Recommend Surround Sound system?

[Luckypants]

Obviously some serious music and HiFi buffs on here....

I'm looking for a good quality surround sound processor to go with the big telly / HD sources (to be purchashed). i am also thinking I might get rid of the current hi-fi (mix of Denon / Arcam / Sony errrr foget what speakers) and use the new system as a complete hifi in the lounge.

I want compact speakers since it will be in the living room (I like those Bose cube thingys), quality sound, digital signals between componants, DVI input for sound from two or three sources.

Any recommendations (even if it is to wait for some new technology)?

The Arcam Solo 5.1 is excellent, as well as pretty compact. It does sell for around £2000 i think though - but you have to bear in mind your getting a very high end complete set of a Cd player, 5.1 Amp, DVD (even upscales to HD) and tuner. So overall its very competitive price wise.

As for speakers with bose you either love it or hate it. Personally i don't like them. They're manufactured very cheaply, and a £60 unbranded set from tesco is virtually indistinguishable from it. Bose also insist on running everything through their own EQ, which can't be switched off. Whilst an EQ may sound better on **** systems; a high end system will sound better neutral - after all the sound engineers kinda know what they're doing If your needing compactness i'd rather have a 2.1 system with bigger speakers- there is no compromise for big cabinets. The larger the cabinet, the deeper the noise it can reproduce. With small speakers and a sub woofer you will get lots of rumbley bass and high pitch noises, with 2 large speakers you'll be able to hear every frequency and be able to hear the 'bottom' of the bass notes. 2.1 systems work very well with Denons 'surround' system. Alternatives speakerwise i'd recommend Monitor Audio, look at their silver range If these are out of budget let me know, i'm just trying to keep the post short

[tigersaw]

I used to be into 'home cinema', until I really lost the plot and spent all my time upgrading and fiddling, speakers, projectors, subs, amps etc - rarely spending the time to actually enjoy the movie. Eventually enough was enough, I flogged the lot, bought a widescreen telly, (all the rage at the time!) and didnt look back. Fast forward almost 10 years, move house, buy a big LCD and a comfy sofa. Looking at some sound again, but I really can't be bothered with all the wires, speakers and fiddling. I have noticed the Yamaha single box surround thingy is being discontinued and discounted, looked at one yesterday. Very heavy, 21 + 2 speakers and lots of cleverness supposedly make this one box sound like a surround system, the reviews are all favourable.

Just buy a DVD home package sub + 5 speakers. You can get a great system ofr under £200 from www.Kelkoo.co.uk. Panasonic are usually very good. Look for the Panasonich SCHT520 or 540, the former is a 500watt RMS system and the latter I think 850 watts rms. To be honest you will not need more then 500RMS especially if watching a DTS movie. Both systems can be picked up for under £200 and sound amazing!! You would need to be a complete audiofile to notice the difference between one of those systems and a custom system that you can pay big bucks for.

Both systems come with DVD player 5 speakers and a Sub woofer - great VAle for money and will shake your house with the bangs and explosions while watching a movie.

A little bit more £££ will give you HDMI connectors for upscaling standard definition movies to HD etc.


Don't go down the road spending BIG £££ on systems that your ears will never notice the difference. I still have my Panasonic SCHT500 from 3-4 years ago and that still sounds amazing. things have come along way sinse then and the system in a box are exceptionally good.