Looking to get a new Surround system - does this look like a good choice?
http://www.eu.onkyo.com/en/products/ht-s3800-131920.html
http://www.eu.onkyo.com/en/products/ht-s3800-131920.html
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Onkyo S3800 - good choice?
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I burned out an Onko SR606, it ran hot and the HDMI board failed 2x, apparently a common issue. It was pretty decent otherwise. Not sure if they have solved it with newer units, but if you go this route, you might want to get a fan to cool the unit. Something like this.
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I've got the Onkyo TZ-900 http://www.eu.onkyo.com/en/products/tx-rz900-125725.html
and am very happy with it, but I already have speakers which this is able to power just fine.
and am very happy with it, but I already have speakers which this is able to power just fine.
I already have a Sony BDV surround system where the amp is in the blu Ray player unit. It’s about 8 years now and keeps cutting out during movies or when switching between hdmi channels. Budget is £300 / $400 - I’ve also looked at the LG SK5R 4.1 Soundbar with DTS Virtual-X
My main goals are to get something capable of playing Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA.
My main goals are to get something capable of playing Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA.
To take advantage of the HD audio on your current budget, I would consider going with a good 2.1 or 3.1 system. I would even look at the used market for good gear that's a year or two old.
Many movies with DTS-HD MA and TrueHD soundtracks have a lot of low bass (e.g. Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales, Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle) so a good subwoofer and a couple of smaller satellites is what I would do and add side surround speakers at a later time. A good $400 2.1 system is going beat a $400 5.1 system.
Many movies with DTS-HD MA and TrueHD soundtracks have a lot of low bass (e.g. Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales, Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle) so a good subwoofer and a couple of smaller satellites is what I would do and add side surround speakers at a later time. A good $400 2.1 system is going beat a $400 5.1 system.
These are highly-regarded bookshelves: https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Pioneer+Speakers/SP-BS22-LR
Denon, Onkyo, and Sony make some good entry-level receivers with great sound.
Denon, Onkyo, and Sony make some good entry-level receivers with great sound.
For soundbar review and tests see:
https://www.soundandvision.com/category/soundbar-reviews
Rather than spreading your money over 7 components, I would think you would get better sound spending that money on fewer higher quality components. You might give up surround sound, but the audio would likely be better.
https://www.soundandvision.com/category/soundbar-reviews
Rather than spreading your money over 7 components, I would think you would get better sound spending that money on fewer higher quality components. You might give up surround sound, but the audio would likely be better.
A new soundbar, depending on the brand and model, can cost as much as a modest, used 2.1 system.
I just put in an S7800 and am very happy with it. The bass fills the room ( at just the proper amount ) and the rain from Bladerunner 2049 fooled my wife enough that she actually checked outside to see that it was just overcast and not raining.
https://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=HT-S7800&class=Systems