Can someone recommend a good surround sound system?

[Djard]

I need a sound system that offers enough weaponry to combat the madness of the ridiculously excessive dynamic range of HD movies. Can somebody recommend a system with a built-in limiter (and equalizer) that will let me adjust the dynamic range, so that the windows don't shatter during the loud parts, chiefly when the background music swells up and drowns out the actors' speech? I can afford up to $700 but hope there is something with the features I seek for a lot less.

[Cornucopia]

All good surround receivers (should) have some adjustment of dynamic range.
Example:I have an older Yamaha 150W/ch that I got at a pawn shop (with 5.1 speakers) for $150USD. It has a "Night Mode" switch to do a one button change of the dynamics, plus 3 levels of range to choose from in the menu.

Scott

[redwudz]

Don't fight it! You need lots of power, and some great subwoofers. And don't live in an apartment.

Really, speakers are the tough part. Most any name brand receiver/surround amp will suit you if it has enough wattage as you can always turn it down.
Speakers that are quality and last a long time take a bit more of careful shopping. I also have two separate 10" powered subwoofers.
More is better with subs if you don't have neighbors.

Once you have enough power, and a decent surround speaker system and some good subwoofers, you can always adjust their output. My neighbors rarely complain.

And if they do, I invite them over.

[newpball]

Also make sure your room is quiet, that will help overcoming the dynamic range.

[Cornucopia]

I'm pretty sure that the OP specifically cannot control for that, which is why he/she was looking for a way to control the dynamic range.

Another avenue to consider is the use of wireless (FM?) headphones. This could be to bypass DR reduction, or to include it.

Scott

[fritzi93]

All good surround receivers (should) have some adjustment of dynamic range.

Even my pre-HDMI receiver has dynamic range adjustment. I would guess that most (almost all?) receivers, even entry-level, would have it.

If you already have a receiver, look in the manual.

[Cornucopia]

Yes, my old Yamaha (HTR-5830) is pre-HDMI. I get along fine without it (though I'm due for an upgrade so I can take full advantage of DTS-HD MA, DD+, etc.). It isn't/wasn't top of the line (nor bottom) for pre-HDMI receivers, so I think it pretty representative of what you'll find.

Scott

[fritzi93]

My receiver is just a crummy old Sherwood. Plenty enough for my theater room though, so I've put off upgrading so far. I'm gonna wait a while longer until the new standards are definitely set for HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, 4k Blu-Ray, etc..

If my Sherwood has dynamic range adjustment, jeez, surely anything newer from a known brand will as well.

[Djard]

I haven't found a system with a built-in DRC that is worth a hoot, so I'll shop for an in-line compressor/limiter/gate at our local store for musicians. While searching for such a device, I found plenty of posts where others are complaining of the excessive DRC in BR movies. Truly, adult-adolescents have taken over the audio sector of the movie industry. There's a "DBX 266xs" compressor that sells for $149.