Page 1 of Surround Sound Newbie needs Help!

I am in the market for a cheap surround sound system package - ie decoder & speakers. I understand they may not be as good as a separates system but I don`t have a lot of cash to splash - £300 ish.

I was thinking of something like the Sony HTK 475 or 215 (although this doesn`t suppot DTS I think). I haven`t managed to find out much about it review wise and the is nothing in the back of What Hi-Fi about this type of system - they only mention the ones that come with a DVD player.

I have a Wharfdale 750 and a Bush widescreen TV RF 6682 VPL.

I am keen to get something with small speakers as I have a small livingroom - also I don`t have alot of space in my cabinet for the centre speakers etc.

You have probably been over this ground before but if anyone has any one got any suggestions, I would like to read them.

This item was edited on Friday, 25th January 2002, 14:13

Given that you have a Bush TV why don`t you look at the Bush PRO300 surround system ?. Some Safeway`s are selling it for £60, if you can find one, but you can get it off the net for £90.
I think I`m right in saying that your player has a built-in 5.1 decoder so you don`t really need to bother with a surround system with a decoder.
The DVD will decode and the Bush will give you the sound. I think it`s one of the most attrative I`ve seen as well. Nice little wooden speakers with blue cloth covers. It`s not DTS, but so what ?
If you really want an all-singing all-dancing system then go into www.qed-direct.co.uk or www.empiredirect.co.uk.
You`ll get any number of systems for £300. Some of the Yamaha one`s are supposed to good.

HTK215 does have a DTS decoder onboard. For some reason not even the Sony web-site states this. Possibly because DTS is still in its infancy in the UK, so it`s not seen as a selling point. Search this site for 215 reviews - they`re generally positive.

Thanks for the info about the Bush surround sound system - but I`m sure that the Warfdale 750 doesn`t have a built in decoder - any one please correct me if I am wrong.

I have checked out the reviews for the HTK215 - it looks very interesting.

Thanks

This item was edited on Saturday, 26th January 2002, 10:11

You`re right, the Wharfedale does not have a built in decoder. I have the 750s which can output 5.1 and DTS but it needs to be hooked up to an amp with a suitable decoder - HTK215 in my case.

Just purchased Videologic Digitheatre DTS system for use with stand alone dvd player and iam very impressed with sound .This has small compact speakers ideal for small room. Mine is ex-display from Comet and cost£225 ,and ive seen them still priced at £499.