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Old 04-24-2004, 12:51 PM   #1
Swivel1000
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Default Home Theatre Recommendations (Theatre in a Box or Piece by Piece)

Hey-

I have a little bit of cash I'm looking to spend towards a home theatre system. I have a 57" Widescreen HDTV w/ a Progressive Scan DVD and all that crap, but I have no external audio at this point. I think all I'm after is a receiver and 5.1 speaker setup. I'd like to spend around $750 total, but could justify a little over $1000 if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm not sure if there are any "nice" all-in-one packages or if piece by piece would definitely be the route. And if piece by piece is the way to go, how much money would you spend towards each part?

I dig nice home theatre audio, but I'm definitely NOT an audiophile.

Thanks!
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Old 04-24-2004, 01:05 PM   #2
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You're not going to get much for $750, HTIAB would probably be easiest at that price. Piece by piece is best for quality, but at $750 you're not getting any quality anyway so just HTIAB it.
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Old 04-24-2004, 01:15 PM   #3
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Corn-Picker, thats not true, you can get decent quality for that much.

The best budget setup I've found and I'm still saving for (I'm a college kid) is:
YAMAHA VX-4400 Reciever
EPOS ELS3 Speakers

I haven't decided on a subwoofer etc, but this will be an acceptable reciever speaker combo on a budget. If you want to look in to other components, I'd suggest looking at B&W for speakers and NAD components.

sherif
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Old 04-24-2004, 01:19 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally posted by sherifx
Corn-Picker, thats not true, you can get decent quality for that much.

The best budget setup I've found and I'm still saving for (I'm a college kid) is:
YAMAHA VX-4400 Reciever
EPOS ELS3 Speakers

I haven't decided on a subwoofer etc, but this will be an acceptable reciever speaker combo on a budget. If you want to look in to other components, I'd suggest looking at B&W for speakers and NAD components.

sherif
The original poster wants 5.1. The cheapest quality speakers I've found (which are very good) are Paradigm Reference Sutdio 20s at ~$600 per pair or some Boston Acoustics at $700 per pair. The cheapest quality amp I've listened to is an ASKA 100W dual channel kit for about $500. A good sub is $1000 alone. I think if you can spend multiple thousands for the visual experience you should be willing to spend thousands for the audio as well. My two cents
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Old 04-24-2004, 01:21 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally posted by Corn-Picker
I think if you can spend multiple thousands for the visual experience you should be willing to spend thousands for the audio as well. My two cents
oh 1000000% agreed
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Old 04-24-2004, 01:22 PM   #6
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Actually...I'd suggest a nice receiver in the $300-$400 range. Most beyond that offer unnecessary bells and whistles you'll rarely use. You need the proper surround options and a decent amount of power. That's it. The only other thing I look for is interface ergonomics...but if you won't mess with settings much, that's not as big a deal.

For speakers...I recommend used. You can get high-quality used speakers that will typically last a long time. The price drops on them are significant, too. Find some local shops. Since the speakers are already used, most shops have no problem allowing you to take home setups and give them a trial run for a few days(with a deposit of course). This is the best way to audition systems. Don't fear that you'll be trying 10 different sets of speakers...probably closer to 2 or 3. After you try the first set, if it's not right, you can describe what you didn't like, and a good shop should be able to help you find something appropriate.

Since room size and shape make a big difference in home audio, make sure to bring in a floor plan of the location for the shop and tell them where you plan to place everything.

You should be able to obtain a nice Center, Front Left and Right, Rear Left and Right, and subwoofer for $800, maybe less. A Rear Center isn't necessary for most setups, but could be added.

Also, if you crave heavy bass, you probably won't be able to afford a sub of that nature off the bat. I'd just get something small and upgrade at a later date to something that suits your tastes, when you have the money.
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Old 04-25-2004, 11:20 AM   #7
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Personnaly I have never been a fan of HTIAB, but if you are on a budget I guess they will work. Just do alot of researching on the web of reviews to get a good one.

If you are picky about the options of a certain piece of electronics, you are better off getting everything piece by piece. I have a Yamaha reciever with Yamaha speakers all the way around and it sounds good to me. I just wish I would have spent more money on the sub but my wife frowned when I told her the one I wanted was $500.

I guess the only advice I can give you is do alot of researching of electronic review websites to see what everyone else thought of it before you buy it. And you never know, you might find it cheaper somewhere else while you are looking.
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Old 04-25-2004, 12:03 PM   #8
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I would have to agree that HTIAB is usually pretty crappy.

Piece by piece is the best way really. Get a receiver that has Dolby Digital, DTS and if you play video games on XBOX or PS2 get one with as many optical inputs you need. Alot of Xbox games have "In game" Dolby Digital and it's very cool.

I have optical connections from my HDTV cable box, DVD player, XBOX and PS2 and only 3 inputs so I have to manually switch the xbox and ps2 connection.

When you buy speakers piece by piece...try your HARDEST to make the set "timbre matched". Many people will buy a Bose center channel, Polk front left and right speakers, and Cerwin Vega rears and they think that just because they spent all this money on name brand stuff it sounds good. 9.9 times out of 10 it will sound like crap. Even speakers in the same brand won't sound the same.
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Old 04-25-2004, 12:16 PM   #9
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best buy has a nice yamaha 700 watt 6.1 channel HTIAB right now for like 500 and if you have a best buy card you get 12 months with no interest

Last edited by tommy2hotty; 04-25-2004 at 12:40 PM.
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Old 04-25-2004, 12:27 PM   #10
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Old 04-25-2004, 12:36 PM   #11
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You can always just get a good receiver, and then a set of decent fronts for now, and as more money becomes available, add center, sub, etc.
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Old 04-25-2004, 12:42 PM   #12
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you could always try ebay....my buddy got some amazing B&W stuff for really cheap.
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Old 04-25-2004, 12:48 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally posted by mordy_2v
You can always just get a good receiver, and then a set of decent fronts for now, and as more money becomes available, add center, sub, etc.
that is what I would probably do
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Old 04-25-2004, 12:50 PM   #14
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This is what I have...

Onkyo HT-S760

It rocks!! And was seriously cheap at Fry's (got it on sale for ~$430) The only downside is that it is not as compact as some systems, but it is perfect for my setup.

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Old 04-25-2004, 12:53 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally posted by MT_WRX
Onkyo HT-S760
yeah but how many component video inputs does it have?

sherif
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Old 04-25-2004, 01:35 PM   #16
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It's obvious that Matt isn't going to find true audiophile equipment for what he wants to spend, so stop recommending speakers that cost $700 a pair. There are plenty of other good options in his price range.

For a complete system under $1000, I would recommend separately buying a receiver and a complete set of speakers. Typically the HTIB kits that include both the receiver and speakers are not designed very well.

As far as a receiver, I would definitely recommend a middle-of-the-road Yamaha receiver ($400). Yamaha makes very solid amplifiers in all price ranges. Their cheaper models tend to perform very well, but lack some of the advanced features of the expensive ones. No matter what brand you go with, try to find a receiver with equal power output on all 5 channels. Some very low end receivers have lower power output for the rear channels, and are overdriven very easily.

As far as speakers, I agree with WRX_02_227. It is crucial to find timbre matched speakers. In other words, don't mix and match your speakers. Find a complete set of speakers that were engineered to work together. There are reasonably priced speaker sets that include 5 satellites and a subwoofer all in one box ($700-$1000). While Yamaha makes excellent receivers, I have never been impressed with the quality of their speakers. Their cabinet designs and materials quality are usually poor.

Good luck,
-Former Best Buy Home Theater Specialist
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Old 04-25-2004, 02:55 PM   #17
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I have to say I've been really happy with my Sony Dream system. I wouldn't consider it crap at all

HTIAB doesn't always mean crap.
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Old 04-25-2004, 03:09 PM   #18
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http://reviews.cnet.com/Onkyo_HT_S76...l?tag=topprods
I have the 5.1 version and for the money it rocks.
It has 2 component video inputs.
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Old 04-25-2004, 05:41 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally posted by sherifx
yeah but how many component video inputs does it have?

sherif
Why does an audio receiver need component video inputs? I would never run my video connections through a receiver. You will only be adding extra noise to the video signal by running it through an unnecessary piece of equipment. I would recommend connecting all video devices directly to your television. It will save a lot of money on cables, and won't degrade your signal.
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Old 04-25-2004, 05:52 PM   #20
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Get a Harmon Kardon or comperable reciever and just go from there. The reciever will really make or break your sound. I am currently running a HK AVR 125 and it really makes the sound. Buy a nice reciever now, and upgrade speakers later. This thing runs my entire entertainment center CD player, TV, 2 video game systems, CD player, DVD, VHS.... and there is still room for more. I am just running some nice Yamaha's in the front and the rest of my speakers are nothing special. Still sounds great though because of the sound quality of the reciever.
Get a nice set of bookshelfs($200-300) and a sub first. You can use the Bookshelfs in front and wait to get a set of nice towers, or throw it all down now. But to get a really nice surround system, you are gonna need more than a $1000. My system is probably cost around 2 grand right now, and it is far from done or top of the line.

You can buy one of those out of the box kits, but dont expect too much. Sounds quality is alright, about on par for the price. Most dont have the power to push any decent speakers and also dont sound super crisp. Its fine if you arent pushy, but if you want the good stuff wait it out
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Old 04-25-2004, 06:35 PM   #21
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Onkyo HT-S760. Best HTiB system, period. For a little under $500, you'll be able to pocket a bit of cash as well.

Don't take my word for it though, read all the raving reviews and go listen to it for yourself.

Don't make the mistake of taking audio snobs seriously either. Just go and listen and pick what you think sounds best. The whole "HTiB systems are built like crap" is a thing of the past, and just shows their ignorance since they won't even go and listen to the HTiB systems that are out there today.
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Old 04-25-2004, 07:06 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally posted by BJamerican
Why does an audio receiver need component video inputs? I would never run my video connections through a receiver. You will only be adding extra noise to the video signal by running it through an unnecessary piece of equipment. I would recommend connecting all video devices directly to your television. It will save a lot of money on cables, and won't degrade your signal.
Agreed, to a point, some of us have TV's with single component inputs and MULTIPLE component devices. Unfortunately its a necessary evil some of us have to endure. Either we run them through a reciever or we run them through some sort of switch box. *shrug* but this is taking this thread off topic

*shrug*
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Old 04-25-2004, 07:10 PM   #23
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Mordy hit the nail on the head. Do yourself a favor and build it piece by piece. HTIB systems are for people who want the "Ooh...Aah" factor of surround sound and don't care one bit about sound quality. The fact that you're asking this question means that you do care.

Get yourself a decent receiver, I'll recommend a Denon 1803, and a nice pair of bookshelf speakers for the front Left & Right channels, I'll recommend a pair of Paradigm Titans.

As more money becomes available, add a subwoofer. This will give you more enjoyment, IMO, than adding a center channel or surround speakers.

Next add the surround speakers, keeping in the family I'll recommend Paradigm Atoms.

Lastly, add a center channel that, as WRX_0227 mentioned, is timbre matched to your front L&R, in this case a Paradigm CC-170.

You'll be MUCH happier in the end than you would be just plunking down the cash on a lousy HTIB. A 57" HDTV + a progressive scan DVD player is only giving you half of the experience. To truly be immersed in your movies and games and proper sound system is a MUST!

Rob (WRX_0227),

I had no idea you were interested in this stuff. What kind of gear have you got? Here's my Music/HT System:

Mitsubishi WS-55411 HD-Ready TV
Motorola DCT-5100 HD Cable Box (Comcast Service)
Rotel RSP-1066 Preamp/Processor
Rotel RMB-1075 Power Amp
Rega Planet 2000 CD Player
Denon DVD-2900 Universal Player
Paradigm Reference Studio 100v3 (Front)
Paradigm Reference Studio CC-470v3 (Center)
Paradigm Reference Studio 20v3 (Surround)
SVS PC+2039 (Sub)

Bill
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Old 04-25-2004, 07:13 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally posted by wgb113
As more money becomes available, add a subwoofer. This will give you more enjoyment, IMO, than adding a center channel or surround speakers.
Yes, because dialog is not at all important in movies.

I'm glad I didn't let you "piece" together my system for me.

Another example of why you shouldn't take audio snobs seriously, half of them don't even know what the hell they are talking about.

I'll reiterate, go listen to what YOU like best, and go from there. These yokels have no idea what will sound good to you or not.
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Old 04-25-2004, 07:24 PM   #25
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aod,

A good pair of bookshelf speakers up front with a "phatom" center will sound MUCH better than a HTIB system. You have obviously never heard a proper system if you think your $500 Onkyo HTIB is that great. The truth is that in 99% of the HTIB systems out there the speakers are an afterthought because GOOD speakers take up too much of the money the budget for the system. They'd rather put it into bells and whistles that ignorant people are duped into thinking they need. I didn't come here to get into a pissing match, just expressing my experienced opinion.

I agree that you shouldn't go and spend more money than necessary and by all means, get what you like. Just go and audition a decent setup to hear what is possible. Only then can you make a decision on what you can/can't live without in your system. My recommendations are only an example of pieces that's fit in your general budget. Then again, I might just be a "yokel."

Bill
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