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General discussion

Quality Home Audio for an Apartment Bedroom?

Jul 29, 2005 10:35AM PDT

Howdy,


I'm in the market for a good audio system for my 12x12 foot apartment bedroom. I would like to spend $400-500 before shipping & taxes.
I would use this system primarily for listening to rock concerts on 5.1 Dolby Digital DVDs, and listening to CD/DVD-A discs. Considering that this will be a bedroom set up, I am not sure if I should go with a home theater in a box, or a shelf system. My space is truly limited....

I am currently looking at the Panasonic SC-HT930 home theater in a box system.
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_SC_HT930/4505-6740_7-31356484.html?tag=pdtl-list
Looks like a great unit for my needs, only draw back is that the SC-HT930 does offer true 5.1 Dolby Digital output, as the receiver does not have digital inputs.

Would this unit even fit in my bedroom without looking awkward?

I've got a Toshiba SD-4900 DVD Player with on board 5.1 Dolby Digital Decoder, and DTS support as well, so a system that includes a DVD player is not a must. Though a multidisc changer would be icing on the cake.

I must also keep in mind that I am required to respect my room mate, in regards to loud, intrusive, music.

I am a total newbie when it comes to proper home audio equipment, and would appreciate any assistance that was given.
I don't want to make a financial mistake.


Regards,

Milan

Discussion is locked

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Digital input
Aug 1, 2005 3:36AM PDT

You will get surround from the built-in DVD player but not from an external source like a cable of satellite HD signal, or a component like a gaming console.

I just bought a very inexpensive HTB system from Samsung (model PT-38, i think) that cost under $300. Not being an audiophile, I think the sound is great, and it has a digital input. In my opinion, the quality home theater systems are much more subjective than the picture on a new TV. I personally can't tell the difference between a $300 system and a $1000 system at low volumes. And by low, I mean acceptable levels. I sometimes wonder who all these 1000 watt systems are designed for. I mean, it's far, far too much power for the average home user. My new system will never get cranked up past 1/3 of its potential volume level, and that's even too loud.

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Reply
Aug 1, 2005 10:15AM PDT

I have a Panasonic SC-HT700 they are very inexpensive now (not when I bought mine) and I find it fine for my use in a 10x12 room, for DVD movies, Xbox, PS2 etc. Loud enough my one dislike is that the sub is not really deep at all the sound is really good but you do not get the deep shake that can add to the home theatre.