NotThatGuy

So I am selling my old stuff (out of date, too big), and I'd like to replace it with a decent setup. I know $500 isn't much....but I'm hoping I can find something. I could care less about wattage or a great sub woofer (since I have neighbors). I know I'll be skimping at this price, though as long as I get a receiver that I can hook my PS3 and plasma to, I'll be okay.

Also, I'd rather small speakers, though BOSE need not apply.

I can wait for some deals, but I'm hoping to get something sooner than later.

Suggestions?

Spiky

We always suggest looking at Onkyo sets in that price range.
http://www.onecall.com/ProductSearch.aspx?N=252+1093

Superman07

Are you looking for surround sound or just a good HDMI receiver for the PS3 and some quality sound speakers (be it 2.1, 3.1 or 5.0)?

aktick

I would 2nd the Onkyo recommendation. Worth a look/listen in that price range.

And like Superman said, do you need surround sound, or would you consider a 2.1 type system (hell, even a 2.0)?

NotThatGuy

I'd consider a 2.1 system....though I'm not sure how much different it'd be from a 5.1 system....as I am use to the latter. Also, I found a Sony (?) system that seemed to get some decent reviews in the $500 range. I am not averse to buying the speakers and receiver separately....thinking of waiting for a refurb receiver. I've heard good things about the Energy Take 5 speakers...but those seem far too big.

I know I'm stuck on the money, but I'm hoping to use some craigslist profits to pay for my indulgence.

pat00139

Go to Best Buy and take a listen to the Yamaha YHT-290 setup (or, if they have it the 6028, which has slightly bigger speakers). It's got a decent receiver (the 6130) and some nice speakers. The big problem with that is that it doesn't do audio switching so if you want your games to come out of the speakers, you'll have to get a separate receiver and speaker system. You can always bypass this problem by using optical/coax cable for sound, though you won't get, for example, a PCM 5.1 track out of that.

Your best bet, like the others have said, is to get one of the Onkyo systems above.

Spiky

I would stay away from Sony audio, esp in the low end. Anybody giving those good reviews either have zero knowledge of what HT is supposed to sound like, or really low expectations like they just graduated from a 1981 mono TV.

NotThatGuy

Spiky....I've heard the same thing about Sony....which gave me pause. I am selling my old Sony receiver, and it was mediocre at best. I may take a trip out to best buy on Monday to get a better idea. I don't like the general idea of HTiB, but my budget pretty much requires it.

Raul3

yeah for that amount only onkyo.

I did that last year, it was $400 for the htib. Of course a couple of months after that I was looking to upgrade. But I guess you'd need to expend double that amount to get good sound with separates.
I'm using my htib with a ps3, xbox 360, hddvd player and cable box. The sound is really good.

NotThatGuy

It'd be for my PS3 and cable. It sounds like the onkyo system is the way to go then.

NotThatGuy

Okay some options (I'm looking at amazon.com because I have $25 GC + 3% back in pts). I don't need loud...I'd rather sound quality, and not too much bass....as I have neighbors downstairs.


Onkyo HT-S5100 7.1 $438

-Good specs and reviews
-It has an iPod dock and Sirius Ready (2 big bonuses for me).
-It is a bit large for me, and mounting 2 extra speakers isn't ideal...though 7.1 sound could be nice.


Harman Kardon CP 55 $599
-I found this at CompUSA on clearance (yes, still one open!) @ the same price...though I could avoid tax @ amazon.
-I don't need the dvd player, and I want to make sure I can just swap it out for my PS3.
-slick design


Sony BRAVIA Theater System (DAVHDX576WF) $499
-This is a more likely Sony option, and the "Micro" system they make is out
-wireless back speakers
-iPod dock
-portable speaker (S-Air?) for another room, I think
-5 disc player...though I'm not sure if there would be an issue of using my PS3 instead?

GreenMonkey

If you go to shoponkyo.com and create an account, you can see the club prices. They have Onkyo direct refurbs. I have a 5.1 receiver I got from there for $29 once and it always worked great (used to provide sound for my PC).


Good budget options for a bedroom setup:

HT-SR700 for $259

HT-SR600 for $189

HT-S3100 for $199

More expensive:
HT-S894 for $529 (has 2 in 1 out HDMI switching)

NotThatGuy

Thanks GreenMonkey for the info, I'll check it out.

Any feedback on my systems? Should I keep looking? One of my concerns is that I've read that some systems that come with a built in DVD player will not play 5.1/7.1 out from another source. I have a TV and PS3 that I'd like to have surround sound, not to mention BD....which I think limits me to newer systems.

Raul3

a) For the Onkyo you don't need to connect all the speakers, you can have only 5.1. I have almost the same model from 2 years ago and it sounds really good.

b) I love HK! Before the Onkyo I had separates, a Harman Kardon receiver and 5.1 speakers from Polk. That's the best sound I've had.

c) I've not heard good things about Sony.

NotThatGuy

Thanks Raul3.

I've been poking around in the AVS thread on HTiB Alternatives....and there are some interesting choices. I was toying with getting one of the Onkyo or H/K receivers, then maybe a Polk or comparable speaker setup. I've always liked Polk That would get me into the $700 range, but if it is a better setup....I don't mind. The only thing about that is the size of the speakers.

Another concern I have is running wires....I really like the idea of wireless rear speakers, though I'm not sure how much quality would suffer with that setup. Some HTiB setups have this option.

I would really like to get a setup that have speaker stands for some/all of the speakers. I can mount my back speakers, but I think the stands make things look nicer.

NotThatGuy

I went with the S5100. $438 (-$25 GC & 3% back on Amazon Card). F'ing standard shipping...I wish it was overnight or 2 day.