Recommendations for building a home theater?

Question

I’m not against going with a Home Theater in a Box (HTIB), but I thought someone might have a recommendation for a good, flexible receiver and some speakers. I’m not an audiophile but don’t want to buy a low-end system I won’t be happy with. I have Direct-TV (HD), a 42” plasma TV, and my room is already wired for 5.1 surround. I plan on using the system for music, watching DVDs, and sports on the TV. Based on the above any thoughts on a receiver/speaker combo that won’t break my bank but will give me some nice options? I’m thinking $500-$600 for the receiver, not much more for the speakers.

Or since my budget is kinda low should I just do a HTIB for now? If so any thoughts on which one?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You will get as many answers as there are people in the world with this question.

My first advice would be to figure out the minimum things that you need from a receiver (HDMI upconverting, HDMI inputs/outputs, Component inputs/outputs, 5.1 or 6.1 or 7.1). With that in mind, go to the store and look and listen.

As for speakers, don't skimp. Remember that you will probably keep your speakers longer than you will the receiver so take a DVD or CD that you know extremely well and go and listen to a lot of different setups. If you don't want a sub right now, get some front speakers that are a little bigger so you can get some good bass. And in my opinion, try and keep your fronts, center and rears the same brand.

There is nothing wrong with a HTIB but they don't give you a lot of upgrade options. What I mean by that, look at the back of the receiver and check to see if there are any additional auxilary inputs.

Hope I helped.

Answer 2

I doubt that you will be satisfied with an HTIB system. There are some good choices in your price range that are more discreet as a system.

Some good choices in a 5.1 receiver would be Onkyo, JVC, Pioneer, or Yamaha -just to name a few. Find the one that has the most features that you want (i.e. HDMI), and get the highest model within the line that you can afford.

For speakers, there are a few that come to mind... Look at Hsu Research, Athena, BIC Acoustech, and KEF. Of course there are others, but these are some of the top values in your price range.

If you are considering a purchase online (which usually offers the best pricing), you should consider places like, uBid, eBay, or some informative price/product comparison websites. Hsu Research sells factory-direct.

H a p p y
H o m e
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Answer 3

Stay the hail away from Bose. It's overpriced and underperforms.

Try to find a HTIB from higher end companies like Boston Acoustics, Cambridge, or NHT. These companies have much better quality designs than mass market offerings by Panasonic, JVC, etc.

Answer 4

Go with a BOSE system .You'll be impressed