Home theater advice, please?

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bellebelle
Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
I've been offered a system from a company called Arcam that includes a power amp, a pre-amp, and a progressive scan DVD player for about half the usual cost.



I've read some reviews on the internet which recommend the gear, but does anyone have any experience with Arcam equipment?



Any other advice would also be appreciated. I'm looking for the full package - amp/receiver, DVD player, speakers, and widescreen TV.



Are the "systems" from Sony and the like worthwhile, or would I be better building my own?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 5
    mntrappermntrapper Posts: 44member
    [quote]Originally posted by Belle:

    <strong>I've been offered a system from a company called Arcam that includes a power amp, a pre-amp, and a progressive scan DVD player for about half the usual cost.



    I've read some reviews on the internet which recommend the gear, but does anyone have any experience with Arcam equipment?



    Any other advice would also be appreciated. I'm looking for the full package - amp/receiver, DVD player, speakers, and widescreen TV.



    Are the "systems" from Sony and the like worthwhile, or would I be better building my own?</strong><hr></blockquote>



    I built my own because I could have better control ove which components were worth spending more on and which were less. I am on a strict budget so the fact I even have a home entertainment system is a feat in itself. I have never used arcam equipment. The best way I have found to buy equipment like this is to visit best buy and only look at clearance and open box items. The quality is there and if you are worried that something has been used to much just by the $50 5 year warranty thing. If it breaks they fix or replace. on a college budget and working I was able to afford 5.1 surround sound speakers, 5 disk dvd player, receiver with all sorts of inputs and outputs with dolby 2, dts, and the like; and a 27" color tv. I think I spent about $500.
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  • Reply 2 of 5
    ebbyebby Posts: 3,110member
    I always test speakers in soundrooms before I buy them. I decided on Polk RT3000 because the high end sounded the cleanest. Kenwood was second and Boston acoustics was third. I have never heard of Arcam, so I suggest you find a soundroom and test them before you buy. My last speakers were Acoustic Research AR90's. Sadly however, they did not survive Trance[]control's Atomic Dance Explosion.



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  • Reply 3 of 5
    bellebelle Posts: 1,574member
    Now that's some serious speaker abuse!



    Thank you for the tips, you two. I've found a little more about Arcam - it has a website <a href="http://www.arcam.co.uk"; target="_blank">here</a>. Seems it's an English company.



    I can get the FMJ AV8 Pre-amp Processor, P7 Power Amplifier, and DV27 DVD Player. I've checked reviews of Arcam's older stuff, and they're mostly outstanding, but I guess there's a good chance I'd be better served mixing manufacturers and picking the best products.



    Anybody willing to offer opinions on TVs? I want a widescreen TV, but what are the pros and cons of plasma, projection, and tubes, and should I be looking at HDTV?
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  • Reply 4 of 5
    alcimedesalcimedes Posts: 5,486member
    before you look into TV's, you might want to look into projection units. they're about a tenth of the price, give you a larger, and usually higher quality picture. you can find them on ebay all the time for a great deal. a large wall works well, or buy a screen and mount it. (the screens always make them look better)



    and friend was going down this same road, and going with the projector was the smartest thing he did. looks a lot nicer than any of the plasma TV's at Best Buy or Audio King.
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  • Reply 5 of 5
    powerdocpowerdoc Posts: 8,123member
    You are lucky Belle, Arcam is a very good audio company who use to be specialized in high end Hi FI. Arcams products are not made for making noise, but to respect the sound : chrystal clear sound, right tone and perfect balance between bass, medium and trebble.



    For the TV it depends on the room (size and light), and the amount of money you want to spend. It depends also of the design.

    Retroprojector are good , but you need to be in a dark room, the same applies for projector. I will add that generally the images of these kind of products are not very sharp.

    For a moderate budget cathodic TV are great, my favorite are the Sony one ( i have a sony 32 inch 16/9 and i am very happy with it) and the panasonic.

    If money is not a problem , plasma or LCD TV are great. If i had money to spend : that's what i will buy : the highest image quality and the best design, ... and no place.



    It's good to make shopping Belle .
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