I’m going to buy a home theater system soon. It seems that for about 20,000NT you can get a decent one. Then they go for about double that (a Philips model in this range is something I’m considering). I can appreciate how better speakers (more wattage, etc.) would be worth it, but considering neighbors, does it make any sense to buy the system with speakers that I’ll never really be able to take full advantage of? I notice the more expensive systems also support SACD. Is this important?
Would love to hear other people’s opinions before I buy.
SACD is a more detailed CD with a wider range frequencies recorded than normal CDs. It is aimed at audio buffs and doesn’t really have that much to do with DVDs and watching movies.
I would always recommend a system build with separates, thus giving you more flexibility for future upgrades. But with a budget of 20k only this might not really be an alternative.
Those all-in-one systems may have their place (saving space, less cabling etc.), but don’t expect too much in terms of performance. In particular the laws of physics mean that small speakers can never perform as good as big ones, so don’t let the marketing guys tell you otherwise (in particular not those from Bose ).
However if your expectations are not too high you might actually find the performance of all-in-one systems satisfactory.
As pjdrib already stated SACD is a high-end audio format (similar to DVD-A), but it is not necessary for watching movies.
I suggest you listen to the system you are interested in before parting with your cash. Use your favorite CD and DVD for the audition.
I purchased a Sanyo system with sub woofer for 4,000nt. It has the speakers sitting up on 4 tall stands, centre speaker and sub woofer.
It works suprisingly very well for the price. I think they are now available at RT Mart.
However, 20,000 is probably going to get you something reasonable.
I have real trouble with the sound from vcd’s. I don’t know if a good system will sort them out better. I have given up and send their sound out from the tv.
I think I’m leaning more toward the 20k system. I want to eventually get a system bought using separate pieces, but from my car stereo system experience, I know you’ve got to know what you’re doing (I got it right with my old '73 Camaro only after getting help from a technician). So in the end, a 20k system is worth about four or five years of temporary service for me, whereas the 40k is not. But damn, those speakers on the Philips system sure look great! The high frequency speakers have a metallic sheet that’s about half a foot long used to generate sounds, and I imagine ooohing and aaahing guests with them! I know how stupid I’m being, but can’t help it.
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