Help Me Find A Home Theater System!

Hey all-

I just recently decided that I want to become obsessed with finding a home theater system, and I can't make heads or tails of these things.

I live in an apartment and my living room is 15'X15'. My "video game chair" is about 5' from my TV.

My current setup is a 52" Samsung 1080p, a PS3 with HDMI, and a 360 with HDMI.

I initially started my search by going to a Best Buy and talking to one of the sales dudes. He told me that because I'm currently rocking BD on my PS3, I wouldn't need a BD or DVD home theater system. He pointed me in the direction of the receiver 5.1 bundles because he said the receiver has far superior sound quality.

Now, that's all well and good, but I don't have $500-600 to drop on this system. I was hoping to come in around $350 at the most.

I recently went to a different store and another salesman tried to talk me into an LG or Sony DVD 5.1 system. He was saying that for my needs - primarily gaming and the ocassional movie, I don't think I really care to be watching TV that shakes the room - a DVD system would be just fine.

What do you guys think? I mean, if a receiver system is THAT much better I wouldn't want to make a crappy investment. That might mean I start saving and pick one up when I can afford it.

OR do you think I could get by with a DVD system like the Sony Bravia 5.1, taking into account the size of my room and my current setup? I could really use some help because I can't seem to figure this out on my own/with the help of shifty sales associates.

Also, to make this as simple as possible, it would be super helpful if you guys coud just rate the two different types of systems accordingly. Like, would you say a 1,000 watt reciever system is a 10, and a 1,000 watt DVD system is like a 5?

Thanks guys -

Dvd systems sucks.

Best thing to get within your budget :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120167

Why do DVD systems suck?

And can I really trust Onkyo? I've read some less than flattering reviews for their stuff

Dvd systems sucks.

Best thing to get within your budget :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120167

Why do DVD systems suck?

And can I really trust Onkyo? I've read some less than flattering reviews for their stuff

Why do DVD systems suck?

And can I really trust Onkyo? I've read some less than flattering reviews for their stuff

UrsaStephan

Home theatre bundles are crap. Reason: 5.1 speakers mean 5.1 full range speakers. Big speakers. Not those weak mobile phone speakers for $400. If you want a good home theatre you need a few thousand. You need matching speakers with a matching AVR in terms of impedance and watts and a decent amount or room. And your neighbours will not be pleased when you jack up volume of the DTS Master track on the Sapphire Blu-Ray of Saving Private Ryan.

Home theatre bundles are crap. Reason: 5.1 speakers mean 5.1 full range speakers. Big speakers. Not those weak mobile phone speakers for $400. If you want a good home theatre you need a few thousand. You need matching speakers with a matching AVR in terms of impedance and watts and a decent amount or room. And your neighbours will not be pleased when you jack up volume of the DTS Master track on the Sapphire Blu-Ray of Saving Private Ryan.

desertpython

[QUOTE="desertpython"]

Home theatre bundles are crap. Reason: 5.1 speakers mean 5.1 full range speakers. Big speakers. Not those weak mobile phone speakers for $400. If you want a good home theatre you need a few thousand. You need matching speakers with a matching AVR in terms of impedance and watts and a decent amount or room. And your neighbours will not be pleased when you jack up volume of the DTS Master track on the Sapphire Blu-Ray of Saving Private Ryan.

KHAndAnime

I meant 2 or 3 thousand. And I do buy cheap cables.

[QUOTE="desertpython"]

Home theatre bundles are crap. Reason: 5.1 speakers mean 5.1 full range speakers. Big speakers. Not those weak mobile phone speakers for $400. If you want a good home theatre you need a few thousand. You need matching speakers with a matching AVR in terms of impedance and watts and a decent amount or room. And your neighbours will not be pleased when you jack up volume of the DTS Master track on the Sapphire Blu-Ray of Saving Private Ryan.

KHAndAnime

My parents actually got me a Denon AVR 1610 reciever for my wedding, along with some yamaha speakers. My parents didnt have alot of money so they couldnt afford super good speakers but these actually are really good quality. I can upgrade them in the future if need be.

Denon AVR 1610

http://www.usa.denon.com/productdetails/4865.asp

and for the price of the yamaha spearks you cant go wrong, plus you can always upgrade in the future to better speakers.

Yamaha speakers

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=sr_1_4?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285817607&sr=8-4

Its always best to get speakers with a powered subwoofer.

this system will run you about 500 bucks, without buying better speaker wire and all the other cables (HDMI,Optical etc)

But owing this exact set up I can say that Its quite amaizing. I absolutly love it and when you crank this sucker up during a nice action flick, you feel like your there.

My parents actually got me a Denon AVR 1610 reciever for my wedding, along with some yamaha speakers. My parents didnt have alot of money so they couldnt afford super good speakers but these actually are really good quality. I can upgrade them in the future if need be.

Denon AVR 1610

http://www.usa.denon.com/productdetails/4865.asp

and for the price of the yamaha spearks you cant go wrong, plus you can always upgrade in the future to better speakers.

Yamaha speakers

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=sr_1_4?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285817607&sr=8-4

Its always best to get speakers with a powered subwoofer.

this system will run you about 500 bucks, without buying better speaker wire and all the other cables (HDMI,Optical etc)

But owing this exact set up I can say that Its quite amaizing. I absolutly love it and when you crank this sucker up during a nice action flick, you feel like your there.

FFVIIROCKS

LOL 1/2 inch tweeter.

sorry i didnt notice your budget was 350...id say save dude... its worth it

sorry i didnt notice your budget was 350...id say save dude... its worth it

FFVIIROCKS

[QUOTE="FFVIIROCKS"]

sorry i didnt notice your budget was 350...id say save dude... its worth it

NVIDIATI

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS5300/Onkyo/HT-S5300-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package-with-iPod-Dock/1.html

it wasnt long ago i was in your shoes. Ignore the guy at best buy. In fact, just stop going there. You'll save your self time and money, and you save yourself the trouble of listening to some guy talking out his ass about something he knows nothing about.

anyway, I ended up buying separate components rather than buying a HTiB. But I thought about an Onkyo sysytem long and hard. They are definitely the best value, and the best HTiB you'll get. check newegg.com, ecost, overstock, all those tech sites and you'll find one for around $350-$500 depending on what you want. Onkyo makes good stuff. and their HTiB subs are actually self powered, which is a huge plus.

I decided against it because i wanted something I could expand upon throughout the years and I wanted a more powerful sub. I ended up with e Denon avr 1910, Energy take 5 speakers, and a Acustech H100 sub all for around $700. I had to expand from my original budget of $500, but it was worth it. The sub is awesome, and the receiver is great. My first upgrade will be some tower speakers for the fronts for some better music quality and it will allow me to use the currrent satellites for 7.1

Even at a low budget you have options, but I would stay away from a HTiB unless its an Onkyo. I believe Denon makes a couple as well, but they will most likely cost you more than the Onkyo.

it wasnt long ago i was in your shoes. Ignore the guy at best buy. In fact, just stop going there. You'll save your self time and money, and you save yourself the trouble of listening to some guy talking out his ass about something he knows nothing about.

anyway, I ended up buying separate components rather than buying a HTiB. But I thought about an Onkyo sysytem long and hard. They are definitely the best value, and the best HTiB you'll get. check newegg.com, ecost, overstock, all those tech sites and you'll find one for around $350-$500 depending on what you want. Onkyo makes good stuff. and their HTiB subs are actually self powered, which is a huge plus.

I decided against it because i wanted something I could expand upon throughout the years and I wanted a more powerful sub. I ended up with e Denon avr 1910, Energy take 5 speakers, and a Acustech H100 sub all for around $700. I had to expand from my original budget of $500, but it was worth it. The sub is awesome, and the receiver is great. My first upgrade will be some tower speakers for the fronts for some better music quality and it will allow me to use the currrent satellites for 7.1

Even at a low budget you have options, but I would stay away from a HTiB unless its an Onkyo. I believe Denon makes a couple as well, but they will most likely cost you more than the Onkyo.

snowren24

To back up the onkyo, my dad has owned one for probably 5 or 6 years. He has absolutely loved it, and I used to live there and got to experience it as well. It is quite nice system, although he bought a whole package with speakers.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS5300/Onkyo/HT-S5300-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package-with-iPod-Dock/1.html

ChubbyGuy40

decided against it because i wanted something I could expand upon throughout the years and I wanted a more powerful sub. I ended up with e Denon avr 1910, Energy take 5 speakers, and a Acustech H100 sub all for around $700. I had to expand from my original budget of $500, but it was worth it. The sub is awesome, and the receiver is great. My first upgrade will be some tower speakers for the fronts for some better music quality and it will allow me to use the currrent satellites for 7.1 _________________ Hence you must select your only after selecting the theme of your wedding.carinaking

Thanks for the tips guys. I guess what I've learned is that I should be making a lot more money and splurge it all away.

But with what you've advised, I'm def. not looking at DVD systems anymore. I did find this: http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1286063056&sr=1-2

For my price range that doesn't seem too bad. Now I just need a receiver to pair them with: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR308-5-1-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003BEDQQM/ref=sr_1_8?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1286063664&sr=1-8

I'm thinking that's not a bad receiver, really like the 3 HDMI inputs. That would put me right around $350.

How does that setup rate? I think I'm locked on the speakers, so are there any other receivers in that price range I should be considering?

Thanks for everyone's help so far -

Go with the one I linked. It'd be better and the same price.

Go with the one I linked. It'd be better and the same price.

ChubbyGuy40

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS5300/Onkyo/HT-S5300-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package-with-iPod-Dock/1.html

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS5300/Onkyo/HT-S5300-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package-with-iPod-Dock/1.html

NVIDIATI

:o I've been saving up for a home theater system and that one looks perfect. I'm not too much of an audiophile, but I like the surround sound effect for movies and game. I just might buy that.

[QUOTE="NVIDIATI"]

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS5300/Onkyo/HT-S5300-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package-with-iPod-Dock/1.html

WiiRocks66

:o I've been saving up for a home theater system and that one looks perfect. I'm not too much of an audiophile, but I like the surround sound effect for movies and game. I just might buy that.

The receiver is great, it's a rebranded TX-SR508 (Why they don't just call it that since both were released this year I don't know) but it sounds awesome. Can't comment on the speakers though, but I can encourage getting some 16awg or 14awg speaker wire from monoprice. The wire that comes in all HTiB, even onkyo's, are thin and bad.

EDIT: Although, if you wanna save up more, I easily recommend the HT-S9100THX. The speakers from that package are pretty damn good. Better than Polk Monitor 30s and 40s, though that isn't saying much since that's their low-end bookshelves. They sound way better than I expected. They also have a new 9300THX out on the same website, sold out and 80 bucks more, but it has support for HDMI 1.4 (3D passthrough)

Hey all-

I just recently decided that I want to become obsessed with finding a home theater system, and I can't make heads or tails of these things.

I live in an apartment and my living room is 15'X15'. My "video game chair" is about 5' from my TV.

My current setup is a 52" Samsung 1080p, a PS3 with HDMI, and a 360 with HDMI.

I initially started my search by going to a Best Buy and talking to one of the sales dudes. He told me that because I'm currently rocking BD on my PS3, I wouldn't need a BD or DVD home theater system. He pointed me in the direction of the receiver 5.1 bundles because he said the receiver has far superior sound quality.

Now, that's all well and good, but I don't have $500-600 to drop on this system. I was hoping to come in around $350 at the most.

I recently went to a different store and another salesman tried to talk me into an LG or Sony DVD 5.1 system. He was saying that for my needs - primarily gaming and the ocassional movie, I don't think I really care to be watching TV that shakes the room - a DVD system would be just fine.

What do you guys think? I mean, if a receiver system is THAT much better I wouldn't want to make a crappy investment. That might mean I start saving and pick one up when I can afford it.

OR do you think I could get by with a DVD system like the Sony Bravia 5.1, taking into account the size of my room and my current setup? I could really use some help because I can't seem to figure this out on my own/with the help of shifty sales associates.

Also, to make this as simple as possible, it would be super helpful if you guys coud just rate the two different types of systems accordingly. Like, would you say a 1,000 watt reciever system is a 10, and a 1,000 watt DVD system is like a 5?

Thanks guys -

UrsaStephan

[QUOTE="WiiRocks66"]

[QUOTE="NVIDIATI"] Talk about spot on. This would be the best for $350 forsure.

ChubbyGuy40

:o I've been saving up for a home theater system and that one looks perfect. I'm not too much of an audiophile, but I like the surround sound effect for movies and game. I just might buy that.

The receiver is great, it's a rebranded TX-SR508 (Why they don't just call it that since both were released this year I don't know) but it sounds awesome. Can't comment on the speakers though, but I can encourage getting some 16awg or 14awg speaker wire from monoprice. The wire that comes in all HTiB, even onkyo's, are thin and bad.

EDIT: Although, if you wanna save up more, I easily recommend the HT-S9100THX. The speakers from that package are pretty damn good. Better than Polk Monitor 30s and 40s, though that isn't saying much since that's their low-end bookshelves. They sound way better than I expected. They also have a new 9300THX out on the same website, sold out and 80 bucks more, but it has support for HDMI 1.4 (3D passthrough)

[QUOTE="carinaking"]decided against it because i wanted something I could expand upon throughout the years and I wanted a more powerful sub. I ended up with e Denon avr 1910, Energy take 5 speakers, and a Acustech H100 sub all for around $700. I had to expand from my original budget of $500, but it was worth it. The sub is awesome, and the receiver is great. My first upgrade will be some tower speakers for the fronts for some better music quality and it will allow me to use the currrent satellites for 7.1 _________________ Hence you must select your only after selecting the theme of your wedding.bizzy420

I got them for $200 on newegg and they are well worth it, $150 would be a steal.

[QUOTE="UrsaStephan"]

Hey all-

I just recently decided that I want to become obsessed with finding a home theater system, and I can't make heads or tails of these things.

I live in an apartment and my living room is 15'X15'. My "video game chair" is about 5' from my TV.

My current setup is a 52" Samsung 1080p, a PS3 with HDMI, and a 360 with HDMI.

I initially started my search by going to a Best Buy and talking to one of the sales dudes. He told me that because I'm currently rocking BD on my PS3, I wouldn't need a BD or DVD home theater system. He pointed me in the direction of the receiver 5.1 bundles because he said the receiver has far superior sound quality.

Now, that's all well and good, but I don't have $500-600 to drop on this system. I was hoping to come in around $350 at the most.

I recently went to a different store and another salesman tried to talk me into an LG or Sony DVD 5.1 system. He was saying that for my needs - primarily gaming and the ocassional movie, I don't think I really care to be watching TV that shakes the room - a DVD system would be just fine.

What do you guys think? I mean, if a receiver system is THAT much better I wouldn't want to make a crappy investment. That might mean I start saving and pick one up when I can afford it.

OR do you think I could get by with a DVD system like the Sony Bravia 5.1, taking into account the size of my room and my current setup? I could really use some help because I can't seem to figure this out on my own/with the help of shifty sales associates.

Also, to make this as simple as possible, it would be super helpful if you guys coud just rate the two different types of systems accordingly. Like, would you say a 1,000 watt reciever system is a 10, and a 1,000 watt DVD system is like a 5?

Thanks guys -

spliff_man

[QUOTE="bizzy420"][QUOTE="carinaking"]decided against it because i wanted something I could expand upon throughout the years and I wanted a more powerful sub. I ended up with e Denon avr 1910, Energy take 5 speakers, and a Acustech H100 sub all for around $700. I had to expand from my original budget of $500, but it was worth it. The sub is awesome, and the receiver is great. My first upgrade will be some tower speakers for the fronts for some better music quality and it will allow me to use the currrent satellites for 7.1 _________________ Hence you must select your only after selecting the theme of your wedding.snowren24

I got them for $200 on newegg and they are well worth it, $150 would be a steal.

[QUOTE="spliff_man"][QUOTE="UrsaStephan"]

Hey all-

I just recently decided that I want to become obsessed with finding a home theater system, and I can't make heads or tails of these things.

I live in an apartment and my living room is 15'X15'. My "video game chair" is about 5' from my TV.

My current setup is a 52" Samsung 1080p, a PS3 with HDMI, and a 360 with HDMI.

I initially started my search by going to a Best Buy and talking to one of the sales dudes. He told me that because I'm currently rocking BD on my PS3, I wouldn't need a BD or DVD home theater system. He pointed me in the direction of the receiver 5.1 bundles because he said the receiver has far superior sound quality.

Now, that's all well and good, but I don't have $500-600 to drop on this system. I was hoping to come in around $350 at the most.

I recently went to a different store and another salesman tried to talk me into an LG or Sony DVD 5.1 system. He was saying that for my needs - primarily gaming and the ocassional movie, I don't think I really care to be watching TV that shakes the room - a DVD system would be just fine.

What do you guys think? I mean, if a receiver system is THAT much better I wouldn't want to make a crappy investment. That might mean I start saving and pick one up when I can afford it.

OR do you think I could get by with a DVD system like the Sony Bravia 5.1, taking into account the size of my room and my current setup? I could really use some help because I can't seem to figure this out on my own/with the help of shifty sales associates.

Also, to make this as simple as possible, it would be super helpful if you guys coud just rate the two different types of systems accordingly. Like, would you say a 1,000 watt reciever system is a 10, and a 1,000 watt DVD system is like a 5?

Thanks guys -

rastan

My bad. Missed a zero. 1000 watts is what i meant.

3000 watts/ 120 volts equals 25 amps. If the subwoofers were truly 3000 watts then you would not only need 3 very powerful amps, but also three 30 amp dedicated circuits. That's more power than an electric stove plus an electric dryer would use and most homes do not have 30 amp circuits and 10 awg wire run to sockets to support that.

My bad. Missed a zero. 1000 watts is what i meant.

3000 watts/ 120 volts equals 25 amps. If the subwoofers were truly 3000 watts then you would not only need 3 very powerful amps, but also three 30 amp dedicated circuits. That's more power than an electric stove plus an electric dryer would use and most homes do not have 30 amp circuits and 10 awg wire run to sockets to support that.

rastan

[QUOTE="rastan"]

My bad. Missed a zero. 1000 watts is what i meant.

3000 watts/ 120 volts equals 25 amps. If the subwoofers were truly 3000 watts then you would not only need 3 very powerful amps, but also three 30 amp dedicated circuits. That's more power than an electric stove plus an electric dryer would use and most homes do not have 30 amp circuits and 10 awg wire run to sockets to support that.

spliff_man

If you don't mind me asking...

Why the hell would someone want so many subwoofers. I could never stand that much bass.

[QUOTE="snowren24"]

[QUOTE="bizzy420"] damn i wanted to get those take 5 speakers. they were on sale awhile back for about $150, but i cant find anymore deals in the same price range.WiiRocks66

I got them for $200 on newegg and they are well worth it, $150 would be a steal.

I'm on a 50" panny plasma as well. :)

$200 shipped to your front door for 4 quality satellites and a center channel is still a pretty good price. They may have come down a bit since i bought them, but that was the cheapest I could find at the time. I had a Sony HtiB prior that I paid a $350 for, and this system blows it away. The Sony system wasn't worth hooking up, I would argue the TV speakers sounded better.

[QUOTE="spliff_man"][QUOTE="rastan"]

My bad. Missed a zero. 1000 watts is what i meant.

3000 watts/ 120 volts equals 25 amps. If the subwoofers were truly 3000 watts then you would not only need 3 very powerful amps, but also three 30 amp dedicated circuits. That's more power than an electric stove plus an electric dryer would use and most homes do not have 30 amp circuits and 10 awg wire run to sockets to support that.

ChubbyGuy40

If you don't mind me asking...

Why the hell would someone want so many subwoofers. I could never stand that much bass.

[QUOTE="WiiRocks66"][QUOTE="snowren24"]

I got them for $200 on newegg and they are well worth it, $150 would be a steal.

snowren24

I'm on a 50" panny plasma as well. :)

$200 shipped to your front door for 4 quality satellites and a center channel is still a pretty good price. They may have come down a bit since i bought them, but that was the cheapest I could find at the time. I had a Sony HtiB prior that I paid a $350 for, and this system blows it away. The Sony system wasn't worth hooking up, I would argue the TV speakers sounded better.

anyways to TC this is 299.00

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3300-5-1-Channel-Theater-Receiver/product-reviews/B003BEDQR6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1