So upgrade bug has finally arrived and looking for advice from fellow members and experts on upgrade path and advice.
My main requirements are for Movies and TV series (95%). Music use will be limited but would still prefer something with acceptable music performance for those occasionally listening and during get together in home.
Current Setup and Background
My setup at time of upgrade bud included following components which we got 6-7 years back at time of previous bug.
-Panasonic Plasma TV
-Onkyo 3300 HTiB (receiver model HT-R380) with stock speakers taking take of audio needs
-WD TV live Hub media player
-PS3 (rarely used nowadays)
-Hathway Set top box (no longer used)
There is no dedicated HT room and living room itself doubles up as entertainment room. Living cum dining room is 14'x22' with one end having dining table and TV setup is one side (not in center of room).
Though there were some limitation TV supported only 720p and WD TV not supporting x265 and 4K with no app availability and no software update since years, was mostly happy with this setup and enjoying it.
Though things started to change with Streaming services becoming primary source media consumption. First PS3 was used for Prime videos and Netflix contents but it has no other apps available and limited in functionality. Also WIFI and Bluetooth stopped working so it was a pain to work with controller in wired mode. So, process and research for getting a new media player begin. Finally settled on Nvidia Shield TV considering playing capability of HDD contents also and few other factors. Got it in Dec of 2018 and since than it had been primary media and gaming device.
However, with Shield TV current upgrade bug started as now wanted to properly utilize this powerful device. Initially wanted to upgrade TV first to enjoy 4K contents on big screen and get a 55 incher 4k TV. So with limited budget taking big brands out of picture research started again on new TV. With so many budget models launched and the confusing world of 4K, UHD, HDR, DV, PQ refresh rate etc etc. Soon realized 4K TV world is still in its infancy and involving and there are lot of compatibility issues with various standards especially in budget range. Also realized that I will need to upgrade AVR also to get proper experience.
Also during this time realized that though audio quality is OK I am not too happy with clarity and details And I would actually need to upgrade full Home theatre. So, focus moved again to even more confusing and diverse world of home theater (that too on limited budget).
Budget, Upgrade Path and timeline
Considering upcoming future expenses and expected saving have decided on a budget of 1.5L for all the components. This will not be just for now or one-time expenditure but total planned in staggered way spread over a year. Will be difficult to Since already have a working system current component will be used till upgraded.
Will include cost toward Front speakers, Center channel, TV, AV receiver, Sub-woofer, Surround Speakers.
Have been going though forum since last few weeks to get an idea and thinking of taking following upgrade path along with expected budget for each phase.
1. Phase 1 - Now:
Front and Center Speakers (Total Rs. 30K)
As front speakers are main audio components want to update then first.
This is the most difficult choice and these speakers should work with current receiver (Onkyo HT-R380) also work with new receiver once upgraded. Have been going through various forum threads and reviews for last few weeks and thinking of following sets
Front
First choice was to go with bookshelf but with no space on my TV cabinet either option was to go though wall mountable or get speaker stands which would add to cost. So thought of having Floor standers itself which can be positioned on side of TV cabinet.
Shortlisted following models.
a. Polk T50 (22K) - with this can add Polk T30 as center (9k) and later on T15 as surrounds (10K)
b. Yamaha NS 8390 (18K) - one of cheapest FS available. Can add Yamaha NS -P51(11K) as center and surrounds now itself and also will be saving some money for other components.
c. Yamaha NS F71 (25K) - better review than NS8390. Later can add Yamaha NS -P51(11K) to complete 5.0 setup..1
d. Taga Harmony TAV 506 (25K) - Cheapest of lot. can complete 5.0 setup now itself and utilize budget elsewhere.
e. Polk S15 (20K) - During my search also saw Polk signature S50 (36K) which has lots of praise. Could have tries to extend budget but compatible center channel Polk S30 (20K) would take cost beyond limit. But then can across Polk S15 (20K) bookshelf which also looks decent but still adding center Polk S30 (20K) will still take cost upwards. Is there any cheaper center which would be compatible with Polk signature series??
Had checked other preferred bookshelf speakers in forum Dali Zensor3 , ELAV B6,Wharfdale 220, Klipsch etc but adding compatible centre would take cost beyond. Also as per general consensus Yamaha and Polk are considered better for movies so kept focus on these.
2. Phase 2 - in 2-3 months
TV upgrade (40K)
55 inch 4K with HDR with good PQ. Smartness/Sound quality are not important. Thinking of going with Vu Pixel light 2019 model. Planning to do it in next 2-3 months. Will be opening a separate thread when planning for this.
3. Phase 3 - in 6 Months
AV Receiver (40-45K)
Planning to upgrade AV receiver in upcoming 6 months. Ones shortlisted in nearby budget are Yamaha V-585 and Denon X-1500.
Looking for 7.2 channels to keep future upgrade paths open for Atmos 5.1.2 setup by getting Atmos speakers or use existing Onkyo speakers.
Again, here looking for receivers which are compatible and best suited for LCR speakers purchased in Phase 1 and future phases purchase.
4 Phase 4 - in 7-8 Months
Subwoofer (20-25K)
Do not need overwhelming window shattering bass but nice good quality bass which will enhance movie watching experience. Subwoofer which is compatible with above purchases. General suggestion is to go for dual subwoofer setup so one of the reasons want to go with receiver supporting 2 subwoofers out so can add one more at later stage.
Kept this for later after receiver upgrade as current Onkyo receiver supports only passive subwoofer. But it adding a proper subwoofer will give better experience now itself and there is some way to use it current receiver, can reshuffle the phases to plan this for earlier purchase.
5. Phase 5 - In a year
Surrounds/Heights (10-15K)
If not in Phase one, these will come last. Again only requirement here is compatibility with other components.
Looking for suggestions for fellow members if there is a better way to plan out phases and purchases.
For Upgrade path , main confusion is for TV, AV receiver and Subwoofer, which should be considered first, and which ones can be moved to later.
Please note that any excess expenditure earlier will reduce budget from future Phases. Also any future purchase will have to consider compatibility with already bought components.
My main requirements are for Movies and TV series (95%). Music use will be limited but would still prefer something with acceptable music performance for those occasionally listening and during get together in home.
Current Setup and Background
My setup at time of upgrade bud included following components which we got 6-7 years back at time of previous bug.
-Panasonic Plasma TV
-Onkyo 3300 HTiB (receiver model HT-R380) with stock speakers taking take of audio needs
-WD TV live Hub media player
-PS3 (rarely used nowadays)
-Hathway Set top box (no longer used)
There is no dedicated HT room and living room itself doubles up as entertainment room. Living cum dining room is 14'x22' with one end having dining table and TV setup is one side (not in center of room).
Though there were some limitation TV supported only 720p and WD TV not supporting x265 and 4K with no app availability and no software update since years, was mostly happy with this setup and enjoying it.
Though things started to change with Streaming services becoming primary source media consumption. First PS3 was used for Prime videos and Netflix contents but it has no other apps available and limited in functionality. Also WIFI and Bluetooth stopped working so it was a pain to work with controller in wired mode. So, process and research for getting a new media player begin. Finally settled on Nvidia Shield TV considering playing capability of HDD contents also and few other factors. Got it in Dec of 2018 and since than it had been primary media and gaming device.
However, with Shield TV current upgrade bug started as now wanted to properly utilize this powerful device. Initially wanted to upgrade TV first to enjoy 4K contents on big screen and get a 55 incher 4k TV. So with limited budget taking big brands out of picture research started again on new TV. With so many budget models launched and the confusing world of 4K, UHD, HDR, DV, PQ refresh rate etc etc. Soon realized 4K TV world is still in its infancy and involving and there are lot of compatibility issues with various standards especially in budget range. Also realized that I will need to upgrade AVR also to get proper experience.
Also during this time realized that though audio quality is OK I am not too happy with clarity and details And I would actually need to upgrade full Home theatre. So, focus moved again to even more confusing and diverse world of home theater (that too on limited budget).
Budget, Upgrade Path and timeline
Considering upcoming future expenses and expected saving have decided on a budget of 1.5L for all the components. This will not be just for now or one-time expenditure but total planned in staggered way spread over a year. Will be difficult to Since already have a working system current component will be used till upgraded.
Will include cost toward Front speakers, Center channel, TV, AV receiver, Sub-woofer, Surround Speakers.
Have been going though forum since last few weeks to get an idea and thinking of taking following upgrade path along with expected budget for each phase.
1. Phase 1 - Now:
Front and Center Speakers (Total Rs. 30K)
As front speakers are main audio components want to update then first.
This is the most difficult choice and these speakers should work with current receiver (Onkyo HT-R380) also work with new receiver once upgraded. Have been going through various forum threads and reviews for last few weeks and thinking of following sets
Front
First choice was to go with bookshelf but with no space on my TV cabinet either option was to go though wall mountable or get speaker stands which would add to cost. So thought of having Floor standers itself which can be positioned on side of TV cabinet.
Shortlisted following models.
a. Polk T50 (22K) - with this can add Polk T30 as center (9k) and later on T15 as surrounds (10K)
b. Yamaha NS 8390 (18K) - one of cheapest FS available. Can add Yamaha NS -P51(11K) as center and surrounds now itself and also will be saving some money for other components.
c. Yamaha NS F71 (25K) - better review than NS8390. Later can add Yamaha NS -P51(11K) to complete 5.0 setup..1
d. Taga Harmony TAV 506 (25K) - Cheapest of lot. can complete 5.0 setup now itself and utilize budget elsewhere.
e. Polk S15 (20K) - During my search also saw Polk signature S50 (36K) which has lots of praise. Could have tries to extend budget but compatible center channel Polk S30 (20K) would take cost beyond limit. But then can across Polk S15 (20K) bookshelf which also looks decent but still adding center Polk S30 (20K) will still take cost upwards. Is there any cheaper center which would be compatible with Polk signature series??
Had checked other preferred bookshelf speakers in forum Dali Zensor3 , ELAV B6,Wharfdale 220, Klipsch etc but adding compatible centre would take cost beyond. Also as per general consensus Yamaha and Polk are considered better for movies so kept focus on these.
2. Phase 2 - in 2-3 months
TV upgrade (40K)
55 inch 4K with HDR with good PQ. Smartness/Sound quality are not important. Thinking of going with Vu Pixel light 2019 model. Planning to do it in next 2-3 months. Will be opening a separate thread when planning for this.
3. Phase 3 - in 6 Months
AV Receiver (40-45K)
Planning to upgrade AV receiver in upcoming 6 months. Ones shortlisted in nearby budget are Yamaha V-585 and Denon X-1500.
Looking for 7.2 channels to keep future upgrade paths open for Atmos 5.1.2 setup by getting Atmos speakers or use existing Onkyo speakers.
Again, here looking for receivers which are compatible and best suited for LCR speakers purchased in Phase 1 and future phases purchase.
4 Phase 4 - in 7-8 Months
Subwoofer (20-25K)
Do not need overwhelming window shattering bass but nice good quality bass which will enhance movie watching experience. Subwoofer which is compatible with above purchases. General suggestion is to go for dual subwoofer setup so one of the reasons want to go with receiver supporting 2 subwoofers out so can add one more at later stage.
Kept this for later after receiver upgrade as current Onkyo receiver supports only passive subwoofer. But it adding a proper subwoofer will give better experience now itself and there is some way to use it current receiver, can reshuffle the phases to plan this for earlier purchase.
5. Phase 5 - In a year
Surrounds/Heights (10-15K)
If not in Phase one, these will come last. Again only requirement here is compatibility with other components.
Looking for suggestions for fellow members if there is a better way to plan out phases and purchases.
For Upgrade path , main confusion is for TV, AV receiver and Subwoofer, which should be considered first, and which ones can be moved to later.
Please note that any excess expenditure earlier will reduce budget from future Phases. Also any future purchase will have to consider compatibility with already bought components.