CKMorpheus

Okay, I'm not a really rich consumer and my parents don't want to spend 1000's of bucks on a home theater (As much as I've tried to convince them ). We already have an Okay TV, but we are looking for a nice home theater in a box that'll give us good sound (We're not trying to be Audiophiles) at a good price range. We're willing to spend 400-600 bucks max. Are there any good recommendations around?

Brian Shannon

I think as long as you understand the limitations of a package like this, it is a good value for the money and perfect for someone who wants to do a home theater inexpensively.[URL=http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-ixcifF6laLA/ProdView.asp?s=1&c=4&g=37700&I=158DAVS500&o=M&a=0]

CKMorpheus

As far as I know, it's a good way for someone who isn't looking for a theater George Lucas would be jealous of, but just something to get them started. I know the sound won't be as good as if I bought all the good expensive speakers one by one, but it's all my parents are willing to do. What other "limitations" are there?

Brian Shannon

There is almost no upgrade path for this equipment. That would be the biggest limitation that I could see.

CKMorpheus

Well, that sucks, but I doubt my parents would give two shits. Oh well. Any other recomendations, people???

nizzo

A very popluar one around here seems to be the Kenwood HTB 504. I think the price is around $500 and it comes with everything you need. I havent heard it myself, but I have read many good things.

Check out www.audioreview.com for some consumer reviews.

M i c h a e l

Take the same money, and buy two good speakers to wind up
with better overall sound, AND and upgrade path.

Check out the Paradigm Mini-Monitor ($250 street) or the PSB Alpha A/V ($200 street).

Then, add the other speakers as money allows.

CKMorpheus

My parents are never in an Upgrading mood unless something is about 6 years old.

M i c h a e l

Then they should be very happy with the superior sounding, and less expensive
PSB Alpha or Paradigm Mini-monitor without further upgrades.

CKMorpheus

Is this what you're talking about?

http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/S...uct_8880.shtml

M i c h a e l

Yes, those are the Alpha line (they make a few models in the Alpha line).

Here's a link to the Alpha A/V model specifically:
http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/S...ct_45355.shtml



As well as the Paradigm Mini-monitor:
http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/S...uct_8855.shtml


Remember to bring CDs to accurately judge sound quality and make the best
speaker choice.

To find a local dealer who sells these models, look in the Yellow Pages under
"Stereo", as they are not generally sold in Best Buy type megastores (higher quality
audio manufacturers demand proper placement and 'demoing' space, and these
mega-stores simple have too much stuff piled together to conduct a meaningful
demo -- hence very few high quality brands are found on the sales floor).

Good luck!

lycerejo

Hi! I have the Kenwood HTB 504 since last thanksgiving and have nothing but praise for it. List price was 600 then, but with discounts last year, got it for much less.

It has a dolby digital and DTS decoder, 500W sound and S Video input. The only think I wish the system had was a sleep and wake up timer for the radio...

I love mine!

skar

CKMorpheus

Fokker's Feint

I picked up a used Kenwood HTB-503 on Ebay for $330. Pretty good system (for that price) that can handle DTS. I've been quite happy with it so far. Since your parents probably would want something new and with a warranty you may want to consider picking up the HTB-504 (essentially the same system) which retails for $499.99 at Circuit City.

CKMorpheus

We have decided on the Kenwood HTB-504 and we are going to get it price-matched from this site at Sears. Awesome. Can't wait.

Thanks for all your help people.

hypeiv

price match it with this page

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/shopsuns...thomthea3.html

hypeiv

if you want a great pricematching tool get the AMEX blue card, They give you 60 days to pricematch stuff, I put all my computer parts on it and waited two months and price matched them all and got about $200 back from amex, its nice to be able to walk into any store pay the expensive price sine you are paying for the service and then be able to call american express up and have them give you back the difference from the prices on online stores. only bummer is you are limited to $1000 a year a $250 per claim

and no i don't work for amex and no i am not tring to solicit this card bc i don't get anything out of it i am just telling you about a hot deal for informed shoppers.

CKMorpheus

Thanks, even better.

duy37

Excellent choice, I got mine at Fry's Electronics for only $399, i'm not sure if it's still 399 or back to the original price of 499. it's an awesome system and totally upgradeable. The receiver retails for 299 by itself. And the subwoofer has some serious bass potential.

Thunderball

Hey CK

Great choice. That HTB-504 will due a home system alright for you guys.

As for the people telling you there is no upgrade path, that's true, to a point, but the sound you get from this system, will probably blow your mind the first time you hear it.

Have fun, and let us know how you like it

NotThatGuy

I have the 504 system, great bang for the buck. But if you get closer to 600...you can get the infamous Take 5 speakers, sony sub, and your choice of receiver.....onkyo or outlaw i'd suggest, might go a little over the budget.

-pedagogue

CKMorpheus

Well I went to Sears last night and they were out of stock. But they had last years model, the 503. Should I just go with that or wait a week for them to be in stock? Is there any big difference?

Thunderball

I'm not aware of any real differences, but I may be wrong..

M i c h a e l

I'm confused, I thought you were looking for good sound?