into two speakers.
Jackfish always does an excellent job with these questions, by the way. If I needed a system like this I would personally rely on his expertise.
I'm not saying anything new, but I think Elk and jackfish are both right on.
If you want surround sound, you can't go with a 2.1 system (and don't buy into the virtual surround stuff). You *could* get a 2.1 system that is capable of being upgraded to a 5.1 when you get more cash, but that may not do the trick for you (depending on where you are in college, I doubt you have a bunch of cash coming your way).
I think you should absolutely try to audition a few 2.1 systems you can afford (with music and movies) and some 5.1s you can afford, and figure out where to go from there. No matter which way you go, you might have times where you second guess yourself, but try to reduce that as much as possible by listening beforehand.
Another vote here for going with 2.1 in your room. I studied film for a bit, with filmmaker James Schamus, etc., too, so I do appreciate how soundtrack and audio work in film. I realize that 5.1 will give you that added dimensionality, but 2.1 film watching doesn't lack 'realism.' 2.1 done right sounds better than a mediocre 5.1, even for viewing movies.
This is my thought, but more succinctly stated.
I assume that as a film student good audio reproduction is critical for fully appreciating the film, but does surround matter for full artistic appreciation?
To me, surround is much more for fun and effect. That is, surround is important for movies, not important for films.