Hi-fi Systems or Home cinema systems?

[The Truth]

I can't decide what would be best for playing music, I really want surround sound for my music collection, Hi-fi sound systems seem the obvious choice but dont come with surround sound. You can only get surround sound with a home cinema sound system designed for DVDs. I cant decide what I'd rather have, It seems a bit of a risk buying speakers designed for DVDs but I really really what surround sound as it gives such a better sound out than your average 2 peice speakers.

If you have any knowledge on sound systems or anything to do with audio please please can you guide me to the right purchase for making my music sound surround and clear, Thankyou.

 

[The Grockle]

If I was you I’d invest in a decent amp capable of handling 5.1 channels even if you never use the surround, centre and sub woofer speakers. One day you might?

I’d opt for a Denon amplifier and floor standing B&W speakers. The speakers have got excellent quality for music and will double as excellent cinema speakers too.
It’s always worth bearing in mind that it makes much more sense to spend more money on the amp then the cd player in fact if your setting up a home entertainment system just use your DVD player. You have to spend a lot of money on a top range cd player before you’ll ever notice an improved quality.

You always get better a deal if you make the system up yourself plus you can add additional speakers/components as you choose.

If your budget can’t stretch to the Denon amp or B&W speakers a mid/low range Sony amp and Tanoy speakers would still sound great.

 

[Uncle C]

"I really want surround sound for my music collection"

I think you have got yourself a bit confused.

Hi Fi is about high fidelity (ie closest to the original sound). Any good stereo system will help get you there.
I bet you have never been to a concert with the band playing both in front and behind you at the same time!

Surround sound is about getting the sound effects that accompany a film or broadcast, and this can be good and dramatic.

If you want both then surround sound will do it, but please dont think you are getting your music in Hi Fi.

 

[clippedgull]

Get yourself along to an independent dealer and stick to your budget!

Any good dealer will demo systems for you.

 

[champion7]

I know this is old school but i have a Philips FW730c,it has surround sound,a speaker in all corners of my front room,2 in the bathroom,it has 3 cd changer.
I have my tv,sky+,dvd player and ps2 all plugged into it.And it produces a quality sound where ever you are in the house or garden.

 

[Skint Gull]

I can assure you Mr Truth that you do not want to be listening to you music through a surround sound system. As other have said, you want a decent amp that is capable of 5.1 for when you're watching films or sport but when playing music you will only want to use a couple of decent floorstanders

 

[Perry Milkins]

Have a separate system for your music and a soundbox for your TV sound.

Personal opinion only and also budget needs to come in but I went through this proess last year and the sound box is wonderful fr TV and Fikms on DVD but really doesn't do it for CD sound.

 

[London Calling]

I know just the system for you it smade by a hi-fi firm, gets absolutely great reviews and i would have bought it, if I hadn't discovered and already bought separate cd and dvd players. if interested pm and I will search for it and post a link.

 

[London Calling]

its all down to budget but this

ARcam solo can be bought for £600 Arcam SOLO - Bartletts HiFi - HiFi All-in-one Systems

or

Arcam SOLO MINI - Bartletts HiFi - HiFi Mini Systems

but this is what you tealy want for grat sound and music

Arcam SOLO MOVIE 2.1 - Bartletts HiFi - AV All-in-one Systems

but if you got the notes than this

Arcam SOLO MOVIE 2.1 - Bartletts HiFi - AV All-in-one Systems


however, there is a Ferrari portable dvd/cd player that plays fantastic sound and basically is portable, looks great again, I only discovered it to late, but i will get one one day.

personally the solo cannot be beat unless you are really going to spend double the budget to beat them for sound quality, then you might as well rebuild you're house as well, casuse otherwise you will not notice the difference.

LC

 

[Uncle C]

then you might as well rebuild you're house as well, casuse otherwise you will not notice the difference.
LC

90% of what you say is is good. Arcam is a quality make.

Then you go and spoil it with one of the oldest clichés rolled out by people who have a closed mind to sound quality.

You can always improve a system by spending more money, but its diminishing returns. If you're auditioning a system and cant hear an improvement, then dont buy it and listen elsewhere.

 

[London Calling]

90% of what you say is is good. Arcam is a quality make.

Then you go and spoil it with one of the oldest clichés rolled out by people who have a closed mind to sound quality.

You can always improve a system by spending more money, but its diminishing returns. If you're auditioning a system and cant hear an improvement, then dont buy it and listen elsewhere.

fair point but I was saying money might be better spent on improving the space than the hi fi, why have a quality system in a telephone box??

 

[London Calling]

if i was to start again,

I keep my rega plannar 3, add one of those arcams and get some speakers, simple, not too much hifi etc to P*** off the missus and reasonable to great sound.

 

[clippedgull]

I love my pioneer amp and kef eggs, but my neighbour has this system

Can be had for around £350 Sony DAV-IS10

The sound out of those tiny speakers is very good!

What Hi Fi Product of the Year

Sony Home Cinema : Sony : United Kingdom

 

[London Calling]

ISN'T THERE ALSO A yAHAMA one shelf thingy that Bozza rates hignly that produces surround sound effect

 

[Perry Milkins]

ISN'T THERE ALSO A yAHAMA one shelf thingy that Bozza rates hignly that produces surround sound effect

I have that thingy and highly rate it as well. It is not a shelf thingy. it is big!

 

[London Calling]

I have that thingy and highly rate it as well. It is not a shelf thingy. it is big!

WE ARE building shelves in our living room partly based around my hi-fi,

i am allowing space for the thingy