Potentially dumb-ass question re surround sound

[Stat Brother]

I've never been entirely happy with my TV's sound.
It seems to be louder everywhere else in the house, except right in front, of the set, and always has been.
So over the last couple of years I've been on the look out of a simple surround sound system. Having just popped into Curry's I notice the price point has stayed the same minimum £300 nearer £4-£500, only the tech has increased.

So is possible to pick up a basic system just to improve the sound, for a lot less cash?.

 

[Easy 10]

I picked up my 5.1 surround sound system for a hundred squid from Argos about 5 years ago. OK its not a particularly brilliant make (Acoustic Solutions), but it does the job splendidly, especially with blu-ray. Absolutely THUNDEROUS sound. I hate the remote for it though.

 

[seagullsslimjim]

This is currently on offer from Argos

Samsung HT-Z120T Home Theatre Kit. 533/8605
Half Price
£64.99
Was £129.99
1/2 price SCART lead when you buy this item. Also available 3 Year High Risk Replacement Product Cover £90 - £99.99. (883/2050) £25.99

 

[Stat Brother]

Cheers, phase 2 could be trickier.
We now have to convince Wifey we NEED that, for the good of the children.
(moving us further away from the tandom we will never ever ever get, anyway)

 

[CheeseRolls]

If you can stretch to the 300 quid mark, the combination of Richer sounds and an Onkyo receiver plus speakers is a sure fire winner. As part of the setup you get a little gadget that you place in all your favoured seating positions and it adjusts the sounds to your room - sorry I know this is not the answer you are looking for, but it is a cracking solution.

 

[phoenix]

I bought a L.G cinema system from argos,with u.s.b.I load all my movies, music,photos on seperate hard drive and play thru.Kids love it. Also attached to p.c.

 

[dannyboy]

im looking at getting an onkyo receiver £250
and jamo surround speakers £250

prob get best sound for the money on that i reckon as i have a ps3 , 360 and sky

 

[The Oldman]

There does seem to be a conflict in what some folks want from their TV surround sound system. Some of nephews' rate SS by the big bass booms at loud volume that you get in action movies. In other words they want a good amplifier for bass.
However others, Missus Oldman and me included are looking for good clear sound with accurate spacing, so if you are watching music say Jools Holland or a Prom Concert you get a sound that replicates as if you were in the concert hall. For watching movies I want to be able to hear the dialogue over the other sound.
What I am trying to say is that you need to find a system that meets your requirements and can be adjusted to suit your viewing experience. There is no substitute for listening to systems. Otherwise you may be disappointed even if you spend a small sum.

 

[Hiney]

There does seem to be a conflict in what some folks want from their TV surround sound system. Some of nephews' rate SS by the big bass booms at loud volume that you get in action movies. In other words they want a good amplifier for bass.
However others, Missus Oldman and me included are looking for good clear sound with accurate spacing, so if you are watching music say Jools Holland or a Prom Concert you get a sound that replicates as if you were in the concert hall. For watching movies I want to be able to hear the dialogue over the other sound.
What I am trying to say is that you need to find a system that meets your requirements and can be adjusted to suit your viewing experience. There is no substitute for listening to systems. Otherwise you may be disappointed even if you spend a small sum.

If you want to do that, you need to separate the AV Amplifier and get separate speakers.

Most half-decent Home Cinema Amplifiers will have different settings for different scenarios, e.g. Action Movies, Arena concerts etc.

As with everything related to Home Cinema, it's all about how deep your pockets are. At the cheaper end, you won't get the real DEPTH of sound that you need. It's not all about how loud it is.

 

[Stat Brother]

If you want to do that, you need to separate the AV Amplifier and get separate speakers.

Most half-decent Home Cinema Amplifiers will have different settings for different scenarios, e.g. Action Movies, Arena concerts etc.

As with everything related to Home Cinema, it's all about how deep your pockets are. At the cheaper end, you won't get the real DEPTH of sound that you need. It's not all about how loud it is.

Yeah I kind of get all of that, guys.
I guess what I'm after is similar to yourself Oldman, because the sound at the moment just isn't encompassing. It's as if the sound leaves the telly-box pointing up and away, the sound is louder in the bedroom above than 10 foot away, across the room.

I'm certainly not after big booming bass, as we have our tv pretty quiet anyway, just want it at 'ear level'.

(oh it's a decent Samsung LCD job)

 

[Hiney]

Stuff magazine publishes a really good 'Top 10' of loads of things, including Home Cinema.

Home cinema reviews – TV + hi-fi reviews and video – gadget reviews – Stuff.tv


There should be something there that will do the trick.