Guest Garfy Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 So I can just not bother with plugs at all? Any downside? TBH I have never bothered with banana plugs, because in my eye it adds another joint, so I think its better not to have them, and so does my mate, who is a quality Engineer at B&W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixelfill Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 the mt30's wont take the banana plugs, its the only thing which lets them down. all speakers/amps will take stripped speaker wires direct you can buy them but your not meant to be, something to do with not beinf EU complient or something stupid like that LOL I heard it was because they can be pushed into mains sockets. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superstar dj Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 I 've got a Bose Accoustimass 15 set with a Sony av amp, defo more than £300 but well worth the pennies mate . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 I'm confused - there are seperate sub cables available with phono type ends - do I need these or just use the QED Silver Anniversary XT speaker cable as per the other speakers? How do I secure it at either end without plugs, do the terminals on speakers / sub / amp that accept plugs also screw up and down to secure cable directly? If so is it a case of making a loop and screwing down onto it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkirby Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I'm confused - there are seperate sub cables available with phono type ends - do I need these or just use the QED Silver Anniversary XT speaker cable as per the other speakers? How do I secure it at either end without plugs, do the terminals on speakers / sub / amp that accept plugs also screw up and down to secure cable directly? If so is it a case of making a loop and screwing down onto it? yes the sub is a phono and just plugs in most the amps or speakers have either a push spring clip to push the exposed speaker cable or a screw fit where you just undo them push the exposed cable in then tighten them back up Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Garfy Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Yep, what he said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Do I need to buy a fancy sub cable then or is it overkill? And is it just one phono connection at each end or two at each end? Sorry for all the daft questions guys - just wanna make sure I've got everything to hook it all together when it all arrives, it would really annoy me having new toys and not being able to use them for a few days whilst I order something I missed!! So far I've ordered up 20m of the QED Silver Anniversary XT speaker cable from these guys: http://www.futureshop.co.uk/speaker-cable-c-95.html Which came in at £99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I just got a QED Sub cable...bout £35... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Is this sub cable OK: http://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-one-subwoofer-cable-3m-p-785.html Or go for this one?: http://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-performance-subwoofer-cable-3m-p-730.html Or most expensive (£28 for 3m): http://www.futureshop.co.uk/ixos-quad-shielded-subwoofer-cable-custom-p-596.html Can anyone see any real difference in these sub cables? Some of them talk about 'true 75 Ohm' - is this something desireable?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 This looks ok... http://www.futureshop.co.uk/ixos-quad-shielded-subwoofer-cable-custom-p-596.html I have...but it was chucked in for free!! http://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-qunex-psw-subwoofer-cable-6m-p-731.html But any of your choices will do the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Hmm just found the silver range in the sub cables: http://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-qunex-silver-reference-srsw-subwoofer-cable-3m-p-874.html Bugger it, might as well keep it all the same and I like the user review on that page. Jeez, another £42 on cable - I knew this would get expensive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragal Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I don't have time to read this entire thread but IMHO seperates all the way. That said, it must really depend on budget - cheap seperates v higher quality all in one system - I'm only guessing but the all in one may be better. But then you've seen my set up so you would understand that I'm a bit bias about this. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Man Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I understand the important of using good quality cables and connection but I can only go with that up to a certain point. I never have cable costing more than 50 pounds. I don't think I can tell the difference after that price range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragal Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 You need to keep cables in perpective - they won't make a bad system sound better, but bad cables will restrict a good system. I think it's like 20% of the entire budget should be allowed for cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digsy Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 You need to keep cables in perpective - they won't make a bad system sound better, but bad cables will restrict a good system. I think it's like 20% of the entire budget should be allowed for cables. More like 10%, I think. At least it was when I did mine. China's probably bought all the copper since then, though Lets split the difference and call it 15% I saved quite a lot by making all my own cables, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Man Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 let me think. scart 5.1 speakers optical x 2 rgb x 2 hdmi to dvi 8 x avg 30 pounds per cable = 240 my onkyx amp and mission 2hd spk is only 400+170 pounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragal Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 More like 10%, I think. At least it was when I did mine. China's probably bought all the copper since then, though Lets split the difference and call it 15% I saved quite a lot by making all my own cables, though. May well be 10%, it's years since I purchased anything. Projector replacement next. Maybe. One day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tDR Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Yeah your setup really put me in the mood for a decent home theatre setup Rosie! To summarise, I've spent a fair whack to hopefully make it decent. I went for this TV as per my other thread: http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/dyn_imgs/prods/prod_large/415715.jpg http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/dyn_imgs/prods/prod_large/415715_75491.jpg ^^ Which is a Panasonic Viera range 1080p full HD 50" Plasma, model code TH-50PZ70B. It was £1,189 delivered (using discount code AW20 for £20 off) from http://www.dixons.co.uk Blurb about it: If you're looking for the very best in plasma technology, you've found it. The ultra stylish new 50PZ70 Full HD plasma panel is from the Award winning VIERA range which redefines the art of flat screen and sets new standards. From the way it looks, to the way it delivers pictures and sound, VIERA is the ultimate TV for now and beyond. Features Include: Full HD plasma Panel (1920 x 1080 pixels) Advanced 3D Colour Management Motion Pattern Noise Reduction Sub-Pixel Controller Viera Link SDHC Card Networkability 2 x HDMI HD Optimizer Lead-Free Product PC Input High Quality Elegant Design Dolby Digital Specification 50 inch screen 1080p Full HD Integrated Digital (Freeview) 1 HDMI Connection HD Ready 10,000:1 Contrast ratio 2 Scart sockets I've combined it with this amp: http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk/uploads/tx-605.jpg ^^ Which is an Onkyo TX-SR605 home theatre receiver. It was £359 from http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk but has since already gone up to the rrp of £399 because it's very in demand. Blurb about it: ''Processing Todays High-Resolution MediaIncluding Blu-ray Disc and HD DVDwith Effortless Efficiency'' Meet the first of Onkyos new A/V receivers built to embrace high-definition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD.The TX-SR605 7.1-channel A/V receiver embodies this new generation, with its remarkable processing capabilities courtesy of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).With the ability to keep everything in the digital domain, the TX-SR605 provides complete control of every video and audio format available today. Bringing high-definition A/V processing to Onkyos renowned approach to sound gives this A/V receiver a distinct advantage in the home. Delivering the latest in usability and versatilitysuch as multi-room playback, a full connectivity suite (with switching and upconversion), room calibration and integrated system controlthe TX-SR605 is poised to set new benchmarks in performance-driven home theater. Features Advanced Features - DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus Decoding - HDMI (v. 1.3a) Audio and Video Processing - HDTV-Capable HDMI (2 Inputs and 1 Output) and Component Video (50 MHz) Switching (3 Inputs and 1 Output) - HDMI and Component Video Upconversion - Bi-Amping Capability for Enhanced Musicality and Power - Audyssey 2EQ to Correct Room Acoustic Problems and to Calibrate Speakers - Onkyo RIHD for System Control - Compatible with RI (Remote Interactive) Dock for the iPod Audio Features - 140 W/Ch Minimum into 6 ohms, 1 kHz, IEC (1 Channel Driven) - DTS�-ES Discrete/Matrix, DTS� Neo:6, DTS� 96/24, Dolby� Digital EX, Dolby� Pro Logic IIx - H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) Massive High Power Transformer - 192 kHz/24-Bit DACs for All Channels - WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) - Advanced 32-Bit Processing DSP Chip - 5 Digital Inputs (3 Optical/2 Coaxial) - Subwoofer Pre Out - CinemaFILTER - A-Form Listening Mode Memory - Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry - Non-Scaling Configuration - Tone Control (Bass/Treble) for Front L/R Channels - Color-Coded 7.1-Multichannel Inputs - Independent Crossover Adjustment for F/C/S/SB (40/50/60/80/100/120/150/200 Hz) - Double Bass Function Video Features - 5 S-Video Inputs and 2 Outputs - 5 Composite Video Inputs and 2 Outputs - Front Panel Auxiliary Input (for Camcorders, Game Consoles, etc.) Other Features - Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback in Another Room (Separate Source) - Deinterlacer with Faroudja DCDi Edge (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) Technology - Pure Audio Mode - Color-Coded Dual Banana Plug-Compatible Speaker Posts - A/V Synchronization Function (Up to 100 ms in 10 ms Steps) - 40 FM/AM Radio Presets - RDS (PS/RT/PTY/TP) - 5 A/V Inputs and 1 Output - 2 Audio Inputs and 1 Output - Late Night Mode (High/Low/Off) - Digital Upsampling - Display Dimmer (3 Modes) - Headphone Jack - Sleep Timer (via Remote) - Battery-Free Memory Backup - Aluminum Front Panel - Preprogrammed RI (Remote Interactive) Remote Control with Mode-Key LEDs I added the fully compatible Onkyo iPod dock from the same place for £59 extra which gives me full control of a docked iPod using the amp remote or supplied remote and displays onscreen what you would normally see on the iPod screen. Plays back audio and video from the iPod: http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk/uploads/front-ds-a2.jpg I then chose to match everything to this surround sound speaker setup (but in the beech finish with silver fronts): http://www.hifi4less.com/shopimages/products/normal/1000package.jpg ^^ Which is a Q Acoustics 1010i Home Cinema Speaker Package. It was £449 also from http://www.onkyo-now.co.uk Blurb about them: The Q Acoustics 1010i Cinema Package offers a truly astonishing home cinema performance at a very affordable price. Comprising of 4 x 1010 speakers for the front left and right as well as the rear channels, 1 x 1000C Centre Channel Speaker and 1 x 1000Si Subwoofer, 5.1 Surround Sound allows you to fully enjoy and appreciate a full cinema surround sound experience in your own home. Every part of the new Q Acoustic range is bespoke, optimised specifically for each new model. The tweeters, bass/midrange drivers, magnets, cone material, crossovers, terminal panel and fully braced cabinets are all designed with the sole purpose of creating the very best performing loudspeakers. The Q Acoustics 1010i speaker package has stormed the home theatre market since it's arrival. The package is now complete with the release of the new 1000si subwoofer. The 1000si subwoofer has 40% more power than it's predecessor and we have found it has the ability to create a powerful, dynamic sound, perfect for any AV setup. The Q Acoustics 1010i speaker package had won prestige awards from audio magazines left, right and centre. What Hi Fi rated it one of the best 5.1 systems to be released this year. To hook it all up I went for this speaker cable: http://www.futureshop.co.uk/images/qed/saxt_m.jpg ^^ Which is QED Silver Anniversary XT @ £99 for 20 metres from http://www.futureshop.co.uk Combined with this sub cable: http://www.futureshop.co.uk/images/qed/srsw_subwoofer_m.jpg ^^ A QED Qunex Silver Reference SR-SW Subwoofer Cable 3 metre for £42 also from http://www.futureshop.co.uk Figured I needed a nice new unit to sit most of the stuff on so went for this: http://www.allcam.biz/catalog/imagemagic.php?img=images/fs205.jpg ^^ For £89 delivered from http://www.allcam.biz Also needed some speaker stands for the rears so went for these: ^^ For £24 delivered from http://www.ebuyer.com Price breakdown: TV - £1,189 Amp - £359 iPod Dock - £59 Speakers - £449 Cabling - £141 Unit - £89 Speaker Stands - £24 Grand Total for my new home theatre setup £2,310 I knew this would get expensive! Will post up how I get on with it all at some point next week once it's all here and setup. Thanks for your help and advice everyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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