Which is best HT out of these?

[asaldharan]

Hi friends,

Since I joined this forum, my all posts are related to Home theater only. Upon much good guidance from the experts on this Forum, I came to know ( but not fully still ) various features, technical details in Audio technology.

But still I need some guidance from the experts regarding choosing a good HT.

My preference will be 50% music ( all downloaded songs) and 50% movies. I want a full surround effect without any distortion. My room is rectangular in shape with 20 ft length and 9 ft wide.

I have drilled down some three HT's here. Pros include why I liked that Product and cons is obviously vice versa. My budget is strictly 25 - 30K max.


YHT 196 - 21K

Pros:

-Cheap and best
-Has sperate sub woofer out

cons:
-Lacks Dolby digital plus ( which my TV has...)


YHT 296 - 27K ( I think this is not availabale in the market now)

Pros:
- Has dolby tru HD ( includes dolby digital plus)
-2 optical and 2 coaxial

Cons:

-Less feature comapre to s3400


Onkyo S3400 - 27K

Pros:

- more features compare to 296
-Has USB input ( not sure with this)
-3D feature ( May not be needed since I dont have a 3D TV)
-more watts speakers
-Speakers Looks stylish compare to 296
-Having specifications for speaker also like model no. etc
-Decodes nearly all HD formats ( No Spec abt this on Yamaha)
-Websites has full information about this system
-has separate output for 2.0 channel

Cons:

-has only one coaxial
-over heat problems ( as per review)
-Best suitable for movies only ( as per review)


I didn't consider Denon 1312XP because I need 2 optical inputs minimum.

Even If any other good HT is there apart from these, let me know.


Thanks

 

[asaldharan]

Can anyone guide me on this?

 

[Rupam]

Go for Yamaha, as you will also listen to music...

 

[asaldharan]

I agree with you. But the problem is YHT 296 is not available in the market.

But difference of THD is 0.1 % between yamaha and onkyo... Does 0.1% means a lot?

 

[Indirajayan]

I would say go with Onkyo S3400,but final decision is yours!

New Onkyo Home Theatre 3D Ready 5.1 Channel- HT-S3400 | eBay

 

[slash1814]

Go for YHT-298, It has USB also. Strech ur budget by 2-3 K. And this should be available in Chennai. Yamaha is best for music among the options given by you.

 

[asaldharan]

Onkyo is 27K but both yamaha models are coming around 35K... thinking to go for onkyo S3400..

 

[devilwearsprada]

Onkyo is 27K but both yamaha models are coming around 35K... thinking to go for onkyo S3400..

Hi friends,

Since I joined this forum, my all posts are related to Home theater only. Upon much good guidance from the experts on this Forum, I came to know ( but not fully still ) various features, technical details in Audio technology.

But still I need some guidance from the experts regarding choosing a good HT.

My preference will be 50% music ( all downloaded songs) and 50% movies. I want a full surround effect without any distortion. My room is rectangular in shape with 20 ft length and 9 ft wide.

I have drilled down some three HT's here. Pros include why I liked that Product and cons is obviously vice versa. My budget is strictly 25 - 30K max.


YHT 196 - 21K

Pros:

-Cheap and best
-Has sperate sub woofer out

cons:
-Lacks Dolby digital plus ( which my TV has...)


YHT 296 - 27K ( I think this is not availabale in the market now)

Pros:
- Has dolby tru HD ( includes dolby digital plus)
-2 optical and 2 coaxial

Cons:

-Less feature comapre to s3400


Onkyo S3400 - 27K

Pros:

- more features compare to 296
-Has USB input ( not sure with this)
-3D feature ( May not be needed since I dont have a 3D TV)
-more watts speakers
-Speakers Looks stylish compare to 296
-Having specifications for speaker also like model no. etc
-Decodes nearly all HD formats ( No Spec abt this on Yamaha)
-Websites has full information about this system
-has separate output for 2.0 channel

Cons:

-has only one coaxial
-over heat problems ( as per review)
-Best suitable for movies only ( as per review)


I didn't consider Denon 1312XP because I need 2 optical inputs minimum.

Even If any other good HT is there apart from these, let me know.


Thanks

Sir, here in gurgaon. The Onkyo-3400 is available for 27.5k(Free LG-BDP550)
The YHT-296 for 29k and YHT-196 for around 21k.

Another correction the Onkyo-3400 does not have a USB Port, the 3500 Does(available at the same price as 3400 but without the BD Player)

I would strongly suggest to go for the Onkyo-3400 as:
1. You would play downloaded music, considering the fact its gonna majorly be mp3, there is not gonna be much difference in the 3 sets.

2. In case you download better quality music(Flac etc.) or play 5.1 Videos of songs, the real difference would come out for music. I would give the YHT-296 a point above the Onkyo on this aspect.

3. The Onkyo-3400 pitches the other two down because of its Movie Performance. If you are a movie buff, and want an amazing experience out of your set for both movies and music. I would suggest you the 3400. You could save the money on 3500 and buy add-on's(BDP/ 14 Gauge Wire)

4. Considering the fact that I have also demo'ed the three sets together with the same quality files(mp3's) and a Blu Ray of the same movie.

The Onkyo 3400 seemed to be the versatile performer imho. The YHT-296/298 is pretty good for music but the Onkyo-3400 simply beats it on the movie front. Also, the real music sense would come off only with better files and not on downloaded music. Also, it does not only depend if speakers are of more watts or they are stylish, but yes the YHT-196 is outdated. Since you are looking for a budget Htib, The Onkyo -3400 is what you should buy right away.

Also about the ventilation problem - http://www.hifivision.com/reviews/35441-denon-1312xp-onkyo-3400-review.html .

You can thank me later

 

[Flash]

But difference of THD is 0.1 % between yamaha and onkyo... Does 0.1% means a lot?

Your speakers will probably produce more distortion .

A difference of 0.1% is negligible

 

[jaivelu]

@asaldharan, sent you a PM. Please see.