Home Theater Systems

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49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
2,095
0
0
Just recently broke my bank on a new HDTV and looking to get a HTS to compliment it. However, I'm VERY limited with my budget. We're talking under $400 here. Anyone know of the best TTS in the $250-$399 range that comes with an integrated DVD player (a must-have spec)? Also, I don't want refurbished. I've done some googling but opinions vary.

Currently I'm eyeballing the JVC THC-5, Sony DAV-FX10, Sony DAV-FR1, Panasonic
SC-HT930, Samsung HT-HDP40 and Samsung HT-WP38.

Looks like the Samsung HT-HDP40 is the only one with a HDMI option but not sure if that really makes a huge difference in quality.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

And btw, is the whole HDMI/DVI connection overrated? Is it really worth it compared to component cables?
 
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darkswordsman17

Lifer
Mar 11, 2004
23,444
5,852
146
With a budget like that you're very limited on some goodstuff.

Hmm, pick up a pair of the Polk R15 speakers from Outpost ($40 right now). Then get a Dayton Audio 12" sub ($120). That'll put you at $160. Then get the Philips DVP642 DVD Player from Amazon for $50 (check Gottadeal for the link and how to get it that cheap). That'll put you up to $210. Then spend the rest on a good reciever. Later on you can upgrade the speakers (move the R15s to surrounds and then get maybe some floorstanders and a good center).

Personally, I wouldn't go too crazy on a DVD player right now, as Blu-Ray and HD-DVD loom on the horizon (and will be much better with your HDTV). That Philips does progressive scan which should be plenty good. There are some that upconvert the signals to HD resolutions, and while they seem very good quality, they aren't really worth it in my opinion. Your TV will most likely upconvert it to its resolution anyways.
 
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conehead433

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2002
5,569
901
126
The link in the above post for an Onkyo system that includes a very good receiver, adequate speakers and a subwoofer would be a good start. The Philips 642 DVD player will get you by and plays most any DVD thrown at it along with some but possibly not the latest divx encoded discs. I managed to get the Onkyo HT770 for ~$350 on sale at Circuit City when it first came out. Very nice system. I did add a pair of Polk R50s for the front speakers, but for watching movies the Onkyo speakers will do. The Onkyo 780 is on sale Black Friday at CC for $399. Might want to check Here. Enter Home Theater in the search box.
 
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thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,034
126
106
I think if you read through that Onkyo thread you can get it for under $400 and with a free DVD player thrown in.
 
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DurocShark

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
15,708
5
56
You should look at used receivers. You can get top of the line 2 years ago for pretty cheap, cheaper than midlevel new today.

I picked up a 3 year old TOL Yamaha receiver for $60. More than adequate. :)
 
YOyoYOhowsDAjello

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
31,205
45
91
Yeah, I'm going to say that refurb onkyo set is going to be the best bet too. Like thedarkwolf said, it comes with a DVD player and some were getting the set for around $360 or so. Go down until shoponkyo is mentioned in the thread and there's a coupon for 20% off also.

How HDMI or DVI will look compared to Component will depend on the TV too.

For something new under $400, there aren't a whole lot of options. If you take out $50 for the DVD player, you're left with $350 for the system.

Maybe even a set of computer speakers like Logitech z-5500s would be a good idea for you if you really want to save money.

EDIT: also, check out the AVSforum HTIB area http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=109
 
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