Proper Surround Sound (360)

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Proper Surround Sound (360)

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Santa's been very generous to my wallet, so i'm on the lookout for a decent dolby surround sound system to complete my ultimate entertainment system. Ive done some preliminary nosing about and have came up with a pioneer system (HTP-GS1) for £150, dedicated to the 360 - which seems bloody good for the money (http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/content/press/news/htpgs1.html). Has a built in radio too which is desired, as im binning my current stereo as its finally given up the ghost after 6 or 7 years :eek:

I DONT need the DVD player part or cd player part as the 360 can be used for that, but if the system is good then again i'll consider it. Must have inputs for other devices too (non optical) so my telly and PC can utilise it (as i'll have to get rid of their speakers also - for space reasons). Doesn't have to be a complete unit, seperates considered (but have a feeling it will tip me over budget - which is about £300 - £400 MAX)

So, recommend me a system :)
Cheers
 
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Luke, I was told by my friend who knows about audio that unless you're prepared to spend £2000+ on a surround sound system, you will be getting sub-quality. I was told you should always go for a high quality hifi system up to that budget.
 
I disagree that sub 2k produces an inferior system, it may do but only for true audiophiles. For my 360 i run a pioneer receiver / processor (£500), KEF floorstanding front speakers (£400), KEF centre speaker (£250), and KEF satellite surround rears (part of my original KEF egg speaker system, cost me £600 but only reused 2 satellites for surrounds and the subwoofer).

My freind has a £200 out of the box 5.1 system and tbh there was a difference but nothing to justify the extra £1500 apart from being a little more well intergrated and immersive).

I say go for the pioneer / panasonic system fella, if its an upgrade from the standard TV speakers you will be suitably impressed:D.
 
I disagree that sub 2k produces an inferior system, it may do but only for true audiophiles. For my 360 i run a pioneer receiver / processor (£500), KEF floorstanding front speakers (£400), KEF centre speaker (£250), and KEF satellite surround rears (part of my original KEF egg speaker system, cost me £600 but only reused 2 satellites for surrounds and the subwoofer).

i totally agree, most of these "audiophiles" who turn their noses up at most mainstream systems are label snobs purely for the sake of showing off "ooooh look at this hand made walnut cased one man show piece, built in a garage in the hebrides for me", the kef eggs (i use mine with a sony 6.1 receiver/processor) are outstanding in both sound and value, and for most people a modest outlay will return a system that you enjoy using for tv, music, film and games, not just for an ultra rare pressing of some obscure german composers only attempt at strangling a cat......

it's like anything you buy, budget £30 tyre.....£60 mid level, or £140 a corner, take your pick....
 
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I have a Sony 5.1 Dolby 2/ DTS amp(No built in DVD player or radio, pure amp) thats hooked up to my 360 via fibre optic cable.

The system cost me around £75 off EBay and to be honest in my lounge of average size it sounds bloody fantastic. Unless you have a HUUUUUUUUUUUGE lounge, you do not need to spend a fortune to get a good sound from a half decent set-up.

A may upgrade at some point to maybe a 7.1 set-up, but at the moment I can't justify it as my system provides a great sound.
 
the sound from you speakers is only as good as your source (360) as it is built for graphics and not sound quality a £400 complete system wuld be good enough, try richer sounds and get decent 5.1/dts amp and speakers just make sure front three are same make & model range
 
I also use a set of Sharkoon X-Tatic 5.1 surround sound headphones, IMO far better than using the actual surround sound system as headphones allow you to immerse yourself further into the game. They are apparently the only true surround sound headphones for the 360. I paid about £80 for them and they connect to the back of the HD lead via optical cable.
 
I also use a set of Sharkoon X-Tatic 5.1 surround sound headphones, IMO far better than using the actual surround sound system as headphones allow you to immerse yourself further into the game. They are apparently the only true surround sound headphones for the 360. I paid about £80 for them and they connect to the back of the HD lead via optical cable.

Looks smart (y) Think i may order a set for late night gaming :cool: Does the box have an optical in and out so i can daisy chain the optical connection to the cinema system?
 
Looks smart (y) Think i may order a set for late night gaming :cool: Does the box have an optical in and out so i can daisy chain the optical connection to the cinema system?
I don't see another optical plug on the box, but I can understand the need for one. I spose the way they see it, you can just unplug the cable and wire it up to your stereo if you have the 360 going through the stereo anyway. I have optical on my stereo so I'll have to try that out as my 360 goes through that too.

The box does have 5.1 analogue outputs. I think this is where I got mine from http://www.headphoneworld.com/product_details.php?item_id=180&category_name=Gaming

It's got full compatibility with the live talk, so you don't need a seperate mic.
 
I don't see another optical plug on the box, but I can understand the need for one. I spose the way they see it, you can just unplug the cable and wire it up to your stereo if you have the 360 going through the stereo anyway. I have optical on my stereo so I'll have to try that out as my 360 goes through that too.

The box does have 5.1 analogue outputs. I think this is where I got mine from http://www.headphoneworld.com/product_details.php?item_id=180&category_name=Gaming

It's got full compatibility with the live talk, so you don't need a seperate mic.

Cheers (y) You can get optical splitters from Maplins anyway so no great issue thinking about it :)
 
My 360 is in my very small bed room, hooked up to a 23" widescreen samsung HDTV (which also is my monitor) Samsung Amp and Bose Acoustimass 10 speakers
Sounds good enough
 
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