Home Theater advice needed

[xochi]

I need some advice picking out a Home Theater system. with my limited funds ($300-$400) i want a system that has a active sub, as well as dolby digital, and DTS. I have reduced my choices down to three "home theater in a box" systems

1. Sony HTDDW830 550 watts with 50 for the sub
2. JVC DS-TP350 600 watts with 100 for the sub
3. Pioneer HTP-210 600 watts with 100 for the sub

I am leaning towards the Sony but the 50 watt sub is making me hesitate. I think there is a Kenwood that is in the general range also (HTB504)?

I favor clarity over window shaking loudness.

any suggestions will help.

 

[Servnya]

So you need an AV receiver, front speakers, rear speakers, center channel and sub for 300-400 dollars?

 

[kami]

Check out this thread at HTF. I think you'll want to go with the JVC. The one in this thread was the JVC Theater Pack DSTP230, though. So I guess the 350 you are talking about would be better?

 

[xochi]

yes

all of the systems i mentioned are priced in the $399.00 range. They may not be the best systems, but they are all in my price range. i believe they are all decent systems but i'm sure one of them outshines the others and thats where i need the advice.

 

[GoldenGuppy]

Overall that SONY package stands out... the only thing holding it back would (of course as you mentioned), the Subwoofer... I think I have this exact system... I love the sound that it is producing - I have a small living room, so I don't know if that would have anything to do w/ it

Nonetheless, the system is a blast and I highly recommend it if you're not looking for something to blow your roof off. Sony also has some really high end SUBWOOFERS for 200 dollars... these will really make your day if what you're afraid of is not getting the right sub... you can always use the 50 watt for now and save up for these high quality subs later...

Good luck on your decision =)

~GG~

 

[DBL]

I haven't been keeping up with the latest, but I know that as far as "Home theater in a box" systems, the Kenwood always seemed to receive the highest praise. I would seriously consider that one. Check out audio review for some opinions on all the systems you are considering.

 

[kcklla]

I would say wait and save up more money

 

[kami]

<< I would say wait and save up more money >>


That's what I was going to say but you gotta realize some people have limited budgets for this stuff. No matter how bad home theater in a box's are, they are light years ahead of any speakers in your TV!

 

[arod]

Well I am looking for a system too..... Heres what I want


Less than $600
-100 watts to all speakers
-at least 10 inch sub (preferably 12 in though)
-DD and DTS reciever


Any suggestions.... If I can get all this in a package let me know other wise which components should I get.



Thanks for all your help

 

[EvilYoda]

The size of the woofer isn't going to make all the difference in your sub. If you have a sh*tty amp behind it, it's going to sound like ass. Like for me, I'm a poor college student, so I had to go with the SW-MA40 from Sony, which has gotten tons of praise from the hifi geeks, saying it has the best band for the buck from 200-300. (dunno about 300 tho...hehe.)

And if you want boomy instead of tight, accurate bass, by all means, just get a big woofer from a crappy manufacturer......but if you want quality, you might to research a little more.

BTW, the Sony's a 10&quot; with 120W amp. It's doing what I need to do, so no complaints.

 

[xochi]

Thanks for the replys, i'll head to best buy/circuit city after work and give these systems a listen.

I wouldnt mind spending a bit more money on a better system but my wife wouldnt agree. (its a wonder that she &quot;ok'd&quot; this purchase)

That's what I was going to say but you gotta realize some people have limited budgets for this stuff. No matter how bad home theater in a box's are, they are light years ahead of any speakers in your TV!
Text

this nails it right on the head.

 

[kami]

<< Well I am looking for a system too..... Heres what I want


Less than $600
-100 watts to all speakers
-at least 10 inch sub (preferably 12 in though)
-DD and DTS reciever >>



That's kind of a sore spot dollar-wise for HT. Either you buy a cheap all-in-one package, or you buy all your components sperately and spend a lot more money.
Forget about the wattage stuff. It shouldn't even be a factor. My receiver only drivers 70 watts to each channel but I can play reference level (and above, but I don't because it hurts my ears too much) with no distortion. You can see my whole setup here. Why do you think those $20 computer speakers advertise 350 watts? it means jack sh*t!

 

[hypergeek]

why don't you buy the sony system and buy a better subwoofer with what you have left.

 

[yellowperil]

I bought a refurbished Kenwood HTB-503 (predecessor of the 504) from uBid.com for around $300 shipped. Haven't received it yet (I'm expecting it today) but has all the features you're looking for.

 

[arod]

What about this system is it any good?

JVC DSTP450
This isnt for the biggest of rooms so quality is more important than loudness.

 

[Viperoni]

If you want to go the DIY (build the speakers/sub yourself) route I can help you with that, but otherwise, I'd recommend going for a low end Pioneer receiver and buying better speakers (Paradigm comes to mind).
As for the sub, I've yet to see a decent commercial sub for under $300

 

[arod]

Yeah I agree on the sub.... thats why I was considering the HTIB.


I would be looking at $800 if I go build myself.....


BTW I was also considering the Klipsch Quintets... with a 10 inch sub.... and a cheap Reciever.

 

[Viperoni]

The Quintet's are very nice speakers, forgot about them

That'd probably be your best option: Quintets, cheap receiver, and when you get the $$$, you can build the Vance Dickason 250w sub kit
BTW: The driver in the sub has 24mm of total linear excursion...that's a LOT of air.