HWZ Forums

crinkypeanut · 24-12-2020, 01:18 AM

I'm looking for some recommendations for a 3.1/2.1 Speaker + Receiver + Tv. My budget is ~1k -1.2k for the whole setup. Honestly, I'm still quite new to all of this. I initially considered just getting a brand name (Sony, LG etc) Tv and a soundbar but once I got into reading more I realised that brands such as TCL and Xiaomi are better value and 2.1 systems are alot better than your typical soundbar.

As of now I have narrowed my options down to

TV: Xiaomi 4S TCL C715, initially I also considered the TCL R635 because of all the great reviews I saw for it plus it has a mini led backlight but it seems that model is unavailable in Singapore. Right now I'm leaning towards Xiaomi since it fits more into my budget and I'm not too sure how the support might be from TCL since all I've seen are Carousell sellers importing them.

AVR: Quite clueless on the choice for this or if this is even necessary. 5.1 one would be enough, 3.1 is all I need but I heard 3.1 avrs are hard to come by. I don't intend on ever upgrading from 3.1 since my living room is quite small and one side is completely open and the other side is windows.

Speakers: Ideally I would like a 3.1 setup with bookshelf speakers but if that's too expensive I'll settle for 2.1 with possibility of adding a center in the future.

In the beginning, I was looking on reddit for recommendations but I realised that majority of the models recommended there were hard to ship to SG and at the same time I was worried that the electrical systems might not match properly. Like I said I'm new to all of this and only did abit of research so far. I'm willing to hear any advice or recommendations from any gurus here

patryn33 · 24-12-2020, 02:47 AM

Xiaomi 4S Is like $550, leaving $650 for AVR and 2.1 speakers
U open to used?

AVR is like $350 new
https://www.lazada.sg/products/denon-avr-x250bt-51ch-av-surround-receiver-with-bluetooth-i247228967-s382638213.html?

Dude here got a 12” sub overseas for like $380
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/home-theatre-audiophiles-13/switching-220v-us-import-klipsch-subwoofer-6409790.html#post131449605

If u open to used speakers you can find good deals
https://www.carousell.sg/p/jamo-s606-home-cinema-theater-system-speaker-1056327302/

crinkypeanut · 24-12-2020, 10:44 AM

patryn33 wrote:

Xiaomi 4S Is like $550, leaving $650 for AVR and 2.1 speakers
U open to used?

Yep I don't mind used speakers, 5.1 might be too much for me because I don't have alot of space in my living room

petetherock · 24-12-2020, 10:49 AM

crinkypeanut wrote:

Yep I don't mind used speakers, 5.1 might be too much for me because I don't have alot of space in my living room

No space and a modest budget?
Get a soundbar instead or a pair of powered speakers like the Klipsch RPM41 or even a HK soundstick.

patryn33 · 24-12-2020, 10:57 AM

crinkypeanut wrote:

Yep I don't mind used speakers, 5.1 might be too much for me because I don't have alot of space in my living room

Comb for a 3.1 option to show up.
U can start with stereo first and add center and sub later as deals show up. Things come and go

crinkypeanut · 24-12-2020, 11:04 AM

techidiot wrote:

Around $600 can buy pioneer htp-076.
I have no comments about TV at budget price so leave it
to others to comment.

This might just be my impression but wouldn't it be better to get dedicated bookshelf speakers. Speaking from experience in other hobbies, it seems these kinds of "bundle sets" are typically lower quality and just sold to fit a particular need e.g 5.1 system. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong though

crinkypeanut · 24-12-2020, 11:05 AM

petetherock wrote:

No space and a modest budget?
Get a soundbar instead or a pair of powered speakers like the Klipsch RPM41 or even a HK soundstick.

I think I would prefer the Klipsch, I like the look of it as well. What would be a good sub/center to look out for in the future to pair with it? Honestly, I'd like to at least start with a 2.1 system

patryn33 · 24-12-2020, 11:17 AM

crinkypeanut wrote:

I think I would prefer the Klipsch, I like the look of it as well. What would be a good sub/center to look out for in the future to pair with it? Honestly, I'd like to at least start with a 2.1 system

Klipsch RPM41 are powers you don’t need a AVR to drive
If you want a passive then maybe R-51M
https://www.klipsch.com/products/r-51m-bookshelf-speaker

Or JBL A120 or Jamo C 93 II
https://www.jbl.com.sg/loudspeakers/STAGE+A120.html?

benedium · 24-12-2020, 11:19 AM

crinkypeanut wrote:

I think I would prefer the Klipsch, I like the look of it as well. What would be a good sub/center to look out for in the future to pair with it? Honestly, I'd like to at least start with a 2.1 system

Careful... u have to decide if u are going for av receiver and passive speakers or just powered speaker. Av receiver let's u connect by hdmi and connect other speakers. Powered stereo speakers can be cheaper but less flexible and a bit inconvenient. Passive speakers u can buy 2nd hand but subwoofer best buy new with warranty.

crinkypeanut · 24-12-2020, 02:57 PM

patryn33 wrote:

Klipsch RPM41 are powers you don’t need a AVR to drive
If you want a passive then maybe R-51M

Or JBL A120 or Jamo C 93 II

AVR can link up all the devices via ARC and then use one remote via CEC. I assume they also have the benefit of greater expandability. What other benefits are there for getting an AVR? I plan to hook up a few more devices, e.g console, maybe a pc. Also does anyone have experience with hooking up your HT system to your NAS with plex to stream from your own library? Saw some Youtubers doing it and thought it would be quite nice as I have some favourites of mine that I don't expect to stay on streaming services forever and I'd prefer digital storage than using physical media like blu rays etc

crinkypeanut · 24-12-2020, 02:58 PM

benedium wrote:

Careful... u have to decide if u are going for av receiver and passive speakers or just powered speaker. Av receiver let's u connect by hdmi and connect other speakers. Powered stereo speakers can be cheaper but less flexible and a bit inconvenient. Passive speakers u can buy 2nd hand but subwoofer best buy new with warranty.

What's the implications with subwoofers, are they more likely to get damaged?

crinkypeanut · 24-12-2020, 03:00 PM

techidiot wrote:

Yes correct bundle sets are usually entry/beginner.
Take note soundbar and AVR can use HDMI connection so you
can control both TV and sound system using one remote.

Some Bookshelf speaker use Optical out, you have to individually
control TV and the bookshelf speaker.
I would recommend you to consider a soundbar and AVR.

I thought can just control the speakers via the AVR? Don't soundbars also have built in receivers is it necessary to get another receiver on top of that?

techidiot · 24-12-2020, 03:49 PM

crinkypeanut wrote:

I thought can just control the speakers via the AVR? Don't soundbars also have built in receivers is it necessary to get another receiver on top of that?

Soundbar and AVR can use HDMI ARC.
Did I type wrongly?
I only mention Bookshelf speaker cannot use HDMI ARC cuz
most are using optical out.