Home Theater System - Honda Forum / Acura Forum

blackdelsol94 · 01-31-2008, 09:51 PM

So I have been looking at my options, and I decided I'm going to go with a Home Theater 'In A Box' set up.

I know it doesn't sound as good as something with a real receiver, etc., but as far as my time and budget goes, I think it's my best option.

So my question to you guys is what do you recommend? What have you had good/bad experiences with?

Price is not a huge issue, but I'm looking at systems in the $400-$500 range at this point. I've been considering Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic... that's pretty much all I've looked at/played around with so far.

Thanks in advance.

tjones · 02-01-2008, 01:24 PM

I would not buy a "Home Theater in a Box" they suck, you can't get them to do what you want or seem to have a right amount of inputs. So i would save a little more money and get something a little better. Here are some speakers and components that i would get for around the $1000 mark.

Yamaha YSP-900 and you will need a subwoofer http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186004972247

Here is a good one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....prd78500050001

I would buy any of these,but keep in mind the following. With the Yamaha YSP you are going to need a subwoofer, but not a receiver, it's built into the YSP.

blackdelsol94 · 02-01-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjones

I would not buy a "Home Theater in a Box" they suck, you can't get them to do what you want or seem to have a right amount of inputs. So i would save a little more money and get something a little better. Here are some speakers and components that i would get for around the $1000 mark.

Yamaha YSP-900 and you will need a subwoofer http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186004972247

Here is a good one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....prd78500050001

I would buy any of these,but keep in mind the following. With the Yamaha YSP you are going to need a subwoofer, but not a receiver, it's built into the YSP.

Yeah I'll look into those. I actually work at Best Buy so I get a pretty good discount on audio. I was looking for stuff around $500 because it would only cost me about $250.

I know Home Theaters in a box are not nearly as good, but I really don't have the time or $$ to piece my own system together. Plus it's going in my dorm room and bedroom during the summer so it doesn't have to be the best system ever.

ILOVEMY97E.K. · 02-01-2008, 11:28 PM

over here in cali, there is a store called Fry's Electronics..... they have good deals there, and sick theatre systems..... dont know if you have ever heard of it but check it out on the internet........ frys.com

terrylee79 · 02-02-2008, 03:20 AM

I've been researching for a home theater also but I bought a htib cuz it was a cheap price and I was pretty satisfied. You can piece together your own components for cheap. Here are something piece together.

Receiver: Any cheap onkyo receivers. Best bang for the buck receivers in the market.

speakers: Polk r150's. Best bang for the buck speakers imo. Buy 2 of these cuz it comes in a pair and comes out to 100 bucks.
http://shop1.outpost.com/product/496...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

center channel: Polk RM6752
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6QKzj92...0&I=107RM6752B

Subwoofer: Dayton sub 10"
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=300-633

Cables: www.monorprice.com They're stuff is on par with monster cables and far far far cheaper. It was test proven.

This will run you roughly around 600 bucks or more. This will beat any htib in the $600 to $1000 range. The most important in building a home theater system are the speakers.

This is what most people recommended on avs forum piecing together your own components and they're audiophiles so they know what they're talking about. If you like to further research on what you want go here.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=809777

terrylee79 · 02-02-2008, 03:28 AM

The yamaha ysp systems are pretty good too if you have the right shaped rooms. It can be better than a htib. I went to best buy on there demo room and heard the ysp 800. I was blown away how they created sound from one single unit to the side and back of the viewing position. But like I said, you need a right shaped room(either rectangular or square room with no openings).

dmb · 02-02-2008, 10:39 AM

Fuck every HTIB unless it's a Yamaha, those are the most for your money and can be upgraded/replaced whatever.

Panasonics.....at least all that I have checked have no optical in so you can't get surround by other than built in DVD player, and rather yo use your PS3 for that anyway.

You either spend 299.99 on a nice Yamaha or 5k on a Klipsch system

blackdelsol94 · 02-02-2008, 05:33 PM

Again, I appreciate the advice guys and I know you just have my best interest in mind. HOWEVER, I really don't want to piece together my own system.

I just want a Home Theater in a box, and I'm just looking for some advice on which brand.

Current set-ups I'm considering:

Panasonic: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169512522471

Samsung:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1169512582087

Sony:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1184369167013

Yamaha:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186004964722

terrylee79 · 02-03-2008, 03:23 PM

Go with the onkyo or yamaha htibs and don't buy the htibs that come with upconverting dvd player/reciever combo. Those type when the receiver blows, you have to replace the whole thing. Get a dedicated receiver htibs like onkyo or yamaha

blackdelsol94 · 02-03-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrylee79

Go with the onkyo or yamaha htibs and don't buy the htibs that come with upconverting dvd player/reciever combo. Those type when the receiver blows, you have to replace the whole thing. Get a dedicated receiver htibs like onkyo or yamaha

I did a little more research, and I see what you are saying.

The two systems I am now considering:

Samsung HT-AS720ST-

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186004972651

Yamaha YHT-585BL-

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1186004972651

And possibly this Sony HDX500:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1184369167013

Let me know what you guys think. The top two are strictly receivers, while the Sony also has an upconvert DVD player... I have a 360/PS3 to do that though so it's not a necessity.

terrylee79 · 02-03-2008, 04:20 PM

I would get the yamaha. It's cheaper and I think it's more bang for the buck.

blackdelsol94 · 02-06-2008, 11:14 PM

Yeah but I read something about the Yamaha and it not being able to do audio through the HDMI... which is important because that is what I use for my PS3/360. The Sony is now out of the question; if I got a Sony now it would probably be SF2000.

I think the Yamaha sounds better, but the Samsung might be better suited for my needs.

The only shitty thing about the Samsung is that is does not have any component inputs... what the hell.

terrylee79 · 02-07-2008, 09:59 AM

Speaking of your dilemma, someone else had the same choices as you did. Great thread and I've learned some few things there. I think that thread will make you conclude on your decisions.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...maha+YHT-585BL

blackdelsol94 · 02-07-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrylee79

Speaking of your dilemma, someone else had the same choices as you did. Great thread and I've learned some few things there. I think that thread will make you conclude on your decisions.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...maha+YHT-585BL