[ray_01]

I have a Panasonic SCPT850EB home cinema system connected to a Toshiba 42z3030 lcd tv.
I have the speaker cables hidden around and under wooden flooring (2 rear speakers and sub woofer)
I have had the system about 5-6 years and need to replace it but don't fancy having to re-wire new speakers
Is it possible to replace the unit but keep the the same speakers and wiring,
Or should I start again perhaps keeping the wiring?
Ray.

[chrisjr]

Just keep the wiring. Though if it is cheap and nasty thin "bell wire" grade I would throw that away as well. If it was included with the system then I doubt it is particularly good. Anything less than about 6A mains cable thickness probably isn't worth keeping. Depending on how it is run you might be able to use the existing cables as "pull wires" to pull new cables through which would save a bit of hassle.

Unless you buy second hand you are unlikely to get a similar all in one system that does not include speakers. So unless you upgraded to a proper AV amp and separate player you will end up with a spare set of speakers anyway. And I wouldn't partner all in one system speakers with a proper separates system either. Not unless you care nothing for sound quality

But if you go for another all in one system then you can probably get away with the existing cabling. It would only be worth upgrading the cables if they are really thin and nasty and you want to upgrade to a separates system with decent speakers.

[ray_01]

Many thanks chrisjr.

I'm open to suggestions.
My current system is housed in a cabinet (with the Sky box) with the back removed for air circulation.
Are there any separate systems that would take up a similar space?
I have lots of dvd's would they be ok on a blu-ray system?
Also is there an all in one that you would recommend or would you keep to a separate system?
Ray.

[chrisjr]

Separates systems tend to be rather more bulky than your average all in one. A lot would depend on how much space you have. For a lot of amps/player combos you'd need something like 8-10in vertical space at the very least.

The slimmest receiver I know is the Marantz NR1504 which is 105mm

http://www.marantz.co.uk/uk/products...oductid=nr1504

Will cost you about 300 quid without any speakers

http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/HD.p...QUEID=36587412

So expect double that for speakers included.

If you have the space but not that sort of budget then this

http://www.richersounds.com/product/...99/yama-yht199

is an absolute bargain. A proper grown ups system of a decent amp and speakers for 200 quid. Needs 150mm of vertical room though.

Add one of these and you'd have a system that will blow your old Panasonic into the weeds

http://www.richersounds.com/product/...ny-bdps1200-r2

Blu-Ray players play DVDs perfectly well by the way.

Richersounds also do all in ones but I don't like them for various reasons. The main one being they lack flexibility. That can be in the number of inputs they have to allow you to plug up external kit and the simple fact they are an all in one.

So if the player dies you lose everything while it's being fixed or have to buy a new system even though the amp stage in the old system may be perfectly OK. Which is a waste of money if nothing else.

Similarly to upgrade you have to chuck the whole lot away and get a complete new system. With a separates system you only lose the faulty part and can upgrade a bit at a time, eg a new player keeping the old amp.

The downside to a separates system is the convenience factor that an all in one has and a separates doesn't have. But for me anyway the upsides of a separates far outweigh the down. And I have yet to hear any all in one that doesn't make me want to chuck the thing out the window!