Advice for a beginners setup

[Foo]

G'day,

 

A few months ago my partner and I "invested" in a 60" Samsung 4K TV. I've always wanted proper audio so I have done some reading, however haven't been able to find suggestions/setup which directly relate to our case.

 

Here's the details:

• we live in a one bedroom apartment, assume walls are reasonably thick as we never hear anything from the neighbours
• predominately watch the TV for sport and gaming, movies and TV shows (that is the order of usage)
• movies and TV shows watched with Netflix, Foxtel, Blu-Ray via the PS4 and compressed digital media

What I'm looking for is pretty basic, nothing world beating - just want a decent step up from the TV speakers. I have attached photos of our humble abode as I've read the dimensions of the room etc. play a huge part in acoustics.

 

My thoughts/questions based on my interpretation of what I've read:

• 2.1 setup will suffice?
• 5.1 would be great, however not sure how I'd go wiring speakers behind the couch - and may not be optimal given the apartment layout (the living room, kitchen, sliding doors to balcony etc. all share one open space)
• would a soundbar give us what we want?
• I'd love a receiver where we can play music wirelessly from or phones, imagine the budget prohibits this
• the setup does not need to be future proof
• budget $500 (obviously looking at used equipment)
• please excuse our horribly messy apartment!

Basically we spent a good amount of money on the TV, and just want the sound to do it justice.

 

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to read through my dribble and offer their two cents!

 

Cheers,

Joe

[gcgreg]

From my own experiences, I would go 2.0 or 2.1 in that area. I have owned a soundbar (Yamaha) and the reality didn't come close to the marketing. If your sources are HDMI and TV has an optical out, that is an easy way to feed a used AVR or 2 channel amp. Not sure if you'd squeeze a sub into the budget without sacrificing quality of main speakers. A pair of nice, used bookshelves should do the trick, it's almost impossible not to better a TV's built-in sound these days.

[Foo]

Thanks Greg! I'm glad that sort of setup 'should' get me good results. I guess my next question would be what sort of distribution of money I should be looking at for the AVR and speakers.

Suppose I could always buy AVR and speakers first and add the sub later if I crack the $500ish budget.

[Joshua Randall]

Are you looking at speakers and a reciever for $500. I think to get anything decent that's going to be a tough ask.

Edited December 15, 2015 by Josh_85

[montreal]

 

 

• 5.1 would be great, however not sure how I'd go wiring speakers behind the couch - and may not be optimal given the apartment layout (the living room, kitchen, sliding doors to balcony etc. all share one open space)
•  
• I'd love a receiver where we can play music wirelessly from or phones, imagine the budget prohibits this
• the setup does not need to be future proof
• budget $500 (obviously looking at used equipment)

 

 

Cheers,

Joe

 

 

Suppose I could always buy AVR and speakers first and add the sub later if I crack the $500ish budget.

 

 

Not necessarily, you can get a brand new complete system from Yamaha for just over $500

 

http://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hometheater-systems/home-theater-package/yht-1810_g/?mode=model

 

Your cabinet looks perfect for this set-up, and you can experiment and see if you even need the rear speakers.

 

Eastwood HiFi have it on special for $349!!!!!

 

http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/specials.htm

 

They are a Commercial Member here and would ship to Canberra, ask if you can have a 14 day return option if they dont sound as good as you would like

 

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/forum/137-eastwood-hifi/

 

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/user/148911-eastwood-hi-fi/

[gcgreg]

In the last year I have picked up an excellent condition pair of Tannoy Mercury speakers for $146 (ebay, pickup) and an Onkyo AVR for $262 (ebay, delivered). I chose the particular AVR for HDMI switching which in hindsight was unnecessary and probably not needed in your situation either. These speakers and amp are in different systems in my place but I'm using them as an example of budget purchases.

[Foo]

Are you looking at speakers and a reciever for $500. I think to get anything decent that's going to be a tough ask.

 

I am indeed - though I guess 'decent' is incredibly subjective, especially given I've never had anything at home except speakers built into the TV!

 

Not necessarily, you can get a brand new complete system from Yamaha for just over $500

 

http://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hometheater-systems/home-theater-package/yht-1810_g/?mode=model

 

Your cabinet looks perfect for this set-up, and you can experiment and see if you even need the rear speakers.

 

Eastwood HiFi have it on special for $349!!!!!

 

http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/specials.htm

 

They are a Commercial Member here and would ship to Canberra, ask if you can have a 14 day return option if they dont sound as good as you would like

 

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/forum/137-eastwood-hifi/

 

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/user/148911-eastwood-hi-fi/

 

This looks great - it would be awesome to have everything I need in one package. And like you say, if the rear speakers are too much of a pain to wire neatly, I don't have to use them. This may sound like a silly question, but this setup would be loads better than the TV speakers yeah?

[montreal]

Not a silly question at all, just the frequency response of the system 30 Hz–25 kHz would be a lot better than the inbuilt speakers on the TV, meaning you get more bass response (from the subbie). Its good for an entry level system.

 

Most importantly it has 4K pass-through which means if you buy a 4K player down the line (which you most probably will) you wont have to upgrade your receiver.

 

Edited December 15, 2015 by montreal

[Ancientflatulence]

I know very little about AV setups, but it seems to me that all that stuff for $550rrp there has to be major compromises in sound and build quality ...... but it will probably sound better than the TV.

My money would got to careful purchase of 2 channel, probably secondhand, which I would guess would give much better sound than an instant "home theatre" set up ..... my 2 cents

[montreal]

I know very little about AV setups, but it seems to me that all that stuff for $550rrp there has to be major compromises in sound and build quality ...... but it will probably sound better than the TV.

My money would got to careful purchase of 2 channel, probably secondhand, which I would guess would give much better sound than an instant "home theatre" set up ..... my 2 cents

 

Cant beat second hand for value, and yes nothing wrong with 2.0, hopefully somebody who might have something for sale within the $500 budget might want to help

Edited December 15, 2015 by montreal

[howze]

If you could up your budget to say $1000 you could get allot better, also depends on how much dpace youd like said speakers to take up. Maybe head down to your local hifi specialist store and have a chat with them

[Hippy]

Id say go for a small pair of bookshelf's and a nice 2 channel amp. If you stretch the budget a little you'll get pretty good sound.

[djb]

It's almost 2300 and I'm tired but I'm not exactly sure what you want to achieve !

Should I be pleased for you or saddened that there are no screamers within or without you apartment?

Sorry I digress

[bzr]

G'day,

 

A few months ago my partner and I "invested" in a 60" Samsung 4K TV. I've always wanted proper audio so I have done some reading, however haven't been able to find suggestions/setup which directly relate to our case.

 

Here's the details:

• we live in a one bedroom apartment, assume walls are reasonably thick as we never hear anything from the neighbours
• predominately watch the TV for sport and gaming, movies and TV shows (that is the order of usage)
• movies and TV shows watched with Netflix, Foxtel, Blu-Ray via the PS4 and compressed digital media

What I'm looking for is pretty basic, nothing world beating - just want a decent step up from the TV speakers. I have attached photos of our humble abode as I've read the dimensions of the room etc. play a huge part in acoustics.

 

My thoughts/questions based on my interpretation of what I've read:

• 2.1 setup will suffice?
• 5.1 would be great, however not sure how I'd go wiring speakers behind the couch - and may not be optimal given the apartment layout (the living room, kitchen, sliding doors to balcony etc. all share one open space)
• would a soundbar give us what we want?
• I'd love a receiver where we can play music wirelessly from or phones, imagine the budget prohibits this
• the setup does not need to be future proof
• budget $500 (obviously looking at used equipment)
• please excuse our horribly messy apartment!

Basically we spent a good amount of money on the TV, and just want the sound to do it justice.

 

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to read through my dribble and offer their two cents!

 

Cheers,

Joe

Go & ask the guys at Miranda Hifi in Canberra

[BaileyAV]

id like to throw my hat into the ring here.

 

Get a sound bar! 

 

The Q acoustics sound bar has won the whatHIFI best soundbar of the year under 500 pounds 2 years in a row.

 

it take a connection from your TV etc but it also has bluetooth so you can stream to it from your phone. it even has a built in sub-woofer!

 

cheapest place i can see it at a glance is $650 from here http://www.deniswhite.com.au/q-acoustics-media-4-soundbar.html?gclid=CKvZp9Xm3skCFUgXHwodluMI0Q

[Ancientflatulence]

Quote from a website selling the above:-

"You will enjoy a genuine ‘cinema’ audio experience with the Q M4, compared with using your TV speakers alone. Naturally, because the Q M4 is a ‘Hi-Fi’ Soundbar, it is designed to play music and movies with equal accomplishment."

 

  Gee, genuine "cinema" audio experience AND "Hi-Fi" ......... their inverted commas, not mine.......... must be a bargain ............
 

[Freedom]

I would definately consider an 'AVR'. And then maybe just front speakers to start with. You can always add to the setup, a sub, and surround speakers down the track. Watching movies will be a whole new (and proper) experience!

I don't see the point of a 2 channel amp when using it with a TV and 'movies'. It will be too restrictive. OK if all you want to do is music listening!

And definately seek 'second hand' !! There are some great buys if you look around. Maybe if you start at the $500 mark and be prepared to spend a little more you could source a decent AVR and two front speakers and maybe a small sub, or two small rear speakers. That in itself would give you a pretty decent sounding hi-fi setup that could be built upon!

I am only buying used nowdays, the budget isn't what it used to be and I want more bang for buck!

 

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Foo]

Evening all,

 

Quick update, I snagged a Yamaha RX-V377 off eBay for under $200 including shipping, probably won't get it for a while due to slow post at the moment. I did some reading on this unit and they seem to get good reviews as an entry level AVR, so hopefully it serves me well for a while.

 

The current plan is to find a set of used bookshelf speakers and see how it goes.  

 

Appreciate everyone's input!

Edited December 20, 2015 by Foo

[was_a]

Good one! Nice choice.

 

And you made your goals very clear through a very well thought-out post and accompanying photos. Also, your intentions to get some bookshelf speakers, rather than a 'soundbar', are very wise! 

 

But you need to get a sub-woofer to complement the smaller speakers. Otherwise you won't be satisfied with the sound.

[JohnL]

Hi Foo,

 

 

The main problem I see here is that you state......... "I've always wanted proper audio"

 

You then spend a substantial amount on your video Display.($2K??....more??)

 

Now you want to spend only 25% or less of your displays cost....... on ALL audio!!!......???

 

 

What chance does it have of being "proper"?

 

 

If your earlier audio comment rings true then why restrict yourself to a very limited $500 budget.

 

Why can't you spend more over time and build a nice quality 2 channel (or more) system around your already good Display?

 

What about $500 just on a set of decent speakers............

 

And a nice Stereo Integrated Amp..... (and maybe a better stereo source) in one of those Christmassy 3 Year Interest free thingo's?

 

Yes..........I said source as IMHO using a PS4 for CD replay will be pretty ordinary. 

 

 

I am sure you will initially enjoy your Yamaha AVR as even it's $50 amps connected to $50 speakers will definitely beat your Displays SQ.

 

How long you remain happy with it and whether you feel it to be a waste of $ later on is another story.

 

 

 

I hope that none of my post is perceived as nasty or condescending as I am merely stating my opinion as you requested.

 

I apologise if any offence was taken.........my sole purpose was purely to help.

 

 

Maybe at the end of the day what each of us deem as "proper" sound could simply differ.

 

 

Good Luck  

Edited December 20, 2015 by JohnL

[Foo]

Hi John, not at all - certainly no offence taken and all views/opinions are welcome.

 

It is important to keep in mind I've never watched anything at home through something that isn't the inbuilt speakers. I've watched movies before at friends and families places before with audio setups, but wasn't paying attention and wouldn't a clue what sort of system/setup they were running.

 

With that said, it is hard for me to justify anything in excess of the stated budget. From all accounts of what I've read on different forums/articles etc., I should have a noticeable increase in sound quality and experience. There's no way I'd be comfortable dropping well in excess of a grand without 'dipping my toes in the water'. My hope is that the receiver and some bookshelf speakers will give me this. This can always be sold later to upgrade, and if it proves to be a waste of money - better to spend $500 than $5000!

 

The terms 'proper' and 'decent' are all incredibly subjective too

Edited December 21, 2015 by Foo

[Joshua Randall]

I have the Yamaha RX-V577 hooked up to a pair of 685s2 which was my first serious system after years of out of the box systems and it sounds great. That's the direction I'd personally point you towards for your budget. You could buy a pair of second hand 685s1 or 685s2 second hand or if you're lucky new for around $500 and only just got over your budget. Add a matching centre channel and SVS SB/PB 1000 later on when your budget allows and you've got a really good system that you wont have to upgrade for years and save yourself money in the long run.

Edited December 21, 2015 by Josh_85

[Freedom]

I agree with Foo's direction. 'Good' sound is all relative. A '2 channel' set-up to go with a 2K video doesn't add up to me. An 'AVR' does!

And a cheapish AVR coupled with some bookshelves, and capacity to add a 'sub' (which would be one of the best upgrades for watching movies, as that's the most obvious purpose with a TV of that cost), IMO makes sense.

From what the OP says, I don't think he would benefit from '2 channel' quality over 'multi-channel'.

[montreal]

Evening all,

 

Quick update, I snagged a Yamaha RX-V377 off eBay for under $200 including shipping, probably won't get it for a while due to slow post at the moment. I did some reading on this unit and they seem to get good reviews as an entry level AVR, so hopefully it serves me well for a while.

 

The current plan is to find a set of used bookshelf speakers and see how it goes.  

 

Appreciate everyone's input!

 

That is very similar to the AVR in the all in one package I suggested above, except yours has a USB input which will come in handy for music on the go. Here's a quick guide to some decent budget bookshelf speakers, all rated 5 stars by What Hi Fi.

 

http://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-budget-hi-fi-speakers

 

All you have to do now is find a pair second hand

Edited December 21, 2015 by montreal

[Joshua Randall]

I agree with Foo's direction. 'Good' sound is all relative. A '2 channel' set-up to go with a 2K video doesn't add up to me. An 'AVR' does!

And a cheapish AVR coupled with some bookshelves, and capacity to add a 'sub' (which would be one of the best upgrades for watching movies, as that's the most obvious purpose with a TV of that cost), IMO makes sense.

From what the OP says, I don't think he would benefit from '2 channel' quality over 'multi-channel'.

 

Good sound is relative but good economics is not. You might say I can't envision myself spending $800 on sound equipment. But, you will be spending more than that by buying a stop gap system when you're just going to replace it down the line.  For max $300 more you can buy yourself a system that you can have for 10 years and smile when you listen to it everyday.