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Home Theatre
Display
Sony BRAVIA KLV-32V200A
32" is the wrong size to buy a LCD, it's like the "in-between model" - neither here nor there. My next LCD will probably be another Sony but definitely +40". This is a nice display unit once caliberated. This unit has been discontinued since 2008. Oh, I bought this from the Bangalore grey market where its price was almost 20% less than the showroom.
- Good
- Excellent picture quality after caliberation with AVIA
- Very nice UI
- Easy to use remote
- Bad
- Crappy in-built sound (dont even think about using the panel without a external sound system)
- Only one HDMI. Thankfully, the Denon 3808 has 3 HDMI inputs (with upconversion)
KLV-32V200A Product Page (Discontinued)
AV Receiver
Denon AVR-3808
I purchased the 3808 to replace the ageing Yamaha 5410. The 3808 is the entry level model from Denon which provides (wired) network connectivity and allows for online firmware upgrades.
- Good
- 130w x 7 More power than I can use ATM
- DLNA support for streaming audio. Both mp3 and FLAC play just fine when exported via MediaTomb or uShare
- USB support for mass storage devices
- Very powerful UI. Very easy to get lost in the menus
- AudysseyEQ rules. I cant imagine getting another AVR w/o AudysseyEQ for auto caliberation
- I like huge gadgets, this one sure does not disappoint with its massive looks and giant dials. Weighs in at around 17Kg.
- High geek quotient especially the ability to control the device via browser or a telnet session
- Bad
- Clunky remotes, both of them. I likes the ease of use and gentle buttons that the yammy provides.
- Complicated UI targetted at experienced AV enthusiasts. Sometimes even I get frustrated trying to find options
- Firmware upgrades take almost an hour even on a 2mbit DSL link
- Generates a lot of heat. Dont even think about placing anything (like a DVD player) over the Amp.
Forum: The "Official" Denon AVR-3808CI Thread
Yamaha HTR-5440
Yamaha's Least Expensive 5-Channel Receiver Providing Dolby Digital, DTS, Cinema DSP, Silent Cinema
- Good
- Like the product page says, its the least expensive
- Have been abusing it since 2001 and has died out on me only once
- Excellent service and support available in Bangalore
- Bad
- Ver basic, good if you are just starting out
DVD Player
Denon DVD 1930
http://www.denon.co.uk/site/frames_main.php?main=prod&ver=&MID=3&sub=1&action=detail&Pid=294
- Features
High Quality 24-Bit, 192 kHz Audio DACs HDMI 1.1 Multichannel Digital Audio Output Perfect Picture Quality HDMI 1.1 Output with scaler (720p / 1080i / 1080p) Discrete Video Circuit with 11 bit/216 MHz Video DAC for Progressive Faroudja Progressive Scan with manual mode selection DivX 6 Decoding
- Good
- Excellent picture
- Robust construction
- Works great with music too
- Bad
- Crappy UI
- Clunky remotes (all denons seem to have this common trait)
Game Console
Sony PlayStation 2
This is one of those impulse purchases. I never intented to play PS2 (not that I play games on the PS3 either). One of my original ideas was to use it as a media server running Linux/NetBSD. It never took off so the unit now lies with my cousin (who has put it away in teh attic himself). Oh well.
Sony Playstation 3
The Sony PS3 is higly recommended as an excellent Blu-Ray (2.0 profile) player and for the price ($399), its the cheapest for its featureset. I would recommend that the unit be picked up from the US. The 110V US version has a universal power supply and works just fine under 220V India power outlets. I bought mine from Amazon and hand carried it back.
Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote Control
The Bluetooth based PS3 remote controller is a must if your primary use is to watch Blu-Ray (and not games).
PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote (Amazon)
Set Top Boxes
Tata Sky
Tata Sky Plus
Media Player
D-Link Media Lounge DSM-510
I purchased this from Frys in 2007. It was the cheapest (and nicest looking one) that I ran into while visiting Sunnyvale. I didnt know much about the technology (DLNA/HDMI) and it was an impulse purchase at the time. I dont think I'l buy another "packaged" media renderer, all of them are crippled.
- Good
- Easy to setup
- Plays DLNA uPNP stuff from MediaTomb/ushare
- Easy to use remote
- Has HDMI and TOSLINK outputs
- Bad
- Does not play HD
Speakers
Monitor Audio RS8
I have been a long time customer (since the 90s) of Audio People (Chennai) and they always work out a good deal for me. I called them up on Friday and asked them ship to Bangalore a pair of RS8's and one RSLCR. The deal was that if I didnt like it, I get to return it in for the Klipsch (which I had already heard a few times and was my first choice). I decided to move to the the MA because its more (ahem) "audiophile".
After around 3 months of listening, am sold. These are solid and pair well with the 3808. In fact, a random search on the web does show a high percentage of Denon owners with MA speakers.
- Good
- Very good looking especially with the grill removed
- Powerfull, deep and detailed
- Excellent build quality
- Bad
- Not sure, need to listen to more "audiophile" stuff to understand what I am missing
Audio RS8 Product Page
Forums Monitor Audio Owners Thread
Monitor Audio RSLCR
Part of the Monitor Audio Silver series, the RSLCR centre channel speakers match perfectly with the RS8 fronts.
- Good
- Pairs well with the RS8
- Looks good
- Bad
Bose 301 Sonata Limited Edition Bookshelf Speakers
As with all things Bose, least bang for the buck. For the same money, you are better off with another brand. Despite that, these are nice speakers provided you never attempt to compare them with anything else in its price class. It has served me well since 1996 and continues to be my rear speakers.
- Good
- Good construction
- Looks good
- Bad
- Not worth the money
- Low sensitivity
- Bose's standard practice of not revealing specs
301 Owner's Manual Forums Why Not Bose Thread
REL Strata 5 Subwoofer
The 10" 23Kg powerhouse from REL. Very tight and controlled bass. Difficult to position right.
- Good
- Very tigght bass from the sealed design
- Remote control makes it easy to operate
- Bad
- Positioning is very important and difficult to get right
- Probably wont make a good movie subwoofer but it matches well with the Monitor Audio for Stereo use
Interconnects
I read an article that most cables are ripoffs. There is nothing speacial in them that justifies the high cost. http://www.bluejeanscable.com/ is apparently the best bang for buck when it comes to cables.
QED HDMI-P
A very affordable and well rated HDMI interconnect from QED.
* http://www.qed.co.uk/ * http://whathifi.com/Review/QED-HDMI-P/ * http://www.qed.co.uk/i121c197-158/QED_Cables/Digital_Interconnects/Qunex_HDMI.htm