Kitting out a new tv

Hi Jon

Let's assume you have a hifi system of some sort.

So I'd get your hifi stereo speakers astride your new screen first.

Has your new TV screen got audio output phono sockets? Then get those connected up to your amp (or preamp) and you can enjoy better quality sound on your ordinary tv programmes via the hifi. It really makes a tremendous difference to the tension, excitement and reality of plays and films.

Then you can start thinking about enjoying DVDs (and satellite/cable TV?) via your hifi in stereo before you even make any decisions on full surround systems.

Given your budget I really wouldn't rush into a full surround system but work towards it slowly as funds allow.

I'm using an inexpensive NAD T533 DVDP/CDP which is difficult to fault on sound quality on the end of my Naim amps/Mission speaker system. On film or music it's very real, relaxed but always exciting and very enjoyable.

Cheap surround receivers have far too much to do for the money to concentrate on sound quality IMHO. Throw in a cheap set of surround speakers and a DVD player all inside your budget and you will quickly tire of it I feel. Which means you have to spend your money twice (or three times) to get where you wanted to be in the first place.

I'd much rather live with high quality stereo and a decent subwoofer (BK?) than waste money on cheaper surround kit.

Others are completely free to disagree of course.

I'm not a great fan of modern films and watch the TV only occasionally - I have a Linn Classik Movie System, which Mrs Rotf really enjoys - however, shortly after I bought it Kef introduced the instant theatre system (see this link) - I have heard it for around £1,000 it does a good job - downside is that it is not upgradable so once you've got it then you'll have to live with it as it is - but it may be worth an audition. I've heard it in a department store and given the unfavourable surroundings, I was quite impressed.



This is probably better, but costs a lot more I'm afraid

Hi Jon,

As my folks have just bought the same model LCD TV as you, plus I have just kitted myself out with a new A/V system so I would like to volunteer my thoughts. I would say (depending on whether your A/V system is going to inhabit the same room as your main Hi-Fi system - mine doesn't) why don't you consider a Yamaha YSP-800 at around £600 combined surround sound amp & speaker? It's a very neat and unobtrusive answer and it doesn't sound half bad either! Then you would have plenty of spare change out of your £1000 budget to put towards a quality DVD player of your choice.

Regards,
Darren

Also consider the new Denon S101 or S301 if you are after something like the Kef above.
Or, consider Denon DVD 1920 (£220); Yamaha 757SE AV amp (£380)and Wharfedale Diamond HCP (£450-500).(This will take you a bit over budget with cables & stands though.)

John,

One system to consider would be the Denon DCD1920 DVD player (£230), Denon AVR2106 receiver (£330) as excellent entry level electronics. This leaves you with £440 to play with. Entry level sub/sat system would be ELAC Cinema 1 at about £350. For a bit over your budget, you can pick up the full size Acoustic Energy Aegis EVO 5.1 package for around £550 off the net, or the KEF KHT2005II package for £600.

Alternatively, if you want something very discreet and effective, the Acoustic Energy Aego P5 system retails for under £500. It includes a good processor, multi-channel amplifier built into the subwoofer, 5 satellites and all the cabling you need. Just add a DVD player (the Denon DCD1920 I mentioned above is excellent value), so you could be all-in for under £1000. This is probably the neatest solution actually.