Help Me Decide Between These HTiB Sets

**RoboPlato** · 06-25-2011, 11:15 AM

Hey guys. So I'm soon going to be indulging on my college graduation gift to myself and getting myself a 46ST30 and want to get a decent HTiB to go with it since I've never even watched anything on a TV of that quality nor have I listened to audio on a decent home surround sound setup. I've narrowed it down to two choices and I was hoping you guys could help me decide.

Denon DHT-391XP 5.1
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-DHT-391XP-Channel-connectivity-650-Watt/dp/B003QP3M92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309017297&sr=8-1

Onkyo HT-S3400
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3400...=3OW9YT8LOEEKW

As far as I can tell they seem fairly similar in quality. The only differences that I can tell are in cosmetics and ease of setup. Apparently the Onkyo is very, very easy to set up and use, which is a big plus for me, and I like the look better. There is mention of deep color support in the Denon receiver but I'm not sure exactly what that does. If it helps my PQ then I'd definitely go for that over the Onkyo. If anyone could help me decide I'd really appreciate it. I'm super pumped about finally getting an HT system. Even though it'll be entry level, it'll still blow away any system I've ever used.

**Disco Batman** · 06-25-2011, 12:21 PM

In my opinion it's hard to beat Onkyo in the HTIB market. Denon is a great company too though.

**mytime** · 06-25-2011, 12:25 PM

Both seems comparable. Here are some reviews. http://surroundsoundsystems-reviews....non-dht-391xp/
http://www.eldergadget.com/spotlight...eaker-package/
BTW both have Deep Color support. From what I have read the Denon has better speaker build. If you go Denon this link is a must, helped me alot. http://batpigworld.com/

**ckone180** · 06-25-2011, 03:31 PM

Can't go wrong with either, IMHO. Batpig is the man when referring to Denon!

**j4quattro** · 06-25-2011, 05:00 PM

Onkyo has a reputation for running hot. Go with Denon.

**RoboPlato** · 06-25-2011, 09:45 PM

Cool, thanks a lot guys. I think I might go with the Denon since it seems like the speakers may be a bit better. I won't actually be buying for a little bit yet so feel free to chime in if you know anything else that would help.

If anyone could comment on the quality of the positional aspect of these sets I would appreciate it. I'm not much of an audiophile but I really want to get them set up well to really be able to get more of the sense of different locations of sound.

**speedking** · 06-26-2011, 07:50 AM

Of the 2 options presented...I would take the Denon...now since you said you had some time before you made your purchase...let me give you another "possible" option...Newegg has some very good combo deals....and with the 4th of July right around the corner...there is a chance they will feature some good deals...now I don't know whether you are locked in at the price point of the 2 systems you listed..or they just happened to be priced at that level...here is an OLD..example of a sale held on Memorial Day which featured a Klipsch speaker system...which would be better speakers than both those you are considering...scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page...just keep in mind that this sale has expired..

click here

Klipsch also has another offering that is sometimes included in these combo deals...click here for description

Newegg also features sale on Martin Logan systems...the MLT-1 is often on sale for $279..and you could always find your own receiver...check it out....click here

Newegg also has the MLT-2 on sale now with the promo code listed...with the code it would be $329.99...now this doesn't include a receiver...and this might be over what you want to spend...click here

Just keep in mind that the 4th of July should bring some great sales...anyway...I just wanted to give you some additional options

...also consider 6th Ave Electronics...I'm sure they will have some sales on the 4th..as well...

**RoboPlato** · 06-26-2011, 08:21 AM

Thanks for the advice speedking. I'll keep an eye out for sales but I really can't afford to go much higher in price on the speakers. I'm already pushing my budget by moving up to a 46 inch set instead of 42 and these systems seemed like the best deals since they are from known, quality sound companies and include a receiver.

**mytime** · 06-26-2011, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by RoboPlato

Thanks for the advice speedking. I'll keep an eye out for sales but I really can't afford to go much higher in price on the speakers. I'm already pushing my budget by moving up to a 46 inch set instead of 42 and these systems seemed like the best deals since they are from known, quality sound companies and include a receiver.

HTIB is a huge step up from TV speakers. My 1st system was an Onkyo HTIB . IMO Denon sounds better (warmer) but Onkyo is no slouch either.

**speedking** · 06-26-2011, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by RoboPlato

Thanks for the advice speedking. I'll keep an eye out for sales but I really can't afford to go much higher in price on the speakers. I'm already pushing my budget by moving up to a 46 inch set instead of 42 and these systems seemed like the best deals since they are from known, quality sound companies and include a receiver.

Let me mention something to you..if you haven't already purchased the 46..you might want to consider the 50ST30...sometimes it's almost the same price..maybe $30 more...because the 46 is a "tweener" size and isn't as heavily discounted as the 50 inch models...

If you get the 46..after you break in the display(run the slides)...here are some settings to get you close...click here

**RoboPlato** · 06-26-2011, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by speedking

Let me mention something to you..if you haven't already purchased the 46..you might want to consider the 50ST30...sometimes it's almost the same price..maybe $30 more...because the 46 is a "tweener" size and isn't as heavily discounted as the 50 inch models...

If you get the 46..after you break in the display(run the slides)...here are some settings to get you close...click here

Yeah, depending on the prices I may get a 50 depending on the size of the apartment I wind up with. I planned on doing the aging process, then using D-Nice's settings as a base for some tweaks using my test patterns.

**jjrandorin** · 06-28-2011, 12:40 PM

I agree with speed on display size. 50 inch seems to be the "sweet spot" for price / performance and has seemed that way for a while. The price difference between 42/46/47 and 50 is usually pretty small, especially if you can catch the 50s on sale, while the difference between 50 and anything larger (55/58/60/65) is usually quite substantial.

**RoboPlato** · 07-03-2011, 12:46 AM

Thanks guys, I should have mentioned that I ended up going with the Denon and a 46ST30. It hit the ceiling for my budget but it seems like it'll be worth it. Now I just need to get a new apartment so Robert can deliver the goods. One more quick question, does anyone have a link to a good guide for setting up a system outside of Batpig's? I want to make sure I get the delays, placement, etc right and I don't know much about that at all.

**mfrey0118** · 01-19-2012, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by RoboPlato

Thanks guys, I should have mentioned that I ended up going with the Denon and a 46ST30. It hit the ceiling for my budget but it seems like it'll be worth it. Now I just need to get a new apartment so Robert can deliver the goods. One more quick question, does anyone have a link to a good guide for setting up a system outside of Batpig's? I want to make sure I get the delays, placement, etc right and I don't know much about that at all.

I am currently considering the Denon. How do you like it? One Amazon reviewer complained about the high freq sounds...The only one left available through them is a refurbished one for $299...should I go for it?