AV receiver or home cinema system - advice needed

by Zane
(Bournemouth)

Advice needed from serious newbie. I'm really not sure what to go for - a Home Cinema or a Receiver. Any advice would be really appreciated. I currently have:

Sony DAV-SA30 DVD players and 5.1 Surround sound and speakers Home Cinema system

PS3 Blueray / media system (HDMI and optical) output

LCD Full HD 1080i LG TV (HDMI /Scart (HDMI and optical) output

Topfield 5800 Hard drive recorder - not HD  (Scart and optical) output 

The Sony DAV-SA30 has recently starting crackling and also plays really poor sound quality on DVDs - strangely CDs are ok. i presume something on the board has gone.

The crackling is heard in all speakers - i've checked speaker connections and they all seem fine - presuming the dvd amplifier is shot away - i think i have a choice - tell me if i'm wrong. 

1. purchase a replacement Home Cinema System - if this is the case looking at my HDMI and optical outputs what setup and system would you recommend?

2 - i purchase a receiver only - then i assume my 6 sony speakers - each 44 watts and woofer 80 watts used with it 

Am i missing anything? What would you recommend?

Budget £100 to £300  

Thanks in advance

---

Hi

Not sure what the problem may be with the Sony DAV-SA30. Sounds a bit odd that CDs are ok but DVDs have a problem.

However, assuming you can't get it repaired, then I would look at an AV receiver/5.1 speaker package solution.

You don't need a complete all-in-one system with a disc player as you can use your PS3 to play Blu-ray, DVD and CDs. The PS3 is a great bit of gear and perfect for a home cinema system.

Also, the Sony speakers will probably not connect to a different receiver very easily, and the specifications of these types of speakers are often unsuitable for 'standard' AV receivers. For example, they often have a low impedance which may cause an AV receiver problems.

However, if you are willing to go near (or maybe just over) your £300 limit, then you can get a system which will probably sound much better than your Sony all-in-one. There are some bargains to be had - especially this time of year!

As you are in the UK, here are some possible options. These are just an example, you should look around and see what else you can find, and if they are cheaper elsewhere.

Onkyo HT-S5305B 3D Ready 5.1 AV Receiver and Speaker Package - has a receiver and speakers in one package.

Or, you could find a cheap (but decent quality) AV receiver such as:

Yamaha RXV365BL 5.1 channel AV Receiver or Onkyo TX-SR506 Silver 7.1 Channel Home Theatre Receiver

- and buy a 5.1 speaker package to go with it, such as:

JAMO A102 HCS5 or Canton Movie 80CX

You would connect your PS3 via HDMI, and the Topfield into the receiver via optical (for the sound) and use the SCART direct to your TV (for the picture).

Alternatively, you may get even better quality gear if you are prepared to buy second-hand. There are usually some bargains to be had from people who are upgrading.

Try here for a great source of second-hand equipment - Avfroums classified ads.

All the best.

Paul (Site Editor)

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