Best Home Theater System under $300?
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 1 Registered: Sep-10 | So... I'm 15. Which means I don't need extremely nice speakers, just something nice for my room. They'd be used almost exclusively for music (classic rock, modern rock, indie). My room is about 9'x24', loooong. I'd rather not pay alot for shipping either. Also... receivers! Recommended receivers around $200? Help me out? Thanks. |
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Silver Member Username: EdisonGlendale, CA US Post Number: 925 Registered: Dec-03 | If I were you, I would stick with just 2 speakers. You will end up with more quality. If you go with 2 speakers rout, I would recommend these: First, this one is a boombox, but has subwoofers built in, and sounds good - will fill your room with music. http://cgi.ebay.com/JVC-RV-NB50-Kaboom-Boombox-iPod-Dock-CD-Radio-Remote-NR-/330471131695 Next option is this: http://cgi.ebay.com/DENON-UD-M30-MINI-CD-RECEIVER-W-MISSION-MS-50-SPEAKERS-/310250204819 Add this subwoofer: http://www.nextag.com/SONY-SA-W2500-10-542038766/prices-html These 2 options include a CD player as well. If you really want to get a receiver and speakers, I would look at this one: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8555/Onkyo/TX-8555-100-wa tts-2-channel-Stereo-Receiver/1.html You need speakers with that : http://www.amazon.com/MBQUART-HIGH-PERFORMANCE-BOOKSHELF-SPEAKERS/dp/B002M280C4 And the sony sub I recommended above. --------------- So you have 3 options in stereo 2 channel (speakers) system. If you really want surround sound, consider this one - doesn't need a receiver - has amps built in: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cambridge-Soundworks-FPS-2000-Speakers-/260664096936 ------------------- I hope you don't mind used stuff - this way, you will have money left over for other hobbies in your life... |
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Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 15212 Registered: May-04 | . As suggested you will be buying junk if you insist on buying a full 5.1 HT system. Start with these speakers; http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-652 You can find suitable stereo (two channel) receivers at any big box store or cruise the yard sales and pawn shops. Best Buy has an Insignia receiver for around $100. If you have an audio shop in your area, ask if they have any trade in receivers which might fit your budget. Give these folks a call, they are the modern equivalent of Fast Eddie's and have several things on sale which might suit your basic requirements. And that's the key, at your age and with your budget, you need to find the highest quality for the moeny that will not be a throw away in a few months or years when it requires service. A HT system at this price does not fit that qualification. Source players can be as simple as your computer or a lower priced DVD/CD player. You can't eat the entire apple pie right now, so find a nice piece to satisfy you for the time being and come back for more when you've learned a bit and have saved a bit. HT systems at this price mean you will have nothing of value to grow with, stick with two channel for now. Then, after you've assembled the various pieces required to make sound, read the archived articles in this forum to learn about getting the most from the components you own. . |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 2 Registered: Sep-10 | I already have a 5.1 right now, but it's somewhat crappy. I would like to stay with a 5.1 system, but could a stereo system deliver good/even sound throughout my room (9'x24')? Is refurbished good, at Ecost.com? I'm good with computers, not audio. http://www.ecost.com/prod/Electronics/Receivers/Denon+51+CH+AV+Home+Theater+Rece iver+-+AVR590/53205675.aspx?navid=155442295 http://www.ecost.com/prod/Electronics/HTIB/Onkyo+51-Channel+Home+Theater+System+ w+iPod+Dock+and+DVD+-+HTSP904/56132221.aspx?navid=155442295 |
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Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 174 Registered: Apr-07 | A properly set up 2 channel system will be much better than cheap surround systems, especially with music. As I read it $300 is your entire budget? I'd look into the Wharfedale Diamond 8.2 for $200 on STO or the Infinity Primus series bookshelves which can be found for $150-$200 frequently, which should have enough bass for rock music provided you take some time to figure out where they sound optimal in your room. You can always add a sub later when you have more money, and the speakers themselves will be good enough to build around for the future. For the time being, something like a T-amp is probably what I'd think about for amplification, unless you can find something used as Jan suggested, then move into an integrated amp when you can afford it. If you take the time to plan this out, and properly place things in your room, it's going to be much more satisfying in the long run than a $300 5.1 system. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/529925-REG/Infinity_P162BK_Primus_P162BK_2 _Way_6_1_2_.html http://www.tsto.com/Wharfedale_Diamond_8_2_Bookshelf_Speakers_p/2823.htm http://www.tsto.com/Wharfedale_Diamond_8_3_Floorstanding_Speakers_p/2824.htm http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383 That Denon receiver you linked wouldn't be a bad start either. |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 3 Registered: Sep-10 | My entire budget is $400-$500. About $300 for speakers though. Do you think I'd be better off with bookshelf or floorstanding? Size isn't an issue. Thanks for the links, I'm likin the 8.2's. |
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Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 175 Registered: Apr-07 | At this price range, there is a serious tradeoff between bookshelves and towers of the same range/line. Bookshelves will usually have higher quality bass due to less enclosure resonance, but there will be less of it. The towers will reach lower but might be a little boomy/flabby. With indie rock I personally would go with bookshelves and invest in a sub down the road if you think you need it. I think the bookshelves on their own will be enough, though. One other pro of going with the towers would be that you wouldn't need stands, which is something to think about. Stands are pretty much going to be a must unless they're going on your desk for nearfield listening, in which case I'm steering you in the complete wrong direction here, and I'd suggest looking into studio monitors instead. $500 total budget opens a lot of options, a lot more than $300 at least. You can get a much more substantial amplifier to start with which is obviously a good thing. Harmon/Kardon stereo receivers are well liked around here as far as I know and the 3390 is pretty cheap right now. May be a good choice. http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-3390-Performance/dp/B00198BOAM Lastly, this would be pushing things a bit, and I'm not sure it would be a good idea as like I said, you'll need stands, but a lot of us including myself have/had Wharfedale Evo2 speakers and for the price they are a steal, much better than anything else I mentioned. They have a smaller woofer so they likely would need the sub eventually, but they are in the next league up so might be worth considering. http://www.tsto.com/Wharfedale_EVO2_8_Bookshelf_Speakers_p/2869.htm You also haven't mentioned what you plan on using for a source yet or if you need one? |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 4 Registered: Sep-10 | So what exactly is the difference between using stands and just sitting them on a shelf? How much are good stands? ...Source? Haha, sorry! Do the Evo2's have a front speaker cover? http://www.tsto.com/Mission_M30i_Bookshelf_Speakers_p/1039.htm ^??? |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 5 Registered: Sep-10 | Apparently, no automatic hyperlinking. |
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Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 176 Registered: Apr-07 | As I said earlier, to get the best out of them they need to be placed properly in the room, otherwise you aren't really going to get any bass out of them, they won't image properly, etc. Placing them on stands will give you the ability to put them where they need to be to sound their best. Additionally the stand should be as solid as possible so as not to resonate with the speaker, which a shelf will. They'll run you about $50-100. Source is what you'll be playing the music from. CD player, MP3 player, computer, etc. If you don't have one check the most recent post of the speaker bargains thread, there's a DVD player there that should work well and isn't expensive. Evos do come with grills, but they look a lot better with them off in my opinion. No sonic differences with them on or off that I've ever heard, but I usually keep them off. No experience with the Mission speakers, can't comment on them. Keep in mind they only have a 4 inch woofer though, where the other speakers I've mentioned have 5.25-6.5, and they have a pretty small enclosure. This will significantly affect how much bass they're capable of. Here are a few different stands: http://www.racksandstands.com/VTI-DF-VI1045.html?cv= http://www.racksandstands.com/VTI-UF-VI1047.html http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=240-750 |
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Gold Member Username: Stu_pittStamford, Connecticut USA Post Number: 4001 Registered: May-05 | NAD 315BEE from Spearit Sound for $269, and PSB Image B15 from DMC-Electronics for $259. About $30 over, but save up for a few more weeks. Great system and synergy. Half the hifi nutballs got their start with NAD, including me. Pretty close to my first system. https://dmc-electronics.com/Default.htm http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/nadspec.htm To post links, press the 3rd button on the top of the text box. The one on the left of the happy face icon. |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 6 Registered: Sep-10 | Alright, Ill be using an Mp3 player. Iriver Spinn for now, upgrade to a Zune HD2 after that comes out and a price drop. I use FLAC, whenever I can. Thanks for the comment on the Mission's, now I can look for bigger woofers! I may very well go with Wharfedale, they're recommended in many threads. Can I only hook up two speakers to a stereo receiver? As you may of read above, my room is about 9'x24' (it used to be a porch). Im guessing I shouldn't keep both speakers on the same side? |
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Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 177 Registered: Apr-07 | FLAC on an mp3 player is kind of pointless. The DACs they use in them generally aren't good enough to benefit from that at all. LAME V0 rips should be good enough. The room size is a bit awkward, but I think it should be somewhat reasonable with some trial and error. Have any pics? And yeah, a stereo receiver/integrated amp will only support two speakers. Some have B terminals so you can set up two sets of speakers, but they both run off the same amplifier. There are also impedance issues with this so it's not really recommended. |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3338 Registered: Oct-04 | http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-631&scqty=1 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-674&scqty=1 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-631&scqty=1 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR307BLK/Onkyo/TX-SR307-6 5-watts-channel-5.1-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3339 Registered: Oct-04 | ...or http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=42301717&navid=155441519 |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3340 Registered: Oct-04 | However...This Denon HTIB system includes a very good sounding Boston Acoustics Horizon 5.1 Speaker Package (Denon owns BA). For $229 is pretty hard to beat if you're on a budget. http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=42127659&navid=155441519 |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 7 Registered: Sep-10 | Thanks Chris and Stu! Pictures of my room:   |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3341 Registered: Oct-04 | My friend, those are pretty tight confines for a 5.1 set-up; may I suggest upgrading to the best 2.0 system you can afford? A pair of Infinity Primus P152 or Wharfedale 9.1 should suffice in that space, and along with a nice receiver like the Harman/Kardon HK3390 or an amp a NAD C326BEE should satisfy you. |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 8 Registered: Sep-10 | Yeah, it sounds like a stereo system would be a better choice. Thanks for makin it official And I think I will go with Wharferdale, not sure which pair though. When I type up a speaker from them on Google, I often dont get any results with a price. Any tips? |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3342 Registered: Oct-04 | http://www.tsto.com/Wharfedale_Diamond_9_1_Bookshelf_Speakers_p/2614.htm http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/C326BEE.asp (Refub.) |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 9 Registered: Sep-10 | So... either Diamond 9.1's or Evo2-8's. Decisions, decisions... Granted I don't have the money now, but I can get money easily enough now that I think about it. $400 is way too much for a receiver. Do you guys recommend refurbished equipment? |
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New member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 10 Registered: Sep-10 | The Diamonds are $50 cheaper, as they get free shipping. Niiiice! I noticed they are '6 ohms', whatever that means. I heard that a receiver meant for '8 ohm' speakers would overheat. Hmm? |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3343 Registered: Oct-04 | Actually $400 is way too much for an Integraed Amp. I'm sorry, I didn't realize they had the EVO2-8 on sale for $299, THAT is the way to go if you are going the Wharfedale route. However, if you want to save more than $100, the Infinity Primus P162 is a solid (maybe better) alternative IMO, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=529925&Q=&is=REG&A=detail s As for the power, I'll stick by my recomendation of the HK3390, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554380-REG/Harman_Kardon_HK_3390_HK_3390_S tereo_Receiver.html Another alternative is to stalk the Harman ebay store, they have been known to auction off gear for rediculously low prices... http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3344 Registered: Oct-04 | All of the receivers & amps recommended here can handle that 6ohm load. |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3345 Registered: Oct-04 | Bottom line, how much do you want to spend? |
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Bronze Member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 11 Registered: Sep-10 | As I said I'm 15. And I just want something good enough so that I'll be alright until I move out in a few years and buy a good 5.1. Honestly, I don't really want to spend much more than $400. That would be a lot easier if it wasn't for shipping. |
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Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 178 Registered: Apr-07 | Seriously, I'd not even think about 5.1 unless it will eventually be used for movies too. You said in your first post it's primarily for music, so stick to two channel. The HK receiver with the Infinity Primus or Wharfedales would blow most cheap 5.1 sets out of the water. |
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Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 179 Registered: Apr-07 | Onkyo TX-8255 stereo receiver - $139 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8255/Onkyo/TX-8255-50-wat ts-2-channel-Stereo-Receiver/1.html That too will drive any of the speakers mentioned here, granted it wouldn't get the most out of something like the Evo2s. |
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Bronze Member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 12 Registered: Sep-10 | Most definitely stereo. Thanks guys. Evo2's $320. HK 3390 $230. $550 is alot. But I'll save up, sell some stuff. Might change a little, but the Evo2's for $300 is a great deal compared to others. One last question... Where do you think I should place them in my room? |
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Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 180 Registered: Apr-07 | On stands (might be a reason to go with something a bit cheaper) in front of your drawers. Dunno if you use those or not, but that's likely going to be the best place. Room is too narrow to use the long wall, I think. On the plus side, due to the length of the room, they'd probably work best pulled out a bit, so you could still get behind them if you did need to use the drawers. But it's going to take a bit of trial and error to figure out where they sound best. |
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Bronze Member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 13 Registered: Sep-10 | Alright, cool. Thanks alot guys, Christopher and Freddie. this has been very helpful. And you've saved me from a crappy 5.1, yaaay! |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3346 Registered: Oct-04 | I've seen that HK3390 auction-off at Harman's eBay store for less than $100, and the P152 & P162 for less than $40/ea. Be vigilant and you will be rewarded! |
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Bronze Member Username: AwbriseboisPost Number: 15 Registered: Sep-10 | Oh, sweet! Ill be checking there often, yes yes. |
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Silver Member Username: EdisonGlendale, CA US Post Number: 945 Registered: Dec-03 | Alex, Check this out: http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-CS-500-Theater-System-Player/dp/B000Y8I3NY |
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