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[RedAssedApe]

Any opinion on that soundbar or soundbars in general in terms of using until buying a real system?

That Sony PS3 soundbar looks interesting. At first it looked like there was no sub-woofer but apparently its integrated into the soundbar itself. Huh.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20007908-1.html

It has a serious lack of connections though. No HDMI from the looks of it so you won't be able to take advantage of HDMI-CEC or Bravia Link if you have a Sony LCD. You might as well jump up to the CT-150 as you can probably find one at a similar price.

In terms of sound quality, my CT-350 is definitely a step above the built-in speakers of my XBR4. Voice clarity is much better. There isn't much of a surround effect though, especially with the simulated back channel. The sub-woofer is decent. I wish I didn't live above someone. The rattle it makes on my condo floor has resulted in some noise complaints from the neighbors. :lol

The main reason I bought one though was I didn't have a good way to hide cabling for a true 5.1 setup and I really really hate cables being visible. I think it would be a decent pickup for someone in that situation. Don't expect to be blown away though. I'd check out AVS forums for more info. They have a section entire devoted to sound bars now.

 

[Haint]

Is it true that that receiver doesn't pass through the video signal untouched? I read that you have to switch loads of things off, including the osd, to get an untouched picture.

I would be wary of that tier of Onkyo for other reasons. Audysee 2EQ sucks balls and the 60X series have a history of widespread problems (DTS bomb in the 605, widspread buzzing and frying HDMI chipsets in the 606). I personally wouldn't touch the low or mid range Onkyo's with a 10' pole. The comparable Pioneer's are a lot better IMO, A-MCACC shits all over Audysee 2EQ in my experience. I have a Pioneer 919 and (unfortunately) an Onkyo 606. The Pio has an OSD, but no overlay, it boots over into the GUI. There is no input lag added, I've measured it. I've never got around to testing the 606. I can't comment on any changes in the Pio XX20's, or obviously the 608.

 

[LunaticPuma]

For those looking for speakers on a budget, apparently Pioneer just released some new speakers designed by Andrew Jones of TAD. I don't know who he is, but apparently he is a big name in the speaker world. The speakers are inexpensive too. You can get a pair of floorstanders for $199. That's insane. They're being fairly well received over on AVS so far, but it's still a bit early. All you need is a decent receiver (Denon 591 or 1611) and a sub and you'd be set for about $1000.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1278774

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer...147998&st=pioneer speakers&contract_desc=null

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer...147943&st=pioneer speakers&contract_desc=null

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer...148218&st=pioneer speakers&contract_desc=null

 

[VariantX04]

Just ordered one of those 3D-ready Sony soundbars. Read plenty of great things and it looks like it'll fit perfectly into my setup.

 

[RedAssedApe]

Just ordered one of those 3D-ready Sony soundbars. Read plenty of great things and it looks like it'll fit perfectly into my setup.

Which model did you pick up? Got the CT-350 myself recently.

 

[TheExodu5]

Is it true that that receiver doesn't pass through the video signal untouched? I read that you have to switch loads of things off, including the osd, to get an untouched picture.

I have heard something to that extent. Might be good to check out something else then

Personally, I'm a big fan of Yamaha receivers. Low end Yamahas blow low end Denons away in terms of tonal balance. I also love the inclusion of the multidirectional calibration microphones in their systems.

And guys...soundbars? Surround soundbars at that? I hope you're not expecting much.

 

[Benjamin1981]

Which model did you pick up? Got the CT-350 myself recently.

Is the CT-350 any good? I'm looking for decent sound solution for the bedroom.

 

[VariantX04]

Which model did you pick up? Got the CT-350 myself recently.

Very nice. I went with the 150. Found it for a relatively cheaper price than normal ($265).

 

[I NEED SCISSORS]

I have heard something to that extent. Might be good to check out something else then

Personally, I'm a big fan of Yamaha receivers. Low end Yamahas blow low end Denons away in terms of tonal balance. I also love the inclusion of the multidirectional calibration microphones in their systems.

And guys...soundbars? Surround soundbars at that? I hope you're not expecting much.

At the very least, that subwoofer is the one that came with my setup and i'd say it's pretty decent. Maybe not audiophile qualit, but considering it only cost me £300 total, it was a bargain.

 

[RedAssedApe]

Is the CT-350 any good? I'm looking for decent sound solution for the bedroom.

Pretty much anything is going to be a step up from the standard tv speakers. I would say the voice clarity is much better. There's also definitely more "volume" to the sound and the sub-woofer does a decent job though its probably not going to shake your windows.

Surround sound effect is pretty minimal to me. Although my living room is very long/rectangular and only has 3 walls so that is probably part of the issue.
If its a smaller/square room the surround sound might work better for you than it does me.

I'm not much of an audiophile so it made sense to me to get a non-messy solution where I wouldn't have to hide or route cables. Depending on your setup, you can either mount the sound bar to the wall, place it in front of the tv on your tv stand or mount it to select Sony Bravia TVs.

I picked it up for around $290 so I thought I got a pretty good deal. MSRP is $399.

 

[RedAssedApe]

And guys...soundbars? Surround soundbars at that? I hope you're not expecting much.

Was not expecting much. The price and form factor was in line with what I was looking for.

i.e. improved sound quality over the tv speakers but also something that didn't require me to run wires all over the place. I know real "audio-philes" will snub their noses at the mention of sound bars and their "surround sound"

 

[TheExodu5]

Was not expecting much. The price and form factor was in line with what I was looking for.

i.e. improved sound quality over the tv speakers but also something that didn't require me to run wires all over the place. I know real "audio-philes" will snub their noses at the mention of sound bars and their "surround sound"

Well I'll at least sympathize and say I understand if your setup cannot house proper speakers. TV speakers have been awful since they started removing them from the bezel.

 

[RedAssedApe]

Well I'll at least sympathize and say I understand if your setup cannot house proper speakers. TV speakers have been awful since they started removing them from the bezel.

I live in a condo at the moment so that's my other main limiting factor. Profound sadness...

 

[Gomu Gomu]

Just ordered one of those 3D-ready Sony soundbars. Read plenty of great things and it looks like it'll fit perfectly into my setup.

Is this better than the all-in-one 5.1 sound systems? Both roughly have the same price.

 

[Finaika]

Is this better than the all-in-one 5.1 sound systems? Both roughly have the same price.

Don't think so. Real surround > Virtual surround.

 

[VariantX04]

Is this better than the all-in-one 5.1 sound systems? Both roughly have the same price.

You mean Home Theater in a Box setups? Not entirely sure though I've had bad experiences with HTIBs in the past.

 

[asdad123]

What're the chances of 3dTV prices dropping by christmas? My dad is interested in one for the living room, and me and my brother are thinking of splitting on for christmas.

I was checking out this one. Its 1030 for the TV, 2 pairs of glasses, and a Tivo Premier which I could sell for 150ish-200.

Anyone have this tv? Or any other recommendations?

 

[RedAssedApe]

What're the chances of 3dTV prices dropping by christmas? My dad is interested in one for the living room, and me and my brother are thinking of splitting on for christmas.

I was checking out this one. Its 1030 for the TV, 2 pairs of glasses, and a Tivo Premier which I could sell for 150ish-200.

Anyone have this tv? Or any other recommendations?

There are usually deals starting around Black Friday. Amazon also seems to drop prices around Christmas time too. No sales tax (YMMV depending on state) and usually free shipping too. Don't have to try and haggle like you would in a B&M store although the returns are more of a hassle.

 

[mr_nothin]

Panasonic VT25 or Samsung C8000 are the best TVs on the market, bar none. I would not look at a Sony LCD for 3D.

Panasonic will have less buzzing, but you can get the Samsung cheaper. Picture quality is about the same on both.

WTF. Sony has the best 3D tv's on the market. I've checked just about all of the 3D tvs out and Sony had the best hands down. It's much less "cardboard cutout" than the other brands. I've gone from "meh" (seeing 3D on Samsung/Panasonic) to "omg I NEED a 3DTV" (after viewing 3D on a Sony).

 

[PjotrStroganov]

WTF. Sony has the best 3D tv's on the market. I've checked just about all of the 3D tvs out and Sony had the best hands down. It's much less "cardboard cutout" than the other brands. I've gone from "meh" (seeing 3D on Samsung/Panasonic) to "omg I NEED a 3DTV" (after viewing 3D on a Sony).

With the same footage?

 

[mik]

Very nice. I went with the 150. Found it for a relatively cheaper price than normal ($265).

I have the CT-150 and it's awesome. That little bar pumps out some serious sound. The surround effect is not so hot (depending on your room shape--mine is not optimal) but everything else is stellar.

 

[mik]

WTF. Sony has the best 3D tv's on the market. I've checked just about all of the 3D tvs out and Sony had the best hands down. It's much less "cardboard cutout" than the other brands. I've gone from "meh" (seeing 3D on Samsung/Panasonic) to "omg I NEED a 3DTV" (after viewing 3D on a Sony).

Sony has the best LED 3DTVs on the market. But they still fall prey to WAY more crosstalk than plasma sets.

 

[spwolf]

I have tested Samsung and Sony 3DTVs today - is shimmering at the bottom of glasses normal for Samsung sets? It barely noticable on Sony while very distracting on Samsung.

I couldnt find VT20 that is working, stupid retailers...

 

[H_Prestige]

WTF. Sony has the best 3D tv's on the market. I've checked just about all of the 3D tvs out and Sony had the best hands down. It's much less "cardboard cutout" than the other brands. I've gone from "meh" (seeing 3D on Samsung/Panasonic) to "omg I NEED a 3DTV" (after viewing 3D on a Sony).

For 3D (and 2D), plasma > LCD. I'm sure Sony is the best when it comes to LCD, but plasma is just better.

 

[cakefoo]

With the same footage?

I'm gonna say no. Cardboard cutouts have absolutely nothing to do with the display, but rather how the content was shot. It can also have to do with your viewing distance (sitting just a foot or two away will make objects look compressed into flat cutouts)

 

[jetjevons]

Quick Q - How does the PS3 stack up against dedicated 3D BluRay players. Got a Panasonic 3D BluRay player with my Panasonic Viera and was wondering if it is better/worse.

 

[expy]

Actually looking into a 3D TV over 55" in size to replace an existing (and deffective) 57" rear-projection tv that's starting to have convergence issues (and for which I'm not really willing to repair, I'd rather buy a new TV).

Looking closely at the Panasonic 3DPlasmas...

 

[DMczaf]

Hows the PS3 Surround Sound System bar? It's on sale for $159 at Best Buy this week and I don't have room for 5.1 surround and all that jazz in my room.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...280916&st=PS3 Surround Sound System&cp=1&lp=1

 

[beast786]

Just found this amazing deal.

The new Sony3D Bravia HX929 for 2720.00 plus you get a free blu-ray player value of 399.

The model is new and just getting on stock. The retail price all over is 3790.00

Amazing deal.


Add your info and address and click. The discount will show after you add the address. On the way to check out

FREE SHIPPING

http://www.us-appliance.com/xbr55hx929.html?gdftrk=gdfV21216_a_7c444_a_7c3281_a_7cxbr55hx929

 

[Oppo]

I like to do a bit of research, and make informed decisions, but I'm not a hardcore AV-head nor am I willing to spend that kind of cash right now.

This was my sweet spot, and I did it for less than $2000 all-in.

Panasonic Plasma 50" G25 (no 3D; also you could go LCD if you room is bright)
Pioneer VSX-970 receiver
Polk Audio 5.1 speaker setup w/active sub

Basically make sure your screen has low lag in game mode and no weird gotchas. Make sure your receiver has 1080p decoding (not passthrough) and at least 3 HDMI ports, preferably 4. If it does auto-calibration with an included mic, that's a nice touch.

Everything else is whatever you prefer. I wouldn't bother with 3D until the content is there (I like it but there's just not enough to play/watch).