Yamaha AV61 and Denon DHT1356

[dgibbs]

Hi,

I want to get a package, and from what i've read, the 2 mentioned above seem great value and would suit my needs (DVD player, Xbox 360 and potentially PS3 later in the year).

I have a couple of questions for anyone who has them. Firstly how long are the speaker cables for the rear speakers...??? (Having laminate, this is important).

Also a stupid question i'm sure, but what is the need for visual connections, ie Component / HDMI? I gather they just pass the signal through, but why bother rather than connect the devices direct to the TV? What is the benefit... does it just prevent lip sync type issues???

The way i see it you would just need more cables...

Also what are peoples thoughts of these packages.

[Badger0-0]

For the price they're quite good and probably better than most all in ones.
Most important, you don't have to throw the whole thing away if you want to upgrade components in the system.
They are at the bottom of the ladder though and the more money you can spend, the better, as with most things.

You're actually better with a direct video connection, but there might possibly be a lipsynch problem, so if one of them has an audio delay and the other doesn't, I'd go for the one with it.
The only advantage is fewer cables between the receiver and telly.

I can't comment on the length of the cables.

[dgibbs]

Originally Posted by Badger0-0

For the price they're quite good and probably better than most all in ones.
Most important, you don't have to throw the whole thing away if you want to upgrade components in the system.
They are at the bottom of the ladder though and the more money you can spend, the better, as with most things.

You're actually better with a direct video connection, but there might possibly be a lipsynch problem, so if one of them has an audio delay and the other doesn't, I'd go for the one with it.
The only advantage is fewer cables between the receiver and telly.

I can't comment on the length of the cables.

Thanks Badger

That is my way of thinking, to connect directly to the tv would be better. I'm intending to connect the DVD player by HDMI (once i get an upscaling one) direct to my new 37WLT68 when it's delivered, along with the 360 direct by Component, Sky digital by RGB scart. Possibly a PS3 by HDMI later in the year...

Then i guess i'd connect the kit with Digital optical cables direct to the Receiver. Well 2 that way, and 1 digital Coax...

Question though..., i've read there's no difference in the above 2 digital connection's quality, but can any device use either (as long as it has a digital out)?

The spec for the Yamaha does say it has audio delay, so that is probably the one i'm leaning to in case of lip sync issues. As for lip sync thgouh, if it was evident, would the delay be the same for any device, or could there be different levels for different feeds, meaning you might have to change it often, rather than all the same so set it once and live happily ever after....??

Thanks in advance.

[Badger0-0]

Re the digital question, yes you can use either, no problem, as long as the box has the outputs obviously.
It's all assignable in the amp setup.
Even the most basic amps have 2 or more coax and opticals nowadays.

Some people say there is a difference, but I can't tell.

Re your lip sync question, I don't know, as I've only experienced it once and that's through the "VM (non HD box)> DVD recorder> Projector" route.

I've not seen it in any other setup.

I suspect it's caused by the crappy Aldi recorder, myself.

But it's desperate when it happens.

I would think the delay doesn't apply to all settings, but I might be wrong here and am happy to be corrected.
All I know is, when I play a DVD on the recorder, I don't have to alter anything

Lip sync is quite rare, to be honest.

[dgibbs]

Thanks again Badger, it's all valuable info to an AV novice!!

Just itching to get my TV delivered now and check out the 360 in HD, and then get the 5.1 set up in place (have subtly mentioned to the wife about my plans, although it was pretty covert!!). It was a challenge convincing her we needed a new TV when the 4 yr old JVC CRT still has a picture like new...

Does anyone else have experience of these particular home cinema packages.

Another question.. as i have a nearly 2 year old sleeping upstairs, a lot of my gaming / viewing has to be done at relatively low volumes late at night. I know these set ups are best at volume, but i still want the surround effect, so how are they generally at low volumes???

Thanks again!!

[Badger0-0]

My Yam 457 has a "night mode" or whatever it's called.
The Denon probably has something similar.

What is does is compress the sound, so the difference between the loudest noise and the quietest noise is a lot smaller.

How effective it is, I couldn't say, I've never used it.

I think I'd better give someone else a chance as I'm hogging your thread

[dgibbs]

Originally Posted by Badger0-0

My Yam 457 has a "night mode" or whatever it's called.
The Denon probably has something similar.

What is does is compress the sound, so the difference between the loudest noise and the quietest noise is a lot smaller.

How effective it is, I couldn't say, I've never used it.

I think I'd better give someone else a chance as I'm hogging your thread

No worries, all feedback is good!! Cheers.

[scoob111]

This thread caught my eye as i'm after a budget system - no more than £300 - and know nothing about amps/speakers. Is one of these 2 better than the other? I may want to upgrade the speakers at a later date so would like the more powerful of the 2 amps. Are there any other systems available in this price range preferably in black?

[dgibbs]

Anyone else with these packs have any feedback??

[Badger0-0]

Originally Posted by scoob111

This thread caught my eye as i'm after a budget system - no more than £300 - and know nothing about amps/speakers. Is one of these 2 better than the other? I may want to upgrade the speakers at a later date so would like the more powerful of the 2 amps. Are there any other systems available in this price range preferably in black?

I would think the amps are much of a muchness.
I had a mooch and the Yam is 240 Watts input.
The input figure gives a much better indicator of amp power and is what you should be looking at.
I can't find the info for the Denon amp.

Both are equally good systems for getting into the upgradable route and for the money, I doubt you can go far wrong.

Try Pixmania.co.uk for black kit, although, I have had a bad experience with them.