Home theater system - need opinions

[Sportcamper]

I was talking to this guy who knew this guy that was into audio & he liked the JBL 4430’s paired with 400 watt Hafler amps…

The sound is so clear that you can actually enjoy Top-Gun from your neighbor’s house…

[Walter Herrmann]

Thanks for all of the input. I understand what you guys are saying, however, I am a college student so it would take years for me to build a set up like that. I already have a ps3 and hdtv, so I don't need dvd players that upscale and crap. I really want a nice receiver though, so I can hook everything up and have many options for the future. I guess I'm still leaning towards the Onkyo system, but if any of you have a link to a great receiver like you talk about please post it and I'll consider.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Thanks for all of the input. I understand what you guys are saying, however, I am a college student so it would take years for me to build a set up like that. I already have a ps3 and hdtv, so I don't need dvd players that upscale and crap. I really want a nice receiver though, so I can hook everything up and have many options for the future. I guess I'm still leaning towards the Onkyo system, but if any of you have a link to a great receiver like you talk about please post it and I'll consider.

i'd craigslist it, man. you probably could score a nice deal.

[Walter Herrmann]

Alright, here's the deal. I decided to go with the Onkyo system. It's much bigger than my old 2001 surround sound system lol. Anyways, I bought this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product to hook it up to my PS3. When I set it up, it tells me that if my set frequency is too high for my reciever, then it could damage my speakers. It already has 2 of the frequency's set for me, but I can also choose to use Linear PCM 2 Ch. 88.2 kHz and Linear PCM 2 Ch.176.4 kHz. Now, I don't know anything about this, so I need your help. Here's the link to my system again http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product , it says 130 Watts per Channel at 6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1%. So, can my system support that frequency? If that's not the info you need let me know and I'll go look for more.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Alright, here's the deal. I decided to go with the Onkyo system. It's much bigger than my old 2001 surround sound system lol. Anyways, I bought this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product to hook it up to my PS3. When I set it up, it tells me that if my set frequency is too high for my reciever, then it could damage my speakers. It already has 2 of the frequency's set for me, but I can also choose to use Linear PCM 2 Ch. 88.2 kHz and Linear PCM 2 Ch.176.4 kHz. Now, I don't know anything about this, so I need your help. Here's the link to my system again http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._ya_oh_product , it says 130 Watts per Channel at 6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1%. So, can my system support that frequency? If that's not the info you need let me know and I'll go look for more.

hmm. that sounds weird. i've never dealt with a ps3, but i don't see how frequency can damage a speaker. i would think the louder it is would damage it. frequency would just determine the quality of the sound. either way i've never heard of any piece of equipment give a warning about the frequency. SPL's, yes. frequency, no.

[Walter Herrmann]

hmm, yeah I just double checked to be sure, it says "If the device in use does not support the frequency selected, the speakers may become damaged."

[Viva Las Espuelas]

hmm, yeah I just double checked to be sure, it says "If the device in use does not support the frequency selected, the speakers may become damaged."

hmm. never ran into that problem. i'd start with the 88.2 setting then. the onkyo should have an auto protect shut off function if it receives something that would harm the system, be it the receiver or speakers. my old sony unit had that feature. anyway, i'd try the 176.4 setting, but i'd unhook the speakers when i did this and i'd crank up the volume. if the onkyo has a auto-protect it should kick in. if it does have the feature, but doesn't turn off, then i'd hook up the speakers. shut off the receiver first before doing that, then i'd ease up the volume on the receiver and see what happens. what does the ps3 manual say about it?

[Walter Herrmann]

You know I didn't even think to look at the manual for the PS3. I have to take off for work in a bit but I'll try this when I get home and get back to you tomorrow. Thanks for help.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

you're cool, dude.

http://www.google.com/search?q=If+th...ient=firefox-a

basically it does boil down to the volume(SPL).

[Walter Herrmann]

Haha, alright thanks for that. I don't plan to listen to it loud enough to harm the speakers anyways. Thanks for all your help man.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Haha, alright thanks for that. I don't plan to listen to it loud enough to harm the speakers anyways. Thanks for all your help man.

if i were you i would test out all formats at low volume first. stereo, 5.1, dts, and any other formats the ps3 can handle.

[Heath Ledger]

I have a fairly cheesy sony system and a kickass Harmon Kardan subwoofer and it rocks my house and immerses me just as much as any movie theater. My cousin has a 7.1 yamah system fancy speakers that he spent $15k on, I honestly can't tell a whole of a difference.

My advice, start with a small system you will be surprised at what may satisfy you and you can have a of a lot of beer and popcorn money left over, also buy an open box receiver at best buy you will save a ton of money.

[Cry Havoc]

I have a fairly cheesy sony system and a kickass Harmon Kardan subwoofer and it rocks my house and immerses me just as much as any movie theater. My cousin has a 7.1 yamah system fancy speakers that he spent $15k on, I honestly can't tell a whole of a difference.

My advice, start with a small system you will be surprised at what may satisfy you and you can have a of a lot of beer and popcorn money left over, also buy an open box receiver at best buy you will save a ton of money.

No offense, but this is pretty poor advice. You probably cannot tell the difference because A) your ears aren't used to hearing better sound quality and B) you are reluctant to hear anything except how good your own system is. This isn't an insult, as it's a conditioned response to enjoy what you have, and there's nothing wrong with it.

I craigslisted my tower speakers (Mirage OM-12s) and my receiver (Pioneer Elite VSX-21). I bought my center channel on amazon and my shelf speakers from Best Buy. I couldn't be happier with the system. You really can get some amazing deals out there.

Your Onkyo setup seems pretty good though, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Heath Ledger]

My point was that you don't have to buy the latest greatest most expensive to have a kickass movie or gaming experience. I have lots of expensive electronic toys however after one of my kickass receivers went a few years back I sold my speakers and when I moved in a pinch bought a sony system and I was much impressed with the decent quality at such a lower price. I will probably upgrade again some day but for the time being Im content with the performance of what I've got.

Your center channel and subwoofer are what make your system for the most part anyway.

[Walter Herrmann]

I understand what you're saying, but I was upgrading from an old RCA 5.1 system DVD player. But yeah, the sub and the center speaker are much bigger than I expected.