Entry Level Home Theater Challenge - Blu-ray Forum

quest88 · 01-05-2010, 01:53 AM

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 · 01-05-2010, 01:57 AM

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 · 01-05-2010, 02:09 AM

Quote:

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 · 01-05-2010, 02:16 AM

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.

quest88 · 01-05-2010, 02:19 AM

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.

ZIPPO · 01-05-2010, 02:27 AM

Quote:

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 · 01-05-2010, 02:30 AM

Quote:

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 · 01-05-2010, 03:11 AM

Got one more

Speakers

Klipsch 5.1 HDT300B 269.99 no tax free shipping at abt .

http://www.abt.com/product/40233/Klipsch-HDT300B.html

Not sure how they stack up against the polks.

Receiver

Sony 7.1 STR-DH800 269.99 no tax free shipping.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...ony-str-dh800#

Total about 540

ZIPPO · 01-05-2010, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest88

Got one more

Speakers

Klipsch 5.1 HDT300B 269.99 no tax free shipping at abt .

http://www.abt.com/product/40233/Klipsch-HDT300B.html

Not sure how they stack up against the polks.

Receiver

Sony 7.1 STR-DH800 269.99 no tax free shipping.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...ony-str-dh800#

Total about 540

Good combo, the SONY shouldn't have trouble driving those Klipsch.

csab · 01-05-2010, 05:15 AM

Check out my sig. It ran me about $625 (HK 254 refurb on ebay), just switch out the sub if it absolutely must be $550. I think its worth a little extra for a nicer sub though.

quest88 · 01-05-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csab

Check out my sig. It ran me about $625 (HK 254 refurb on ebay), just switch out the sub if it absolutely must be $550. I think its worth a little extra for a nicer sub though.

What was the break down of components . Also it doesn't have to be 550 but why not put something together that's as good if not better than an Onkyo 6200 system for less.

ZIPPO · 01-05-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest88

What was the break down of components .

| HK AVR 254 | Energy Take Classics | PA-120 Sub|

DavidAg02 · 01-05-2010, 04:17 PM

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 · 01-05-2010, 05:18 PM

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

quest88 · 01-05-2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

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

quest88 · 01-05-2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

| HK AVR 254 | Energy Take Classics | PA-120 Sub|

Price wise funny man.

ZIPPO · 01-05-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest88

Price wise funny man.

"Approximations"
HK AVR254( $225 to $250 )
Energy Take Classics( $125 to $150 )
PA-120( $229 to 250 )
total was $625

quest88 · 01-06-2010, 03:46 AM

I can't belive that the Klipsch 5.1 HDT300B that abt had went up so much in one day but that's how it is somtimes.

So to make up for it I'm hitting you guys up on another budget system.

Same Sony 7.1 receiver from vanns

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...ony-str-dh800#

269.98 free shipping and no tax

As others had recommended the Energy Take 5 Pack from Newegg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882269004

149.99 free shipping with tax

For the sub a clearance Yamaha 10-Inch Subwoofer YSTSW216BL

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...aha-ystsw216bl

87.21 free shipping and no tax.

Total minus wiring 515 - 520 depending on Tax from newegg.

quest88 · 01-08-2010, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAMP

I looked at your gallery and I think this combo would be perfect for you.

Denon AVR-590 for $206.99

Polk RM 6750 for $229.99

Now this is over your budget by a few bucks, but it will make you brag to anyone on how it sounds.

The Denon is a refurb, nothing wrong with refrub, ecost is a authorized dealer for Denon. This Denon has everything you need, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, 3 HDMI inputs and a lot more.

The Polk RM 6750 is a really nice system, I heard it and was going to get it and connect it to my Denon 789, but when my apartment got broken into my plans changed.

Hamp is the man

HAMP · 01-08-2010, 01:40 AM

lol....

I just read this, I guess you are about to buy a little something something?

I do like the combo on this myself, I like the Polk RM 6750's and Denon.

They just sold out the Denon 790.

01-05-2010, 01:53 AM	#1
quest88 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:San Diego CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:537	Entry Level Under 550 Dollar Home Theater Challenge 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. Last edited by quest88; 01-10-2010 at 07:16 PM.

01-05-2010, 01:57 AM	#2
ZIPPO Blu-ray Guru Member since:May 2008 Location:Columbus, Ohio Home Theater Gallery:148 Blu-ray collection:472 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:3	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. Last edited by ZIPPO; 01-05-2010 at 02:02 AM.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
New System at home for beginner / Entry level	Home Theater General Discussion	MasterSamurai	5	12-22-2009 10:25 PM
Need a rec for an entry level player...	Blu-ray Players and Recorders	Raymond23	2	10-22-2009 12:45 PM
Best entry level AV Receiver in your opinion ?	Receivers	Elandyll	22	08-07-2009 06:55 PM
Entry Level- Mid Level- High End Speakers Thread	Speakers	CRMA	155	04-05-2009 07:49 AM
Entry-level Turntable Decision	Vinyl and Old School Music	kefrank	65	03-27-2009 12:19 AM

01-05-2010, 02:16 AM	#4
KASR Expert Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Pornographic Movie Set Home Theater Gallery:36 Blu-ray collection:65	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.

01-05-2010, 02:19 AM	#5
quest88 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:San Diego CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:537	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.

01-05-2010, 03:11 AM	#8
quest88 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:San Diego CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:537	Got one more Speakers Klipsch 5.1 HDT300B 269.99 no tax free shipping at abt . http://www.abt.com/product/40233/Klipsch-HDT300B.html Not sure how they stack up against the polks. Receiver Sony 7.1 STR-DH800 269.99 no tax free shipping. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...ony-str-dh800# Total about 540

01-05-2010, 05:15 AM	#10
csab Active Member Member since:Dec 2009 Blu-ray collection:140 Blu-ray reviews:1	Check out my sig. It ran me about $625 (HK 254 refurb on ebay), just switch out the sub if it absolutely must be $550. I think its worth a little extra for a nicer sub though.

01-05-2010, 04:17 PM	#13
DavidAg02 Senior Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Houston, TX Home Theater Gallery:16 Blu-ray collection:46	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.

01-05-2010, 05:18 PM	#14
JCoffman Junior Member Member since:Dec 2009	i might just have to make a home theater for my room now.... pocket change theater!!!

01-06-2010, 03:46 AM	#18
quest88 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:San Diego CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:537	I can't belive that the Klipsch 5.1 HDT300B that abt had went up so much in one day but that's how it is somtimes. So to make up for it I'm hitting you guys up on another budget system. Same Sony 7.1 receiver from vanns http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...ony-str-dh800# 269.98 free shipping and no tax As others had recommended the Energy Take 5 Pack from Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882269004 149.99 free shipping with tax For the sub a clearance Yamaha 10-Inch Subwoofer YSTSW216BL http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...aha-ystsw216bl 87.21 free shipping and no tax. Total minus wiring 515 - 520 depending on Tax from newegg.

01-08-2010, 01:40 AM	#20
HAMP Banned Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Michigan Home Theater Gallery:13 Blu-ray collection:272 Trading Score:1	lol.... I just read this, I guess you are about to buy a little something something? I do like the combo on this myself, I like the Polk RM 6750's and Denon. They just sold out the Denon 790.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals