So now you know you want multi-channel sound, complete with teeth-rattling, bone-jarring sound effects. There are several ways you can go to get your surround sound experience, and what may seem like the right solution is not necessarily the best choice or the most cost effective in the long run. Among your options are the all-in-one “Home Theater In a Box” (HTIB), the one-box receiver/speaker package and the separate components approach. In this installment of Current Affairs we’ll help you understand the pros and cons of each of these options and so you can make a well informed decision.
We’ll start with the HTIB, which has become extremely popular for its integration of several components into one streamlined unit serving as a dvd player, receiver and amplifier. HTIB’s are made by nearly all major electronics manufacturers from JVC to Sony and are usually full of flashing lights and glowing dials, much like a boom box or tuner car dash. The supplied speakers connect to this unit and everything you need to get up and running is included. However, this simplicity is not without its sacrifices. Your connectivity options are nearly always limited to a single digital input for an outside surround sound source such as a video game console or cable/satellite box, and video switching is likewise limited or simply not part of the deal. Perhaps the biggest drawback to the HTIB is that it is not upgradeable - you can forget connecting your speakers with better wire or swapping in new speakers. These units are designed to run as is and are proprietary. Also, HTIBs offer little more audio fidelity than the average boombox (which means LOTS of harmonic distortion that increases with volume). And finally, don’t be fooled by the power ratings on the box (even if it says RMS they are flat out lying!) - these Wattages are theoretical peaks. The amplifiers in these units just can’t maintain stability at those levels, nor could the speakers handle the power. When you add in the fact that an HTIB can run anwhere from $300.00 - $1,000.00 and the fact that the second you upgrade your dvd player it becomes obsolete, it’s very difficult to recommend the HTIB. Bottom line, stay clear of home theaters in a box.
The one-box receiver/speakers package and the separate components approach are essentially the same thing, and both are FAR better options to the HTIB. The one-box set up usually means you are getting components all made by the same manufacturer, such as Yamaha, but they are not proprietary and can be swapped with other manufacturers’ components. The separate components approach allows you to choose which components you want based on your preference for features and quality. By purchasing either of the aforementioned set-ups, you will then have a separate stand-alone receiver/amp and speakers which generally outclass the HTIB in every way and offer you the freedom to upgrade and add on. A stand-alone receiver usually offers 3 or more digital audio inputs, as well as multiple video inputs and video switching. And even a basic receiver will offer higher levels of power with lower levels of harmonic distortion, so when you crank it, the sound isn’t muddy and unstable. For surround sound that means a MUCH more convincing effect. This set up also allows you to upgrade any part you choose - speakers, speaker wire, terminations, even the amp itself - and you won’t need to buy an all new system just to upgrade your dvd player. While the sky may be the limit for price on this type of set up, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get sound that you can really appreciate. Even starting out with a good receiver and a solid pair of bookshelf speakers is not a bad way to go because you can always add more speakers later on and your sound quality will be great. With a little time spent researching products on the net, you can build yourself a very good system that sounds great for about as much as you might have spent on that flashy HTIB, or even less (yeah, I am looking at you Bose with your fancy store displays). Trust us, the small amount of extra time and money spent is well worth it and your ears will thank you!
We hope this helps you in your home theater buying process. We will get much more in-depth at a later time. For those of you who already have a system and are just looking to get the most out of it, keep checking in to catch our Understanding HDTV and Easy Home Theater Improvements installments!
