Is 300-Watt enough (Home Theater)
11-28-03, 07:23 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Is 300-Watt enough (Home Theater)
I've yet buy any kind of home theater setup. I was looking to buy an inexpensive "in a box" set. Target and Sears had a 300 Watt RCA Home Theater System (sans DVD player) for $180.00
It was very enticing, but the sales guy at Sears said that 300 watts wouldn't sound very good and that I should look for with at least 500-600 watts. I wasn't sure if he was being honest or looking for a higher commision. So, I decided to wait.
Here's the RCA system:
http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetai...00631,00.html?
He was telling me I should get the Sony 575-watt with amplified subwolfer instead -- but it was $100 more.
BTW, I live in an apartment so I won't be blasting it.
It was very enticing, but the sales guy at Sears said that 300 watts wouldn't sound very good and that I should look for with at least 500-600 watts. I wasn't sure if he was being honest or looking for a higher commision. So, I decided to wait.
Here's the RCA system:
http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetai...00631,00.html?
He was telling me I should get the Sony 575-watt with amplified subwolfer instead -- but it was $100 more.
BTW, I live in an apartment so I won't be blasting it.
11-30-03, 07:53 AM
#2
Your need for watts basically depends on your need for sound level. Each 10 dB increase in sound level requires 10X more power in amplifiers, and ability to handle it in speakers. Also important is the speaker's sensitivity, how much power is required to reach a given sound level at a given distance. Some speakers need more power.
Distortion and frequency response are the most important parameters at lower listening levels. If you crank it up, eventually the power limitations will dominate in how bad it sounds.
300 w is really quite a bit of power. At levels that will be tolerated by other tenants, I doubt it will be a problem, but obviously it depends on other variables. You might want better speakers than typical Theater in a Box, but at apartment levels, I'm guessing almost any amp could drive them and you could add a better amp later. On the other hand, 300 w won't reach "theater levels," which I usually find too loud and hurt my ears.
Obviously, the question is complex, there is no clear yes/no answer, just opinions.
Distortion and frequency response are the most important parameters at lower listening levels. If you crank it up, eventually the power limitations will dominate in how bad it sounds.
300 w is really quite a bit of power. At levels that will be tolerated by other tenants, I doubt it will be a problem, but obviously it depends on other variables. You might want better speakers than typical Theater in a Box, but at apartment levels, I'm guessing almost any amp could drive them and you could add a better amp later. On the other hand, 300 w won't reach "theater levels," which I usually find too loud and hurt my ears.
Obviously, the question is complex, there is no clear yes/no answer, just opinions.
11-30-03, 11:24 AM
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Originally posted by OldDude
Your need for watts basically depends on your need for sound level. Each 10 dB increase in sound level requires 10X more power in amplifiers, and ability to handle it in speakers. Also important is the speaker's sensitivity, how much power is required to reach a given sound level at a given distance. Some speakers need more power.
Distortion and frequency response are the most important parameters at lower listening levels. If you crank it up, eventually the power limitations will dominate in how bad it sounds.
300 w is really quite a bit of power. At levels that will be tolerated by other tenants, I doubt it will be a problem, but obviously it depends on other variables. You might want better speakers than typical Theater in a Box, but at apartment levels, I'm guessing almost any amp could drive them and you could add a better amp later. On the other hand, 300 w won't reach "theater levels," which I usually find too loud and hurt my ears.
Obviously, the question is complex, there is no clear yes/no answer, just opinions.
Your need for watts basically depends on your need for sound level. Each 10 dB increase in sound level requires 10X more power in amplifiers, and ability to handle it in speakers. Also important is the speaker's sensitivity, how much power is required to reach a given sound level at a given distance. Some speakers need more power.
Distortion and frequency response are the most important parameters at lower listening levels. If you crank it up, eventually the power limitations will dominate in how bad it sounds.
300 w is really quite a bit of power. At levels that will be tolerated by other tenants, I doubt it will be a problem, but obviously it depends on other variables. You might want better speakers than typical Theater in a Box, but at apartment levels, I'm guessing almost any amp could drive them and you could add a better amp later. On the other hand, 300 w won't reach "theater levels," which I usually find too loud and hurt my ears.
Obviously, the question is complex, there is no clear yes/no answer, just opinions.
The only other system I saw that interested me (in that price range) was the Panasonic SC-HT650 which is 500 watt and comes with a DVD player (which I don't need). It's $199 at Fry's (if they still have it).
Maybe I'll grab the RCA then and see. Sears and Target had it.. not sure who is better about returns.
11-30-03, 11:26 AM
#5
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Originally posted by Gyno Rhino
I have what you're describing.
It's terrific for the value.
Only problem is that it doesn't decode DTS.
I have what you're describing.
It's terrific for the value.
Only problem is that it doesn't decode DTS.
But thanks for the input... I had pretty much given up on the idea of getting it, and now I'm thinking I might get it.
