Help with my first surround sound system

by Ken
(Richmond UK)

I am looking to add surround sound to my current set up and have never had it before. I have a HD ready TV, blue ray player (both panasonic) SKY+ and XBOX 360. At this time I am not looking to get SKY HD.

I am looking for the most affordable way of providing surround sound system for my set up.

What do I need to look for in a receiver? It does not need to be anything flash, just entry level 5.1.

Do I need 2 HDMI inputs for my bluray and XBOX. How is my SKY + connected.

Can you recommend a set up for me please? I really have no idea?

Budget around £300.

Thanks

Ken

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Hi

There are a couple of ways you can get surround sound for your hardware, although staying within your £300 budget may be tricky.

In my opinion, the best way is to get a separate AV receiver and speakers. Don't forget that for a separates system you will need to budget for speakers too.

The main thing you need for your devices, is that the AV receiver has at least 3 HDMI inputs. You can then connect Blu-ray, XBOX and Sky+ via HDMI. This is generally the easiest way to connect modern AV devices.

You would connect everything something like this (only with 3 input devices, not 2):



Many entry level receivers will have 3 or more HDMI inputs. For example, this Yamaha RXV367 AV Receiver at Amazon.

An entry level surround sound speaker package like the Jamo A102HCS5 5.1 Speaker Package would have to be added to your budget. This would take you a little over your £300 budget but you would get a decent entry-level system.

Shop around for other alternatives.

Another way is to buy an all-in-one home cinema package, like the Onkyo HT-S5305B 3D Ready 5.1 AV Receiver and Speaker Package.

Although generally cheaper and within budget, all-in-one systems often don't sound quite as good as a system of separates. However, if you have to stay nearer £300, then this may a good way of getting surround sound. It will still be 100% better than using your TV speakers for everything.

You will also find cheaper all-in-one packages from Sony, Panasonic etc. These will be ok, but not as good as those highlighted above.

With any all-in-one package, just make sure you buy one that has a receiver and speakers only. Many will also have a Blu-ray/DVD player too, and you don't need one of these as you have one already.

Hope that helps.

Paul (Site Editor)

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