what kind of system for £250?

[MattZani]

Im very slowly getting into the whole AV thing, PS3 really gave me a kick in the teeth, and 2 speakers and a yamaha CA-600 amp just don't cut it anymore!

Im on a very small budget, but would like to plug my PS3 in, either via a L+R Jacks, or digital Optical Out. And have my PC Plugged in for Music. And if possible a 5.1 system, but i think its going to be a 2.1.

Would i even get a good quality system for this price? just a basic Amp, and a 2.1 System? or is my budget too low...

I don't mind going for Pre-Owned, because my current set up is, but if possible new (very unlikely). Or am i going to have to do this step by step? Im not going to be able to buy for atleast 6 months, as im saving for an HDTV, and then i'll have to save for the Audio again, but i like to get a perspective of the market, and see if prices are going to go down.

What im asking is, with all your AV knowledge, can you just spec me up a package for around £200? so i can see what i should be aiming at.

Thanks

Matt

 

[Badger0-0]

How about the Yamaha AV59? £220

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/yamahaav59-yamahaav59.shtml

Seperate amp and 5.1
Or Denon do a kit, the 1356, but it's more expensive at £299.

Both are pretty basic, but could well make good building blocks

EDIT:
I forgot. Yes, second hand would be a better option.
The likes of flea-bay, or the sales forums on here etc could be worthwhile.

 

[MattZani]

*Whistles*

Thats more than i was expecting! the yamaha looks very good, available in black, has an iPod dock add on aswell, 3 Component inputs, 2 digital (im guessing it has a component output aswell?) shame the speakers aren't black aswell, but you can't have everything! says no more stock, hopefully its available elsewhere! Doesn't say if it includes a remote, but hopefully it does.

Im going to keep on searching, but it looks like i hit gold first time!

I have managed to find a thread which mentions both sets you've mentioned, and it also said about a sony system that has HDMI in x2, and HDMI out x1.

Matt

 

[Badger0-0]

Yes, I noticed they are out of stock afterwards
Might be worth ringing to find out if they're getting any in.
You never know.

At least you have an idea of what you might get

Yes, the Denon should have component out, I reckon

As I said in my edit, second hand, you should do ok.
I'd be looking at £100ish for an amp and the rest on speakers/sub if that's the way you want to go.

Either way, let us know how you get on

You're going down the right road, IMO.
Don't get an all in one.
You have to bin the lot to upgrade.

 

[Badger0-0]

Correction.

The Yam should have component out and a remote too

 

[MattZani]

so are you saying not get the packages? or is that not an all in one?

i'll go into my local Hi-Fi Shop (Weymouth Hi-Fi) and see if they have or can get the yamaha, but after reading the other thread, looks like its been discontinued. hopefully its been replaced, i can also ask them to set up the system in there sound room, so it should give me a good idea what im getting.

i shall report back tomorrow, but aslong as it give's good quality, and is available in black, its on my list!

i found out about the yamaha, and it seems the Amp and speakers are still made, just not the set.

Matt

 

[Badger0-0]

Ah yes, I can see how I've confused you

When I say don't get a package, I mean the ones that come complete.

Ie,the amp and sub is all built in one and that powers the speakers.

Anything with a seperate amp is the way to go
That way, you can upgrade one bit at a time.

As I said, you're on the right lines, IMO

 

[MattZani]

Ah right, got you now. all this talk with my dad has got him wanting to upgrade! (although his will be KEF's, and probably a £300 Amp...)

im going to look into trying to get a full black system, which will mean Amp And Speakers seperate, but it may give me a better sounding system.

thanks

Matt

 

[MattZani]

Right, went into hi-fi shop, they have the denon, but the yamaha is soon to be replaced (stock dicontinued), so im waiting (mainly to get the money) until the new yamaha comes out, to see if it has any new goodies like HDMI etc.

On another note, i looked at a lovely HDTV, look here to see what it was!
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506288

Matt

 

[Badger0-0]

I'm not sure when it comes out but it shouldn't be long

As for the telly, I can't comment as I haven't seen them.
TBH, I don't really like LCD much, but appreciate they are getting better all the time
As for Panasonic, they're better known for their plasmas, but they are putting a big effort into LCD now.

It's what you like that counts

 

[MattZani]

The people at the shop said that, Pioneer, hitachi and panasonic are the leaders (not sure if this is true, its all they stock, but it looked better!)

as for the system, they said yamaha do this almost every year, and should expect new stock in around a months time!

Matt

 

[Badger0-0]

Yes, all the big makes change them every 5 minutes, it seems

Panny and Pio are the leaders for plasma.
Hitachi are a bit lower down the list (and I own one).
But none of them are leaders in LCD, so take that with a pinch of salt.

The LCD leaders, I think, are LG, Samsung and Sony.

Not particularly important anyway, IMO, as they all make good and bad models.

Good look in your quest mate

 

[MattZani]

thanks, i'll report back here for speakers, and update the TV thread for TV news!

You've been a great help.

Thanks!

Matt