Need help on budget A/V choices

[toddr78]

Hey all...I'm helping a family member set up a basic home theater.

I'm working with a limited budget and need to make some solid choices...any help is greatly appreciated.


Need to choose the following (approximate budget allocated):

50 - 55" LCD ($1500-$1800) - they don't want plasma

Blu-ray player - netflix capable ($200) - also any advice on how to set up with wifi

A/V Receiver ($300-$400) - basic receive that supports both TrueHD and DTS-HD

Please include any links, etc....greatly appreciated!

[toddr78]

Oh yeah...and it goes without saying, I'm not dealing with Audio/Video-philes.

[Kryptonic]

Not sure about the LCD or BD player. You really should convince them to go with plasma. Much better picture quality and reliability as I'm sure you know.

Samsung BD players seem to work well with Netflix from what I hear.

As for the receiver, the new Onkyo 507 seems to be a perfect fit at around $300-$350.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...l/-/B001VEI290

[toddr78]

any other suggestions out there? ...awfully quiet

[Badboyztn]

Harman Kardon AVR 254

Originally Posted by toddr78

any other suggestions out there? ...awfully quiet

[langn08]

Don't let Kryptonic's plasma fanboy attitute sway you, apparently he can not read. If LCD is what they want, then look to samsung or Sony.

Samsung LN52A630 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz-- $1,599
http://www.shopdigitalonline.com/pro...productid=3925

Samsung - 55" Class / 1080p / 120Hz / LCD-- $1,899
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218076126907

Sony - BRAVIA / 52" Class / 1080p / 120Hz / LCD HDTV-- $1,779
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218062425828


YAMAHA 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver RX-V465-- $329

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882115194

[repete66211]

TV: Samsung 52"

Last year's model with 120Hz refresh - $1,699.88

This year's model with 60Hz refresh - $1,519.00

Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR507 - $344.00

Blu-ray player: Check the CNET reviews. Being a CNET fanboy and desciple I'd go with the Samsung 3600 or the LG 390, letting price be the determining factor. You're going to spend at least $300 if you want Netflix though.

Devices capable of streaming Netflix: Roku Digital Video Player, Xbox 360, LG BD370, LG BD390, Samsung BD-P1600, Samsung BD-P2500/2550, Samsung BD-P3600, Samsung BD-P4600 or a TiVo HD DVR.

You don't ask about speakers, so I assume you have those already.

Re WiFi: I'm a dummy, so I just followed directions. Setting it up was a challenging experience, but it's been working well (with periodic hiccups) for about a year and a half now.

[toddr78]

Speakers too....oops...5.1 system...but I need small/satellite front & surrounds.

[devilfan9500]

Trouble is speakers are what costs the most!!! For that i suggest the onkyo htib it has it all reciever, speakers,the works you may have to sacrifice on the size of the lcd but i suggest you take a look at the onkyo htib's they are quality stuff at a fair price definately suggest the samsung for the blu-ray and netflix stream. good luck

[Kryptonic]

Originally Posted by langn08

Don't let Kryptonic's plasma fanboy attitute sway you, apparently he can not read. If LCD is what they want, then look to samsung or Sony.

The OP owns a Panasonic plasma, so I'm pretty sure he knows which one's better.

Perhaps if he explains that they can get a great quality plasma for much cheaper than a comparable LCD and that it will feature better blacks, colors, etc. they might be persuaded.

But Sony and Samsung LCD's are good if you absolutely must have an LCD.

Todd, is there any particular reason they want LCD?

[devilfan9500]

you can check this out for the tv http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889253177
he said he was not dealing with video or audiophiles so lets think cheap here and with some quality

[devilfan9500]

heres my suggestion for the reciever speakers http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S6100.../ref=de_a_smtd and if you live close to nyc j&r has it for $549

[repete66211]

If you need speakers to, perhaps the Onkyo TX-SR507/Klipsch HD300 ($599.99) or the more substantial Yamaha RX-V465/Klipsch HD500 ($679.95) bundles will interest you.

Gets expensive doesn't it?

[toddr78]

No clue why they want LCD...I stopped in the local Best Buy and for the price and picture, plasma is the way to go (even though looking at 50 displays next to one another with a signal split so many times it all looks like shit).

LCD appeared too grainy compared to the plasma's I saw. Plus I have a Panny that I absolutely love.


For speakers, I think I narrowed it down...(although everyone keeps mentioning Onkyo)

http://www.amazon.com/Mirage-NANOSAT-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B000FBPH2K/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248219798&s r=1-29

Or

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-CS6100BG-Complete-6-Piece-Theater/dp/B000O7LEG8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248219707&s r=1-13


Thoughts?

[Audiophile_At_Birth]

For the speakers, I like that Mirage package.

[devilfan9500]

for that price you should go with repete's yamaha klipsh deal better speakers imo. and you get the reciever to boot.

[devilfan9500]

try fluance.com there quality speakers at an unbeatable price you just need to add a sub and you can get a great one of those anywhere.

[toddr78]

Thanks to all that have responded thus far.

I'm struggling with the speaker system choice. I'd prefer to keep the budget between $300 - $400, so I can step them up to the Samsung 3600 Blu player based on the budget.

I'm reading that the Mirage Nanosats are great for little speakers, but mixed reviews on handling music.

They are looking for satellite sized systems that will be wall mounted, and specifically mentioned no tower speakers. Also, a receiver is not needed since one was picked up already.

Any further suggestions?

[devilfan9500]

todd if you are not sqeemish about refurb try harmon audios ebay store great bargains there and there speakers are awsome i also believe you can buy direct refurb from harmon i'll get the link and post it for you. http://www.harmankardon.com/category...S&Language=ENG
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/harman...Q_fromZQQ_ipgZ
http://electronics.shop.ebay.com/ite...ker%2520System

[nightwolf2369]

I just picked up the receiver in my sig for a lil over $300 and I love it. Decodes all the HD audio sources and really pushes out some good sound to my fronts. I think it was well worth the purchase!