http://www.800.com/prod.asp?p=5632&

Does this look any good as far as performance and value?

Dream system and HTIB should never be in the same sentense IMO.

Except in the context of "If you think this HTIB is any good, you're dreaming."

On a serious note, I guess the system is supposed to be okay but not a whole lot of volume. For $700, your money could be better spent.

This system sucks. I've actually had the displeasure of hearing it. The sub is TERRIBLE. I heard it bottom out about 5-6 times in 10 minutes while watching Lost in Space. The gain wasn't high at all. Also, a lot of detail is missing from effects, dialogue, etc. Not worth it.

thanks for nixaying the HTIB idea....so if you had 700 bucks what would you get in place of it?

Thats the problem...if you do not already have speakers you can probably only get 2 or maybe 3 OK fronts and an entry receiver.

If I had to say what to get with 700 bucks I would look to get the the JBL northridge 5 speaker combo online and then a cheaper receiver from Onkyo, Sony, or maybe HK (ubid or HK outlet store). Of course you will not have a sub, but you could always save for that later. I assume you have a DVD player but if you do not (since u were lookin at an all in one package it is tought to tell), check out the entry lines from Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic and Toshiba. You should be able to grab one of those for 125 bucks.

If you really like the sony system and have a small room it would not be the worst choice in the world, but you will probably want to upgrade if you hear anything better, so just go better to begin with.

J

Here's a decent sample system

JBL NSP1 5 Speaker Set (Yahoo Shopping)

Set of 5 speakers starts at $about 270

HK 500 @HK outlet

Last years second from the top receiver in theri line. Originally reatailed for 800 bucks... only $300 refurbed. If you have a problem with refurbs just look for a lower priced receiver, but anything you are going to get for 300 bucks will not hold a candle to this HK.

With the extra money you have give or take 50 bucks or so, you can pick up a good entry level DVD player maybe from one of the brands I mentioned above. This will blow away the Sony and give you room to upgrade, more power, cleaner sound and overall just better components.

J

This Sony system looks exactly like least year's system with a little different shape so they can call it a "new" system.

For $700 one could get real HT/music sound system: psb Alpha setup and an Onkyo receiver.

http://sql.onecall.com/PID_12060.htm

http://yawaonline.com/psb5piecofht.html

All brand new from authorized online stores with excellent reputations.

Nice deals. If you substitute a reburb Onkyo 484 from UBid you could save enough to get a Sony WM-40 sub for an awesome complete system for just over $700.

Wa-la. Your wish is my command:

http://sql.onecall.com/PID_12585.htm

Not quite as cheap as ubid, but it comes with a 1 year warranty vs. 90 days if that's important to you.