Help me pick a HTIB!

[axia55]

I am looking to get a new HTIB system from Bestbuy with some GC I have. I really don't know alot about HT so I am looking for any input, esp if you have owned one of these systems. This will be for a fairly small apartment so I don't need a huge system, quality>quantity and smaller/less speakers is better.
Here are my options-
Yamaha YHT-370

Philips HTS6500

Samsung HT-Q100

 

[iamme]

i'm into the Onkyo HTIB set.....not sure if they sell that at BB.

 

[axia55]

Nope, no onkyo at BB

 

[purbeast0]

if quality > quantity, then don't waste your money on a HTIB and get yourself a good pair of front speakers for the price of (or even more than) one of those HTIB systems.

 

[Nohr]

Onkyo is the only HTIB I ever hear get recommended.

Have you looked around AVS Forum? They have a HTIB section.
Home Theater In A Box - AVS Forum

 

[axia55]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
if quality > quantity, then don't waste your money on a HTIB and get yourself a good pair of front speakers for the price of (or even more than) one of those HTIB systems.

Like I said, I know nothing about HT, so if you could make some recommendations that would be helpful!

 

[skyking]

That yamaha has a few positive comments over at AVS. this was exactly what I was looking for to help out a client.

 

[new2AMD]

well 1st off 5.1 shouldnt be compared to 2.1. 2.1 is stereo where 5.1 is surround. You want 5.1 or 7.1

 

[MrChad]

From Hot Deals

EDIT: NM, just read that this has to come from BB. In that case, of the three you listed, I would go with the Yamaha.

 

[microAmp]

Originally posted by: axia55

Originally posted by: purbeast0
if quality > quantity, then don't waste your money on a HTIB and get yourself a good pair of front speakers for the price of (or even more than) one of those HTIB systems.

Like I said, I know nothing about HT, so if you could make some recommendations that would be helpful!

Setup a price range for people here to help. Don't forget AVSForum.com to see peoples recommendations. Or at least if you see something you are interested in, do a search over at AVSForum and see if it's recommended or not.

 

[axia55]

Originally posted by: microAmp

Originally posted by: axia55

Originally posted by: purbeast0
if quality > quantity, then don't waste your money on a HTIB and get yourself a good pair of front speakers for the price of (or even more than) one of those HTIB systems.

Like I said, I know nothing about HT, so if you could make some recommendations that would be helpful!

Setup a price range for people here to help. Don't forget AVSForum.com to see peoples recommendations. Or at least if you see something you are interested in, do a search over at AVSForum and see if it's recommended or not.

I have been over at Avs quite a bit. It seems really overwhelming because I really don't know much about the subject.

I need to keep it under $400 if possible. I don't really *need* 5.1 so if I got some advice on a nice reciever (preferably with 2-3 optical inputs) and some good starter speakers I would be willing to check that out.

 

[skyking]

onkyo review
Wow, the only negative resonses were from the same person. 7.1 speaker system, a full AV reciever instead of some hybrid thing, I can see whay it gets recommended
(shifts gears to find a local seller of the onkyo)
on sale for $419 at Circuit City
oops, the 790 is the one at CC

 

[axia55]

Originally posted by: skyking
onkyo review
Wow, the only negative resonses were from the same person. 7.1 speaker system, a full AV reciever instead of some hybrid thing, I can see whay it gets recommended
(shifts gears to find a local seller of the onkyo)
on sale for $419 at Circuit City
oops, the 790 is the one at CC

I've looked at the Onkyo, the problem is I need to be able to use my BB GC's.

What about these Athena speakers and this type of reciever

 

[screw3d]

http://www.hsustore.com/vt12.html

or a bigger splurge http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs.cfm

edit: oh nvm BB only

 

[teckmaster]

at the store I work at, we sell a lot of the JVC HTIB. Really nice 1200w systems. awesome surround sound capabilities.

 

[Nohr]

Originally posted by: axia55
What about these Athena speakers and this type of reciever

Athena makes some good speakers but I'm not sure if their WS line is included. The AS-B1s are ~$120 a pair and are very good but I don't see them at bestbuy's site. Guess it's possible they might have them in stock at an actual store.

IIRC last I looked there was some buzz about Insignia speakers at AVS. They're supposed to make good inexpensive bookshelf speakers.
Insignia 6-1/2" @ Bestbuy - $50/pair
FiringSquad Review

Sony isn't well regarded for it's audio products. I don't know about exact models but some good receiver brands in general that should fall in your price range are: Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer and Panasonic.

Keep in mind that if you do buy bookshelf speakers you should plan on getting a subwoofer. A Dayton 10" or 12" would do the trick and be the cheapest recommendation I'd give.

 

[Staples]

Well HTIB are not viewed as being very good systems but if you are in the under $500 range, then I guess you can't go wrong. I spent about $800 buying seperate components and everything sounds just great.

I actually have a 4.1 setup currently because I have no room for a center speaker.

Anyway, I have 4 Polk 101 speakers (I don't have room for big speakers but big ones for the price sound a little better). A Dayton 12" Sub, a Panasonic digital receiver.

4 x Polk 101 = $360
Dayton 12" = $150
Receiver = $225
Sanus speaker stands $65 a pair.


I bought the stuff online from various places. I can look up the model number of the receiver if you are interested.

 

[funboy6942]

Z5500 for $200 and a much better dvd player <$200 FTW

 

[spacejamz]

use your GC for something else and just get the Onkyo at CC or Fry's...

Have the 770S in our master bedroom and you won't be disappointed...

 

[Rudee]

Individual components FTW. HTIB sucks.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Yamaha.

I actually have a HTIB from Yamaha (receiver and speakers, nothing else)... the receiver is exactly the same "retail" receiver you can get as a standalone. And Yamaha *still* makes good speakers. Can't go wrong with it. It will require a separate DVD player, but almost anything will do these days...

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: AnitaPeterson
Yamaha.

I actually have a HTIB from Yamaha... the receiver is exactly the same "retail" receiver you can get as a standalone. And Yamaha *still* makes good speakers. Can't go wrong with it.

Which model?

 

[AnitaPeterson]

I'm in Canada, they market them in a slightly different manner here.

This is what I have.

 

[axia55]

Wow this is really confusing. I totally forgot about a subwoofer if I go with separate components. On the other hand, I don't want to hack off the neighbors in our apartment, so is a sub really necessary?
Also, if I had the extra money (trying to keep it cheap here), would it be worthwhile to get the reciever, two satellites and a center channel?
I am think about spending a little more and buying this Panasonic reciever (great reviews fromn what I have seen) and then buying the satelites and a center at BB.

 

[Reckoner]

Originally posted by: axia55

Originally posted by: skyking
onkyo review
Wow, the only negative resonses were from the same person. 7.1 speaker system, a full AV reciever instead of some hybrid thing, I can see whay it gets recommended
(shifts gears to find a local seller of the onkyo)
on sale for $419 at Circuit City
oops, the 790 is the one at CC

I've looked at the Onkyo, the problem is I need to be able to use my BB GC's.

What about these Athena speakers and this type of reciever

Why not fleabay or list your BB gift cards in the For Sale/Trade forum here? Then use that cash towards the Onkyo HTIB in the hot deals section