Best of the worst? *Pre-packaged HT in a box*

[jntar 15]

Im on a limited budget and limited on space. I'm looking for a decent HT set up to match with my plasma TV. I dont need anything extravagant, but I would like to have something that sounds good. Ive been on crutchfield, newegg, partstexpress and bestbuy and cant seem to find anything that is worth even the high prices they want for them.

What Im looking for...

5.1 surround system with receiver to power them. (already have a bluray player so I dont need a combo)

small package I am working on limited space so the system needs to fit on a shelf or be hung from the walls.

I do have neighbors in the appartment next and above me so I have no need for something that can blast out the sound.

Budget :$450

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Woah, jntar!

[jntar 15]

Sup bud

[Julian 641]

I have a Sony aio that's pretty good only payed around 280 for it sounds pretty good and features aren't bad either

[Julian 641]

Double post FTL

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Sup bud

Well hello there, I wish I could be of more assistance in your search. Either way, good to see you back around.

[ulrisa 26]

I know that it isn't optimal, but have you considered the logitech z-5500 system? It's around $300 and it has a hardware dts/dolby decoder if you run optical or coaxial cables to it. I use one for my computer and it actually sounds pretty good considering the price (especially with optical/coaxial out, the channel seperation is perfect. Much better than just straight 3.5mm headphone cables). You can mount the satellites on walls or shelves or whatever, they have screw holes. Heres a link:

Newegg.com - Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Digital Speaker System

Edited June 19, 2010 by ulrisa

[BanginGMC 23]

Im on a limited budget and limited on space. I'm looking for a decent HT set up to match with my plasma TV. I dont need anything extravagant, but I would like to have something that sounds good. Ive been on crutchfield, newegg, partstexpress and bestbuy and cant seem to find anything that is worth even the high prices they want for them.

What Im looking for...

5.1 surround system with receiver to power them. (already have a bluray player so I dont need a combo)

small package I am working on limited space so the system needs to fit on a shelf or be hung from the walls.

I do have neighbors in the appartment next and above me so I have no need for something that can blast out the sound.

Budget :$450

x2

[jimmy2345 0]

Look at the BIC Venturi Line. You will need to buy the speakers seperately, but it's weel worth it and in your price range (excluding a receiver). These speakers are very musical and detailed and are going to blow away any home theater in a box. Shop at provantage.com and you will get great prices. You won't be disappointed. The DV-64 towers play down to 29hz so you don't absolutely need a sub at the current moment but can add one in the future if you so choose.

[hatrix 2]

I run an Onkyo 5.1 HTiB.

Best sounding 5.1 HTiB i have heard to date. I do run towers with it though for extra bass. 2 12" drivers on each tower.

Edited October 11, 2010 by hatrix

[altoncustomtech 773]

I know that it isn't optimal, but have you considered the logitech z-5500 system? It's around $300 and it has a hardware dts/dolby decoder if you run optical or coaxial cables to it. I use one for my computer and it actually sounds pretty good considering the price (especially with optical/coaxial out, the channel seperation is perfect. Much better than just straight 3.5mm headphone cables). You can mount the satellites on walls or shelves or whatever, they have screw holes. Heres a link:

Newegg.com - Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Digital Speaker System

I second this one. I've even found them online for around $200 as well. Very good sounding, clean system. It has impressed everyone who's listened to it, with a few people who have a hard time believing that it's only what it is. While the amp being built into the sub cabinet and the control box having limited cable length can be a problem when using it for HT, it's nearly impossible to buy a regular HTIB that can keep up with it. None of the HTIB's I've seen in Wal-mart, Sams, or Best-Buy with a price anywhere near this can touch it.

Just my .02

[hatrix 2]

I know that it isn't optimal, but have you considered the logitech z-5500 system? It's around $300 and it has a hardware dts/dolby decoder if you run optical or coaxial cables to it. I use one for my computer and it actually sounds pretty good considering the price (especially with optical/coaxial out, the channel seperation is perfect. Much better than just straight 3.5mm headphone cables). You can mount the satellites on walls or shelves or whatever, they have screw holes. Heres a link:

Newegg.com - Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Digital Speaker System

I second this one. I've even found them online for around $200 as well. Very good sounding, clean system. It has impressed everyone who's listened to it, with a few people who have a hard time believing that it's only what it is. While the amp being built into the sub cabinet and the control box having limited cable length can be a problem when using it for HT, it's nearly impossible to buy a regular HTIB that can keep up with it. None of the HTIB's I've seen in Wal-mart, Sams, or Best-Buy with a price anywhere near this can touch it.

Just my .02

I paid $250 for my Onkyo from newegg, and I'm certain it sounds better than that. Plus, it comes with an actual receiver, giving you way more options if you want to buy better speakers in the future.

[koneco 0]

It's probably no longer a valid option, but Cambridge Soundworks had some decent components for good prices. My bookshelves cost $120 for the pair (m55s), the sub, a ported 50 watt 8-incher(S8), cost $100. For a center channel, I'd go Polk. The CS10 goes for $100 on Amazon right now, free shipping. Same with the rears ... just grab some more inexpensive Polk fronts.

Or if you want it all in a box, or most of it in a box, check this out: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290146

You'll have to supply a receiver, and you can definitely find those for under $250. Not gonna be the best ... but whatever. You may also want to try a school or college. They often have surplus departments that sell good electronics off for cheap. I got my JVC receiver for $25

EDIT: I know the mix and match option won't meet your budget unless you get hooked up by a surplus department, but I figured I'd throw it out there.

Edited November 3, 2010 by koneco

[xAndrew225x 8]

Onkyo HT-S3300

[cobra93 47]

Watch out for the Onkyo's.

Some of them, the cheaper ones, Will allow you to use time alignment, but when you turn the unit off your settings are erased.

I learned that one the hard way.

[koneco 0]

Watch out for the Onkyo's.

Some of them, the cheaper ones, Will allow you to use time alignment, but when you turn the unit off your settings are erased.

I learned that one the hard way.

Ugh, crap like that pisses me off. I'm satisfied with plain old stereo, so something like this: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-652 is preferable to a big ass receiver that forgets. Clear signal path is all I need!

[koneco 0]

Heh heh, if you've got the time and are looking for a good price/performance ratio, browse through this:

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?srchExt=CAT&srchCat=766