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sat
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#1 erstellt: 13. Jun 2005, 09:55

Hi
I am in Bangalore, I have been reading the various past postings and still unclear about my purchase.

I am planning to buys a HT mostly for listening music and movie in 60:40 ratio. My budget is less than 50K (25-40K). The reason for such a wide range is my inability to finetune my requirement and lack of knowledge.

I have auditioned Onkyo HT 670 / 570, 570, 670 was OK but thats on compromise on cost and on the brand name.

Also tried Denon 1605 (25K ) with polk speakers (25K) both are entry level, I did't like it, but with same receiver with kef speakers it sounded better than onlyo 680 But the speakers are priced at 37K, slightly out of range on price.

Also Checked the price in US , they are about 30-40% of indian rates across the models. I may able to bring the system (mostly receiver alone because of the size & weight) eithwr from singapore / US. So I was wondering if I buy the speakers alone from India. I checked that option in Onkyo as the HT670 was a HTin a box, there entry level speakers cost 35K (HT230), 40K (3600).

The onkyo SR503 / denon 1705 are priced about 10K in abroad
so the total proce unit will be same at buying onkyo HT670 (40K). DO I gain anything by buying receiver seperately and speakers seperatly.

I did't like the HK showroom attitude in blr, so I won't buy there even if they are bettre than the rest in VFM.

I am more confused than when I started the serach 2 weeks ago. I am open to new ideas. PLs guide me, The timeframe I am looking to complete the purchase is 3 weeks / by early july

hsmraj
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#2 erstellt: 14. Jun 2005, 11:26

May I suggest you start with a stereo setup and upgrade when you have more budget. Please check the forum in the last couple of months. You may want to check out. I will PM you with some contacts for you to check out.

sat
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#3 erstellt: 14. Jun 2005, 13:05

Thanks,
I have rechecke dthe forum, I am not sure if you are directing me to stereo headind.
Anyway, what do u mean by
"start with a stereo setup and upgrade when you have more budget". Does that mean buy a 6.1 receiver with tower speaker and add sub, center . suround speakers later

I live in bangalore, checked 3 stores PRO-FX, Onkyo and HK, but they did't suggest this, so should I try differeent brad,
Guys, I am not a gread Hifi freak, I just listen music in my AIWA system (25K) that I bouht 6 yeras ago, I want to thro that and look for good system,. PLs thro some light

hsmraj
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#4 erstellt: 14. Jun 2005, 14:04

I was myself in the market for HT speakers. I was very impressed with what good systems can do after I auditiones JM Labs (low end) floorstanders and Arcam receiver. Since you spend 60% on music, I believe you should consider going in for stereo. You should be able to get very decent speakers for 50K in India. For options on Stereo you may want to check the stereo section.

If and when you decide to upgrade to HT, you can go in for additional speakers and a new receiver. Ofcourse, there are things like timbre matching of your center speakers, but you can plan for it.

What I would have done for 50K?
1. chosen good bookshelves (considered both branded and Indian)
2. gone with satellies with bass module. Good for HT but so so for music.
3. checked out options for a mini systems from Sony and saved some change for future.

FYI I went in for HT system at a slightly higher budget.

sat
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#5 erstellt: 15. Jun 2005, 09:37

Thanks Agin, After reading the reply and reading more of the past posting I bought AV MAx yest night read thro, I am really shocked t osee so many brands in speakers,
But still there is no article to start understanding the diff between a system for stereo / movie. I would appreciate someone helping me understand the deatils may be with some link that thay have comeacross or created, The one know all about Home theatre (ref by SUB BOSS for fun)is just surface knowledge and I guess I require more.

What is the decent amount for a Good system that solves both stereo listening as well Movie,

ajacob
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#6 erstellt: 15. Jun 2005, 16:27

Hello Sat

Have you been to the following place?

Reference Point
#8, 12th Cross, 1st Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore 560038.
Tel:080-5257246
Email: refpoint@yahoo.com
Contact: R. Venkatesh

Have a look at the AEGO P5. You might find it interesting as a home theatre package and for stereo.
Anil Jacob

sat
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#7 erstellt: 16. Jun 2005, 15:30

Thanks Ajacob,
will check P5 this week-end,
Have anyone auditioed TX-SR503 (24K)/ TX-SR602(36K) (ONKYO), Will it help me solve stereo listening as well movie, will it be good for stereo listing with good pair for floor standers and seperate center/surround speakers.

I liked KEF HT Speaker but there are lots of commentslike lack od boss , nothing conclsive, will it do as speaker set for bith Setreo and movie, PLease help, I guess I auditioned to HEF HT 1005.2.

what is a decent budgte for a sub for 10X15 Room with 2 doors and 2 windows, I live in a apartment.

Thanks

anirvan
Stammgast

#8 erstellt: 17. Jun 2005, 08:10

hey sat,

there are so many brands yu can check out-
tannoy-harman/kardon-JBL-
when i started i was fixed on buying a HTIB
and was much in love with the onkyo HTS 670-

so look around and read all the previous topic-
price wise also yu can buy a system from may be 25k
upwards-

now i am trying to buy a 7.1 AVR and a 5.1
speaker package-

regs
anirvan

Edges
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#9 erstellt: 22. Jun 2005, 08:39

Hey sat,

pls dnt even think of going for the onkyo Ht-s670 HTiB.they are pathetic in music listening.instead go in for the 570.they have a very good vocals and tonal balance.i myself am looking out to go in for a HT so i had checked out personally these sysytems and i too am in the same budget as urs!there is a very good deal going for the onkyo old amp tha is the Tx-sr601.check this amp out.the tec specs are real good for the price it is available for that is around 25k.should b more negotiable when u sit down while having th dough n hand....

edges

abhi.pani
Inventar

#10 erstellt: 22. Jun 2005, 11:34

For 25k you are much better off with an HK AVR130 than an Onkyo tx-sr501...

HK is much better for Stereo as well as cinema..

abhi.pani
Inventar

#11 erstellt: 22. Jun 2005, 11:36

You can also try out Marantz 4500 (AVR), they are very good even for stereo....it will be in 25k range....

P.S Dont miss out Marantz while buying HT with a stereo purpose.

sat
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#12 erstellt: 22. Jun 2005, 14:11

Hi Abhi
Thanks, But I read lot of overheating in marantz receivers, is that true?,Maratz is supposed to be one of the best. do You use them . Actually the dealer offered marantz 6300 (outphased model) for 32K, 4400 is 31K
What do U think of 6300 offer, Anyone has it?

abhi.pani
Inventar

#13 erstellt: 22. Jun 2005, 16:16

Havent heard about overheating of marantz...

I havent checked out Marantz 6300 but neverthless a good deal.
BTW 4400 is now available for 22k as it is also phased out.
6300 must be higher in wattage..if you have the budget then go for it...

sat
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#14 erstellt: 23. Jun 2005, 07:58

Hi Abhi
Thanks , I am planning to meet the person at ref point today, How much the higher wattage helps, how do u compare sr4400 with say HK 235 (I have't auditioned it), Which system will suit diamond 8.4 better, like SR 4400, 5500 or HK 235, which will provide both Music (60%)and Movie
How much will HK235 cost in bangalore, IS there any other place than lavelle rd to buy it in bangalore?
Cheers
sat

[Beitrag von sat am 23. Jun 2005, 07:59 bearbeitet]

abhi.pani
Inventar

#15 erstellt: 24. Jun 2005, 08:09

Hey Sat,
HK Vs Marantz cannot be decided right away. You have to go and audition yourself. the taste may differ from person to person in this case.
BTW higher power rating will help a lot for Stereo listening ( if you like loud music). Particularly Marantz being a bit laid back, you will definitely gain with higher power ratings.

benkenobi
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#16 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 10:37

Hey Sat,
like i told u when i spoke to you ..it surprises me that the person did not treat u well..
anway..its been a while since i have been to H/K..i would be going there soon..
if u care to join me drop me a line and we'll see.
Cheers,
Sachi

sat
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#17 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 10:51

HI Sachi
Thanks, I can join anytime after 6:30PM, if that suits you as well, let us make it soon, I am kind of struck without a decision on the receiver
Cheers
sat

benkenobi
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#18 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 11:03

sure..6.30 is fine...
today it is not possible...i'll let u know when..

anirvan
Stammgast

#19 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 11:04

would yu believe this ,
marantz 4500 is selling for 37k tax paid in delhi-
how much does it cost there in b'lore-

regs
anirvan

sat
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#20 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 11:14

Sure, 4500 is about 28K in blr, I feel it does not come with official warranty , but warranty with the shop, what ever it means, I am more than confused, I also checked with marantz site an called the number in Delhi, the distributor for India, There is no authorised dealer in BLR, the nearest is Chennai,
cheers
sat

anirvan
Stammgast

#21 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 12:12

yes i had called the auth. marantz guy-
also sat in ur 1st port yu have written that denon 1605 is 25k-
here denon 1905 is 26/27k..
where did u see that- cos denons are quite cool both for stereo and ht-
r
anirvan

sat
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#22 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 14:56

HI
sorry, it is 1705, Actauuly I checked that AVR in Pro-FX shop in Barton center, I have't checked audio CD that time, but in our forum many feel it is too good for Movies and ok on music,
Cheers
Sat

sat
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#23 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 15:01

Hi all
How about Yamaha, I guess that sell with just 15-20% premium compare to in market, like 1500 available for about 28K, How does this one perform on stereo mode, If I get marantz5400 at the same price (+_2K), which is better of these two.I haved auditioned 1500 yet, but the speakers are differembt in marantz place anyway, so have anyone checked both on same setup , pls thro some light thanks
Cheers
satheesh A

abhi.pani
Inventar

#24 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 15:15

I have tried Yamaha RXV650 with Marantz 5400....on stereo mode...

The Marantz simply blew away the Yamaha in all respects....
That was when I came to know how good are Marantz compared to others (even in Stereo mode).....

IMHO they cant be compared in Stereo mode atleast...Marantz is the clear winner anyday...

We used a Marantz CDP and AE Evo3 speakers during the comparision.
Another guy from this forum was also with me during this audition and we both had similar opinions..

ajacob
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#25 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 15:21

Hi SAT

Did you get a chance to listen to the AEGO P5? (Acoustic Energy)

regards
Anil

observer
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#26 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 15:26

Abhi, what aspects were making the Marantz sound distinguishigly better than Yamaha?

abhi.pani
Inventar

#27 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 16:06

Hi Observer,
We auditioned them for about 45 mins divided into brief listening sessions on each of them using different tracks (mostly rock/pop/alternate rock).

The major point of emphasis was Depth, tonality, Imaging, Soundstaging and overall crispness of sound quality.

IMHO the Marantz was leading in all spheres....simply could not find any dimensions where I could give the Yamaha higher points...

Initially we thought the Yamaha may do better on Pop because it is considered to be on the brighter side but NO..it was Marantz all the way.

The lows were deep (for an AVR), the highs well rounded off and crisp and the mids very detailed and balanced....These were my comments on marantz.

Yamaha was sounding like yet another AVR struggling to perform in Stereo mode.

P.S guys these are entirely my opinion and I would love to see someone come up with a difference in opinion.....but I would humbly expect that whoever thinks differently should look at these two on an A/B basis. It is very easy to be lost when you compare two similar products in two different places with different setups.
In Bangalore it was available at Reference point (Indiranagar) when I had been there last.

Dipak
Inventar

#28 erstellt: 29. Jun 2005, 17:05

hy

I had a testing session once comparing the onkyo tx-702e vs. denon 3805. we were using mission and focal jmlab (just below 1600 US$) floorstanders and the winner was quite clear:
onkyo, just in stereo, surround not tested, the denon being vera flat and playing without any joy... the onkyo had a warmer tone and played much more inviting. I haven't been able to compare it to h/k or marantz though.

on the speakers:

if u liked the kef, why not look at a nice pair of Q1's to go with? they can easily be built out later to a homecinema, or even upgraded with some Q series floorstanders.

I might have some other suggestions as well, could you just tell me your budget, 50k (of what?) I believe, in US$?

greets dipak

sat
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#29 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 08:22

Hi ajacob
No, but when I visited Ref point, i listened to EVo3. Theyu do not have any satellites for demo.
Cheers
sat

sat
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#30 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 08:27

HI
After some search over past 2 weeks and reading various response and past postings, I am sure that 50K in India will not fetch me a good HT, So i have decided either upgrade the budget or go with FS + Receiver(AVR or Integrated Amp) and then add the remaining over a period of time. I welcome all suggestions in this line of thinking. PLs suggest a right way.
Cheers
sat

anirvan
Stammgast

#31 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 08:36

hey sat,
even i was enlightened after about 3 months in this forum-
now i plan to get a H/K AVR , centre and surrounds from abroad-
then buy the FS( which i want floor standing) and a sub here-

that way i think yu can fit it in a budget-

r
anirvan

hsmraj
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#32 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 08:57

Anirvan, For true multichannel performance, sound must flow from speaker to speaker with accuracy. For achieving seamless multichannel home theater performance it is important to timbre match the fronts and the centre.

Suggest you consider having fronts paired with a matching centre. You can go for surrounds and receiver from abroad. My 02 paisa worth

anirvan
Stammgast

#33 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 09:33

that means i get my centre and fronts from here-
also the subwoofer-

and the AVR and surrounds -
i have to check lyrita here for floor standers-seems nice-
anyways i think i am gonna wait for the AV REVOLUTION show in sep and pick up stuff from there-

meanwhile would be great if yu can educate me on timbre matching etc-

thanx in advance-
anirvan

abhi.pani
Inventar

#34 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 09:46

sat,
This is what exactly happened to me after I joined this forum...

At some point of time I felt that I have to have decent Floorstander in my HT so I would look for a decent AVR to match it and add on other components later....

But when I started auditioning Floorstanders with AVRs and then tried the same FS with a Stereo amp (costing much less than the AVR) just for a comparision and then I found the hell lot of difference that a dedicated Stereo amp can make to your music, so I had to re-think the whole strategy....
when you are investing so much for good music, then its really difficult to neglect something like a Stereo amp, atleast when you are going for a floorstander. Finally I am going for a Floorstander and a Stereo amp first then I would upgrade to an AVR later...

Anyway that was my story....once you start auditioning FS speakers then let us know what do you plan...

abhi.pani
Inventar

#35 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 09:59

To Start with here are the speakers worth looking at for below 25k budget:

Wharfdale Diamond 8.4
Jamo E series (dont remember the model number)
Polk Audio (M60)
Mission M33
Sonodyne Sonus 2605
Torvin Phantom9

Most of us feel that Diamond 8.4 are the best...
you can audition all of them to select what you like best...

sat
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#36 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 10:11

Thanks Abhi,
I have auditioned only diamond 8.4 in the list, but i also auditioned AE Aegis EVO-3, It was good, but on price it was about 8K more, Checked sonodyne, it was OK but to my ;limited knowledge it is third in my list, can u pls provide me contact nos for Jamo,Polk Audio,Missionand
Torvin , I remember ONKYO showroom had a FS in their 5.1 and had very good discount on it, but that time I was looking for HTIB and hoping it will be easy to find the one for my budget, so obviouly did't even bother to audition it, but looks like they are a more of good recerivers co than a speakers co.
Cheers
sat

abhi.pani
Inventar

#37 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 10:55

Exactly SAT, forget onkyo atleast for speakers....

Here are the contact numbers:

Jamo (Cinebels): 22384331, 22384385
Polk Audio (Profx): 25588582, 9845935900
Mission and Torvin (Audio Planet): 25523126, 9845019192

BTW even I have auditioned AE EVO3, they sounded ok but not worth the extra buck....I still liked the Diamond 8.4 and Polk Audio Monitor 70 (around 32k) better than AE EVO3.

BTW it is Polk audio Monitor60 which is for 24k............

sat
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#38 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 11:38

Thanks abhi.pani
Will check all of them at the earlest and buy one that hopefully justifice the time speant!!!. Pls post me if anything else to be considered, How about KEF, I infact liked their sats comapre to polk when paired with Denon for movie

Cheers
sat

abhi.pani
Inventar

#39 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 12:24

Kef floorstanders are quite expensive.

Dipak
Inventar

#40 erstellt: 30. Jun 2005, 17:30

Kef floorstanders are quite expensive.

generally yes, but the cresta series isn't that expensive I believe

as I already suggested

why not look at a nice pair of Q1's to go with?

a really nice bookshelf, easily built out and with the possibility to add matchingfloorstanders later if wanted..

sat
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#41 erstellt: 11. Jul 2005, 08:32

HI All
I have auditioned Jamo this weekend, One of the very good showrooms I have visited in the last month and half.
Abhi, Their starting range for FS is at 34K E650 listens to 5 more before kind of shortlisting to E855 & E650, 855 was an automtic choice on quality and 650 was more on budget contraint, then compared the 2 for next 5 min, 650 sounds loud for the same input compare to 855, the bass was more on 650 but 855 was way better of the two (infact some of the new E7 series that I thought not as good as 855 is good 20K more, appreaciating sound quality differs),
Infact I liked this speakers more than anything I have tried in the last month, but but my tower itseld will cost 43 ie well over 15 on my towers budget, The showroom guy was very helpful had lots of patience.
Now I a more confused , Can anyone tell me how do you rate this speaker with AE Evo 3 (the closest to 855s my mind)@ 12K less than 855
Also, there were't any DISCOUNT!!! (I am sorry!!! i am used to this, most o fthe the showroom said it is x after disc it is 0.7x) offered at this showroom, may be 5% is what was told, so the least it is 40K, is that the price

Cheers
sat

abhi.pani
Inventar

#42 erstellt: 11. Jul 2005, 11:18

First of all, there is some confusion regarding the entry level range of Jamo. It starts at 16k if my memory serves well. It was the E5 series. I had been to Cinebels just a month ago and it was available. They have almost 4-5 other models between 16k to 34k. You can check with them regarding this. Moreover if you go for a package they do offer 10% discount easily, but not on the first visit

. They offered me the discount after my third visit and that too on a package of a pair of floorstanders and its Center speaker.....

In my opinion you should give them another visit...

As far as AE evo3 Vs E855 is concerned, Boss there is no short-cut answer to this, you have to listen to them repeatedly (with your own reference CDs) and find out whether you wanna pay that extra buck...

sat
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#43 erstellt: 25. Jul 2005, 11:00

Hi
I am yet to decide the system, But checked with martanz global support regarding the frequency, they have replied saying that 50Hz is OK no problem, I remember couple of guys asking for some stepdown Tx and what about frequency, so this posting, Also, the only issue with the AVR bought in US is in radio frequance ,

" The 50/60 Hz will not matter. What might matter is that the radio frequency
step-rate may be different. That is, The US FM step rate tunes the radio to
94.3 94.5 94.7 etc. If you wanted 95.55 you might not be able to tune it in."

same response reg 50Hz from velodyne as well.

Cheers
sat

Harmon_Bro
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#44 erstellt: 25. Jul 2005, 20:48

Hello guys,
Yes Marantz is good for stereo and I had heard it myself. But why arent any of guys suggesting the NAD for Stereo. Its one of the best right? My friend had auditioned it and he says it was really neat.

- Harmon

Harmon_Bro
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#45 erstellt: 26. Jul 2005, 19:44

Does the silence mean that Iam not right :-).

Guys Iam sorry for barging into Sat's thread, can anyone tell me if I can go for the NAD or a Rotel instead of Marantz stereo amp. If not then tell me one good reason for me to go for the Marantz over NAD or Rotel, I also need to know if I can get any of these under 30k here in India and where in India.

Thanks guys and sorry Sat

- Harmon

benkenobi
Hat sich gelöscht

#46 erstellt: 26. Jul 2005, 19:56

Harman, i don't think any one of us can help you here cause each one of the amps from these companires have their own strentghs and weaknesses..

But look at it this way, u have atleast narrowed down your choices to 3 brands when many have a problem deciding that itself...i suggest you audition all the amps in question and come to a decsion based on your likes..simple as that ,

Cheers,
Sachi

abhi.pani
Inventar

#47 erstellt: 27. Jul 2005, 09:13

Rotel RA-03 would be the strongest contender here.
Its priced around 27k.

Harmon_Bro
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#48 erstellt: 27. Jul 2005, 11:26

Thanks Pani.

- harmon

Harmon_Bro
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#49 erstellt: 27. Jul 2005, 11:30

Pani,
Where is it availble in Chennai or in INdia

- vikram

abhi.pani
Inventar

#50 erstellt: 27. Jul 2005, 12:30

Its available in mumbai "The Shop" I suppose.
In chennai I dont have the idea.
You can contact Anand of Total Sound" (Decibels) Bangalore, he can get you one.

Harmon_Bro
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