Is this a good deal, or is it simply too good to be true? Thanks in advance for your input.

http://www.heartlandamerica.com/HTML....asp?SKU=82883

They also have this Teac receiver that might be a possibility. What do you think of this one?

http://www.heartlandamerica.com/HTML...=1166&SKU=8059

And lastly, how about these KLH speakers for the Teac?

http://www.heartlandamerica.com/HTML...t.asp?SKU=8288

Sorry about the multiple product posts, but I'm always looking for an inexpensive way to break into a decent home theater system since I won't be able to get a really good one for at least another couple years. I don't want to get a crappy system, but when I see a deal, I have to check it out.

I had that Teac receiver and I liked it, it was loud and put out all kinds of bass. But I sold it because I wanted DD 5.1 and DTS.

You can do what I did and pickup a Pioneer VSX-d409, I've seen them on ebay for less than 150 US. It does 5.1 and DTS.

Or you could get that package, then sell the Pro Logic receiver and use that money to upgrade. And you still have the JBL speakers.

But either way you'll want a DD receiver sooner or later, might as well start with one.

Raptor, thanks for the input. I definitely want a reciever that can handle both DD and DTS. The JBL (the first system I posted) says "Dolby Digital/DTS Ready!" which made me suspicious.

The Teac claims to have Dolby Pro-Logic, Dolby Digital and DTS. Is that not correct?

I checked out the Pioneer you recommend. Looks like I could get that receiver for the same price or less than the Teac. Maybe that's my better choice. Can you recommend a good set of inexpensive speakers for that receiver?

Is this a good deal, I would say no based on the actual specs of the system (which heartlandamerica conveniently leave off)...


ESC 230

7 Piece Simply Cinema ® Dolby Digital Home Theater System Item Number: ESC-230
Complete powered Dolby® ProLogic® home theater sound system - just add TV Dolby Digital/DTS-Ready 6-channel direct inputs can be used with stand alone or built-in Dolby Digital (AC-3) or DTS decoders
2 analog inputs 90 watt (6 x 15w) total system power
Dolby ProLogic processor
Five 2-way video shielded satellites Satellites: 7 1/2' x 4 1/16" x 4 3/8" Bandpass subwoofer Subwoofer: 17 3/4"" x 7 3/4"" x 13 7/8""
System frequency response 35Hz - 20kHz
Full function remote control
Includes all connection cables and wires


Now, about how much are you willing to spend? Knowing this would make it much easier to determine if there is a reasonable system avaiable in your cost range.

Nowhere on that page does it claim to have anything other than Pro-Logic.

I can guarantee you that these speakers will not be sufficient. Even if you are looking for a bargain system, and you don't care about reference quality, these speakers will still fall short. They are fine for ambient music, but for the nuances of a surround sound movie soundtrack, you will be disappointed. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but you will need to buy something better than this.

At the very least, you will need to replace the center speaker; it will most likely cause listening fatigue because it is poor at reproducing dialogue clearly. Also, the subwoofer is passive, and small as well -- it will function in more of a woofer capacity than a subwoofer, and will not put out much volume without a separate amplifier.

Sure, it's only $80, but the novelty will wear off in about 6 weeks, and you'll probably have the desire to start replacing them. You might want to investigate the "next step up", depending on your budget. Something like the Kenwood HTIB would be a better investment.

Boot - Right now, IMO the best deal by far in your price range for a receiver is a refurb Onkyo 484. It has everything you need plus excellent sound and build quality. Only 55 wpc, but these are 55 real watts and it packs more power than most brands 100 watt receivers. I put Onkyo receivers in the same top tier as Denon and Marantz. You should be able to find this receiver for about $150-200 and it was an incredible deal at $299 new earlier this year.

KLH speakers are awful. You should spend at least twice as much on a 5.1 set of speakers as you spend on a receiver. I would start by getting a low end set of bookshelf speakers from a quality company and add the rest as you can afford them.

If it is DD/DTS Ready, then you will need to buy another component to upgrade it to DD/DTS. It will be much cheaper to just buy a receiver with it built in already.

No Problem Boot.

Here's what I use:

VSX-D409
Polk cs245i for the center $250 (All Prices are in Canadian)
Polk R10 Rears $125
Abstract Acoustics fronts (I have no idea who makes these or how much they cost. I got them with my TEAC)
Sony SA-wm40 $350.00

Put these all together and they sound amazing (or at least I think so)

Skar's advice is the best way to go, start with a two channel and work your way up if it's all you can afford.

That said, if you really don't want to do it that way and you just want HT then have a look at this:

http://www.directron.com/boston.html

It'a an all around better system than the JBL and at least has 5.1. The system you listed has only pro-logic. Here are some reviews: http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/S...uct_6951.shtml

I actually listened to this Boston system in a store once and if you just want HT on the cheap it will do what you want and sound OK. It's not the greatest, but there are worse ways to spend $250. The same site had it on sale last weekend for $199.99, so call them up and see if they will lower the price from $250.

Then consider this system. It's more money, but one of the best ways to go for an all around bargain system that doesn't sound like a bargain system :

Onkyo 484 $150 off ubid (I think Skar bought one from them...Skar?)

This psb Alpha A/V speaker setup($400):

http://www.yawaonline.com/psb5piecofht.html

Later add a Sony WAM40 sub for $150 if you want it.

This system sounds great for HT/music and won't leave you needing an upgrade in six months. You don't have to do it all at once, you can put it together slowly. I built a system for someone on the cheap using this:

Onkyo receiver
fronts: pair of Alpha A/V
Alpha Center
rears: Polk Audio R10 ($70/pair at Goodguys)

No sub yet. He's very happy enjoying the sound that he has now. In the future when he wants to upgrade he can add a sub and swap out the rears.

Sorry about the double posting method, but the topics broke up better this way as the $200 solution and the good sounding solution.

Yes, I paid $144. I love the receiver. The value is so good, its silly.

I also recommend finding a good deal on some PSB Alpha's. Combine the two and you get a system that will compete very well against many setups costing 2-5 times as much.

Sounds like it for $144...pun intended.

Yawaonline.com is an authorised dealer and has great service. Check out their AVSurvey ratings:http://www.audiosurvey.com/cgi-local...name=yawaaudio

We once found a pricing error that was later corrected, but they offered to sell us the item at the lower price.

Boot....while the price is right...the product isn't. You will be blowing your $180 because you will most likely want/need to upgrade soon after trying out the system. I'd give it a big pass...

I appreciate the excellent advice everybody. I'll take a big pass on the first systems I listed. I had a feeling it was a hunk of junk, but I saw the price and all the exclamation marks and had a momentary lapse of reason.