Best system for ~$700???

[bullion]

My uncle is looking to get a surround sound setup and wants to spend around $700 (will spend up to $850 if there is something much better for that price) What do you guys recomend? (It doesn't have to be a home theatre in a box....mixing and matching is fine) Thanks

[Norm Strong]

Tell your uncle to read Consumer Reports for Nov 2003. It's better information than you'll get here.

Norm Strong

[This Guy]

You really can't get anything too good for that much unless you go used. I can't say I agree with what Norm said, but I'm gonna reccomend the Onkyo HTIB system or the HSU ventrilquist system. Both are supposed to be very good for the money and all are less than his budget brand new. If he wants something better, scan ebay and audiogon every day for deals. If he's already got a dvd and receiver I'd check out these systems. http://ascendacoustics.com/Main/HT/2000mtx.asp

Joey

[dago52]

Check out av123.com they got the elt package for 899.00 and I have them and they are awesome.

[bullion]

Check out av123.com they got the elt package for 899.00 and I have them and they are awesome.

That setup looks pretty nice but I was hoping to get a reciever too for that price. Is there anything around that price that comes with a reciver (or something cheaper that gives me left over cash to buy a reciever)? Thanks

[TinHere]

That setup looks pretty nice but I was hoping to get a reciever too for that price. Is there anything around that price that comes with a reciver (or something cheaper that gives me left over cash to buy a reciever)? Thanks

FWIW they offer a package deal with a Denon 1804 for $1250. By all reports this is a great system for the money and will outperform the HTIB's. A little more upfront and you can get system that should satify you for awhile and compete with systems costing considerably more. Good luck.

http://forum.av123.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1097

[Umrswimr]

FWIW they offer a package deal with a Denon 1804 for $1250. By all reports this is a great system for the money and will outperform the HTIB's. A little more upfront and you can get system that should satify you for awhile and compete with systems costing considerably more. Good luck.

http://forum.av123.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1097
I agree with Tin...

BUt the $700 price point is a very difficult one. It can be done, but there are serious compromises... :(

[Invader3k]

I agree with Tin...

BUt the $700 price point is a very difficult one. It can be done, but there are serious compromises... :(

I agree, it's hard to have a price point like that, and get a receiver, DVD player, and all the speakers and come out with anything half decent.

If he is fixed on that price point and it needs to include a receiver, I'd go with one of Onkyo's packages. Check out www.onkyousa.com

If he is more flexible, maybe suggest going with a good receiver in the $300 range, like the Onkyo TX-501 or an equivalent Yamaho, for example? Then he can spend the rest on a _good_ pair of speakers for the main front ones. Later on he can save up and get a center, rears, and a sub (which is usually the most expensive speaker).

- Mason

[bullion]

I completely agree with you guys about it being a limitted budget. He just doesn't place as much importance on that stuff as you and I do. I'll keep looking around I guess. Thanks for your help thus far.

[46minaudio]

Bullion go to BB look at the Athena ASB1s you should be able to get 6 for $540.Sherwood also sells a DD/DTS receiver for $129.If you check the CC/BB sites you may be able to pick up a nicer one for under $200.Add a DVD player for under $100 and you are there..He will want sub at some point though...I think Parts Express has one for $129...This wont be to much over buget..IMO this set up will best a HTIB..If he gets into it he will also be able to upgrade any of the parts..

[Bryan]

What is the size of your uncle's room? This is important as it will dictate how much of the budget gets allocated to the sub, speakers, and receiver. Additionally, is your uncle a DIY person? Is he skilled with building bookcases, desks, etc. from scratch? If so, as far as a sub is concerned that would be the best way to go. This all being said, my suggestion (without knowing further details and assuming he has a dvd player):

Yamaha HTR-5630 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1058188139490&skuId=5786884&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03031) - $199 delivered. Good entry level receiver.
Fluance AV-HTB (http://www.fluance.com/fluanceavhtb.html) - $199 delivered. Don't laugh. Good, entry level speakers that will last and are designed for a small to medium sized room. Not the best in the world but you get what you pay for. Aside from that, this helps him to get this:
HSU STF-2 (http://www.hsustore.com/stf2.html) - $424 delivered. Basically the VTF-2 designed for max extension (if memory servers) mode. In HT it is all about the impact. Aside from that, he likely will never want nor need to upgrade this sub.
Cables - generic Radio Shack or HT speaker cable. He can pick up however much he needs.

Total - $822 plus the cost of cables for a fairly good entry level setup that should leave him satisfied. If he can build his own subwoofer or finds a used SVS, HSU VTF-2, or Adire Audio Rava that will bring the cost down.