TimBisley

While I continue searching for the best/cheapest s-video cable, I'm considering finally purchasing a low-end (or used) surround system instead of continuing to suffer with the 2-channel stereo out of my TV's front speakers. Is it possible to get a decent sounding DTS amplifier and speakers for around $200?

I found the Sherwood RD-6108 5.1 DTS amplifier, which got a good review at http://www.epinions.com/content_109816090244 and KLH HTA-9706 6 piece speakers at Amazon.com. Combined total is over $200, but I'm still shopping around.

So any recommendations will be helpful.

NikePenguin

That is a pretty tight budget and I doubt you will get much for it. A better option might be to get a good pair of speakers first, then build a system around it when your budget allows. For example, get a good pair of mains, then add a center, then surrounds later, and finally a sub, if necessary. If you start with small mains, then you can use them as surrounds later, too.

bareva

I browse http://www.bestbuy.com almost daily and I've seen receivers around that price you might wanna check them out too. I am also searching for a receiver and a set of speakers, the only speaker that I have so far is a sony subwoofer that I bought in CC for $100.00 and it works great. I hooked the sub to the back of my dvd player and with the front speakers of my sony wega tv I must say i am very pleased with it. You might wanna try that instead...just with the sub alone you will definitely see the difference. good luck.

NaturalMystic79

I would spend a little extra and get an Onkyo HT. Best $400 I've ever spent.

renaldow

If you're stuck on the $200 I'd suggest checking out JVC. Their low end receiver is around $200 and full featured. I'd stay away from the Sherwood. Another option is to look at refurbed equipment.

drmoze

I'd really scrape up a few more simoleans and go with Mystic's suggestion above. The Onkyo will sound really nice and you won't be tempted to upgrade in a short time. It'll be worth it...

Joshic

It's really, really, really hard (read: impossible) to get anything decent for less than $400. Once you reach the $400 mark, you can get the Onkyo packages, which are a good sweet spot for the budget-minded buyer.

westerbergrules

Hears what I did on a similar budget:

Sherwood 6108 Receiver from ECost.com for $69 ($80 shipped). 65W w/ DD and DTS. Sony 75W sub from MySony.com for $80 shipped. That leaves $40 for the KLH 8" bookshelf speakers that are in this weeks flyer for $8 each, I think. I don't think the Sherwood is still available from ECost, but Sherwood is a great budget buy if you can find one.

TimBisley

I thank you all for your suggestions. I'm going to wait and get the Onkyo.

NikePenguin

In my area, Fry's Electronics often advertises the 5.1 Onkyo system for $349 and the 6.1 Onkyo system for $449.

emoxley

A friend got a real good deal at Sears the other day. He got a JVC system, that usually sells for over $500, for $249. It's really a decent entry level system. Small speakers, except nice size sub. It has a dvd player and the receiver. The receiver even has the inputs for a sacd/dvd-a player. It's a clearence item. I think, but not sure, that it's about a 100 watt per channel receiver, so it will handle bigger speakers. I was really surprised by it............

Mopower

Go to the Onkyo website and look for refurbished. I have a refurb system and have had zero problems for 6 months. I saved about $200 bucks over new.

NaturalMystic79

If/when you get your Onkyo system be sure to upgrade the flimsy speaker cables that are provided. I'd go with something thicker like 16 guage from Radio Shack or the like. This will lower your receiver temps and provide better sound response from your speakers.