Hi-Fi or surround Sound?

Question

Hello, I'm looking to buy either a Hi-Fi system or a surround sound system, but don't really know which to go for!

Either way, I want it to plug into the TV for the audio, and also want to plug my laptop into it, as I watch a lot of films from my laptop plugged into the TV. FYI, the TV is a Sony Bravia LCD.

Another reason I want to do it, is that although sound quality is quite good from the TV, I have a very large, high ceilinged living room, so the audio just echoes a lot, making it difficult sometimes to hear the spoken dialogue on films. I'm hoping that something like a surround system might give me the flexibility to counter this effect, whereas a hi-fi for the same price wont have the same effect.

What are your thoughts? which will help improve the dialogue audio quality, but also sound good when listening to music, be in from the TV channel, a CD, from my laptop or from my iPod?

thanks!

Answer 1

surround sound, no one needs a hi-fi these days!

Answer 2

Surround sound gets my vote.  MP3's won't do much for Hi-Fi.  The compressions on the audio kinda kills it.  If you watch more multi channel movies then surround is the way to go.  Plus if you get a good receiver and good speakers your music will sound good too.

Answer 3

Intitially, you could go for something like the Onkyo TX-SR505, it's an AV receiver capable of 7.1 sound, but it is also able to be used with any combination of speakers from stereo upwards. It's won many awards for it's abilities and , if you shop around, is available for £200. There are a total of seven inputs including 2 HDMI pass-throughs.

Along with the receiver, spend the same amount on a pair of floor standing speakers and set the system up for stereo, Superfi in the UK are currently doing Q acoustics 1030i's or Epos ELS303, both are great partners for the Onkyo.

If you find that that set up is suficient, then fine, but you have the flexibility to add a centre speaker, rears and sub woofer at a later date.

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct....

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/...

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/...

Answer 4

One of the points to keep in mind is that the quality of sound from a good home theater system should be as much a consideration when picking HT gear as it is when picking conventional stereo gear. The difference between the two types of system should be the additional speakers that the HT system uses. Otherwise, you should be looking for the same kind of sonic clarity in both kinds, with the addition of quality of reproduction of dialogue being a goal of a HT system.

So, stick with good brands. In receivers, Onkyo, Yamaha, Harmon Kardon & Denon are among the really good ones, with price being a main differetiator. In speakers, Infinity, Polk, JBL, are among the good brands. You'll want to audition some equipment in person, but using the Internet to seek out some good gear and good deals is very useful these days.

There are some good companies selling on line. Vanns, BPAV, and amazon.com all come to mind. Searching on line can give you a great education as to whats available, what kinds of capabilities and price are to be found.

Make sure that you have a list of the numbers and types of inputs and outputs that you will want your HT receiver to handle, then check each candidate unit as to it's capabilities.

Answer 5

I bought a surround sound dvd kit, hoping it would replace my hi-fi system. The system sounds great with my tv, but it still doesn't play music as well as a good quality hi-fi systerm. To my ears it sounds too tinny, even though I've a 1000w system with a sub-woofer.

My panasonic surround has a dialogue enhancment, which definately makes speech clearer.

Best to keep your hi-fi until your sure what you like the sound of best.

Answer 6

Surround for T.V's.

I have the 50" Samsung PX Series LCD T.V

and i sent my hi-fi back for the surround.

Believe me the sound is much better.

Answer 7

If your room is echo prone as you say then the most important thing is the speakers and where they are placed. A pair (or 4/5 if you are going Dolby 5.1 surround) of Bose or Quad speakers mounted fairly high and pointed downwards should work but you may need to do some experimentation (borrow a couple of step ladders so you can vary the speaker height without drilling loadsa holes in the wall).