Best sounding out of the box HT?

[95ZJ 10+ year member]

I'm looking for something for my mom and dad, as they're getting a Toshiba REGZA and a Blu-Ray player but can't afford a HT system. So I ask you guys, what are some good out of the box HT systems that don't break the bank too terribly bad? This is more or less a gift from me to them for being there for me for all these years.

It'd be nice if it supported 1080p and HDMI input, as that's what they're going to be running.

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[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Build them something //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

It will a) sound leagues better than any crap that's put in a box and b) be a better/more meaningful gift //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

What's your budget? The decent HTIB that I know of are Onkyo HT-SP908 and the Samsung HT-AS720

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

Build them something //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
It will a) sound leagues better than any crap that's put in a box and b) be a better/more meaningful gift //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

Once again, you're of absolutely no help. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

 

[95ZJ 10+ year member]

I don't know enough to build a HT. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

 

[dvrmstrng 5,000+ posts]

hopefully not for a xmas present cause you got 1 day to build some shit

 

[Lil Poot 5,000+ posts]

they've been there all these years and you're cheaping out on their HT? should be ashamed.

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

Onko HTIB systems get high marks.

They use real receivers instead of an "all in one" piece of cr*p, and several systems (receiver and speakers) are actually THX certified.

 

[95ZJ 10+ year member]

No, it's not a Christmas present. As for the cost, I'm sorry for being a poor college student who's trying to do something nice for his parents. I'm willing to spend money if need be, I just don't need the absolute top of the line, as they wouldn't be able to tell a discernible difference from the 5.1 Sony system they have now and what I get them.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Especially when they've upgraded to high-definition everything else...going with mediocre-definition audio just doesn't make sense to me.

My recommendation would be to go on Zaph's or PE's project pages, build a couple monitors from plans, and find a decent used receiver off of Audiogon. Should be able to get under $1000, even including a sub.

 

[95ZJ 10+ year member]

Zaph? PE?

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Zaphaudio.com, or Parts Express' projects.

Actually, a full range project from http://www.frugel-horn.com or the BIB from http://www.zillaspeak.com would be cheaper and easier for a first-time DIY'er to do, as there's no crossover involved...cuts down on build time and greatly reduces cost.

 

[skydeaner 10+ year member]

Yamaha gets my vote. My dad's yamaha htib system sounds pretty good.