Please help...best deal for $ 600-$700?

[tali219]

This is my first attempt at setting up a home theatre. Since I am a newbie, I must admit I don't have such a discerning ear but I would want a decent set-up with speakers that are not too obtrusive. My budget is preferably from $ 600 to $ 700 only. I would consider spending until $ 800 if it would make a big difference in the sound and esthetics. Please help me with my choices:

I am considering the following HTIB:

JBL Propack 600 HTIB

Refurbished Onkyo LSV950 ENVISION SYSTEM (I am just concerned that if the DVD player breaks down, it will cause problems with the receiver.)

Or a receiver/speaker set:

Bose Accoustimass 600
Harman Kardon 5.1 Home Cinema Speaker System (Brand/Model: HK HKTS6)
Polk Audio RM6005

paired with any one of the following:

Pioneer VSX-D811S
Harman Kardon AVR 225
Onkyo TX-SR500
Pioneer VSX-D411

I was considering the Onkyo SKSHT500 until I saw its size! Should I spend on the receiver and save on the speakers? Or should I do it the other way around? I would really appreciate any help!

[dvdmovie1]

Notes:

1. The SKSHT-500 speaker set is a very good value for the money, but I can understand your concerns with the size.

2. The Panasonic SAHE200 receiver would be a fine choice (lots of power, lots of features - including 6.1), and is currently available for $349 at jandr.com, which is the lowest price I've seen for it.

3. The Pioneer 811 would be a good choice out of the receivers you listed. I wouldn't go with the other ones, especially the Onkyo 500. While Onkyo makes fine equipment, there's been a lot of reports of this particular model having a problem with LFE (.1) output.

4. Do NOT. NOT. NOT. get Bose.

5. If you do not like the SKSHT-500, I'd go with the H/K or Polk speaker systems you've listed.

6. Check out ubid.com and Amazon.com's current sales for speakers. Both have some fine brands for reasonable prices right now.

[audrey]

The Onkyo 950 is a nice system; it sounds good, the speakers are small and relatively unobtrusive (if that’s important to you), consumes a minimum of shelf space, and doesn’t require additional outlets or cables. Sonically, its Achilles heel lies in music reproduction. Movies sound and look great—lot’s of presence and impact. But to me, music comes across as lifeless.

All-in-ones are becoming increasingly popular, not just for home theater in a box solutions, but as alternatives to separate receiver and DVD combinations. Sony, NAD, Linn and others are producing serious offerings in this category. I expect to see even more in the near future.

I can understand your reliability concern; it is certainly something to think about. The Onkyo, like many of these all-in-ones, include digital audio inputs---should the DVD fail out of warranty you could easily add an external player.

No doubt, separates can provide superior performance. But the lower the price point, the more difficult that goal becomes since the bundle allows a manufacturer to pack a lot of value into a relatively small price.

[tali219]

Thanks for all your help. I will probably get the Pioneer receiver and the H/K speakers.