All in One systems

[TruSorrow]

I'm looking to get surround sound but was wondering if the all in one systems are worth it or a waste of time? here is a example of what i was looking at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218098557911 any help is greatly appreciated. I dont really know alot about sound systems i looked in the virgin thread this has the true hd but i always thought i needed a reciever.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by TruSorrow

I'm looking to get surround sound but was wondering if the all in one systems are worth it or a waste of time? here is a example of what i was looking at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218098557911 any help is greatly appreciated. I dont really know alot about sound systems i looked in the virgin thread this has the true hd but i always thought i needed a reciever.

The all in one systems (HTIB) are simple and a good option for beginners. However, they can never compete with a good receiver and separate set of speakers. If you buy an HTIB now, you may regret it in a few months and decide that you may want to upgrade. If you don't have the money, you can be patient and buy them step by step.

The first step should be to buy a Blu-ray player. The new Sony PS3 for less than $300 is the best and most complete option for playing CD, DVD, Blu-ray, and playing games. There are several good BD players for under $200, but they are not as flexible as PS3. I assume you already have a TV with HDMI or component inputs.

Next on your agenda should be to buy a good 7.1 receiver that has HDMI input/output and supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA. Almost any low to mid level receiver from Onkyo, Pioneer Elite, Marantz, Denon, Sony ES, Yamaha, Sherwood, Harmon Kardon will be more than satisfactory for your needs.

After the receiver, you can buy 5 good speakers. Brands such as Polk, Energy, Klipsch, PSB, JBL, Infinity, Mirage, and lower priced Definitive Technology offer you good performance without sending you to the poor house.

The final step should be to buy a subwoofer. Acoustic Audio has many good options from $100 to $200. Premier Acoustics is a little higher around $250. If you stretch your budget over $300, you can buy a very good subwoofer from Elemental Designs. Once you go over $400, you can include SVS, AV123 or Hsu subwoofers.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Originally Posted by TruSorrow

I'm looking to get surround sound but was wondering if the all in one systems are worth it or a waste of time? here is a example of what i was looking at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218098557911 any help is greatly appreciated. I dont really know alot about sound systems i looked in the virgin thread this has the true hd but i always thought i needed a reciever.

DON'T DO IT!!!

Either spend more money right away and get yourself a good setup of individual pieces or spend your current budget on a good receiver and good front speakers which can be added onto later. I went the HTIB route myself at first and, although it was impressive, I quickly discovered how much I was missing out on. I ended up spending $800 on an HTIB only to spend the money on good equipment less than a year later. I could have just spent $2000 in the first place instead of $2800!

YES... I DO SEE THAT EXPERIENCE AS A WASTE OF $800!

I recommend:
Onkyo reciever (best value for the price tag)
Bowers & Wilkins speakers (high quality at reasonable pricing - the M1 series are compact and punch with a wallop!)
Subwoofer is your own discretion. I stuck with a Bowers & Wilkins to match the speakers, but that cost me a pretty penny compared to other speakers on the market of equal quality.
MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! ORDER ALL CABLES FROM www.monoprice.com!!! THIS CANNOT BE EMPHASIZED ENOUGH!!! You will save yourself some serious $$$ this way and get cables that will work fantastically.

[syncguy]

Yes I agree with Big Daddy and Petra_Kalbrain, if you spend too much on a HTiB then you would definitely regret - it is a waste.

However, I know some people spent small amount on HTiB for a cheap set and has used it for a year or so before upgrading. This depends on your budget. You need to draw a line somewhere to make a decision after considering the budget, waiting time, satisfaction that you could get from a low end HTiB etc. The system that you are looking at is far more expensive for this upgrade path.

[repete66211]

If you watch many movies you really should go with separates. First, a Blu-ray player, second a receiver and third a set of speakers. You will have a much better home theater experience that way, but you will also have more options when it comes to connecting other devices. You will also have more flexibility when it comes to expanding or customizing your setup.

If you're like many of those on Blu-ray.com you will soon fall subject to "upgraditis". This is a mental condition wherein you begin to get a nagging feeling that your home theater is not what it could be. Symptoms include casually looking around online for bigger and better speakers. I started with an Onkyo receiver and a Polk satellite speaker system. They hadn't even begun to gather dust before I noticed symptoms of the dreaded upgraditis. If you get this HTIB you are far more likely to catch the condition than if you had bought separate components as the others have suggested.

Good luck with whatever you do.

[Chordata]

I've had a HTIB for 8 years and it works perfectly fine for me. Glad I spent only $500 on it.

[syncguy]

Originally Posted by O_V_N

I've had a HTIB for 8 years and it works perfectly fine for me. Glad I spent only $500 on it.

I thought this would be the case for some (based on my personal experience).

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by Gregdill

Everybody has to like nice home theater with all latest facility. Home theater made your home more beautiful and attractive.

What?