[Bass&Trouble]

Originally Posted by petrol_power

Sir, we are looking to buy Polk Audio Legend L800 plus Anthem STR integrated amplifier. Since I am based out of Kerala, no option to audition them, so checking for feedbacks, especially regarding Anthem STR. Is it worth the money spent, plus is there any other better amplifiers (integrated) for speakers with 300 w (4 ohms) per channel in this price range that we should look at.

There are a lot of better speakers in this territory. You could also go the 2.1 route with great sounding towers and a powerful sub if you like a lot of bass and that's your reason for opting for this rather large speaker.

Roksan Blak is a great amp for the power you are looking at. There's also the Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 which is a fantastic amp with all streaming services built-in.

Originally Posted by Turbanator

If budget is not a constraint, consider a processor like MP-40 and add Amplifier like MXA-8400. These are from Lyngdorf.

Great combo, but I think the OP wants a stereo setup.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by petrol_power

Since I am based out of Kerala, no option to audition them, so checking for feedbacks, especially regarding Anthem STR.

I did audition an Anthem AVR (Not the STR model) and it was really good. Based on this, I have no doubts their Integrated Amplifiers should be better. AVR's are typically built to a price. I'd definitely give them a go versus the usual Integrated suspects such as Denon, Marantz, etc.

[Desmosedici]

Hi Experts,

I am looking for a HTIB 5.1 system for my home. I am looking for a basic setup as this is going to be my first HT.

Drawing room size would roughly be around 150-180 sq feet.

My requirements are movies, YT videos and music via Phone BT. I listen to everything from Suprabhatam to Bollywood and Tamil to Rock/Pop.
I like to hear the background instruments and a tight bass (should not be buzzy and rattle the windows).

My budget is 50k. Can you recommend something simple and effective in this price point.

I was looking at Yamaha as a beginner, not sure if it is recommended. I have a month old kid so I would definitely not be blaring anything. Something smooth and easy to install is what I would appreciate.

Thanks.

Cheers,
Raj

[Guite]

Originally Posted by sj_koova

Denon is brighter than my liking and the r. May be I should have gone with Marantz instead of Denon....here felt similar if thay have experience with Yamaha vx Marantz vs Denon?. Or is it that the Denon needing further tuning?

I had auditioned both Marantz and Denon at a major showroom in south Delhi. Surprisingly they did not calibrate it first. They opened a fresh package and just connected the wires. I found the Marantz to be brighter than Denon, so decided on Denon. However at home, after Audyssey calibration it seems the Denon is bright. Maybe because my living room wall is all hard surface. My first choice was Onkyo due to prior experience, but it was rare.

It's good to know that vplak is genuine. What about hifimart.com?

I current use Wharfedale speakers. I want to upgrade only within this brand. It's available only with vplak and hifimart.

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

Hi Experts,
I am looking for a HTIB 5.1 system for my home. I am looking for a basic setup as this is going to be my first HT.
...
My requirements are movies, YT videos and music via Phone BT. I listen to everything from Suprabhatam to Bollywood and Tamil to Rock/Pop.
I like to hear the background instruments and a tight bass (should not be buzzy and rattle the windows).

My budget is 50k. Can you recommend something simple and effective in this price point.

I was looking at Yamaha as a beginner, not sure if it is recommended...

Yamaha is one of the best as a beginner. Go for Yamaha YHT-1840 which retails at 47k. That said, the speaker system isn't the prettiest (in terms of sound quality they are perfect for you). Go check them out in a store room and take your pen drive with your preferred song to have a test (do ensure that you either have a high bit rate file or a lossless one).

If you are looking for a specialist setup, you can also mix and match their amps and cross purchase speakers from either Denon, Marantz or Polk etc.

[Desmosedici]

Originally Posted by ValarMorghulis

Yamaha is one of the best as a beginner. Go for Yamaha YHT-1840 which retails at 47k. That said, the speaker system isn't the prettiest (in terms of sound quality they are perfect for you). Go check them out in a store room and take your pen drive with your preferred song to have a test (do ensure that you either have a high bit rate file or a lossless one).

If you are looking for a specialist setup, you can also mix and match their amps and cross purchase speakers from either Denon, Marantz or Polk etc.

Thank You very much.

I was also looking at the YHT3072 while browsing YHT1840.

Does it make sense to consider the YHT3072 now itself? Is it way superior and a worthy upgrade?


I do not understand much of the tech mumbo jumbo but yea, I do have a keen ear so I don’t want to feel bad later for not buying an upgraded model.

Cheers,
Raj

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

...
I was also looking at the YHT3072 while browsing YHT1840.

Does it make sense to consider the YHT3072 now itself? Is it way superior and a worthy upgrade?
...

If you are ok spending additional 20k, go for it. YHT3072 is 2018 model so it is newer compared to YHT1840 (2017) and has some new features.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

I like to hear the background instruments and a tight bass (should not be buzzy and rattle the windows).

Hard to achieve with a HTIB.

Most HTIB's I've heard are noise boxes than anything else. They need to be played loud and thats not what you want.

Sony make some nice HTIB units but I find they are no longer listed for sale in India. The sole HT-A9 is all I can recommended but costs 3x your budget! It does sound the part though and is a compact unit.

I can suggest an alternate path though it will still costs 2x your budget. Get a stereo receiver (with HDMI input) from Yamaha or Onkyo and pair it with some nice stand mount speakers like the Polk RTI A3. Far better results than any HTIB system and you'll keep it simple too as its just two loudspeakers.

[m8002?]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

Thank You very much.

I was also looking at the YHT3072 while browsing YHT1840.

Does it make sense to consider the YHT3072 now itself? Is it way superior and a worthy upgrade?


I do not understand much of the tech mumbo jumbo but yea, I do have a keen ear so I don’t want to feel bad later for not buying an upgraded model.

Cheers,
Raj

Audio preferences are usually personal. A specific setting/speaker that sounds good for one person may sound crappy for another. Suggest you get a good demo of the shortlisted speakers with calibration.

If some vendor gives a demo at home, nothing like it. Because exposed concrete, glass, metal surfaces in your room can impact the sound.

Also, if you plan to upgrade later, getting a good receiver/amplifier with separate speakers now is a better path. You can gradually keep adding on components later.

[Desmosedici]

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

Hard to achieve with a HTIB.

Most HTIB's I've heard are noise boxes than anything else. They need to be played loud and thats not what you want.

Sony make some nice HTIB units but I find they are no longer listed for sale in India. The sole HT-A9 is all I can recommended but costs 3x your budget! It does sound the part though and is a compact unit.

I can suggest an alternate path though it will still costs 2x your budget. Get a stereo receiver (with HDMI input) from Yamaha or Onkyo and pair it with some nice stand mount speakers like the Polk RTI A3. Far better results than any HTIB system and you'll keep it simple too as its just two loudspeakers.

Originally Posted by m8002?

Audio preferences are usually personal. A specific setting/speaker that sounds good for one person may sound crappy for another. Suggest you get a good demo of the shortlisted speakers with calibration.

If some vendor gives a demo at home, nothing like it. Because exposed concrete, glass, metal surfaces in your room can impact the sound.

Also, if you plan to upgrade later, getting a good receiver/amplifier with separate speakers now is a better path. You can gradually keep adding on components later.

Thank You. I shall explore the custom options. Thinking of getting the wiring done for a 5.1 now and add an Amp, Woofer and 2 bookshelves for now. Add centre and 2 more at a later stage.

Any thoughts on the wiring to be used for optimum sq.

Cheers,
Raj

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

Any thoughts on the wiring to be used for optimum sq.

Stick to good quality cables from Finolex, etc. You don't need much than this for Home Theater speaker wiring. For HDMI etc, a notch higher than Amazon basics is all you need.

[sagarpadaki]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

Any thoughts on the wiring to be used for optimum sq.

Cheers,
Raj

1 sq.mm is sufficient

[saket77]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

Any thoughts on the wiring to be used for optimum sq.

Cheers,
Raj

I have wired my stereo set up using 1.5mm Anchor copper wire bought for Rs. 20/- per meter. However, I also have Konig speaker cables which I acquired later but I think any pure copper above 1-1.25mm is good enough.

[Mik]

Originally Posted by Desmosedici

Hi Experts,

I am looking for a HTIB 5.1 system for my home. I am looking for a basic setup as this is going to be my first HT.

Drawing room size would roughly be around 150-180 sq feet.

My requirements are movies, YT videos and music via Phone BT. I listen to everything from Suprabhatam to Bollywood and Tamil to Rock/Pop.
I like to hear the background instruments and a tight bass (should not be buzzy and rattle the windows).

My budget is 50k. Can you recommend something simple and effective in this price point.

I was looking at Yamaha as a beginner, not sure if it is recommended. I have a month old kid so I would definitely not be blaring anything. Something smooth and easy to install is what I would appreciate.

Thanks.

Cheers,
Raj

You could explore Samsung X990C. Its a Soundbar with 2 rear speakers and a woofer along with the big fat main unit.
While it will not be as good a proper Home theater with a 5.1.2 setup it is absolutely brilliant for a regular sized room. I did two setups concurrently

a. Taga Harmony 5.1 807s and Denon Amp X580H.
b. X990C (there is not much to setup really)

While the Harmonys sounded better and deeper, the immersion of the Samsung was absolutely noteworthy and right up there.

The last i know, it retailed for around 84k on Reliance Retail after showing serious intent to purchase.

Options closer to your price point:
1. 990B (last gen) - some had reported rear speakers occasionally cutting out.
2. 950A -- Small bro of the 990C.
3. LG 95R -- not very known or reviewed.

[Desmosedici]

Originally Posted by Mik

You could explore Samsung X990C. Its a Soundbar with 2 rear speakers and a woofer along with the big fat main unit.
While it will not be as good a proper Home theater with a 5.1.2 setup it is absolutely brilliant for a regular sized room. I did two setups concurrently

Thanks.

I shall explore the Denon + Taga combo. Will check if there are any shops in Mumbai where I can get to audition such custom Amp and Speakers.