Home Theater on a budget

[Blisster]

Hey all, I'm in need of a new surround sound setup as my old one is tired.
Can anyone recommend some good systems for movie fans with a low-budget? I will be using my current DVD player for both video and audio playback and while an AM/FM tuner would be nice, it's not nescessary.

Thanks :thumb:

[EvilAngel]

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient-menuext&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22Home+Theater+on+a+budget%22

All kinds of em :)

[Blisster]

okay smart-a$s....
I was hoping someone could recommend me something that they have or have had and could vouch for :P

[EvilAngel]

okay smart-a$s....
I was hoping someone could recommend me something that they have or have had and could vouch for :P


I know.. :D

But it is a great alternative. :p

I am looking myself anyways. :) So I'll be checking out this thread as well :D

[brembo]

Define low-end.

[RoscoPColtrane]

Mine was really cheap but sounds pretty good. Its the 200 dollar sony one from best buy. I think it has 420 watts. Its got the dts too! Not too shabby in my book! :thumb:

[downhill]

Dang...I just typed out a response and lost it... :rotfl:

Axiom Speakers....the lower end and these get good reviews..
http://www.axiomaudio.com/epicmaster.html

This company I'm somewhat biased for.....Onyx....and for good reason..

If you need a receiver, this package includes one...I believe they use Denon...

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=37.1

Just the speakers....

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=31.1

Lower end for smaller rooms...

http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=20

Both companies listed above are internet only...Both have excellent service and you save quite a bit compared to the traditional audio companies since there isn't a middle man......A draw back is that once you order, you have to pay to ship back if you don't like them. Both have forums. This way since you live in a big place you could ask for an audition if someone in your area owns the products you want to hear.

If you have a Ultimate Electronics or Circuit City, Best Buy, you could ask about 5.1 systems in your price range and give them a SERIOUS listen...

If your interested in spending more money, then of course, both online retailer listed above sell better speakers...

[JawZ]

Mine was really cheap but sounds pretty good. Its the 200 dollar sony one from best buy. I think it has 420 watts. Its got the dts too! Not too shabby in my book! :thumb:


The only thing that I'd like to know is how the sub performs. Does it sound good? Shake the living room floor?

[JawZ]

Define low-end.


Not low end but rather low budget.

How much money you wanna spend Blisster?

[YARDofSTUF]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6SarSDLoOO7/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=13&g=132150&I=108TSS450P&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=

That looks good, but what is the price range for you?

Wish I could find the panasonic setup I bought, the sub ****ING rocks!

[ScottE]

[url]Wish I could find the panasonic setup I bought, the sub ****ING rocks!


So does my bass guitar amp.:D

[Bouncer]

The Onkyo 5.1 or 6.1 systems. I have a 5.1 system and it works very very well.

The nice thing is, these are sleeper units, so they can frequently be had on sale.

Regards,
-Bouncer-

[RoscoPColtrane]

The only thing that I'd like to know is how the sub performs. Does it sound good? Shake the living room floor?

Truthfully im not sure...i usually don't have it up too much...Mainly use it for movies and they get annoying too loud! I could try it out...give me a minute...

[Blisster]

not low end, jsut low-priced. I know it's hard to define. I have a decent progressive scan DVD player and a Sony WEGA 36" (top of the line model about 2 years ago, the XBR series) so I'd like to find a nice compact out-of-the-box surround setup to go with it. I had an AIWA 5.1 Dolby surround system that rocks with the sub-woofer, but the speakers are just ugly and the system is old and tired. Preferably something small enough to fit in my TV console so I don't have to have another cabinet and I'd like something with small speakers that i can mount up in the corners of the room.
I'm hoping to spend less than $500. $350 would be nice. I know it's asking alot but I've seen some decent sounding systems in this range, just looking for some opiniosn(how did I know I could get some here :D )

[brembo]

So you need sub/mains/surround and a amp-processor for 350-500? Yikes.

Might wanna hit Ubid or something and try and score some deals. That kinda cash is not gonna build something that'll sound very good in a room with any size. The amp/processor alone is gonna run ya 250-300 for one with the necessary bits to run 5.1.

[RoscoPColtrane]

I wouldn't call the sub with my set up LOAD! it gets the job done for me tho. Probobly be disappointed if you went this route if thats what you are looking for!

[Chris]

So you say you have an AIWA 5.1 and crap speakers.
Look into upgrading to some good speakers and speaker cable first. That will make huge improvments and will hold for a future upgrade to the reciever.
Have a look at Paradigm or others, By taking it a step at a time and getting better components you will be less likley to have buyers remorse, now or in the future.
Now if were me, I would spend the present budget on front and Center Speakers in a line that you will be able to pick up a match for rears at a later date. Then the reciever at an even later date.

The set below if you drop the sub would be in your price range, add the sub later.
Paradigm is given rave reviews world wide, the sound is tight and all components are built in house here in Canada. I have their PDR 12 Sub, CC270 Center, another year and I will be selling off my Bose 301's and 201's to go to Paradigm fronts and rears

http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/paradigm_cinema70.htm

http://www.paradigm.ca/