HTiB vs. Slow Build for HT newcomers

[Uniquely]

This was touched upon a little bit in an earlier thread, so I thought I would make a new thread to discuss it more.

So often we see people who are very new to HT ask about recomendations about this or that HTiB. They are most often told that they should avoid any HTiB like the plague, and purchase higher quality separates piece by piece. I think that for some people that are new to HT, this can be somewhat intimidating advice and may actually scare them away from making the leap into surround sound. Others of course may see that as wise advice, and choose to go that route.

I just want, for a moment, to play devil's advocate to the idea that it is always bad to start out with an HTiB.

Sure, people who start off with an HTiB may find themselves wanting to upgrade, but as I said in the other thread; that is pretty much true for most of us most of the time... even those of you with top tier systems But a good quality HTiB can provide a great starting point for someone who is just getting into HT audio. They can enjoy the world of surround sound immediately without having to build a system slowly, piece by piece.

When using their HTiB, they will be able to learn about how important speaker placement can be, what the different audio modes do, and perhaps most importantly..... what kind of sound they are looking for in their HT. They can use this time to research their upgrades more fully.... not feeling like they are rushed to complete their system.

A HTiB with a decent receiver is easily upgraded by swapping out the speakers as they can afford to do so. When they are done upgrading the speakers, they can then upgrade the receiver; and then they are left with a second complete surround sound sytem that can be used in another room, or sold to recoup some of the costs of the upgrades.

I'm just saying that instead of coming off so staunchly anti-HTiB.... it may be better to present newcomers with both options. Slow build with higher quality components, or start with an upgradable HTiB and upgrade as they can. There are advantages and disadvantages with both ways.... so just lay them all out and let the new enthuisast decide.