Entry Level Home Theater System

matyee · 02-24-2006, 01:35 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a bit of advice on a entry level home theater speaker system. Ideally I'd like to pay less than $500, but if can get a good value on a system then I'd be willing to spend up to $1000.

Is it better to get a home theater system in a box or buy separate components? Are there particular brands that people recommend?

I'm looking for something to complement my SONY KDF-60XS955 and I'd be mostly watching/listening to HDTV, DVDs, PS2 games.

All recommendations/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

ArkiStan · 02-24-2006, 02:34 PM

As long as you spend the time to do your homework, you will always get more bang for the buck by buying components separately. There are so many amazing yet cheap brands out there, most of which you probably have never even heard of. It's not really hard to find good equipment. The hard part is narrowing down your choices to the stuff that suits your taste. Whether it's worth the extra time, research and trouble to find them will really depend on how serious you are about music/movies. Personally, I would never ever buy an "in-a-box" set, not because I'm some audiophile snob, but rather because I know what I want and have fun sampling different equipment to find it.

I'm not saying that "in-a-box" deals are bad. If you're not that tech-savvy and don't consider yourself somewhat of a movie/music enthusiast, an "in-a-box" set will sound just as good as any other set. However, judging from the fact that you're asking questions here tells me you're willing to spend the time to go the extra mile. Go for it. It's fun!

The HT forum here has been pretty dead lately. You'd probably be better off checking out the AVS forums. Just have patience and try not to be intimidated by the very knowledgeable equipment experts there.

Slakker182 · 03-01-2006, 11:32 AM

zero2dash · 03-01-2006, 12:17 PM

One more thing to add -
those "in a box" sets usually have poor quality and/or weak power when it comes to the speakers that they come with. They'll throw whatever numbers they need on the box but the truth is that most of the speakers aren't as good as they claim they are (especially in the power department). I wouldn't be surprised if the receivers are even "exaggerated" as far as the actual output power/efficiency.

Again - you're better off buying a good receiver and some good shelf or floor speakers (depending upon how much you want to pay).

You should be able to get a good receiver for $200-$300 and a nice pair of speakers for another $200-$300 and I'd go that route. If you want to pay more and get the 2 rears, a center, and a sub for the complete package - you'll probably pay about $500-$700 on the speakers total, depending upon what you get. So, buying everything separately on a mid-to-high end, you're still paying between the $500-$1000 that you're aiming for - and you can always upgrade later on down the road.

attgig · 03-01-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slakker182

I agree with what's been said already, but let me add my 2cents.
I chose to build my system piecemeal because 1. I'm on a budget and 2. I wanted to be able to upgrade.
I already had a tv, so I went out and bought a Pioneer receiver the run some bookshelf speakers I already had. Then I bought three more cheap speakers to complete my 5.1 system. I added a $99 12inch subwoofer I bought off amazon.
All told, I now have a 7.1 system for less than $300 that will kick the pants off any box system that costs AT LEAST $500.
Meanwhile, I'm still learning about speakers and technology. I'm not going to feel bad moving the bookshelfs to surround speakers and spending real money to get good upfront speakers. Eventually, I'll get a new sub and a new TV.
But for right now, I've got a killer system for my little apartment, all at a minimum budget.

can i ask about your setup? i'd love to get a 7.1 system for < 300

ribitch · 03-03-2006, 09:19 AM

before anyone rushes to get a 6.1 or 7.1 system, cosnider the size of the room that the system will go in. For most people, the additional channels will be useless. Rooms are often too small utilize the extra speakers. The discreet channels quickly turn into a wall of sound.

On top of that, a large majority of DVD's on the market do not offer 6.1 or 7.1 soundtracks. Very few have discrete rear channels, for more, check out http://news.designtechnica.com/talkback103.html

Since the topic of this thread is entry level HT's, find a better 5.1 system instead of settling on a lower priced 7.1. More is not always better.

Most importantly, try to listen to the speakers in an area that is setup for surround. Don't go to a bestbuy and listen the to the speakers that are sitting on top of the floor model HTIB.

Bires · 03-03-2006, 03:59 PM

My $0.02: Get a reciever with LOTS of component video inputs and optical audio inputs. (I guess now-a-days HDMI would be nice too, eh?)

I say thing because I have three devices that all compete for my optical/component channel, so I have to use a little switchbox before my reciever.

Dem0072 · 03-07-2006, 02:06 AM

Forum buggered up... actual post below.

Dem0072 · 03-07-2006, 02:21 AM

These are my minimums:

2.6GHz CPU

1GB ram

128 (if non HD) 256 (if HD)mb video card

160GB hard drive (lots of media - lots of space)

2 CD drives (incase one fails or is in heavy use. 2 especially if they are

RW/burning drives, sometimes you need to make copys, or transfers while burning, right?)

Floppy is nice but not needed. I'd much rather take a small drill bit to the metal rackmount of it and input a USB-hub or empty box as a controller cubby so you dont raid the couch.

X-Fi for good quality sound card. Audigy 2 ZS is good as well, though a bit excessive in software at times and the X-fi is more designed for Home Theater.

Remember, Altec Lansing is lord of speakers. If you have no knowledge on audio engineering, go with a surround sound set, but make sure its quality. Logitech is "ok", not ungodly, just "good". Creative Labs - Gigaworks is all they have that impresses me, but it becomes the wall of sound as someone said before in a smaller room. I stick to 5.1, because unless your live in some Malibu condo with a all-open kitchen dining room and livingroom then 7.1 is a bit overkill. keep it above 250-300 watts, make sure the dB is set in standards for your sound card, and that the KHz is high on-par with your sound card.

Other than that XP media center aint needed - its just a dressed up version of XP pro with a few new menus, new media area which saves at best... 3 clicks, and does everything your XP pro can do. (Thats actually all it is, XP pro with a couple new programs... its built off XP pro even). At best... its more home theater video card friendly.

Final notes, floppies arent needed - nice for emergency recovery but that can be done on most USB flashcards these days... infact I keep a 256mb flash card with a suite of basic security programs, tweaks, and accessories. It'll fix most $80 factory charged problems. Anyways, use a dremmel/drill/whatever (if you dont care about case warranty, which doesnt matter... its a case, if its defective you RMA it anyways, right?) and make either a USB Hub, or a remote controller cubby so you don't raid/blackmail/domestically abuse your furniture.

Keep the electronics away from magnets, water, and large vibrating things... (subwoofer?).

You'll be fine, happy, and glad you arent a slave to TiVo bills.

Remember. Modern technology modern power. 400W power supplies as a minimum is a cautious & nice thing to be sure of.

AlpineJay · 03-07-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dem0072

*snip*

huh? I'm lost.. is there any mention of HTPC in this thread or is this just misplaced?

Dem0072 · 03-07-2006, 11:40 PM

I described adequate components making up of an HTPC. Read above.

AlpineJay · 03-07-2006, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dem0072

I described adequate components making up of an HTPC. Read above.

right. but the OP is asking for components for a HT speaker system?

02-24-2006, 01:35 PM	#1
matyee Ensign Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 38	Entry Level Home Theater System Hi everyone, I'm looking for a bit of advice on a entry level home theater speaker system. Ideally I'd like to pay less than $500, but if can get a good value on a system then I'd be willing to spend up to $1000. Is it better to get a home theater system in a box or buy separate components? Are there particular brands that people recommend? I'm looking for something to complement my SONY KDF-60XS955 and I'd be mostly watching/listening to HDTV, DVDs, PS2 games. All recommendations/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

02-24-2006, 02:34 PM	#2
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Recession Central Posts: 5,898	As long as you spend the time to do your homework, you will always get more bang for the buck by buying components separately. There are so many amazing yet cheap brands out there, most of which you probably have never even heard of. It's not really hard to find good equipment. The hard part is narrowing down your choices to the stuff that suits your taste. Whether it's worth the extra time, research and trouble to find them will really depend on how serious you are about music/movies. Personally, I would never ever buy an "in-a-box" set, not because I'm some audiophile snob, but rather because I know what I want and have fun sampling different equipment to find it. I'm not saying that "in-a-box" deals are bad. If you're not that tech-savvy and don't consider yourself somewhat of a movie/music enthusiast, an "in-a-box" set will sound just as good as any other set. However, judging from the fact that you're asking questions here tells me you're willing to spend the time to go the extra mile. Go for it. It's fun! The HT forum here has been pretty dead lately. You'd probably be better off checking out the AVS forums. Just have patience and try not to be intimidated by the very knowledgeable equipment experts there. Last edited by ArkiStan : 02-24-2006 at 03:02 PM.

03-01-2006, 11:32 AM	#3
Slakker182 Ensign Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 10	... Last edited by Slakker182 : 11-10-2006 at 06:19 PM. Reason: Anonymity

03-01-2006, 12:17 PM	#4
zero2dash Commander Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Fenton, MO - but I wish I was at the beach. ANY beach. Posts: 1,367	One more thing to add - those "in a box" sets usually have poor quality and/or weak power when it comes to the speakers that they come with. They'll throw whatever numbers they need on the box but the truth is that most of the speakers aren't as good as they claim they are (especially in the power department). I wouldn't be surprised if the receivers are even "exaggerated" as far as the actual output power/efficiency. Again - you're better off buying a good receiver and some good shelf or floor speakers (depending upon how much you want to pay). You should be able to get a good receiver for $200-$300 and a nice pair of speakers for another $200-$300 and I'd go that route. If you want to pay more and get the 2 rears, a center, and a sub for the complete package - you'll probably pay about $500-$700 on the speakers total, depending upon what you get. So, buying everything separately on a mid-to-high end, you're still paying between the $500-$1000 that you're aiming for - and you can always upgrade later on down the road. Last edited by zero2dash : 03-01-2006 at 12:22 PM.

03-03-2006, 09:19 AM	#6
ribitch Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,672	before anyone rushes to get a 6.1 or 7.1 system, cosnider the size of the room that the system will go in. For most people, the additional channels will be useless. Rooms are often too small utilize the extra speakers. The discreet channels quickly turn into a wall of sound. On top of that, a large majority of DVD's on the market do not offer 6.1 or 7.1 soundtracks. Very few have discrete rear channels, for more, check out http://news.designtechnica.com/talkback103.html Since the topic of this thread is entry level HT's, find a better 5.1 system instead of settling on a lower priced 7.1. More is not always better. Most importantly, try to listen to the speakers in an area that is setup for surround. Don't go to a bestbuy and listen the to the speakers that are sitting on top of the floor model HTIB. __________________ http://ribitch.com/ipod.html

03-03-2006, 03:59 PM	#7
Bires Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 5,064	My $0.02: Get a reciever with LOTS of component video inputs and optical audio inputs. (I guess now-a-days HDMI would be nice too, eh?) I say thing because I have three devices that all compete for my optical/component channel, so I have to use a little switchbox before my reciever. __________________ Five years...

03-07-2006, 02:06 AM	#8
Dem0072 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 171	Forum buggered up... actual post below. Last edited by Dem0072 : 03-07-2006 at 02:23 AM.

03-07-2006, 02:21 AM	#9
Dem0072 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 171	These are my minimums: 2.6GHz CPU 1GB ram 128 (if non HD) 256 (if HD)mb video card 160GB hard drive (lots of media - lots of space) 2 CD drives (incase one fails or is in heavy use. 2 especially if they are RW/burning drives, sometimes you need to make copys, or transfers while burning, right?) Floppy is nice but not needed. I'd much rather take a small drill bit to the metal rackmount of it and input a USB-hub or empty box as a controller cubby so you dont raid the couch. X-Fi for good quality sound card. Audigy 2 ZS is good as well, though a bit excessive in software at times and the X-fi is more designed for Home Theater. Remember, Altec Lansing is lord of speakers. If you have no knowledge on audio engineering, go with a surround sound set, but make sure its quality. Logitech is "ok", not ungodly, just "good". Creative Labs - Gigaworks is all they have that impresses me, but it becomes the wall of sound as someone said before in a smaller room. I stick to 5.1, because unless your live in some Malibu condo with a all-open kitchen dining room and livingroom then 7.1 is a bit overkill. keep it above 250-300 watts, make sure the dB is set in standards for your sound card, and that the KHz is high on-par with your sound card. Other than that XP media center aint needed - its just a dressed up version of XP pro with a few new menus, new media area which saves at best... 3 clicks, and does everything your XP pro can do. (Thats actually all it is, XP pro with a couple new programs... its built off XP pro even). At best... its more home theater video card friendly. Final notes, floppies arent needed - nice for emergency recovery but that can be done on most USB flashcards these days... infact I keep a 256mb flash card with a suite of basic security programs, tweaks, and accessories. It'll fix most $80 factory charged problems. Anyways, use a dremmel/drill/whatever (if you dont care about case warranty, which doesnt matter... its a case, if its defective you RMA it anyways, right?) and make either a USB Hub, or a remote controller cubby so you don't raid/blackmail/domestically abuse your furniture. Keep the electronics away from magnets, water, and large vibrating things... (subwoofer?). You'll be fine, happy, and glad you arent a slave to TiVo bills. Remember. Modern technology modern power. 400W power supplies as a minimum is a cautious & nice thing to be sure of. Last edited by Dem0072 : 03-07-2006 at 02:24 AM.

03-07-2006, 11:40 PM	#11
Dem0072 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 171	I described adequate components making up of an HTPC. Read above.

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