Best dvd system for my set up

Thwaadi

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Hi all, looking at getting a sony all in 1 system with dvd player to complete my home package, I am getting a sony KDL40W5500U, and already own PS3 and Sky hd, I need the best one to utilise 5.1 on all 3 and also the best way to connect them together cables etc. I have a 6 year old version of sony system does anyone know if the cabling is the same?? will save me from ripping the carpets up!! thanks for all the help in advance, im not good at all of this stuff!
 
Why do you need a Sony system with built-in DVD if you have a PS3? The PS3 will play Blurays and is a more than capable upscaling DVD player after a few udpates. Obviously if you want multi-region DVD, then I can see why you would want the built-in player.

The cables run to your existing system will probably be fine. Standard speaker cable is made up of 2 x cables, 1 x pos and 1 x neg. The quality might not be up to much though. Could you use this cable to pull new cable through if needed? It may also have Sony connectors on the end which could simply be cut off to fit standard speakers.

Sony do a couple of packages without DVD players that will suit the PS3. The HT-IS100, HT-SS1300 and HT-SS360 (and SF models) can all accept LPCM audio over HDMI. The PS3 can decode all audio formats inc. HD and output them to a compatible amp such as the models I mentioned. These would be my choice. The all-in-ones forum would also be a good place to go. I wouldn't limit myself to Sony though. There are numerous amp/speaker combos around. Have you thought about separates? They would offer better connectivity and sound quality.


PS. Taking up carpets and replacing them isn't a big job at all.
 
Thanks for your reply in both posts, I get your point about using all in one I have an existing one at the moment which is great but I wasnt aware that the ps3 is able to upscale and also there is the issue with ps3 overheating, I have a day 1 60gb common fault and as the rest of the things are all shiny black sony except sky I would prefer to stay the same, I only have a room which is 20ft x 12ft so not very big will the sound difference be that great if I went for a surround sound kit only?? I also like the look of the 2 tall boys otherwise I will have to fix speakers to the wall, which Im not keen on, I have been looking at the dav f200 as a 2.1 option or the dz-560, I want something for a couple of years then go for a bose or B&O, about the cabling im deffinatley not going to rip the carpet up, paid a fortune for it, and when I tried it at my last house never went back quite right that is why im a bit wary!! might consider pulling cable through. Thanks again, great help
 
Hmm, never had a problem with my launch PS3... Regardless of what you buy, ensure it has at least one optical input. You can add a switch (manual one for around £7-12 from audiovisualonline.co.uk or automatic one from same place for a good bit more... BTW, I would recommend buying your cables there too, I have used them on numerous occasions) to share the single optical input. That is why I don't recommend an all-in-one as they aren't suitable for multiple sources. If they still interest you, I suggest you go to the relevant sub forum where people who know about these things might be able to offer more suggestions.

To answer your question re. increase in sound quality = most definitely. However, obviously better equipment will offer more of an increase in performance. All-in-ones are okay but don't come close to a separates setup.

Bose isn't up to much tbh and B&O is all about the design. You can get far better performance for a lot less money. Do a search on here and any other forum and you won't find many Bose owners.... I have used some of the B&O so-called premium phone prodcuts when working in Denmark and while they looked nice, they were hopeless to use and even the Danes said that!
 
Thanks mate, great advice looking at sony 5.1 surround only now but I want decent size speakears not the little tiny ones, and yes there is a major flaw in all day 1 60gb wait and see!! look at the official ps3 forum loads on there, mine reboots at the moment when I play too much. Looks like I finally got someone who knows there stuff & replies!! :thumbsup:
 
Just been to my local authorised sony dealer basicly what I want doesnt exist thats what he reckons!! I had a look around the store he had a yamaha sound bar hooked up, had a look at this the sound was great, are these any good? it has 2 optical inputs I think but no hdmi connections, any thoughts, or please some suggestions for a decent 5.1 system with matching speakers doesnt have to be sony, have a £500 budget. Thanks its taking me longer to get the right system than it took me to get evrything else!! (and I moan at the mrs when she goes shopping!!)
 
Did you mention the SF1300 or SF360 models to him? Those definitely exist, you can google/pricerunner them for yourself or check the officialy sony.co.uk site.

The budget amp of choice is the Sony ST-DH800 at £280 from stoneaudio.co.uk (Pre-order) and if you fancy full size speakers, you will go over your budget. The Wharfedale Diamond 9 setup at £350 are good, as are the Q-Acoustics 1010i. As I said, both will take you over your £500 but would be worth it. The Onkyo HTX-22HD system can be bought for £300 (2.1) and you can add the other speakers for £99 (I think). The amp is actually built into the subwoofer.

The Soundbars do sound okay but are no substitute for 5.1. You have to be sat in the 'sweet spot' i.e. at 90 degrees to the speakers and the 'surround effect' is lost if the room is not square/rectangular. If you're sat square on, they can be quite effective but IMHO, I would only use one in a second setup in a bedroom. They're good but not for me.
 
Going for the big hunt tomorrow, My biggest thing is I want everything to match I dont like the idea of A full seperate system till I move house, I have also ordered WD TV to replace my existing media player, Are the two sony systems you mentioned first suitable for me ie opticals etc, Tahnks again you have been a great help
 
You can read the specs of the Sony systems at the Sony site:


HT-SF2300
(2 optical, 1 coax)

HT-SF360 (2 optical, 1 coax)
 
Finally made a decision going to get the Sony HTSS100
what do you think sound was awesome & that was without speakers in correct place, Sony centre selling it for £399 I can get it for £340 of my local independent will keep me going for a year, Now just need to know which cables and best way to hook the lot up cant wait till July 5th got casino royale blue ray ready and waiting!! Thanks again
 

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