Setting up a home theatre for around ~1 Lakh

Cool Buddy

Wise Old Owl
I am thinking of setting up a home theatre. The whole setup will be bought in multiple stages (maybe over 2-3 years, depending on the total cost) as I can't afford to spend a huge amount at one go.
However, I want to understand the whole setup and plan it out, so that I don't end up buying components which don't fit properly with each other.

PART I - TV Purchase
The reason I am posting this in the TV section is because the TV will be the first component I will be buying.

I am thinking of buying this LG 4K TV, which seems to be the cheapest 4K from a reputed brand. There is one option from Samsung as well, but I have had better experience with LG over the years, and hence I am leaning more towards it.

Please let me know if this is a good option and what are the pros and cons of this TV as the center piece of a home theatre setup. Also, do tell me if there are any alternatives I could consider. Budget within 50k for the TV itself. Longevity would be my priority, even if it means a little bit of compromise on picture quality or features. Also, does an Android TV have any significant advantages over an LG Web OS smart TV?
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PART II - Home Theatre Setup
Now I have a few questions regarding setting up a home theatre system. Even though I have tried reading up a bit, I can't seem to make sense of the whole setup. So here are my questions.

Does a home theatre setup necessarily need an A/V receiver?
I ask because it seems to be quite expensive a component and I don't know if I'll be able to fit it within my budget. However, if it is necessary for a good setup, I don't mind postponing my purchases a bit.

What about speaker setup like Logitech Z906?
Is this true surround sound setup or some gimmick where stereo sound is distributed over 5+1 speakers?

If I do want to buy an A/V receiver, what A/V receiver + speakers could I buy within 50-60k?
I will mostly be setting it within an average sized living room, so it needn't be very loud.

Can I stagger speaker purchases over time, buying one or two at a time?
I read on hifivision forum that with an A/V receiver, I can start with two speakers, then add a sub-woofer, then add the satellites and finally the central speaker. If this is doable without much hassle, then I might be able to up my budget a bit. Of course, in this case I would expect the components to have a life to 8-10 years.

How are satellite speakers powered?
Does each speaker need two cables, one connecting it to the A/V receiver and other for power? Or the A/V receiver itself supplies the power as well?

Some other information:
  1. This setup will only be used for movies and TV, gaming is not on the cards.
  2. The source media will mostly be Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube etc.
  3. Since it is a smart TV, streaming should be taken care of by the TV itself.
  4. 4K TV is a must as I want the setup to last a while
  5. Please consider only present day prices and ignore possible inflation.
I understand that's a lot of questions. So if someone can link me to an article or another post where I can find some of the answers, I'll be glad for that as well.
 

TheSloth

The Slowest One
@sam9s @Gollum do have home theater setup IIRC, they should be able to suggest good points.

I do not have any knowledge on this but I have seen that AV receiver is important for these kind of setups where you will be using surround sound. One of my friend had his 7.1 Channel speakers and woofer connected to Yamaha's receiver at his home.
 

Zangetsu

I am the master of my Fate.
The proprietary OS from LG & Samsung are much better than Android OS.
Android OS is improving, but it comes second when compared.
 
OP
Cool Buddy

Cool Buddy

Wise Old Owl
The proprietary OS from LG & Samsung are much better than Android OS.
Android OS is improving, but it comes second when compared.
Thanks. I think I'll stick to LG Web OS then. They have most of the popular apps, rest I can run through Chromecast anyway.

Go here Home Theater they are specialists when it comes to audio/home theater hardware in India.
Sure, I'll post there as well.
 

sandynator

Cyborg Agent
@Cool Buddy

My personal opinion is that you should reconsider your TV Option first. Going by your choice I am considering you want 43 inches size TV only.

In the month of February 2019 when I was in market to buy TV I had finally decided to get this model only but wanted to compared it first with other models in showroom.
When I had personally compared this LG 43UK6360PTE to Samsung NU7100 43 inches, Samsung was way better & cheaper in offer.

Think if IPS panel is really necessary?? Low End models from top tier brand may not necassarily be good. Biggest example of this is VU Pixelight TV performing better to Samsung NU6100 series.

Also Durability of TV nowadays is quite Questionable. 3-5 yrs may be considered good. Lesser amount of LED, Lesser the Durability. My Philips TV made by Videocon had Single Strip of Light & it went off in 3 yrs 4 months. Factor in Dust & moisture in air where you stay as it affects durability as told to me by videocon service guy.
I rate LG to be good in durability & Service. 2-3 of my friends were against Samsung for its costly parts & service who adviced me to go with Sony for better Picture Quality OR LG for its Service & parts Availability.

If budget permits try to get Full Array Display with Nano cell Technology by LG like the older SK series OR Newer
Q60R 4K Smart QLED TV by Samsung OR something from Sony.

If IPS display is priority then I found Panasonic FX650 or any other 43 inch model better to LG 6360PTE model due to D LED in Panasonic while LG 6360PTE is Edge lit Model.

If you want to see something in Budget options then VU Premium Android is a good option.

If 4k is not of Importance Sony Full HD W800 Model, I personally vouch for it as it was better to Samsung NU7100 4k model when I compared it in March 2019 in Croma Store.

Give importance to panel/ display quality & for app/online content you can use chrome cast or android box.


Coming to Part 2 i.e. Audio

Basic AVR will set you back by 25000-30000 but similar or lesser priced Stereo Receiver will be better for a pair for Bookshelf speakers.
Entry level set of Passive speaker set like Taga Harmony TAV506 V2 will be around 25000.

I can share contacts of 2 guys who can source few open box AVR & Speakers if available with them for Cheap but these guys are from Mumbai. You can PM me if interesed.

You can think of getting Sound bar with wireless Subs like the JBL around 25000 or Edifier around 18000.

Can get Home Theatre in box like

Yamaha 1840 5.1 Home theatre
or
Onkyo HT-S3800




My Current Set up

Philips 50PUT6103S/94 50 inch Television Got it in March 2019 [Better to LG 6360 PTE for Night Viewing but slightly worst to Samsung NU7100 due to reflective panel & I got it cheaper than VU ;) ]

Pioneer VSX 330 @ 12k bought as Open Box in June 2018 still going strong.
Taga Harmony Auzre B40 Bookshelf @ 15k & Taga Azure Centre Channel @ 8500 got in Jan 2019 Earlier had Boston Acousics A26 bookshelf

No Subwoofer as of now but I am happy without it for Music [Stereo Sound] OK -OK for Movies.

 
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sam9s

The High 5 Flyer
Hi Since I was being mentioned, let me share my experience and knowledge, I am also on Hifivision so if you want i can reply to you there as well.


PART I

For 4K TV, for around 50K nothing is better than VU at present. Now when I say better I actually back up my claim with proper research and on paper technicalities. I am not sure of LG.Samsung giving the same quality for that price 50K. Below are the points you need to consider while purchasing a 4K TV.

1. Is it this true HDR
2. What the brightness in NITS (is it above 400, which is bare min for HDR)
3. The color depth for this TV... 8 bit,or 10 Bit(also called HDR10) or 12 bit
4. What is the display type, (VA or IPS)
5. Does the TV support upscaling (both SD to HD and HD to 4k)
6. What is the LED type (EdgeLED or Direct LED) DLED better than ELED (OLED will be out of budget)( these are the only option you will get under 50K, unless otherwise)
7. If it is DLED. does it have Local Dimming
8. Does the TV support HDCP 2.2 version. (V IMP for 4K Netflix)
9. Does the Tv support CEC option?
10 Does the tv support DLNA.
11. Does the tv support WCG (Imp for HDR)

I have VU 2017 model with HDR, WCG, Local Dimming, upscaling and 500 nits brightness (but it ain't Android TV, for that, I have Nvidia SHIELD (The BOSS .. :D ). 2019 VU model has introduced DolbyVision as well, plus official licensed Android Oreo, which means Netflix in proper 4K HDR and DolbyVision. (*www.vutvs.com/premiumandroid) how ever they have not provided if the TV has local dimming and WCG, on their website, which was there for my TV back in 2017. So if I were you I will mail VU and ask for the same whcih is what I did in 2017 for all the TV brands that were giving 4K HDR under 50K. I only got a response for few and VU was one of them.

PART 2

Does a home theatre setup necessarily need an A/V receiver?

YES and NO, depends on what you call a peoper Home Theater. Typically a HT atleast has to have 5.1 true surround system, now we have ATMOS as well. But people settle with a normal stereo 2.0 setup as well and call it a Home Theater. I wont. For me HT should min have a 5.1 true surround setup, for that yes an AVR is necessary. A bare 5.1 Denon with 5.1 setup AND 4K UHD HDR passthrough will be Denon AVR-X250BT for 25K which is worth.

I don't see a budget that you have shared, so I cannot recommend speakers to you for that, but the best in a lower price range (depends on what lower is for you BTW) will be Polk Audio. There are cheaper brands as well, but I won't recommend unless you are super tight on the budget. (Let me know)

What about speaker setup like Logitech Z906?

Logitech makes boom boxes, not speakers avoid, they are shit as hell ..

If I do want to buy an A/V receiver, what A/V receiver + speakers could I buy within 50-60k?

Ok here I see some budget, hope you can extend it to some extent.

AVR : 25K the one I mentioned above
Frnts: Polk T15 10K
Center: Polk T30 12K
Rear: For rear get any cheap brand for 5-8K else go for the same T15
SUB: Polk Audio PSW10 19K :- THIS YOU CAN ADD LATER


Total <80K (assuming you buy SUB as well, else its <60K) THERE YOU Go you have a much much better Home Theater than crappy shitty sony manny pany logis out there.

Can I stagger speaker purchases over time, buying one or two at a time?
I read on hifivision forum that with an A/V receiver, I can start with two speakers, then add a sub-woofer, then add the satellites and finally the central speaker. If this is doable without much hassle, then I might be able to up my budget a bit. Of course, in this case I would expect the components to have a life to 8-10 years.

yes as I said subwoofer you can add later rest all you can purchase now as its within your budget, and the life of the speakers is lifetime, not 8 to 10 years (assuming you dont blast them off every day at full volume) AVR life is unexpected, but DENON gives 5 years warranty and if you put it under proper voltage you should be good, My Denon x1000 served me for 5 years without any issue until I replace it with DENON x1200w

How are satellite speakers powered?
Does each speaker need two cables, one connecting it to the A/V receiver and other for power? Or the A/V receiver itself supplies the power as well?

No power needed these are passive speakers, the one I listed are all passive.

Few Points :

Avoide LG webOS at all cost.
Avoide Logitech 5.1 setups
Avoid Sound bars unless you only would watch TV.
DO NOT I repeat DO NOT go for less than 55' for a 4K TV.

If you have any specific query, shoot and I shall try to address them.

My home theater setup is HERE. Lot of that has changed, like AVR, Atmos setup, HTPC, SHIELD TV etc, but you will get the feel.
 
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whitestar_999

Super Moderator
Staff member
@sam9s good info.I want to ask one thing though,you must be aware of madvr so do you use it for upscaling or would you recommend it for upscaling(say 480p to 1080p or 720p/1080p to 4k) for use with large screens(1080p or 4k) or do you just use highest possible resolution media for this(many on doom9 forum swear that madvr scaling or no scaling blows everything else away,of course many there run nvidia 1080 just for madvr :) which I don't think is a practical option for many here).
 

sam9s

The High 5 Flyer
The cost of running madvr overshadows its worth. The upscaling engine of today's gen AVRs and TVs as well for that matter have improved leaps and bound. Yes madvr upscaling does make a difference but at what cost (GPU and HTPC) and effort. (in configuring it). I being a techie just for the heck of it tried and played around and it did make a difference, but when compared to my AVR upscaling my eyes couldn't make out much of a difference (and that is saying a lot, if you know what I mean).

Hope that ans your question... :)

2 cents: Better to get 15-20GB Atmos HDR files over the internet rather than rely on things like madvr, the cost itself does not justify, with the fact that high-speed internet is not at all expensive now, and with Jio 1Gbps it will be even easier.
 

whitestar_999

Super Moderator
Staff member
^^Well I guess that is fine too. Btw how do you manage 20gb files because at this rate one needs to buy at least one 4TB hdd per year(not to mention seeders are also there for only recent/popular movies for this size). Also whenever jio fibre launches it won't be truly unlimited(people saying ~1000GB limit after which FUP kicks in).
 

sam9s

The High 5 Flyer
well, this will go offtopic, but any way will answer ..... Not "all" of my movies are 10-20GB, plus at no point, I cross more than 200 movies in my library. I keep deleting movies that I see no purpose in keeping after watching. Nostalgic classics gems like Terminator series Matrix Trilogy etc., old 90s classics I keep rest I delete. I have a 6 TB Synology NAS (in case you missed that in my Sig .. :). ) my SHIELD TV has 500GB. And my desktop has another 4TB. Coming to seeders, I have a private tracker account and I also have a cloud seedbox, that I use to seed so I have no dearth in getting HDR Atmos content I need.

About jio, 1 TB fup is not bad unless you download truckloads of movies all 20GB HDR files every day. I have airtel 100mbs with carry fw plan, so even though I also have a fup of 1TB/ month, not all is used and is carry fw to the next month. Current I am standing at around 3 TB in my kitty .. :)
 
OP
Cool Buddy

Cool Buddy

Wise Old Owl
@sandynator Thanks for the suggestions, that was quite helpful. Samsung Q60R and LG's nano cell TVs are quite a bit more expensive. I am not willing to spend more than 50k on the TV itself. Based on the feedbacks I got here, I might consider Vu TVs. The 50-55" ones are within my budget. At this stage, I wouldn't want to go for a full HD TV as 4k content might become easily available over the next couple of years.

Home theatre in a box sounds like a good option for me as it is cheaper and setup will be one time.

@sam9s Thanks a lot, those inputs are really helpful. I will try to find out more about the TV based on your suggestions.

Regarding the Speakers, I will be purchasing it maybe a year from now. I will definitely avoid Sony/Logitech speakers. I was anyway skeptical, just wanted to understand the difference. Soundbars are not an option for me at all.
I will try to read more about the difference in sound quality from something like an Onkyo HT-S3800 and discrete setup like the one you have recommended.

I might be buying the TV sometime in October.

I am moving to Mumbai and will be building this setup there. So I might get in touch with @sandynator when I about to buy the speakers :)

Will update as I know more.

Meanwhile, if there are other users of Vu TVs out there, do let me know how your experience has been.
 

Gollum

Collector
When you are building a home theater, you need to remember the most important thing.

Which is, go BIG. Else its not a home theater its just a surround sound system.

Big Screen and Big Speakers with almost any AV Receiver makes a home theater.

Cheap out on any component of a home theater and you will not get the feel of a home theater.

My Setup
Yamaha HTR3067 5.1 Channel 3D 4k pass through AV receiver 100w RMS per channel
Polk Audio center Speaker
Polk Audio Book Shelf Speakers
Yamaha Powered Subwoofer

Next Upgrade
Denon 7.1 Channel AV receiver
Polk Audio Floor Standing Speakers
Polk Audio powered Sub-Woofer
 
OP
Cool Buddy

Cool Buddy

Wise Old Owl
@Gollum Point noted. I'll try to make sure that I don't buy cheap components. Anyway it's a staggered purchase, so I'll save up enough before I buy
 
OP
Cool Buddy

Cool Buddy

Wise Old Owl
Posting an update regarding the current status.
Last month I bought Vu 50" Premium Android TV during the Big Billion day sale from Flipkart. Cost me 32k + 3k for 2-year extended warranty.

I have also moved to Mumbai and given the size of my flat, I'm reconsidering the home theater purchase. Wall to wall my drawing room is about 9'. Considering the sofa on one side and the TV's distance from the wall from the other side, the actual distance between the TV and me would be more like 8'. I don't think this is big enough for a full fledged home theater system.

Would I bet better off with a good set of 2.1 speakers? I already have F&D F550X which is 2.1 and the sound is ok. If I were to spend something around 20k for a 2.1 setup, would the quality improvement be significant? Would adding a DAC between my TV and speaker improve the sound quality? I might also need it because the TV treats the speaker connected to the headphone jack as headphone and annoys me a lot about the volume.
 

sandynator

Cyborg Agent
Posting an update regarding the current status.
Last month I bought Vu 50" Premium Android TV during the Big Billion day sale from Flipkart. Cost me 32k + 3k for 2-year extended warranty.

I have also moved to Mumbai and given the size of my flat, I'm reconsidering the home theater purchase. Wall to wall my drawing room is about 9'. Considering the sofa on one side and the TV's distance from the wall from the other side, the actual distance between the TV and me would be more like 8'. I don't think this is big enough for a full fledged home theater system.

Would I bet better off with a good set of 2.1 speakers? I already have F&D F550X which is 2.1 and the sound is ok. If I were to spend something around 20k for a 2.1 setup, would the quality improvement be significant? Would adding a DAC between my TV and speaker improve the sound quality? I might also need it because the TV treats the speaker connected to the headphone jack as headphone and annoys me a lot about the volume.

Where in Mumbai?
I can suggest you to visit demo room situated at western suburb. Check your inbox.
 
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