Surround Sound Advice

[Tommo.]

Hi guys,

I'm going to look at purchasing a surround sound system in the New Year, but to be honest I don't have a clue when it comes to this kind of thing so looking for some advice

Budget wise, I don't want to go crazy, but at the same time I want something decent that will last a good few years.

First thing I've been looking at is an AV Receiver. This one in particular has caught my eye:

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/teac/agd200/teac-agd200

I understand that Teac have links with Onkyo. In fact, the above appears almost identical to this, difference being that one is around £150 dearer.

Would the above be a good buy? If not, what do people recommend?

Initially, I would like to get some floorstanding speakers and maybe a sub. But not sure which ones to get so any recommendations here appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help

 

[Keydogg]

What's your budget mate? You really do need to have a figure in mind in my opinion.

I've never listened to a Teac AVR, so I would google some reviews if you could. However, on paper those specs look fantastic for £100, normally you'd be paying £200+ for Dolby PL IIz and 7 x 100w channels.

Do you mainly want it for watching movies, playing music, or both? Consider exactly what you want because if you never watch movies but love music then a stereo amp + 2 floor standers would produce great sound for a much smaller price of the equivalent AVR and speakers.

If you want surround sound, I would probably suggest getting as good an AVR as you can afford, with a half decent set of speakers, then upgrade the speakers bit-by-bit later. I like to listen to music and watch movies too so I did the following:

- Onkyo TXSR308 + 5.1 Onkyo Satellite Package £300
- Onkyo TXSR308 + Wharfedale 9.1 Fronts £100 + Onkyo Centre & Back Satellites with Sub
- Onkyo TXSR308 + Wharfedale 9.1 Fronts + Wharfedale 9.CC Centre £120 + Onkyo Back Satellites with Sub
- Denon AVR1912 £250 + Wharfedale 9.1 Fronts + Wharfedale 9.CC Centre + Onkyo Back Satellites with Sub
- Denon AVR1912 + Wharfedale 9.1 Fronts + Wharfedale 9.CC Centre + Wharfedale Powercube 10 Sub £300 + Wharfedale Onkyo Back Satellites

Each time I have upgraded I have kept and then sold on old components which has taken the sting out of things. My next upgrade will be these beauties in summer:

 

[Tommo.]

Thanks for your help mate, much appreciated.

I'll be using it mainly for movies, but occasionally music too. Initially, I wouldn't like to spend much more than £500, but this will be with a view to buying more/upgrading in the future.

I have researched the amp I posted above and as said, it appears to be a re-badged Onkyo. Sadly, I can't find any reviews on the Teac model, but the Onkyo TX-SR309 which I understand is the same spec, gets good reviews as an entry-level model. Difference is, the Onkyo equivalent demands around £250. I'm thinking of taking a gamble with it, at £100 I don't stand to loose much if I choose to upgrade in the future.

I think I'm going to get some floorstanders to start with. After further research, I'm leaning towards the Wharfedale 10.4 Diamond:

http://www.exceptional-av.co.uk/product.php?fdProductId=740

What do you think to these?

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

Have a look on eBay mate, the richersounds outlet have a few cheap onkyo amps on there. They've got the txnr-414 for under 200 quid, which is the one ill eventually be upgrading mine to

 

[realnumber 1]

With your £500 budget I'd start with something like the Wharfedales you posted above (they get great feedback on AVforums) and then blow the remaining £200 on an amp and get other speakers as and when.

Stretching the budget a little would get you this which would be far better than the Teac.
http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/denon/avr2113/deno-avr2113-blk

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Get down to your local Richer Sounds branch and speak to the staff in there. If you can, get to one with a demo room !

Is this for your front room, bedroom or what ?

My KEFs sound borderline naff in my poxy newbuild dinky front room with "wooden" floor and cardboard walls, but in my last place with large open plan lounge / diner, carpet and proper walls sounded utterly immense.

If you're tight on space and never listen to music, get some dinky satellite speakers and a sub (packages available) but if you've lots of room to breathe go for a full set of proper speakers :approve: