Looking For Cheap Home Theatre In A Box

[Peterpack]

I've never been a huge audiophile, i've actually been always happy with standard tv speakers plus my tv room isn't that big .

I've just got a new 50inch Pana plasma and feel i need to put some effort into getting some sound.

I'm after a cheap (500-600 bucks) home theatre in a box solution. Preferably with rear speakers which are wireless.

Any suggestions ?

[Andre281503560612]

I bought a pioneer home theatre in a box set up some time ago. I still have it in my bedroom connected to the TV and also use them as my PC speakers and have really found it quite good. Pioneer have a range of different models out right now in your price range, not sure about wireless rears though.

[natrat]

My local Harvey Norman (Noosaville) has one Sony CP400 system reduced from $1499 to $599. It's this:

http://www.sony.com.au/homecinema/homecine...amp;term=cp400s

STRDE400S receiver (80wx5, component input/output, mic setup)

SSSFCR505HPK 5.1 speaker system

Seems like a pretty great deal to me (for a newb on a low budget like myself) and am thinking about grabbing it. Any opinions?

nat

[natrat]

Oh it does raise a question I have which I couldn't find in the FAQ's - is there a real quality difference between the types of speaker connectors, as the receiver above has spring clips and I see most people denigrate them in favour of the posts. In the $500 AV receiver bracket is there likely to be a noticeable difference in quality? May be I should post a new thread for this q.

[the-austrian]

I think you'll find that everything in the $400-$1000 range sound pretty much the same... regardless of connection types!

[natrat]

I think you'll find that everything in the $400-$1000 range sound pretty much the same... regardless of connection types!

You're probably right. Here is my current dilemma...

I have maybe $600 - $700 to spend. There is absolutely no way around that at this point in time and I'm unlikely to have a bigger budget any time in the near future (bub due next week), and I can't wait. I've been listening to my music collection through a LCD TV speaker for waaay too long and I'm not listening to music as much as I used to because it sounds so bad. This is a terrible state of affairs and must be remedied immediately. So...

I can buy a HTIB setup like the heavily discounted Sony one above which seems like a great deal - 5.1 system inc floorstanding fronts and a receiver with the helpful mic based setup (did I mention I'm a newb). This has the advantage of being cheap and providing what to me will be a pretty good sounding full 5.1 solution in one hit.

Or, I have a friend who can send me over a set of Mission fronts (71E) and centre speaker (49C) for the cost of shipping only (maybe $150) and spend the remaining $500- $600 on a knockdown but good qual entry level receiver from Ebay like a Onkyo 502 or Pioneer VSX816. This seems to me to be a better long term decision as if I got the Pioneer receiver it could reasonably drive better speakers when I have the budget for them down the track. But, I've no idea how far down the track that is so maybe the complete sony system is a better bet right now, and even if i have to replace the lot later on i've only spent $599?

I have no idea what would be the better deal in terms of sound quality - or would it even be noticable at this price point?

nat

PS. sorry Peter i may have hijacked your thread

[Nolz]

Just a little something else to throw into the mix. I'm sure it would be more gratifying that most HTIB solutions. Stumbled across this previously and it seems to fit your budget. However it does rule out your wireless speaker preference and has a different aesthetic appeal.

http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/yam_speakers.htm

Edited April 9, 2007 by Nolz

[Nevyn72]

You're probably right. Here is my current dilemma...

I have maybe $600 - $700 to spend. There is absolutely no way around that at this point in time and I'm unlikely to have a bigger budget any time in the near future (bub due next week), and I can't wait. I've been listening to my music collection through a LCD TV speaker for waaay too long and I'm not listening to music as much as I used to because it sounds so bad. This is a terrible state of affairs and must be remedied immediately. So...

I can buy a HTIB setup like the heavily discounted Sony one above which seems like a great deal - 5.1 system inc floorstanding fronts and a receiver with the helpful mic based setup (did I mention I'm a newb). This has the advantage of being cheap and providing what to me will be a pretty good sounding full 5.1 solution in one hit.

Or, I have a friend who can send me over a set of Mission fronts (71E) and centre speaker (49C) for the cost of shipping only (maybe $150) and spend the remaining $500- $600 on a knockdown but good qual entry level receiver from Ebay like a Onkyo 502 or Pioneer VSX816. This seems to me to be a better long term decision as if I got the Pioneer receiver it could reasonably drive better speakers when I have the budget for them down the track. But, I've no idea how far down the track that is so maybe the complete sony system is a better bet right now, and even if i have to replace the lot later on i've only spent $599?

I have no idea what would be the better deal in terms of sound quality - or would it even be noticable at this price point?

nat

PS. sorry Peter i may have hijacked your thread

Just wait for the baby bonus cheque to arrive!

Seriously though, that Sony package is a good starter option and you wont be too upset when babies do what babies ineviatbly do to high quality fittings and fixtures!

[Nevyn72]

Just a little something else to throw into the mix. I'm sure it would be more gratifying that most HTIB solutions. Stumbled across this previously and it seems to fit your budget. However it does rule out your wireless speaker preference and has a different aesthetic appeal.

http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/yam_speakers.htm

That's the speakers but what about the amp?

[the-austrian]

Natrat,

From what you're saying, regarding music listening and what not, you may be better off going for a cheapish 2 channel system. It will sound much better than a very cheap 5.1 system, despite the lack of additional channels. Then, you can add extra speakers and a 5.1 receiver/amp over time.

Edit: That budget of $500-$600 makes it tough though... no matter what you get - 5.1, 2.0, 2.1 - it's all gonna sound the same

[Nevyn72]

Natrat,

From what you're saying, regarding music listening and what not, you may be better off going for a cheapish 2 channel system. It will sound much better than a very cheap 5.1 system, despite the lack of additional channels. Then, you can add extra speakers and a 5.1 receiver/amp over time.

Edit: That budget of $500-$600 makes it tough though... no matter what you get - 5.1, 2.0, 2.1 - it's all gonna sound the same

At least that Sony package is a discontinued model with an original RRP of $1500.......

[natrat]

At least that Sony package is a discontinued model with an original RRP of $1500.......

That's my hope, that the $1000 I'm not paying will still show up in sound quality. Although I know it is Sony and their component prices are ofte not realistic to the quality you are getting.

[nis200979]

Panasonic SCHT545 RRP $499, decent sound, all in one package

Pioneer HTZ131? (RRP $499), probably slightly less SQ than Panasonic, but USB In, nice gimmick for handling music

Sony HTDDW720 $599 Great 5x130w amp with component inputs, decent sub and pretty good movie performance from the crappy looking small satelites. This is a proper amp, so a seperate DVD player is required. This will run much larger speakers ok, and has 2 optical and 1 coaxial inputs. The HTIB solutions first listed have only 1 analogue (L/R) input. Pretty crappy really.

Yamaha YHT175 is also $599 with arguably a better amp (supports A/B switching-run 2 sets of speakers from 1 amp, good for alfresco and living room) but the speakers are pretty flat in the high end compared to Sony.

Sont HTDDW880 HTiB for $899 RRP has 2xHDMI switching, bigger half-bookshelf speakers, and a 7.1 ampx130w. This is as much as I would spend on HTiB as a NAD amp can be had for around $600 plus speakers.

[natrat]

Yamaha YHT175 is also $599 with arguably a better amp (supports A/B switching-run 2 sets of speakers from 1 amp, good for alfresco and living room) but the speakers are pretty flat in the high end compared to Sony.

Sont HTDDW880 HTiB for $899 RRP has 2xHDMI switching, bigger half-bookshelf speakers, and a 7.1 ampx130w. This is as much as I would spend on HTiB as a NAD amp can be had for around $600 plus speakers.

I saw both these in Harvey Norman for the RRP but the yamaha speakers look a little dodgy (that plastic silver looks old and crappy real quick). Also HDMI switching isn't a big plus for me as I only need to plug the HTPC in via HDMI which is already on the TV (the HTPC is the DVD player and main music source, I have only one games console and no other sources atm). Plus the WAF and room layout prevents a 7.1 system.

The Sony kit I mentioned on sale for $599 down from $1499 still sounds like the speakers are going to be much better? (5.1 with floorstanding fronts) The speaker kit alone usually sells for $999.

I know at this price level there's not a huge amount of difference but would a sony kit at RRP $1499 (although end of line) outperform/sound better than a Yamaha HTIB at $599?

I guess the only true way to tell is to go take some CDs in and get them to plug some stuff in.

nat

[gtr73]

My only advice about buying home theatre (whether in a box or whatever) is don't let anyone - any salesman, any friend or anyone on this forum - tell you the speakers or brand you should get. Whatever sounds fanastic to your own ears is what you should get. Everyone's ear is different so if a cheap system sounds fanstastic, get it.

Nothing worse than some sales pratt trying to preach a specific brand and don't consider anything else.

Take your favourite CD along shopping and ask to try it out on a few systems in your price range. You'll probably find something you like the sound of most, above all others.

[quijibo]

That's my hope, that the $1000 I'm not paying will still show up in sound quality. Although I know it is Sony and their component prices are ofte not realistic to the quality you are getting.

I can assure you the sound quality will never show up, especially in regards to music.

I have practically the same amp and functionality wise it is great. It works well, very well actually, is reasonably flexible and has served me well for a couple of years, but...

Sonically it is very ordinary. I always thought it was my crappy speakers, but I have an older model top end onkyo amp on loan for a few months and I will be ditching the sony amp when I have to give the onkyo back. In 2 channel mode the difference is phenominal, and for home theatre use the sony just sounds pathetic and dull in comparison. I know we are talking about the difference between a $300 amp and a $3000+ amp, but the difference is quite astonishing even with my low end speakers.

With that said though, the price is pretty hard to beat, and it will work quite well.

[Nevyn72]

My only advice about buying home theatre (whether in a box or whatever) is don't let anyone - any salesman, any friend or anyone on this forum - tell you the speakers or brand you should get. Whatever sounds fanastic to your own ears is what you should get. Everyone's ear is different so if a cheap system sounds fanstastic, get it.

Probably the best advice you could get on this forum!

[MELso]

Peterpack and natrat, just be warned that once you've experienced home theatre, you'll want to start upgrading. Trust me when I say I tried to do home theatre on the cheap but it didn't work...

Folks in Qld, NSW and Vic looking for cheap speakers may (or may not) be interested to know that Dick Smith are clearing out the PSB Alpha series at their Powerhouse stores. Unlike the speakers in HTIBs, these are high qualily speakers made by a specialist speaker designer.

Alpha T towers are going for $498, Alpha B bookshelfs are going for $298, the Alpha C centre for $198 and two subs for $398 and $598.

Buy two pairs of bookshelfs, a centre and one of the cheap subs along with a cheap AV receiver (eg Yamaha or Sony) and for $1600, you'll end up with a system you won't need to upgrade unless you get bitten by the audiophile bug.

Alternatively, buy a 5.1 receiver and the Alpha T fronts and you'll end up with a great stereo system with upgrade potential that will be fine for virtually all material (CDs are stereo, most DTV is either stereo or has such weak 5.1 mixes that there is nothing lost going stereo, and many DVDs don't have much call for 5.1 either - action films excepted)...

[yamapro]

Nat

From what your saying it sounds like this whole upgrade is so you can enjoy your music again... If that's the case i'd jump at the Missions and pair them with a budget or 2nd hand2ch integrated. With your budget forget about 'surround sound' all together if SQ with music is at all important.

Down the track if you find yourself with cash burning a hole in your pocket you can build an enjoyable HT set-up and keep the gorgeous little 2ch music system for use in a secondary room, study or even KA set of PC speakers No loss on the initial investment and no waste either

[Scalpel]

I've never been a huge audiophile, i've actually been always happy with standard tv speakers plus my tv room isn't that big .

I've just got a new 50inch Pana plasma and feel i need to put some effort into getting some sound.

I'm after a cheap (500-600 bucks) home theatre in a box solution. Preferably with rear speakers which are wireless.

Any suggestions ?

The Audiophiles here are going to have a seizure a this suggestion - but it fits your posted requests perfectly.

Logitech z5400 5.1 speakers: Rear wireless, cost $350 (here)

You can use them as PC speakers later if you upgrade to a more audiophile orientated system

I use z5500's (not wireless rear) for my PC - these are extraordinary speakers for the $385 I paid. I realise that they are not equivalent to a HT system (nothing on my Aarons), but they are still great for the price. Most of my PC friends use the z5500s, with several having them as a 2nd surround system in the house (often as a console / DVD 2nd system) (Z5500 costing)

There are many more reviews of the z5500's (Google review search z5500's) and you will find theat they are well regarded. The z5400s are not so well regarded, and there are no where near as many reviews

J.

My only advice about buying home theatre (whether in a box or whatever) is don't let anyone - any salesman, any friend or anyone on this forum - tell you the speakers or brand you should get. Whatever sounds fanastic to your own ears is what you should get. Everyone's ear is different so if a cheap system sounds fanstastic, get it.

The only problem with that solution is that you may miss out on listening to something that is actually reasonable for the price range - simply because you didnt know where to look. Better to get the advice THEN take a CD in and make up your own mind.

[natrat]

Well I've taken the plunge - my mate in UK has thrown in a Yamaha 5.1 receiver (a few years old) along with the Mission fronts (71E) and centre (49C). All for the cost of shipping from UK ($250 all up, here in 5 days). Am pretty happy. Considering that due to travelling a lot and living overseas for some time I've not ever listened to music or movies through anything I've owned other than TV speakers or a crappy little hifi unit, I think I'm going to be blown away. I shall provide a newbs impression once it's running

nat

[SKG]

I have a Logitech system for the bedroom and it's far better than I ever expected (Logitech® Z-5500 Digital) so for the money it's well worth it (like some others have said)

Got mine for $399

Logitech Z-5500