I need a new Home theater setup

[99gtxgolfer 10+ year member]

I want to spend about $500, its not much but that is whati have to work with...i Have a 42" HItachi Plasma TV http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1142293092238

This is what i have right now... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1138084939898

i need A. Surround Sound (i was thinking 5.1( three in front two in back and Subwoofer)) B. The reciever needs to have at least one HDMI input, and need to have enough inputs so i can plug in my Desktop, PS2, XBOX 360, Comcast HD Cable box.

PLEASE HELP ME!! i dont know very much about Home Audio...

anything will help

Click to read more...

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I still don't get the logic in spending thousands on a 42" plasma yet cheaping out on the audio...

 

[Scoobydoo 5,000+ posts]

i agree, save up and buy something decent instead of ruining a nice viewing experience with crappy audio

 

[99gtxgolfer 10+ year member]

bc i spent thousands on the plasma...id rather have An amazing picture and ok sound. then have amazing sound and an ok picture

but im deff gunna wait a lil i just need suggestion on what i need...

 

[99gtxgolfer 10+ year member]

i agree, save up and buy something decent instead of ruining a nice viewing experience with crappy audio

im trying to figure out what that somthing is...suggestions...

 

[Scoobydoo 5,000+ posts]

my suggestion is don't buy a $500 HTIB, get a dedicated mid range receiver and speakers

Denon

Onkyo

Paradigm

B&W

Outlaw Audio

etc...

 

[Max_Power 10+ year member]

Look into the low range receivers from companies like onkyo, denon, harmon kardon. and yamaha. They will provide a better basis for sound quality than a similar priced pioneer or sony. These units will appear to have lower wattage ratings than the sony or pioneer, but in reality they might actually have more in real world applications. Most of the low range units from these companies can be had for around $300.

for speakers I suggest a matched set of 5.1 surround speakers. This way they are usually cheaper and at least you will have a matched sound field. Look into companies like Energy, Paradigm, Definitive Tech, Atlantic Tech, Polk Audio, Velodyne, JBL, and maybe even one from Yamaha. With my experience STAY AWAY FROM BOSE....they ****, and charge way too much for too little.

If you must skimp on something let it NOT be the subwoofer or the .1 of the 5.1 system. Bass in great quality is better than in great quanity. remember that, because you will be happier in the long run.

If you want the ease or if you are a penny pincher Onkyo makes a great HTiB (Home theater in a box). It gives you a fully matched reciever, 5 - 7 speakers, and a great little subwoofer. My dad bought this for his house, and for how little he paid for it I was impressed. It is by far the best sounding HTiB I have ever heard. Last I checked Harmon Kardon had a similar priced set also. Sometimes at the local best buy or circuit city they run sales on speakers and recievers.

Other than the Onkyo HTiB I don't think you will be able to stay below 500 dollars for a budget. Great sound in my opinion is worth a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to movies.

Onkyo HTiB Link:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-Home-Theater-System-HT-S790/sem/rpsm/oid/148967/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Hope it helps!! Feel free to pm me if you have any more questions. or ask here.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[j3bus2k3 5,000+ posts]

Go on parts express. They carry pioneer and Pioneer Elite receivers now. Pick up one of them, and one of their kits through the project showcase. That should be infinitly better than any HTiaB...

 

[99gtxgolfer 10+ year member]

Look into the low range receivers from companies like onkyo, denon, harmon kardon. and yamaha. They will provide a better basis for sound quality than a similar priced pioneer or sony. These units will appear to have lower wattage ratings than the sony or pioneer, but in reality they might actually have more in real world applications. Most of the low range units from these companies can be had for around $300.
for speakers I suggest a matched set of 5.1 surround speakers. This way they are usually cheaper and at least you will have a matched sound field. Look into companies like Energy, Paradigm, Definitive Tech, Atlantic Tech, Polk Audio, Velodyne, JBL, and maybe even one from Yamaha. With my experience STAY AWAY FROM BOSE....they ****, and charge way too much for too little.

If you must skimp on something let it NOT be the subwoofer or the .1 of the 5.1 system. Bass in great quality is better than in great quanity. remember that, because you will be happier in the long run.

If you want the ease or if you are a penny pincher Onkyo makes a great HTiB (Home theater in a box). It gives you a fully matched reciever, 5 - 7 speakers, and a great little subwoofer. My dad bought this for his house, and for how little he paid for it I was impressed. It is by far the best sounding HTiB I have ever heard. Last I checked Harmon Kardon had a similar priced set also. Sometimes at the local best buy or circuit city they run sales on speakers and recievers.

Other than the Onkyo HTiB I don't think you will be able to stay below 500 dollars for a budget. Great sound in my opinion is worth a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to movies.

Onkyo HTiB Link:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-Home-Theater-System-HT-S790/sem/rpsm/oid/148967/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Hope it helps!! Feel free to pm me if you have any more questions. or ask here.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Thanks alot man ill prolly get ahold of you later when i figure out exactly what i need. you seem like you know what your talkin about....thanks

 

[1loudsuv 10+ year member]

if you have any doubt you will not be happy with what you get dont get it....

i bought a htib like 5 months ago for $409 plus tax... i knew in the back of my mind i would buy new speakers and possibly a receiver in the near future but i still bought it and regret it.

i sold just recently for $110....that was without the speakers just the receiver but huge loss i should of saved my money instead....

 

[joetama 5,000+ posts]

I still don't get the logic in spending thousands on a 42" plasma yet cheaping out on the audio...

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

Well, I went crazy and spent thousands on both...

 

[1loudsuv 10+ year member]

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif
Well, I went crazy and spent thousands on both...

x2 here at first i just got the tv which was $3,500 then i thought i was happy with sd picture but wasnt so i got an hd-dvd player that was $500 and now another 2 grand in hd-dvds and still wasnt happy so i spent about the same on audio so about 10 grand and i still aint close to being done

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Media doesn't count //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[1loudsuv 10+ year member]

Media doesn't count //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

it does when its hd //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/yumyum.gif.0556df42231b304b9c995aefd13928a8.gif and when ive spent that in less then 4 months lol

plus the 10 grand doesnt include wiring surgeprotector and remote