ok guys.. serious stereo help

[SC4EVA]

Ok.. so I am moving from my current apartment. Currently I have a system very similar to this -
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...89854&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03053

Its not as crazy.. much more calm look though.. Has two large main speakers, one central and two satellite.. works well but I just feel like its WAY to big. When I move into my next place I am getting a new entertainment unit and there really isnt room in it for a big piece like this.
I have been searching the internet and seen a lot of products like this
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...03592&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03010

These appear to have the 5 cd/dvd which is good.. plays jpegs and mpegs for porn (LOL). and has a tuner. What does everything think about these all in one systems? Im not used to not having the large stereo

 

[alien amp pharm]

I prefer to buy mine separately.

You can get better performing stuff that way plus if one thing tears up in that thing, the whole setup is ruined.

 

[sweed]

That looks really good , and a lot more sophisticated than that
2004 Boom Box

 

[alien amp pharm]

Also, I'd be afraid that the all-in-one deal wouldbe similar to the televisions with built-in vcr.

Without going into in-depth details, those things do not function to their fullness. One area pulls on another and such. They usually end up tearing up because they conflict with each other.

 

[SC4EVA]

Thats a good point... I saw one that has the dvd/vcr... and im not down with that. I figured most dvd players play cds anyway.. It seemed the only addtiional option was the tuner which is important to me. I really dont need a cassette player...

This component systems - not sure if I am really up for all that.. Plus I have the minimum space and $$$ so that plays big role

 

[alien amp pharm]

On the bright side, it's only $300, so if it does tear up it's not like you'll be out an arm & a leg.

Plus I see it has a year warranty.

 

[SC4EVA]

On the bright side, it's only $300, so if it does tear up it's not like you'll be out an arm & a leg.

Plus I see it has a year warranty.

Well I would prob get the best buy extended . Its like 20 bucks for five years... I ahve it on all my stuff now. Has definately come in handy. What aspect should I look for? In the DVD? in the Stereo? Watts? etc?

 

[alien amp pharm]

Well you're certainly not going to rock pictures off the walls in your neighborhood with that, but I'd have progressive scan on the dvd. 80 watts/channel minimum on surround, and usually the subs that come with a package are weak. I had to buy a 150 watt self-powered sub with mine.


(I didn't read the specs of that system you showed)(I'm lazy)

 

[SC4EVA]

Moving into one-bed condo so cant be that crazy anyway.. Whats the overwall watts should look for? The second one has 500 I believe

 

[UA_Iron]

More speakers isnt necessarily better. The one with 5 speakers still wont sound that good because the speakers just wont hit the range of a larger speaker. If you cant go too large I would buy a reciever with surround capabilities and get some nice bookshelf speakers like Polk Audio or Infinity.

The subwoofer should compliment the music, not be the base of the music. A lot of people nowadays insist on having a subwoofer, but thats because their puny speakers dont offer any range.

I like the idea of the DVD player being able to play jpgs and mpegs

 

[SC4EVA]

UA what do you think of the one above?

 

[SC4EVA]

Check out this one.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ype=product&productCategoryId=cat03010&cmp=

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/5353/5353798_ra.jpg

The one I have now has these digital connector thig to the the cable.. Some fiber optic cable.. square head.. is that good or bad that none of new ones I seehave that?
thanks

 

[UA_Iron]

My roommate has a system very similar to the surround sound setup you listed. I just burned a CD to check it out(rock and metal) and it definitely lacks a midrange clarity, the highs arent that bad sounding. The bass is alright, but it shouldnt do the job of the speakers in my opinion. It sounds like a decent computer setup.

The best thing to do is to bring in a CD of the stuff you will listen to the most and listen to it on the system. If you listen to rap you will probably be happier than I was with my roommates system, but his wasnt that bad. Mess with the bass and treble settings. If its a good price then it might not be a bad idea for a 1bdrm condo.

 

[SoreArms]

Why not just get 5.1 speakers for your PC?

I spent money on some sterreo systems for both my living room and bedroom, surround sound and all, but I never use them, except for the rare movie. I wind up always bumping on my PC. My PC also plays mp3's mpegs, jpegs, dvd's, etc....

 

[UA_Iron]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ype=product&productCategoryId=cat03010&cmp=

600 watts of total system power in surround mode: 55W x 4 @ 6 ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD (front and rear-surround left/right) + 160W @ 6 ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD (center channel) + 220W @ 4 ohms, 100Hz, 10% THD (subwoofer)

10%THD is horrible, you want that under 0.9% thats what will blow speakers, not overpowering them. sounds like a cheaply made amplifier - just speculation, I have no experience with that model.


I gotta run to class though.

 

[SC4EVA]

Why not just get 5.1 speakers for your PC?

I spent money on some sterreo systems for both my living room and bedroom, surround sound and all, but I never use them, except for the rare movie. I wind up always bumping on my PC. My PC also plays mp3's mpegs, jpegs, dvd's, etc....

I thought about that.. but ... Stereo and big tv/dvd are all in livingroom. The old dvd player will go in bedroom now... The computer is in the bedroom and it is not going in the living room, so I am kinda stuck I really didn't want to spend that much consider I really watch tv more than anything. The next would be music followed by DVD's I am def. going to be looking a lot more.. Not prob going to buy until around May/June so maybe if i find some things I like I will track them

 

[SC4EVA]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ype=product&productCategoryId=cat03010&cmp=

600 watts of total system power in surround mode: 55W x 4 @ 6 ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD (front and rear-surround left/right) + 160W @ 6 ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD (center channel) + 220W @ 4 ohms, 100Hz, 10% THD (subwoofer)

10%THD is horrible, you want that under 0.9% thats what will blow speakers, not overpowering them. sounds like a cheaply made amplifier - just speculation, I have no experience with that model.


I gotta run to class though.

good thoughts on that.. I will make sure to check that out on other systems

 

[SC4EVA]

.

 

[SC4EVA]

shameless bump for more help