Entry Level Home Theater Challenge

[quest88]

Hey Bluray.com members. I am asking you guys to suggest an entry level HT for new members but like all challenges there are rules. The system in question needs to be at least a 5.1, have the ability to decode all new codecs and can be had for under 550 dollars minus wiring and blu ray player. Refurbs are more than welcome ! I know there are many of you who are awesome deal finders. I hope that all of us can have fun with this and the cheaper the better.

Please link stuff so others can see.

Lets see what happens.

RECAP:

1. At Minimum a 5.1 A/V Receiver that will do both DTS HD and TRUE HD Decoding ( New or Refurbished )
2. At Minimum 5.1 Speakers it doesn't matter if it's a whole package or pieced together ( New or Refurbished )
3. Links, links, links please.
4. List prices with equipment and total price of package
5. Wiring is not considered part of the price of the package
6. This is a entry level bare bones system, have fun with it.

Why the 550 dollar mark well many Onkyo HTiB can be had for a few bucks more so why not see if we can piece something together just as good if not better for cheaper.

[ZIPPO]

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=71252
Five speakers, sub, receiver & Blu-ray player for $550?
I would continue saving if that's the budget.

[quest88]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=71252
Five speakers, sub, receiver & Blu-ray player for $550?
I would continue saving if that's the budget.

No blu ray player needed, also I hadn't checked Driver Kings thread in awhile so MY BAD !

Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's horrible hence the whole entry level.

[KASR]

Harman Kardon AVR254 via H/K ebay store - auction usually ending under $250
Polk 5.1 speaker system RM6750 from newegg.com $229.99

The AVR254 has plenty of headroom, pre-amp outs for expansion and 5.1 inputs as well as all the HD audio codecs.

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by KASR

Harman Kardon AVR254 via H/K ebay store - auction usually ending under $250
Polk 5.1 speaker system RM6750 from newegg.com $229.99

The AVR254 has plenty of headroom, pre-amp outs for expansion and 5.1 inputs as well as all the HD audio codecs.

DITTO! I was about to recommend the same package.
http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_...34Q2ec0Q2em322

[KASR]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

DITTO! I was about to recommend the same package.
http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_...34Q2ec0Q2em322

Great minds think alike!

[quest88]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

Onkyo 507 249.99

Polk package that Driver had on his mega Thread

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=polk%20rm6750

229.99

Under 500 minus blu ray player and cables.

[DavidAg02]

Easy...

Onkyo TX-SR307 - Does 5.1 and all the new codecs plus HDMI up-conversion.
Can be found online for around $250 + free shipping.

For speakers, go with an Internet Direct company like:
http://www.thespeakercompany.com/
OR
http://hometheaterdirect.com/

From either of those you should be able to get a full 5.1 system for $250-$300 no problem.

[JCoffman]

i might just have to make a home theater for my room now.... pocket change theater!!!

[quest88]

Originally Posted by DavidAg02

Easy...

Onkyo TX-SR307 - Does 5.1 and all the new codecs plus HDMI up-conversion.
Can be found online for around $250 + free shipping.

For speakers, go with an Internet Direct company like:
http://www.thespeakercompany.com/
OR
http://hometheaterdirect.com/

From either of those you should be able to get a full 5.1 system for $250-$300 no problem.

The 307 does not do dts-hd or true hd

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i

[BarkingGhost]

Originally Posted by quest88

Hey Bluray.com members. I am asking you guys to suggest an entry level HT for new members but like all challenges there are rules. The system in question needs to be at least a 5.1, have the ability to decode all new codecs and can be had for under 550 dollars minus wiring and blu ray player. Refurbs are more than welcome ! I know there are many of you who are awesome deal finders. I hope that all of us can have fun with this and the cheaper the better.

Please link stuff so others can see.

Lets see what happens and mods if this is in the wrong area I apologize in advance.

Why the 550 dollar mark well many Onkyo HTiB can be had for a few bucks more so why not see if we can piece something together just as good if not better for cheaper.

First, what is the definition of theater? To me, it is a dedicated space for the specific use, and an environment designed to offer greatest benefit toward that use. As such, a theater isn't the supermarket, the retail electronics showroom, etc.

The analogy, here, is that a theater in the home wouldn't be the kitchen, family room, etc., but a dedicated space. Once that is accepted then maybe one can go about filling that dedicated space.

And entry level dedicated space doesn't mean a room addition. I was able to convert a 12' by 12' aux. bedroom to a dedicated space. Light control was implemented, interior surfaces designed to focus what was on the [projection] screen, and then I added the electronics.

Of course, this is all based on what I think a theater is to me in my home. Surely that will differ from one person to the next. Heck, even the public pillboxes aren't theaters. More like teenage daycare.

[Icedburden]

For your cables go to monoprice.com. Great quality and super cheap.

[quest88]

Originally Posted by BarkingGhost

First, what is the definition of theater? To me, it is a dedicated space for the specific use, and an environment designed to offer greatest benefit toward that use. As such, a theater isn't the supermarket, the retail electronics showroom, etc.

The analogy, here, is that a theater in the home wouldn't be the kitchen, family room, etc., but a dedicated space. Once that is accepted then maybe one can go about filling that dedicated space.

And entry level dedicated space doesn't mean a room addition. I was able to convert a 12' by 12' aux. bedroom to a dedicated space. Light control was implemented, interior surfaces designed to focus what was on the [projection] screen, and then I added the electronics.

Of course, this is all based on what I think a theater is to me in my home. Surely that will differ from one person to the next. Heck, even the public pillboxes aren't theaters. More like teenage daycare.

I believe you are referring more to an Dedicated Home Theater room. With that being said, new people starting out in the Home Theater experience may not be able to take the plunge into a dedicated room. At the very least this is a start, while maybe not the best start it is better than HTiB in the same price range with only a very few exceptions.

[Elvis Is Alive]

You are not going to get an adequate sub in that price range. I would suggest getting a 5.0 system and add sub later as funds allow. Check out the fluance speaker sets at $199 and $299.

[nugent]

Originally Posted by Elvis Is Alive

You are not going to get an adequate sub in that price range. I would suggest getting a 5.0 system and add sub later as funds allow. Check out the fluance speaker sets at $199 and $299.

I think you are missing the point of the thread. Read the post prior to yours.

[lojack1976]

How about THIS Pioneer VSX-519V-K for $205.99, THESE Jamo speakers for $249.88, and THIS sub for $120. This puts its slightly over budget at $570, but its all new equipment.