Help in deciding entry level home theater setup

[sudheerkrishna]

Hi Folks,

I am sure you folks must have encountered this question several times, I read through the recent posts on similar query.

Present Room size: 13X9 (this would become big like 18x14 in future)
Movie:Music ratio = 60:40
Budget: 45K

Requirements:

Needs 4 HDMI ports and HDMI pass through(must)
Good clarity on vocals
Dobly TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders
USB input good if available
5.1 channel system.


I got the demo for the following

Onkyo HT-S3500
Denon X500 + Denon Sys 5.1 speaker set
Yamaha - YHT196

The Onkyo sounded good for music and the bass wasn't good for movies. Denon X500 exactly opposite, with active sub the bass was more prominent over vocals.
YHT196 appeared sweet, I could not judge it because it was demoed in open space of Reliance Digital.

Another recommendation was Onkyo TX-SR313 AVR + Onkyo SKS-HT528 speakers(Rs 47K). What is the opinion about this combo?

Please give me suggestions if I can get a better system under 45K or if not which of the above would be better. I would like to go for system with a powered sub, so that I have chance for later upgrade.

I would not want to put money again in this system atleast for next 2 years.


Thanks in advance.

 

[devilwearsprada]

Hi Folks,

The Onkyo sounded good for music and the bass wasn't good for movies. Denon X500 exactly opposite, with active sub the bass was more prominent over vocals.
YHT196 appeared sweet, I could not judge it because it was demoed in open space of Reliance Digital.

Another recommendation was Onkyo TX-SR313 AVR + Onkyo SKS-HT528 speakers(Rs 47K). What is the opinion about this combo?

I think you got it completely wrong. The onkyo is amazing for movies but bad for music. The denon should suffice for your needs. How much are you getting the x500 for?
Look for YHT 299!

 

[sudheerkrishna]

I think you got it completely wrong. The onkyo is amazing for movies but bad for music. The denon should suffice for your needs. How much are you getting the x500 for?
Look for YHT 299!

That's how I perceived in the 'Modern World' Demo Room(unbiased, going by ears), not sure if there were any specific tuning. Denon with speakers I am getting for 38K.

I heard yamaha goes noisy at max volume? Will try to get a demo tomorrow.

 

[sudheerkrishna]

Guys,

Now its down to below two

Yamaha YHT 299
Denon X500 + Denon Sys 5.1 speaker set

Both cost me exactly the same, however I couldn't get a demo for Yamaha(heard YHT 196 though) as the product is scarcely available.

Yamaha
Pros: USB input, YPAO, 4K pass through, plenty of AV inputs, More elegant looking than Denon
Cons: Smaller Sub(6.5 inch) and Smaller speaker drivers

Denon
Pros: Higher power, Bigger sub(8 inch), Bigger speakers.
Cons: No USB input(do not matter much though), No Audyssey or anything, No 4K pass through

I liked the Denon Sub and music quality is up to the mark if not great. In future I might be replacing the fronts with Jamo towers.
What shall I choose? I would be watching 60% movies.

Those who have experienced both the systems, could you please help me?

 

[efernand1]

Hi Sudheerkrishna,

Reliance Digital in Hyderabad was / is offering Marantz + Boston Acoustics 5.1 speakers + Blu Ray for 45-48k.....I am not sure if this deal is available in Bangalore...you may want to check it out....

I used Yamaha and Denon in the past and would say generally both are fine...when you want quality sound and performance ...you need to get technical and see which system (AVR + speakers) has the ability to perform across all frequencies (20hz - 20khz) at continuous volumes...low or high....with clarity and not jarring noise.....

End of the day, whatever you select would be based on your requirements, performance and budget.....

If you are game for mix and match....go for a Yamaha AVR + Boston Acoustics Soundware XS 5.1 speakers....I am sure you will like it. Again depends on what appeals to you and budget.