What is the best value home cinema package?

Question

I don't mind spending a bit of money as long as the quality is representative of the price. I would rather small speakers. Any ideas??

Answer 1

You have not provided enough information about what YOU mean by "home cinema package". Do you mean big screen / surround sound or a TV and good speakers? The difference can be thousands of $$ (or Euros).

Do not listen to anyone who suggests Bose .. unless you value looks over performance (and are willing to pay dearly for that mediocre performance). In brief Bose systems emphasize bass and treble and initially sound impressive, but the midrange -- critical for good sound and voice reproduction essential for home cinema -- is poor.

In general I'd suggest spending some time learning about what to look for in a home theatre setup (See the links for a start) and, better yet, going to some real (not "big Box") audio/video stores to listen and see various setups. THEN, decide what matters most to you considering your available funds and projected viewing location before making a decision.

Most equipment is well standardized, so there is little chance it won't hook up OK if you mix and match (although this is more true for medium to higher end equipment). That said, if you are looking at a audio/video home theatre setup (not counting TV/display) in the sub $500 range you might be better off with a so-called "home theatre in a box" system.

I'm sure this all sounds like work, but consider that if you simply take someone's suggestion for a system you won't ever be sure it was a good choice, and that part of the fun (and satisfaction) comes from doing the research and deciding on your own choices

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would never recommend that anyone get Bose anything (speakers, headphones, or even the Wave radio). I can't stand the sound of Bose. The bass is muddy, the midrange is missing, and the treble is hissy. And, Bose is overpriced. I talked with a guy at a stereo store why a certain "20% off everything" sale didn't include Bose or Mitsubishi. He said that those manufacturers don't want people to think they can get their products at a discount. They already have enough people willing to pay full price. For about $600, you can get a Klipsch Quintet surround speaker system (front right and left, center, and rear right and left), plus a Klipsch SW-12 12-inch powered subwoofer (250 watts) from a factory-authorized Klipsch dealer for $600 plus shipping (and no tax) on eBay (buy it now). This will blow anything Bose has to offer right out the door. Add a Yamaha 70-watt per channel 5.1 surround sound receiver for another $200 (any local electronics store) and you'll have a system that kicks butt on anything in a comparable price range. Nothing beats Klipsch for the price. If you listened to a side-by-side comparison with Bose, you would know what I mean.

Answer 3

Klipsch is the best bang for the buck for the average consumer. If you want quality that is representative of the price, you will end up walking away from Bose in most cases (unless you are a label slave)

Answer 4

Check the link to - http://www.avreview.co.uk you will find Home Cinema from the drop down menu under categories. Offers independant reviews and users forums, I like the look of the JVC DD8 - http://www.avreview.co.uk/news/article/mps/UAN/904/v/1/sp/362871558976374632672
The Pioneer DCS-333 comes out winner in this review - http://www.avreview.co.uk/news/article/mps/UAN/642/v/1/sp/362871558976374632672 Can you argue when something this cheap out punches systems twice the price?
Best of luck!!

Answer 5

I wouldn't say Klipsch is the best bang for this average consumer. But yeah they are great speakers. My best bang for my buck would be something from http://www.sounddistributors.com
http://www.theaterxtreme.com/
The theaterxtreme site has good bundled packages.
Both supply in-wall speakers if you are concerned about speakers being bulky.

Answer 6

Bose Lifestyle 38, it is the nuts, You can copy all of your CD's onto it's hard drive, it even learns what music you like and will suggest tracks to listen to.

Costs around £3300.

Answer 7

If you are a U.K. resident why not check out the Richer Sounds web site, Sorry no link but a google should find it.