Help me choose my HTIB system!

[New-Blu-Blood]

Hey Guys,

I am thinking about upgrading to full surround sound but I am having trouble deciding between two home theater systems. I was thinking about buying the Sony HT-SS2300, but i recently came across the Onkyo HT-s5200. I like Sony because I feel they produce a quality product but I have heard that their HTIB systems are not that powerful. Is Onkyo a quality brand, and if so would you choose the Onkyo over the Sony? Thanks again for all you help

-Thanks
New-Blu-Blood

[Johnny Vinyl]

Can you provide the links of the 2 HTiB's you are considering? And what is their cost?

John

[New-Blu-Blood]

Here are the links:

The link for the Sony Product:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...300&CatId=3419

The link for the Onkyo Product:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...783&CatId=3419

[Johnny Vinyl]

First off I should say that I'm not a fan of HTiB's as a means of getting into a HT setup. I think there are better ways of approaching the matter, like starting with an A/V Receiver and 2 front speakers. However, let me address the 2 systems you are contemplating.

Hand over fist I'd go with the ONKYO system as it will allow you to upgrade your speakers in time. They have "binding posts" (speaker terminal type), whereas the SONY only has proprietory speaker terminal inputs. Avoid those types of systems, if you can.

I should also point out that these HTiB's DO NOT have the ability to handle HD Codecs (Dolby TrueHD & DTS HD Master Audio).

There are other things they don't do as well. I hope some of the guys will jump and make some recommendations that for a few dollars more will better satisfy you.

John

[repete66211]

Originally Posted by New-Blu-Blood

Here are the links:

The link for the Sony Product:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...300&CatId=3419

The link for the Onkyo Product:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...783&CatId=3419

No doubt about it, the Onkyo is the better system if for no other reason than it's centered on a receiver rather than a player. This means you can switch out your components as needed, adding DVD, Blu-ray, etc. It also has more connection options. However, I would encourage you to consider the Onkyo HT-S6100, 7100 or 9100. They are HDMI switchers, meaning you can send your audio and video via one HDMI cable rather than separate connectors.

[MaximusBlu]

I have the Sony HT-SS2300 and use it in a smallish bedroom. It works great there, but I am not sure I would have bought it if it was for a large room. I like the simplicity of it and the sound is fairly decent. I have a Sony Blu-ray player, Xbox 360, and my Time Warner HD Cable box connected to it all by HDMI cables and then run that right to my 40" Sony TV. So I have nothing but HDMI connections to worry about. At the time I was thinking that keeping it mostly Sony would be easier and the Sony remotes work with each device. Now I use a Logitech remote that I can control everything with so the remote issue is gone.

If you don't plan to upgrade speakers and you are using it in a small-medium sized room then the Sony isn't bad especially if you can get it on sale. I am not disappointed with my Sony HT-SS2300 purchase at all as it does the job for my room nicely.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

HTIB is always a way to spend more money than what you get in quality.

Although, I'm certain there is one with better quality than the other, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND putting that money towards individual components of a properly assembled system.

Speakers in the HTIB packages are often weak on their spectrum output. Subwoofers in HTIB packages are always less than favourable by comparison to what you could have with proper direction.

If it's immediacy you require, go with an HTIB. If you are looking to get the most out of your investment, buy components seperately.

[aramis109]

If you want an HTiB that is a nice bang for your buck and decodes all the HD audio codecs- try this one on for size:

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.asp...65-11SL-CINE70



I still personally think separates are better but you can't go wrong with Paradigm speakers and a nice little Yamaha receiver. There are lots of combos like that on 6ave.com- that one happens to be the cheapest.

[callas01]

^ that is a nice system, you can also check out this package

Yamaha and Energy