Hi all, went thru this forum for the past few days and have learnt quite a bit about hts. Before this, knew nuts about hts. However, would u guys be able to recommnenda a hts for me around rm3k ++ budget? Below are my specifications/ requirements

1. Use - Watch movies, dvds, astro, music and maybe games (PS3 or WiFi). Not hardcore type. Just good sound system will do
2. HTib - Preferably not (having one now and spoilt) coz plan to upgrade and include things like media player, blu ray in the near future. Entry level hts is fine.
3. Location - Living room (approx. 15ft x 15 ft)
4. Kids - Yes. very young
5. Asthetic - Not too keen on bulky speakers as HM's will surely not approved
6. Others - I have a Sharp Aquos LCD tv (HD ready)now but plan to upgrade to those full HD specs

I went through sony, pioneer, lg n other websites but unsure if those are htib or not ...

Thank you all ...

3k can get u a bdgt avr wif 2.0 spkrs[used prbbly can get flstdrs].. no source yet thou'..
Even thou' its only 2.0.. at d sweet spot u wont notice d lack of a ctr..
Add surr/ctr when u hv d budget..

RM3k+ you can get a Yamaha 465 with 5 speaker set (Yamaha brand) from Harvey Norman. Tested it some time back sounds good, IMHO better than the Pioneer set (519 I think)... This system is more suited for Movies and Console gaming... For music, a simple 2 speaker system around RM2k can already sound good. The 465 has multiple HDMI inputs so you can plug in your PS3, Blu Ray Player, DVD Player, Media Player and even your Astro Beyond. Add an extra RM1k+ for a subwoofer for that extra 'ommph' though the existing 5 speaker system has 2 Left and Right that has a low channel sub (smaller though). It's a bit bulky compared to HTIB.

If you want a HTIB with Blu Ray then should consider Sony Blu Ray Home Theatre Systems BDV-E300 (RM2499) or BDV-800W (RM3499).

If you want clean cut, less clutter but don't mind the sound quality, can consider getting yourself a Sound Bar. Ok for gaming and movies but lousy for music.

the Harvey Norman Yamaha set comes with Receiver: RSV -465, NS8390 P60B @ RM3399(?), I was considering this as well, can I get it cheaper if I get it outside? How will this set perform? Or is there any alternatives?

I'm sure you can get it cheaper outside.. but need the Gurus here to recommend where... I read somewhere in the Yamaha thread some folks bought the 465 (Receiver only for about RM1.6k) but with a different set of speakers. Alternatives sure got.. Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon...

will surely check out this yamaha set as recommended ... i think must ensure it has hdmi interface to add on blu ray, asstro etc ?... besides harvey norman anyone knows where else can i get to view/ test the product? lowyat? desa ?

I kinda like the 465 with the 4 hdmi inputs, so I think I will get this avr, what other 5.1 can I pair with avr? Can I just go with a 2.1 setup with 2 floorstanders with a subwoofer?

but of course.
the pioneer 519 only costs RM2k (RRP RM2399). the yamaha is priced 50% more


of course you can. would sound decent enough for movies with the sub handling the low frequency. might be decent with music too!
then if you have more budget, get a centre speaker (preferably from the same model/series/brand of the left/right speakers) and then add a surround.

if you have plans to upgrade, get some expensive left/right speaker and a good sub (rather than a cheap 5 speaker and a cheap sub). at least you don't have to throw away the speakers once you have more budget to upgrade.

this is what i'm thinking too, currently the space is not too ideal for 5.1 setup, in the future if i change the home theater place then i would get the remaining speakers.

so it is recomemded to get all in the same model/series/brand?

for timber matching, yes, you should get the speakers in the same series.

You can also get Pioneer 819 + 5.1 speakers from Harvey Norman. The price is about 3499.

but for surround duties, different speakers could/would be acceptable to most people.
i've tried 3 sets of speakers for surround duties, and though the same model sound the best; the cheaper, different model sounds pretty acceptable.

Is pioneer a good brand

anybody can recommend good n cheap sound system for 2.0? heh ><

umm... good and cheap sound system for 2.0? Might as well settle for those mini-hifi below RM2k, you can get some that's pretty good for music

any particular brand/model to recomend?? pls advise, thanks

I can't recall the model or make... but those blokes at Harvey Norman or those electrical shop should be able to recommend you a good one.
Ask for a demo on different systems using the same disc / music.