Pioneer Home theatre system

[L.J.]

I recommend not going that route. I have buddies with systems exactly like that and they're having all kinds of problems. Sub rattling like crazy at high volumes and the unit goes into protect mode often. They're both speaking of upgrading. Walmart does have a 90 day return policy, so you can always try it out, if that's what you have your heart set on.

[caniac]

HTIB is certainly not the best route to go, but the price is pretty decent. I can't see any major differences between the two systems.

Just a warning: the speakers are going to be junk. BUT, in this case, the receiver is a pretty solid one (I have something similar and am very happy with it), so you can always buy some new speakers later.

If you're interested in other options, Onkyo has a similar system that I've heard a lot of good things about. At one point, it was 179 shipped:

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?...il=1&ext_war=0

[ambrosiaspen]

HTIB is certainly not the best route to go, but the price is pretty decent. I can't see any major differences between the two systems.

Just a warning: the speakers are going to be junk. BUT, in this case, the receiver is a pretty solid one (I have something similar and am very happy with it), so you can always buy some new speakers later.

If you're interested in other options, Onkyo has a similar system that I've heard a lot of good things about. At one point, it was 179 shipped:

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?...il=1&ext_war=0

Then what do you suggest I get for about $200? Walmart seems they way to go. They are cheap and cheap is what i can afford. I do not wish to buy online. But places like Circuit City, Best Buy, Walmart, Sams Club, Sears etc are good. Please help...

[Geoffcin]

Then what do you suggest I get for about $200? Walmart seems they way to go. They are cheap and cheap is what i can afford. I do not wish to buy online. But places like Circuit City, Best Buy, Walmart, Sams Club, Sears etc are good. Please help...

The only other choice would be a boom-box.

[paul_pci]

If this is going to be for use in college where is will be susceptible to being banged around, vomited upon, and.or stolen, then by all means go the cheapy route (but don't buy from Wal-mart as they're evil). However, after you graduate and settle into your own, perhaps more stable abode, please come back and inquire on what would be a more appropriate and fabulous sounding system.

[anamorphic96]

If you go mail order and dont have to have surround sound then go with these items. Plus it will be at your budget. Give or take 20 to 40 bucks. Maybe less who knows.

Pioneer - S-H253B - 80.00pr at Circuit City web site. 8" way speakers.
Onkyo - TX8011 - 89.99 at JR..com website. 50 watt 2 channel receiver.
Find a cheap 50 dollar DVD player and plug it in to the receiver.

Not the best equipment but it will sound better than a cheesy HTIB.

Just an option and food for thought.

[Defshep]

The Sony HTIB, available at most retail outlets for $199 seems to get good reviews. Some Radio Shacks (in my area) have an Onkyo 5.1 setup for $199! Just remember that most HTIBs have limited connectivity, so adding more components will be a problem. CC has a Pioneer vsx-515 you can get on sale for as low as $130. Just add a couple of bookshelves and a cheap dvd player. CC also has Pioneer bookshelves for around $30 a pair, a center channel for $50. Just get what you need for sound at this point. You can get a better sounding system by adding better fronts and moving the bookshelves to the rear later. At any rate, I believe buying almost any speakers separately will give you better results than the ones included in most budget HTIBs.