Decent home theater on a budget?
05-14-08 | 11:44 AM
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hero
Decent home theater on a budget?
Is it possible to get any kind of decent receiver/speakers on a budget of about $500? I live in a small one-bedroom apartment and I'm not looking for mind-blowing quality or anything. I'm just a bit disheartened as it seems that receivers alone can go for upwards of a grand.
I would like to be able to hook up my PS3, HD DVD player, and TiVo. Xbox would be nice, but is not a primary concern.
I would like to be able to hook up my PS3, HD DVD player, and TiVo. Xbox would be nice, but is not a primary concern.
05-14-08 | 12:01 PM
#3
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
As a fan of quality over quantity I would go with the following:
Klipsch 2.1 System ($135):
http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMed...0784332&sr=8-2
Onkyo 605 ($360):
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR605...0784298&sr=8-1
Total is right around $500 (I'm sure free shipping). Also the 605 will work with the PS3 and you'll get good use later on out of the 2.1 once you can get proper speakers for 2.1/3.1/5.1 (if you build gradually).
Klipsch 2.1 System ($135):
http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMed...0784332&sr=8-2
Onkyo 605 ($360):
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR605...0784298&sr=8-1
Total is right around $500 (I'm sure free shipping). Also the 605 will work with the PS3 and you'll get good use later on out of the 2.1 once you can get proper speakers for 2.1/3.1/5.1 (if you build gradually).
05-14-08 | 03:27 PM
#4
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You might want to look at the Sony HT-CT100. It comes with a soundbar and powered sub and has 3 hdmi inputs. It outputs virtual surround sound and would work great in a small apartment type room. The reviews on it have been really good. It sells for around $300.
05-14-08 | 03:56 PM
#5
DVD Talk Hero
I have a medium size apartment, nothing huge but it isn't too tiny.
I bought a refurbished Onkyo HTiB direct from Onkyo a few years ago and have zero complaints. Came with the receiver (no cosmetic damage, thing works flawlessly), sub, 5 speakers and wire. In all for about $150 shipped, I honestly can't complain in the least about it. It probably wouldn't match your needs (the quality is fantastic, but I only use it as an audio receiver, but I'd check them out: http://www.shoponkyo.com
Some people commented that they received a bad speaker, at which time Onkyo just sent them a complete new set (didn't require a return). AKA, good support.
I bought a refurbished Onkyo HTiB direct from Onkyo a few years ago and have zero complaints. Came with the receiver (no cosmetic damage, thing works flawlessly), sub, 5 speakers and wire. In all for about $150 shipped, I honestly can't complain in the least about it. It probably wouldn't match your needs (the quality is fantastic, but I only use it as an audio receiver, but I'd check them out: http://www.shoponkyo.com
Some people commented that they received a bad speaker, at which time Onkyo just sent them a complete new set (didn't require a return). AKA, good support.
Last edited by RichC2; 05-14-08 at 03:58 PM.
05-14-08 | 10:41 PM
#6
DVD Talk Hero
Standard recommendation for inexpensive speakers.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...Silver-/1.html
And as others have said, you can pick up an Onkyo 5.1 receiver for about $250 and you have a nice set up and not much money. Tho you would need to let your TV do the video switching.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...Silver-/1.html
And as others have said, you can pick up an Onkyo 5.1 receiver for about $250 and you have a nice set up and not much money. Tho you would need to let your TV do the video switching.
05-15-08 | 09:27 AM
#7
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Sdallnct
And as others have said, you can pick up an Onkyo 5.1 receiver for about $250 and you have a nice set up and not much money. Tho you would need to let your TV do the video switching.
What's the best way to hook up audio then? Optical?
