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View Full Version : 5.1 system on the cheap ?

hookbeak
28-10-2001, 08:22
I've finally decided i've suffered the indignity of prologic for too long and want to move up to a 5.1 system - unfortunately funds are decidedly lacking.

What's the best way to go ? a second hand digitheatre ? or is it possible to pick up a half decent amp and speakers without having to sell my wife to slavers ?

I'm not bothered about massive power as i've only a smallish room anyway.

cheers :)
Simes
28-10-2001, 11:02
A second hand Digitheatre is by far the cheapest way..
The cheapest DD amp is about £150 (and ones at this price sell out quick).Cheapest speaker pack is about £120 and that does not include a subwoofer.Take a look at www.richersounds.com for a decent selection of cheap amps and speakers.
hookbeak
28-10-2001, 11:17
yep, after looking around this morning i figured the same.

So i put a post in the classifieds :)

someone sell me one then !
Brunnen-G
29-10-2001, 20:46
The Eltax Stargate 5.1 speaker setup @ QED-UK costs £110 delivered and includes 5 speakers AND a sub. A Kenwood 5050 will do DD5.1 and DTS, and is usually around £160. For a bit more (£207 @ HyperFi) you could get a Kenwood 7050, which is the model up from the 5050, and includes Dolby ProLogic 2 (which in most peoples opinion, is a vast improvement over bog standard ProLogic).

HTH.
toot
30-10-2001, 07:01
on maplin.co.uk there is a "Rocco 5.1 Surround Sound System" for only 150 quid.. i have no idea how good this is, but it has 4 satalites, a centre speaker and a subwoofer, and a DD 5.1 decoder (i don't think it does DTS). anyone know what this is like..? 150 quid seems like a bargain :)
hookbeak
30-10-2001, 07:58
Review here (http://www.gamersdepot.com/hardware/speakers/jazz_hipster/rocco_dolby51/001.htm)

Apparently it's cack :(
hookbeak
30-10-2001, 08:20
I suppose i'd be right in thinking then - if i can't get a 2nd hand digitheatre (which is likely) then rather than getting a new one for £210 i'd get a much better sound by going for the Eltax Stargate 5.1 speaker setup and a Kenwood 5050 and only paying £60 more (and getting DTS too) - right ?
Brunnen-G
30-10-2001, 17:54
IMO, that is correct. :) It should sound better, and be alot more flexible.
dwmoook
31-10-2001, 14:42
I recently got a Kenwood 5050 and I am very impressed with the sound it produces. I listened to a digitheatre in a local Currys but thought it sounded tinny in comparision. I guess that could be down to having better speakers. At least with seperates you can upgrade speakers etc as money allows, whereas with the Digitheatre you are stuck and have to replace the whole lot.
LauraLC
01-11-2001, 16:48
Originally posted by Brunnen-G
The Eltax Stargate 5.1 speaker setup @ QED-UK costs £110 delivered and includes 5 speakers AND a sub. A Kenwood 5050 will do DD5.1 and DTS, and is usually around £160. For a bit more (£207 @ HyperFi) you could get a Kenwood 7050, which is the model up from the 5050, and includes Dolby ProLogic 2 (which in most peoples opinion, is a vast improvement over bog standard ProLogic).

HTH.

Doesn't the 7050 also have S-Video switching rather than the Composite that the 5050 has?

I had the Stargates from QED and the 5050 from Richer Sounds and think they sound good together. Depending on how big your room is all you need add is the DVD player and digital interconnect. I can't remember how long the speaker cables included with the stargates is... i'll have a look in the manual or get the tape measure out later if anyone wants to know.

laura.
hookbeak
02-11-2001, 14:04
I wouldn't mind that info LauraLC . I bought a 5050 today (£149.99@richersounds) and ordered by Eltax Stargates 10 mins ago from QED.
Just
02-11-2001, 14:37
How about going second hand and getting an older Kenwood.

I sold a 5030 for 70 quid a few weeks ago and there was another being sold on the classifieds the other day.

It won't do DTS, but with an Eltax pack at 110, you are talking about a serious DD 5.1 setup for 180 quid or less. It would reduce a Digitheatre to a quivering reck in the corner I would suspect.

EDIT - Sorry, just realised that you have now bought - still you have 14 days to take the 5050 back if you want to.
LauraLC
02-11-2001, 15:59
Originally posted by hookbeak
I wouldn't mind that info LauraLC . I bought a 5050 today (£149.99@richersounds) and ordered by Eltax Stargates 10 mins ago from QED.

Ok, got the tape measure out because couldn't find my manual (really must tidy the house up ;) ) each bundle is 5m long. So 5 x 5m, plus you also get the interconnect for the subwoofer which is approx 1.5m

Hope its useful.

laura.
hookbeak
02-11-2001, 17:39
Originally posted by LauraLC


Ok, got the tape measure out because couldn't find my manual (really must tidy the house up ;) ) each bundle is 5m long. So 5 x 5m, plus you also get the interconnect for the subwoofer which is approx 1.5m

Hope its useful.

laura.

certainly is. cheers :)