Home theater audio setup

Cabages

Platinum Member
Jan 1, 2006
2,918
0
0
So, setting up a home theater for a friend. Looking at audio now. Have ~$500 to spend, have been looking at the following options.

Speakers:

Fronts and center

Surrounds

Sub

$399.91

or

5.1 home theater setup which includes sub and speakers in one package

$289.97

The fronts in both setups are the same, but it changes with the surrounds and sub. Generally I would think it would be better to have the same size speakers for fronts and surround, which makes me think it would be better to spend the extra money and buy the components separately, while also getting a larger sub with more output power.

Looking at the home theater audio thread, they both seem to fit all the recommended specifications set forth by jello. It will mostly be used for movies, and some video gaming. Music is not a priority.

Anyone have any suggestions, comments, knowledge? I am really looking for some other options, though I dont think what I have is bad.

Reciever:

Ok, so I have ~$150 to spend on the receiver. Been looking at mostly the Onkyo's, they seem to offer better specs in my price range.

TX-SR505

Seemingly good receiver. Only draw backs I keep finding is it only offers video pass through and you have to connect a seperate audio connector, which would already be filled up at first start. Another bad thing is it doesnt up-convert analog video signals.

 

jtvang125

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2004
5,399
51
91
Doubt you'll find any decent receiver in that price range that has audio support through HDMI and up conversion. Most of the decent ones I've seen with those two features start ~$400 and up.

Also Onkyo probably has the best bang for the buck HTiB for the money.