Surround Sound System Less than $1,000

Izzyhop on 13/03/2017 - 13:23

Hey, looking to upgrade my surround sound system, looking for something less than $1,000 for a medium sized living room (apartment). I typically watch movies and play games (PS4). My TV is Sony but not worried about sticking with Sony brand. Want something with wireless speaker if possible to avoid all the wires.

I sold my old 5.1 Sony system to change to a Sony soundbar and I couldn't be more disappointed with the soundbar. The sound is terrible, think the built in TV speakers might be as good. I went with the soundbar after much research to avoid all the wires with the 5.1 system. I live in a rented apartment so can't drill walls/ pass wired under floors etc. hence wireless rear speakers preferred.

Any suggestions or tips appreciated

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • oscargamer on 13/03/2017 - 13:29
    +1

    you do know wireless speakers need power cables? all those power cables, instead of speaker cables…………

    • Izzyhop on 13/03/2017 - 13:50
      +2

      Power is not an issue, I have power beside the sofa. The problem is getting Audio from the TV unit to the back of the sofa without tripping on wires in the living room. Also have a baby who is keen to start moving, hence want to minimise the wires.

  • OzBestDeal on 13/03/2017 - 13:36

    $1000 for a full set 5.1 speakers + amp would be pretty tight.
    You can go with HTIB options, but I don't think they're worth it…

    Maybe better to invest in good quality sound bar.

    Out of curiosity, which Sony soundbar did you use?

    • Izzyhop on 13/03/2017 - 13:47

      Went with the Sony HT CT380. Looked into added wireless rear speakers to improve the sound but only option is Sony SRS-ZR5 which are $379 per speaker.

      • OzBestDeal on 13/03/2017 - 13:59

        I haven't listened to Sony soundbar yet, but I recall when I listen to Bose soundbar they're fantastic.

        • ravonda on 13/03/2017 - 18:33

          I own a Bose Cinemate 15 and I think it's decent for the price I bought it for (iirc, about $700). Definitely doesn't feel like it's surround sound as it's only a 2-speaker within the soundbar itself, but the bass is very powerful. I chose it after comparing it at the shops with other Samsung, Sony, and LG soundbars. Would've loved a Sonos, but it was out of my budget..

          oh, and for some bizarre reason, the universal remote that came with the soundbar would not pair up with my Samsung 55' smart TV. :/

  • lesterfreamon on 13/03/2017 - 13:40

    Pick up a Sonos PlayBar and save up for a Sub in future.

    • Izzyhop on 13/03/2017 - 13:49

      Looked into the Sonos Playbar and similar Bose Soundtouch 300, but not sure if they are worth the cash.

  • Fergy1987 on 13/03/2017 - 14:11
    +1

    Get some decent bookshelfs - sound way better than those 5.1 systems. For a small apartment room you don't need 5.1 - seems overkill

    Get yourself some B&W 685's and a decent amplifier and forget all your troubles while the crisp sound tingles your man parts day in day out

    • StickMan on 13/03/2017 - 15:00
      +1

      You realise 5.1 refers to surround sound, and not the quality? So "overkill" is an odd word to use, since you need 5.1 or higher for proper surround sound in games or movies.

      • Fergy1987 on 13/03/2017 - 15:18
        +1

        Yep - just don't reckon its necessary for the space.

      • plmko on 13/03/2017 - 15:20
        +2

        It's not too crazy, a properly setup stereo will bring any entry level surround system to it's knees. But I don't know if $1000 is enough for that.

  • StickMan on 13/03/2017 - 15:08

    How many devices do you use? Does your TV support ARC (audio return channel)? The full-size amplifiers can handle 4+ HDMI inputs, plus whatever is on your TV. The slimline DVD-player-sized kits are sometimes 1 Input only, sometimes a couple more.

    Do you really require surround? This is useful for DVD/bluray/netflix movies and games only, and won't help with music.

    5.1 solutions with wireless rears exist, but be aware - the rear-receiver plugs into power, and then the two speakers run wires from it. So you save wires running front to back, but you will have wires running across the whole back. Not entirely sure this solves your toddler problem. You can always buy cheap plastic conduit from Bunnings and blu-tack to floor around skirting boards.

    My suggestion would be a Yamaha HTIB pack - full-sized amplifier (that costs as much as whole kit basically) and decent speakers, can be had for <$600. http://www.harveynorman.com.au/tv-blu-ray-home-theatre/home-…
    If your budget is $1000, you can get better speakers (floor-standing bigger models). I've actually noticed JB Hifi and Harvey Normal has cut their range - likely TV market stagnating so they cut the cheaper models.

  • plmko on 13/03/2017 - 15:13
    +1

    Sony HT-RT5, does everything out of the box and under a grand.

    • jaredzammit on 13/03/2017 - 17:22

      These look really good - how do they sound?

  • usbc activist on 13/03/2017 - 15:53
    +1

    I recently bought a yamaha home theater system. A receiver, 5 speakers, a sub woofer and another satellite wireless speaker all for 999$ at good guys. The home theater is simply out of world. I connected my dvd player, tv, nexus player, telstra tv to it. It can also play auxillary, bluetooth, net radio and can also play through using internal wifi called multicast.

    You may find it interesting….

    http://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hometheater-sy…

  • ItsMeAgro on 13/03/2017 - 16:04

    My system is worth less than $1000 and sounds much, much better than any soundbar.

    As you've discovered, soundbars generally aren't a massive step up from a decent brand TV's speakers (without spending a lot of money, as much as a real surround system; and despite the marketing, they will never sound as good as one).

    Waiting for an exceptional sale on amplifiers or speakers on OzBargain will save the most money, but they don't come up all that often (maybe a few times a year I think).

    I bought my Yamaha HTR-2067 5.1 audio receiver/amplifier in one of those deals for $200 delivered from HN (half their usual price of $400, which wasn't too much higher than the lowest prices on staticice, so a decent bargain).

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