Home Theater Questions

[dave360]

My wife and I have been looking into getting a home theater system for a while but we're unsure as to what we should be looking for. I'm looking to spend in the 300 dollar range or so for now just to make sure we enjoy it, then we'll spend a bit more later. I'd love some suggestions for what to look for, what units folks have that they love, and what prices some of the systems run. Thanks for any replies.

[dave360]

Re: Home Theater Questions

Oops what I meant was a surround sound type system. Thanks

[eXperiment63]

Re: Home Theater Questions

I have a Pioneer 1000 Watt system that I got from Wally world for $200. I think it sounds damn good. If you are looking to get a low-expense system and save for a much nicer one. I doubt you will get as much bang for your buck as this system.

Pioneer HTP-2500

Seems they have replaced it with a 860-watt version, the HTP-2700

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4810709

Would an audiophile love it? Probably not, but you won't beat it for the price.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Home Theater Questions

Several of my friends swear by Onkyo. I've heard it in person and it is a very nice system. I think it's in the price range that you're looking for.

[mjb2124]

Re: Home Theater Questions

Harman Kardon AVR 340



This is the one I have and it has great sound and a very nice feature set and amount of configurable options. I didn't think I'd use half of it when I first bought the 340, but I actually have.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: Home Theater Questions

I got a great Yamaha system in that price range. I love it and have zero regrets. I will just say to make sure you get a true amplifier. Don't get an all in one type of thing with DVD player that can't be upgraded properly.

[fishepa]

Re: Home Theater Questions

Harman Kardon AVR 340



This is the one I have and it has great sound and a very nice feature set and amount of configurable options. I didn't think I'd use half of it when I first bought the 340, but I actually have.

That would suck up his whole budget right there, without any speakers.

[UMass03]

Re: Home Theater Questions

CNET has a good overview of home theater technology. You could check hometheaterforum as well.

I've had a Sony HTiB system for about four years and it has worked well for me. I think folks tend to buy too much home theater sometimes and don't need even half the power they have or bought

[Seether4113]

Re: Home Theater Questions

I havent heard the system, but that Pioneer posted earlier looks pretty good.

I would also check out the HT-S590 from Onkyo.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo...oductDetail.do

[dave360]

Re: Home Theater Questions

Thanks for the advice fellas. We're goin to Best Buy tomorrow to see what we can find out. Thanks again.

[shaq]

Re: Home Theater Questions

donot buy a HTIB, there garbage. Buy the receiver separate from the speakers and the subwoofer separate...i was just through all of this 2 weeks ago. HTIB will not give you deep deep bass, it just won't. I bought a brand new jvc 1000 watt system and the bass was flat. Took it back and bought 5.1 polk audio speakers (already had receiver) and man what a different sound!!!

[Seether4113]

Re: Home Theater Questions

donot buy a HTIB, there garbage. Buy the receiver separate from the speakers and the subwoofer separate...i was just through all of this 2 weeks ago. HTIB will not give you deep deep bass, it just won't. I bought a brand new jvc 1000 watt system and the bass was flat. Took it back and bought 5.1 polk audio speakers (already had receiver) and man what a different sound!!!

for his budget of $300, you arent going to be able to get a receiver and speaker package any better than a HTIB

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Home Theater Questions

for his budget of $300, you arent going to be able to get a receiver and speaker package any better than a HTIB

...Unless he went the Ebay route for a good used receiver.

[rudyjuly2]

Re: Home Theater Questions

for his budget of $300, you arent going to be able to get a receiver and speaker package any better than a HTIB

Very true. Besides I got my Yamaha system on sale and I turn down the bass on the subwoofer since I find it too strong. It all depends on your expectations and the size of your room. My under $500 system works fantastic for what I want.

[Cj7298419]

Re: Home Theater Questions

Speaking of home theatres. I have a question about a cheap speaker set from Altec Lansing.

I don't have an audio out on my Samsung hdtv but im not sure if u need that to hook it up to the aforementioned speaker set. Here is a pdf diagram of how to hook it up:

http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/EUR/XA2021QCC.pdf

How would i be able to hook these up to my tv w/out an audio out?