building my first *budget* home theatre...

[sao123]

Ok, It seems I found a little bit more to spend, so here is my revised list... I'd again like some comments on it.

One more revision to boot after hours of forum reading and price searching... I think I can pull this off...

Onecall.com
Samsung HLT6187S -$2339 (I'm curious to see if they will match Amazons $2224 price - DAM price went up in the last 6 hours)
Onkyo TX-SR605 Reciever - $359 (10% off all audio gear with TV purchase)
Polk CS1 Center Channel - $161
Techsheild 4yr Warranty Plan - $297

Frys.com
Polk R150 PR - 49.99
Polk R50 Pr - 139.99
Velodyne VX-10c Sub - 149.99 backordered everywhere...

might need to find a $150 comparable sub... Crutchfield has the polk psw12 in a scratch n dent sale... hmm.


---------------------------------------

Onecall.com
Samsung HLT6187S -$2339 (I'm curious to see if they will match Amazons $2188 price)
Onkyo TX-SR605 Reciever - $359 (10% off all audio gear with TV purchase)
Klipsch Quintet II 5 Piece Spkr set - $269
Klipsch KSW-10 Sub - $269
Techsheild 5yr Warranty Plan - $345

Onecall.com instant coupon FALL07 - ($125 off)

Grand total of $3490 (including $30 for shipping)

I'm open to any and all suggestions...including about the 5yr warranty.

-------------------------------------------------
MY living room is about 15x15 and is well lit, but doesnt really suffer from direct sunlight... got about $2500 to spend on the whole thing


DLP TV
I am looking at either the Samsung HLT-6187S or the HLT-5687S... I did contemplate the 76 Series, but I dont want to have to be changing bulbs...so I think I am sticking with LED.

I found them on amazon for
$2350 and $2004 (both with free shipping)
I'm hoping for a Labor Day sale with a slight price drop, since I missed the last good proce about 2 weeks ago.


Sound
Onkyo HT-SR800 7.1 ($429) or Onkyo HT-SR700 ($350) 5.1 system - amazon again


DVD
Maybe - Toshiba HD-A20 1080P HD-DVD ($330)
but I'd prefer to just get an upscaling DVD player (<$150) for a 1080P TV...
an anyone give me some good choices?


I also need some type of stand...


Feedback or Suggestions on the entire thing?

 

[sao123]

bump for any good ideas...

 

[A5]

If you don't want HD-DVD, most people will recommend the Oppo 970 (or 971, can't remember).

 

[Big Lar]

I have the OPPO 970hd, it does 720P and 1080i. Nice unit.

 

[Project86]

Good choice on the TV. We could argue the ups and downs of plasma v LCD v rear projection all day, but you can't have it all... and those you mentioned are strong choices.

The Onkyo SR-800 is, in my opinion, the king of the hill right now for budget systems. The receiver is VERY nice for the price, because it has 1080P HDMI switching, as well as Audessey auto setup (which is way better than the proprietary auto setup functions from sony and the rest). The packaged sub will do fairly well, but the speakers will not be the greatest. You will probably catch the bug and eventually want to upgrade the front mains and the center channel.

Another option is a refurbed Onkyo HT-S894 from shoponkyo.com If you join their club (free) you'll get $10 off, and I believe they still have free shipping, so it would be $439+tax. It has a very nice receiver with HDMI, upconverts everything else to component, has a slightly better version of Audessey, has more power, but is only 5.1 instead of 7.1 (not that big of a deal in my opinion). It also includes an upconverting DVD player.

If you went with the SR-800 and still needed a dvd player, and don't mind refurb, you can find the Toshiba HD-A2 for around $200. If not, I'd get one of the various Oppo offerings.

For stands, I'd check standsandmounts.com and costco.com, you should be able to get something really nice for under $300.

Sounds like an excellent setup no matter which option you choose.

 

[newnameman]

Definitely go for the HD DVD player.

 

[montypythizzle]

Get a PS3.

 

[Indolent]

If you're looking for better sound than an HTIB can provide, try this thread at avsforum.

It's a very long thread (as they often are on that forum) but the first post sums up most of the components. I ended up spending more than I was planning on for my setup, but it's definitely worth it over the HTIB in my opinion.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: Project86
Good choice on the TV. We could argue the ups and downs of plasma v LCD v rear projection all day, but you can't have it all... and those you mentioned are strong choices.

The Onkyo SR-800 is, in my opinion, the king of the hill right now for budget systems. The receiver is VERY nice for the price, because it has 1080P HDMI switching, as well as Audessey auto setup (which is way better than the proprietary auto setup functions from sony and the rest). The packaged sub will do fairly well, but the speakers will not be the greatest. You will probably catch the bug and eventually want to upgrade the front mains and the center channel.

Another option is a refurbed Onkyo HT-S894 from shoponkyo.com If you join their club (free) you'll get $10 off, and I believe they still have free shipping, so it would be $439+tax. It has a very nice receiver with HDMI, upconverts everything else to component, has a slightly better version of Audessey, has more power, but is only 5.1 instead of 7.1 (not that big of a deal in my opinion). It also includes an upconverting DVD player.

If you went with the SR-800 and still needed a dvd player, and don't mind refurb, you can find the Toshiba HD-A2 for around $200. If not, I'd get one of the various Oppo offerings.

For stands, I'd check standsandmounts.com and costco.com, you should be able to get something really nice for under $300.

Sounds like an excellent setup no matter which option you choose.

thanks for the help... excellet responce.

 

[Aztech]

Originally posted by: Indolent
If you're looking for better sound than an HTIB can provide, try this thread at avsforum.

It's a very long thread (as they often are on that forum) but the first post sums up most of the components. I ended up spending more than I was planning on for my setup, but it's definitely worth it over the HTIB in my opinion.

Ditto. I read through it. It took days, but basically they convinced me to buy separate receiver and speakers that will sound much better than an HTIB. I went with the polk speakers and a refurbished Onkyo 604. I haven't set it all up yet and components are still rolling in.

 

[Jaxidian]

I JUST finished a budget HT that rocks (had the TV but no speakers) and here is what I went with in case it helps:

1. Receiver - Bought an Onkyo 674 for $225 (was a display model at Fry's)
2. Front Center - JBL Balboa for $58 (frequently on sale for $80 or lower at Fry's)
3. Front - JBL Balboas for $200 for the pair (frequently on sale for this at Fry's)
4. Surround - Unknown Yamaha bookshelf speakers from a yard sale for $20 (this one probably doesn't help much)
5. Sub - 10" Velodyne VX-10 for $150 (was on clearance at Fry's but they sell another 10" Velodyne for $200 usually, maybe it goes on sale too)

Anyways, as far as I'm concerned, the JBL Balboas rock for front and center (the surrounds supposedly suck so get something else for your rears). This is far better than any HTIB that I could get for the same price - no question about it! I'm quite happy with it all now other than I think I need a Harmony remote now between this and my Toshiba HD-DVD player.

-Jax

 

[s44]

PS3 (free Blu-Ray movies!), and non-HTIB speakers (start with 3.1 if necessary).

One money saving suggestion is, since you probably want an extended warranty anyway (look for a deal on "RMT52500" -- extends TV under $2500 to 5 years in-home service), you could probably save a bit by getting a refurb. The extended warranty works as long as you have 90 days of manufacturer coverage. Of course, the HLT series is too new to have a lot of refurbs around for any cheaper, but something may turn up as you wait.

 

[sao123]

AFter a bit more research... I may consider going with the Onkyo TX-SR674 a nice upgrade over the 505 in the HT-SR800.

It does upconvert analog to HDMI so I'll only need a HDMI to the TV... instead of the simple passthrough the 505 has.

Then I'll need a speaker package, probably the SKS-HT740 set

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sao123
AFter a bit more research... I may consider going with the Onkyo TX-SR674 a nice upgrade over the 505 in the HT-SR800.

It does upconvert analog to HDMI so I'll only need a HDMI to the TV... instead of the simple passthrough the 505 has.

Then I'll need a speaker package, probably the SKS-HT740 set

I think the strongest point to the Onkyo HTIB sets is the receiver. If you're buying the speakers and receiver separately, I would recommend looking at other options besides the Onkyo speaker packages.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sao123
AFter a bit more research... I may consider going with the Onkyo TX-SR674 a nice upgrade over the 505 in the HT-SR800.

It does upconvert analog to HDMI so I'll only need a HDMI to the TV... instead of the simple passthrough the 505 has.

Then I'll need a speaker package, probably the SKS-HT740 set

I think the strongest point to the Onkyo HTIB sets is the receiver. If you're buying the speakers and receiver separately, I would recommend looking at other options besides the Onkyo speaker packages.

any good 7.1 speaker sets for less than $400?
Onkyo recievers are great... I just like that this one upconverts everythignt oHDMI... no switching modes on the TV, and only 1 cable run from the reciever to the TV.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sao123
AFter a bit more research... I may consider going with the Onkyo TX-SR674 a nice upgrade over the 505 in the HT-SR800.

It does upconvert analog to HDMI so I'll only need a HDMI to the TV... instead of the simple passthrough the 505 has.

Then I'll need a speaker package, probably the SKS-HT740 set

I think the strongest point to the Onkyo HTIB sets is the receiver. If you're buying the speakers and receiver separately, I would recommend looking at other options besides the Onkyo speaker packages.

any good 7.1 speaker sets for less than $400?
Onkyo recievers are great... I just like that this one upconverts everythignt oHDMI... no switching modes on the TV, and only 1 cable run from the reciever to the TV.

You could put something together for about that much based on a few pairs of inexpensive spekaers (Like the BB Insignias or Polk R-series from Outpost etc.) + a Dayton sub from Partsexpress.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sao123
AFter a bit more research... I may consider going with the Onkyo TX-SR674 a nice upgrade over the 505 in the HT-SR800.

It does upconvert analog to HDMI so I'll only need a HDMI to the TV... instead of the simple passthrough the 505 has.

Then I'll need a speaker package, probably the SKS-HT740 set

I think the strongest point to the Onkyo HTIB sets is the receiver. If you're buying the speakers and receiver separately, I would recommend looking at other options besides the Onkyo speaker packages.

any good 7.1 speaker sets for less than $400?
Onkyo recievers are great... I just like that this one upconverts everythignt oHDMI... no switching modes on the TV, and only 1 cable run from the reciever to the TV.

You could put something together for about that much based on a few pairs of inexpensive spekaers (Like the BB Insignias or Polk R-series from Outpost etc.) + a Dayton sub from Partsexpress.

Yeah, I dont know too much about individual speakers that I could put together a 7.1 sound out of parts... That's why I was mostly considering HTIB with maybe a reciever upgrade.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: sao123
AFter a bit more research... I may consider going with the Onkyo TX-SR674 a nice upgrade over the 505 in the HT-SR800.

It does upconvert analog to HDMI so I'll only need a HDMI to the TV... instead of the simple passthrough the 505 has.

Then I'll need a speaker package, probably the SKS-HT740 set

I think the strongest point to the Onkyo HTIB sets is the receiver. If you're buying the speakers and receiver separately, I would recommend looking at other options besides the Onkyo speaker packages.

any good 7.1 speaker sets for less than $400?
Onkyo recievers are great... I just like that this one upconverts everythignt oHDMI... no switching modes on the TV, and only 1 cable run from the reciever to the TV.

You could put something together for about that much based on a few pairs of inexpensive spekaers (Like the BB Insignias or Polk R-series from Outpost etc.) + a Dayton sub from Partsexpress.

Yeah, I dont know too much about individual speakers that I could put together a 7.1 sound out of parts... That's why I was mostly considering HTIB with maybe a reciever upgrade.

YGPM (in a minute)

 

[sao123]

Ok, It seems I found a little bit more to spend, so here is my revised list... I'd again like some comments on it.

Onecall.com
Samsung HLT6187S -$2339 (I'm curious to see if they will match Amazons $2188 price)
Onkyo TX-SR605 Reciever - $359 (10% off all audio gear with TV purchase)
Klipsch Quintet II 5 Piece Spkr set - $269
Klipsch KSW-10 Sub - $269
Techsheild 5yr Warranty Plan - $345

Onecall.com instant coupon FALL07 - ($125 off)

Grand total of $3490 (including $30 for shipping)

I'm open to any and all suggestions...including about the 5yr warranty.

 

[Deudalus]

Hrm, dude I'd go a 100% different route personally but thats just me...........

Personally, I wouldn't buy the 5 year warranty. The TV will be covered by the mfr for sure as will the receiver. Speakers don't typically go bad unless they are horribly mistreated either.

If you are just watching moves, nothing else:

Take a very minor step down on the TV and get a 56" of the same type but do not get the warranty. That alone saves you 700 bucks almost.

ALSO BE SURE they are including the stand with this TV. Many of these don't come with a stand and thats 300 more dollars you gotta spend.

So that means:

TV: 1900
Reciever: Onkyo TX-SR605 Reciever - $359

Now you have money to spend on decent speakers:

http://www.av123.com/products_...ion=stock&product=92.1

Get 5 of those for matched channels all the way around. That's only 350 bucks and will VERY VERY VERY much surpass the Klipsch speakers you are looking at.

That puts ya at 2700.

Spend the rest on a very good sub. By very good I would say a good HSU, SVS, or Axiom sub if possible.

The sub makes the movie. Lemme say that again, the sub makes the movie. It makes, the movie by a longshot.


If you are going to be listening to alot of music I'd recommend you go a totally different direction, but thats just me

 

[s44]

I'd definitely get a warranty, but the cheaper one (see other thread). And forget shrinking the screen -- if you want to get more expensive audio gear, I'd go with fewer speakers to start instead. (Go with 3.1 and get surrounds later.)

Do you actually like Klipsch?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Deudalus
Hrm, dude I'd go a 100% different route personally but thats just me...........

Personally, I wouldn't buy the 5 year warranty. The TV will be covered by the mfr for sure as will the receiver. Speakers don't typically go bad unless they are horribly mistreated either.

If you are just watching moves, nothing else:

Take a very minor step down on the TV and get a 56" of the same type but do not get the warranty. That alone saves you 700 bucks almost.

ALSO BE SURE they are including the stand with this TV. Many of these don't come with a stand and thats 300 more dollars you gotta spend.

So that means:

TV: 1900
Reciever: Onkyo TX-SR605 Reciever - $359

Now you have money to spend on decent speakers:

http://www.av123.com/products_...ion=stock&product=92.1

Get 5 of those for matched channels all the way around. That's only 350 bucks and will VERY VERY VERY much surpass the Klipsch speakers you are looking at.

That puts ya at 2700.

Spend the rest on a very good sub. By very good I would say a good HSU, SVS, or Axiom sub if possible.

The sub makes the movie. Lemme say that again, the sub makes the movie. It makes, the movie by a longshot.


If you are going to be listening to alot of music I'd recommend you go a totally different direction, but thats just me

Ref 0.5's are fairly small as far as bookshelf speakers go too, so that looks like a very strong way to go for a Klipsch Quintet alternative.

Add in a solid bang for the buck (not Klipsch) sub, and that's a very solid 5.1 system.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: s44
I'd definitely get a warranty, but the cheaper one (see other thread). And forget shrinking the screen -- if you want to get more expensive audio gear, I'd go with fewer speakers to start instead. (Go with 3.1 and get surrounds later.)

Do you actually like Klipsch?

I have a Klipsch 4.1 promedia THX certified system for my PC from 2002, I really like the sound it makes, although my PC room is somewhat smaller than my living room. Which brings me to point 2, my room size, which is 15 x 15 and my living room and dining room are adjacent for a truly 30x15 large room ( to watch tv from the table), so I should probably have an even larger Tv, not smaller according to the the chart ive seen floating around.

The $345 5yr warranty I spoke of is actually for the TV only, I wasnt buying a wr for the reciever as it comes with 2yr factory or the speakers... but Sammy's 1yr TV warranty makes me very iffy.

I did see the 123AV website, but I think their 5.1 x-ls ($800) is a bit out of my price, plus there is a severe backorder. Unfortunately, I liked the idea of piecing 5.1 over time, but with building a house next year, and a trip to cancun or europe the following year, and then having kids after that, my money for the next 5 years is tied up, so I think I need to complete it now, if even if it is a semi-value line.

I am contemplating trying to piece together a 5.1 with some Polk speakers (R series 150/300 maybe??) from fryes.com or onecall.com but im not sure I can make a quality 5.1 for under $600 shp included... If you have specific suggestions about speakers & subs to consider, that would be great.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

The Polks are supposed to be pretty good at their sale prices (~$50-$75 each for a floorstander and ~$50 pair for bookshelves with the matching center in the $100-$150 range). Seems like you'd be able to do Ref 0.5 from AV123 for about the same price though for the total 5.0 system. I'm not trying to say that the Ref 0.5 deal is the only thing you should be considering, but I've owned several AV123 products and I've been very satisfied with the build quality and sound quality of each of the products at their respective pricepoints. 5.1 X-LS + Receiver would run you over $1000, but with the Ref 0.5 deal, you could get something going for less.

You might be able to snag a used sub from SVS or HSU and still end up around $600 shipped with Ref 0.5 for your speakers.

A couple other budget sub options are the BIC H100 that you can get from ebay (check AVSforum for details), or one of the Dayton subs from Partsexpress.

 

[Deudalus]

The Polks are supposed to be pretty good at their sale prices (~$50-$75 each for a floorstander and ~$50 pair for bookshelves with the matching center in the $100-$150 range). Seems like you'd be able to do Ref 0.5 from AV123 for about the same price though for the total 5.0 system. I'm not trying to say that the Ref 0.5 deal is the only thing you should be considering, but I've owned several AV123 products and I've been very satisfied with the build quality and sound quality of each of the products at their respective pricepoints. 5.1 X-LS + Receiver would run you over $1000, but with the Ref 0.5 deal, you could get something going for less.

You might be able to snag a used sub from SVS or HSU and still end up around $600 shipped with Ref 0.5 for your speakers.

I cannot stress enough how much better 5 av123 .5 reference bookshelves and a good sub would be over the Klipsch setup.

Klipsch reference series are OK but many people do not like them because they are so damn harsh. They are great for metal heads and if all you plan to watch is action movies, but for anything else I would never, ever, ever, prefer Klipsch and the vast majority of the people who hear them are the same way.

Horn tweeters are a small segment of the market because not very many people like them, that is why 80% of the speaker crafters use normal dome tweeters rather than horns. I'm not saying they suck, I'm just saying that the vast majority do not prefer them and there is a reason for that.

I cannot stress enough how much I would consider those bookshelves from av123 BStock and a good sub over the Klipsch.




Edit: Also for looks you can't beat av123's Rosewood colored speakers. They are pretty much works of art. Though Klipsch is great too if you like bright grey on dark grey I suppose.