Almost made a decision....

Elwood · June 10, 2003

I've narrowed it down I think to 2 different systems. The first is alot cheaper and has a 5 disc DVD/CD changer included, but I'm not sure it will meet my expectations of flexibility. The other is a bit more exspensive and does not come with and DVD/CD, etc included, however it has a much larger selection of inputs and will come closer to the flexibility I'm looking for. I have a DVD player and a 5 disc CD changer already so that is not a deciding factor.

Any info on either of these systems is apprecitated.

Heres the 2 I'm looking at:

Sony DAV-C450

Kenwood HTB-505

Wingnut · June 11, 2003

If you are looking for musical quality and clarity, I would steer away from anything "home theater", and look at strictly stereo units.

However, out of the two you indicated, Sony is usually a pretty safe bet, but I would probably go with the Kenwood.

Also, if the room is big, neither of those will fill it with sound. Just like engines, there is no real substitute for size.

JonesNTN · June 11, 2003

I agree, the Kenwood is definately the better of the two. Be careful of those low cost all in one recievers. Take the time to do the research and actually go to your local electronics store to test units that are very similar. I have heard units like that Sony, and the sound really sucks. The speakers sound "tinny". You don't necessarily need 5 speakers with a sub to get quality sound. Use the Money initially to buy a good reciever Such as a Yamaha or Harmon kardon. Also buy 2 good quality main channel speakers. You can always add the center channel, surrounds and Sub later if you fell you really need them.

MarkD · June 11, 2003

Ya might want to spend some time in a retail vendor to get some "couch time" listening to different systems and see what YOU like.

Wingnut · June 11, 2003

Ya might want to spend some time in a retail vendor to get some "couch time" listening to different systems and see what YOU like.

Yup, I agree.

elboberino · June 11, 2003

Yeah, I too prefer the Kenwood system mostly because I think the quality of Sony has gone down over the last 5 or so years and Kenwood's has gone up. Plus, why pay for what you already have?

If you want volume and quality, buy a system that is not a combination of everything. Get yourself a quality receiver/decoder, some big floor speakers, and a quality sub-woofer. One brand that I have always admired but could never buy (being a student and what not) is nakamichi (spelling?). The quality of their products is superb!

Elwood · June 11, 2003

I'm planning on hitting another local retailer in a couple days. Unless something there changes my mind I'm leaning towards the Kenwood as well. But I still haven't quite made up my mind. I've been considering the aforementioned approach of a receiver and 2 good mains, and I really like that approach, especially with linited amount of space we'll have for the next year.

Thanks alot for all of the input. I'll let you know what I end up with, and please keep any suggestions and input coming until then. It is all very much appreciated.

elboberino · June 11, 2003

Definitely post some pics (if you can) when you get it all bought and installed!!

JonesNTN · June 11, 2003

Just in case you decide to take the Kenwood, Forget crutchfield. Below is a link of where you can get it cheaper, and not have to take scrath and dent. The first Vendor, MP , I have used before without problems. I bought a Sony Video camera and it has worked perfectly for over 2 years.

Nextag

chevy4x4trucks · June 11, 2003

Also, if the room is big, neither of those will fill it with sound. Just like engines, there is no real substitute for size.

What do you mean? I've got my 30 watts x 5 channel stereo that I bought about 6 years ago and if I crank it up half way you can hear it everywhere in the house (not to mention stuff rattling around and the floor shaking). I don't see how the kenwood wouldn't "fill" a room with sound.

Just my $.02

Elwood · June 12, 2003

Just in case you decide to take the Kenwood, Forget crutchfield. Below is a link of where you can get it cheaper, and not have to take scrath and dent. The first Vendor, MP , I have used before without problems. I bought a Sony Video camera and it has worked perfectly for over 2 years.

Nextag

Thanks.

But now there is a problem. The sending unit on my Blazer has been out for about 6 or 8 months and I just use the tripometer in stead of a gas guage. But now the sending unit on BEcky's car is out too, AND the brakes are acting screwy. I may have to wait a few months until we can get her cars running smooth again before I can get anything.

The worst part about that is that I just got a Technics 5-disc chager for $10 yesterday and probaly a free turntable (or at least just as cheap) on the way and now I have nothing to run them until I get a system.

Oh well.

Thanks for all the input guys. And I'm still looking for when we do get the car fixed, so anymore ideas and comments are still welcome.

MountaineerTom · June 12, 2003

Get the parts and find a place to do the work (so we don't accidentally get gas on dad's driveway) and I'll help you change out the sending units when we come home in July.

What about that guy in Oak Hill? Will he let us use his garage, or whatever he has?