I'm not quite in the market for a home theatre system, but I notice prices that are pretty low. I think I'll test the more modestly priced systems first.
A friend of mine has a pricey system, including gold-plated connectors on his cables which were pricey themselves. I realize that a system's only as good as its weakest component, but is it really necessary for gold-plated plugs in a home system?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18680 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I've seen some excesses in audio that were probably pointless, but gold on contacts is a good choice. Gold doesn't oxidize like other conductors, so it makes a better contact material. It's actually used in a lot of electronic equipment, from computers to hifi and everything in between. Pretty much everything but the cheapest gear uses gold plating on conductors that contact one another by mechanical connection, i.e. edge connectors, plugs, etc.
jesstasy Messages: 6 Registered: July 2010 Location: New York
Esquire
You get what you pay for. This is why it is important to read reviews on products before making high end purchases. At times, you can find quality products at reasonable prices. But for the most part I have found that when something is cheaper in price it is also cheaper in quality. This is not to say that expensive things are superior. There have been times I have bought things and wasted my money. This is why it is imperative to read reviews and also to comparison shop!
You get what you pay for. This is why it is important to read reviews on products before making high end purchases. At times, you can find quality products at reasonable prices. But for the most part I have found that when something is cheaper in price it is also cheaper in quality. This is not to say that expensive things are superior. There have been times I have bought things and wasted my money. This is why it is imperative to read reviews and also to comparison shop!
I agree and would add that always going for the lowest end product can leave you wanting to upgrade sooner anyhow, so it's false economy in the end.
I would go with a top quality receiver since this is the heart of the system and at least two good speakers for your music. To me the music quality is much more important than the movie sound.
Adveser Messages: 434 Registered: July 2009 Location: USA
Illuminati (1st Degree)
Stereo only for me. A well set up stereo can duplicate rear speakers and obviously there is no bass loss with decent loudspeakers.
Yes, even stereo music should be completely three dimensional with music coming from all sides. The first time I did it "right" I was shocked that cymbals were coming from the rear corner of the room.
Good advice all over this thread, cheers! I am all set to read around and find some good reviews. It is too easy to waste money on cheap end products thinking you have a bargain, then get bitten as you want to upgrade soon after.
It's all in the research. I suppose you could find a good deal on Ebay - just make sure the seller has lots of good feedback, and read the description! Make sure it is exactly what you want! You are the only one to blame if you "assume" you are getting something that the seller did not offer.
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