Going to buy a standard $300-$500 audio system for my TV - what specs do I need?

Question

I am going to go to Best Buy and purchase a $2,000 LCD flate panel and get a standard $300-$500 audio system to go with it.

What specs should I look for in an audio system?

I really don't know anything about audio systems and they all look the same at Best Buy so I will probably just get the one that looks the best.

The only specs I know to look for are making sure it has multiple HDMI ports (to make up for the fact tha the TV I am going to get will probably only have 2) and make sure that it can have at least 4 or 5 different devices plugged into it at the same time.

Thanks for any information.

Also - do you recommend getting a speaker system that is the same brand as the TV (e.g. Sony speakers to go with a Sony Bravia) or does this not really matter?

Answer 1

Wow.

There are so many variables here, and you're not going to get much with a $500 audio setup.

Really, you're not.  

I would suggest building one piece by piece matching one component to the previous ones.

First, Find a superb set of mains. Preferably ones that do an outstanding job with music and deep bottom 35ish hz. Try to find ones that will not need subs to sound good. This is where most of your audio money should and will go.

Then get a GOOD, CLEAN amp with about 60 watts per channel. I prefer 5.1 to 7.1 systems. It's doesn't seem worth the expense and trouble to go 7.1.

Then, if you still have any money left, get a modest, but quality set of surrounds. Small ones with a decent punch. You won't be sending much signal to these but what comes out of them should be clean.

Lastly and most difficult is the center. I'm still using the speakers built in to my TV since I can't find a center i like. I've gone through Klipsch, Advent and Boston Acoustic and I'm still using the built ins. Once balanced, they sound ... right.

If you get good mains you shouldn't even need to bother with those silly subs.

Also, DON'T OVERLOOK VINTAGE AND OLDER GEAR!  

Just because it's new doesn't mean it's better, usually it's the reverse. Avoid sony and bose.

Use Craigslist and eBay to seek out vintage values.

Answer 2

If you are looking for good sound at that price, usually the specs doesn't matter. Your best bet would be to test the audio systems out by playing your favourite music and/or movies. You don't have to stick to the same brand, it offers no big difference. The sound should be clear, balanced and smooth, don't buy any system that is noisy, sharp sounding or irritating to your ears. Ultimately you are the user, so you have to enjoy the sound. The biggest mistake is to buy a system because it has better specs than the another. Amplifier wattage is another thing, really, don't just think bigger watts = better sound; its not. Some hints are: Usually the best sounding sets will be bigger and bulkier. The flat models usually sound horrible in comparison. Wooden speakers will sound more solid than plastic or metal ones. If you are concerned about look, i suggest you have a good listen and judge on your priorities. Good luck!

Answer 3

I would look for the Home-Theater-System Amp to have one or two Optical Audio inputs. Some don't. The HDMI output from the DVD (whether or not integrated in the HTS) will go to the TV input, providing Video and Audio to the TV stereo speakers. The 5.1 Dolby Sound (if integrated) would be internally connected from the DVD to the Amp. Then, if you have an external  Hi-def Satellite Receiver, you would connect its HDMI output to the TV and its Optical Audio output to the first HTS Optical input. If the DVD is not integrated, or if you later add a Blu-ray player, you would connect its Optical output to the second Optical input of the Amp. HDMI carries both Digital Video and Digital Audio, but unless you have enough HTS HDMI inputs, you would be better off with Optical (quality is as good).

Brands don't have to be the same for TV and HTS, but if you buy separate speakers for the Amp, then you may a matching problem, not recommended.

I have both Sony and Panasonic HTS's, both sound fine for me. If you want it to sound as in the theater, then you may have to spend quite a bit more. If you can afford Bose for $1,000, it will have a good sound.