written by Mike Shea on 8 June 2002
The following components are ones of quality and value. While not necessarily the cheapest components you can buy, they are the ones of the lowest price that have the required features of quality home theater equipment. They represent a true value in home theater equipment. Remember that equipment is only one third of the home theater experience. Both environment and the movies you watch matter greatly.
Current Top Buys:
- Monitor: Toshiba 57H83 57" Widescreen CRT Projection TV $2000
- Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR 501 $300
- DVD Player: Panasonic S25K Progressive DVD Player $80
- Speakers: Two pair Home Theater Direct Level 1 Bookshelf Speakers $60 one Level 1 Center Speaker $30
- Subwoofer: HSU VTF2 Subwoofer $450
- Remote: Home Theater Master MX-500 $120 (prices)
- connectors $100, SPL meter $30, THX Optimizer DVD $20, THX blue filter glasses $2
A good quality TV for home theater use can be purchased for as low as $900. The minimum specs for a home theater TV includes a 32" screen, Component Video and V-Compression also known as a 16x9 mode for DVD playback. $2000 is the sweetspot for a good HDTV Monitor with a 50" or larger screen. This is your biggest bang for the buck. A true home theater monitor has a 16x9 widescreen display and a screen diagnal that is 1/2 the distance to the primary seating position. For example, if you sit 8 feet away, the screen diagnal should be at least 48 inches.
Receivers handle all of the audio decoding of a home theater system. While power and proper decoding are required, receivers often don't sound different from system to system. Make sure any home theater receiver can decode both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS and has equal power to all five channels. $500 is the sweet spot for a good receiver. Any more is a diminishing return and any less could sacrifice quality.
DVD Players are probably the easiest component to pick out. There are many good players at many price ranges. Don't spend more than $200. The unit below is probably the best dollar value you can get in a DVD player. For $100 you get a solid high quality progressive DVD player. There is no need to buy anything else.
Speakers have the widest range of quality manufacturers but almost none of them can be purchased in your larger stores. $1000 is the sweet spot for a high quality speaker setup. $500 can be done but it is harder to get a good quality system for that low. Often it is better to get a separate subwoofer such as an SVS or HSU subwoofer direct over the internet than the one that comes with a package deal.
From: Chris ( chrisb@sneezingdog.com ) on 23 December 2003
Subject: JBL Speakers
Mike-
I currently have two JBL S26II
s and an Scenter 2 center channel, they provide amazing sound for the dollar ($300 for all three of them). I was wondering what your thoughts were on the the NSP1 systems (boxed set including 4 speakers and a center channel, it appears jbl has stopped carrying them) as I am looking to install a system at a friends place, as compared to the boston acoustics sub/sat combo.
From: Daniel ( dschneider@lawschool.gonzaga.edu ) on 18 September 2003
Subject: Home Theater Set-up
My system sounds pretty good and I spent less than $2500 on it, here's what's included:
Pioneer Elite 45tx ($750 at etronics.com)
Denon 1600 DVD ($250 at ECost.com)
Klipsch fronts, center, and surrounds ($850 at Good Guys--would've saved more had I known what I was doing)
HSU VTF-2 Subwoofer ($499 atHSUresearch.com)
Interconnects are Monster, Aucoustic Research, and from a hardware store for speaker wire 18 gauge ($100... lots of places)
It sounds pretty nice and the DVDA is amazing. I recommend this to anyone.
My next upgrade will be the inter-connects to cobalt cables/ better cables; then a Monster Power cleaner.
Cheers!
From: SAM MARTIN ( DARTHSAMMIE@AOL.COM ) on 23 November 2002
Subject: DONT SPEND A MINT BUY WISELY THIS IS WHAT I DID
I DID NOT BUY THE LATEST THINGS ON THE MARKET AND I DID NOT BUY THEM ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I SHOPEED VALUE AND QUALITY. DO YOUR HOME WORK
RECIEVER PIONEER VSX-D710S
I GOT IT ON CLEARANCE. WITH MORE FEATURES THAN THE SAME BRANDS NEWER MODLES LESS THE 6.1 AND THX
DOES HAVE COMPONENT VIDEO SWITCHING WITH NO DEGRADATION OF SIGNAL
$250.00
DVD PLAYER
RCA- GOT LUCKY CHRISTMAS GIFT
$0.00
TV JVC 32D302
GOT ON SALE. GREAT QUALITY FOR THE MONEY. HAS COMPONENT INPUTS, BUT NO V-COMPRESSION. I WILL UPGRADE LATER
$400.00
SPEAKERS---NO TINY CUBES ALLOWED
CENTER JBL N-CENTER II
GOOD SPEAKER. BUT I WILL UPGADE LATER AS I WOULD LIKE A LARGER ONE WITH A LOWER FREQUENCY RESPONSE. IT SOUNDS REALLY GOOD FOR THE PRICE $142.00 ON SALE BUT I GOT LUCKY AGAIN. B-DAY
PRESENT FROM WIFE AND MOTHER.
$0.00
FRONTS DCM KX-12 SERIES 2
THESE MUTHAS ARE CROSSED OVER SO LOW I DID NOT NEED A SUB AS THE RECIEVER CAN BE SET TO CHANNEL THE LFE TO THE FRONTS.BUT CONTRARY TO THE OLD SAYING MY WANTS DID HURT A LITTLE AND EVENTUALLY GOT ONE ANY WAY. LOW IS 25HZ BOOOMMMM. AND THEY ARE TIGHT NOT MUDDY. NOW IM GOING TO MAKE YOU SICK. I GOT THESE AS AN OPEN BOX BUY @ CIRCUIT CITY. I SAW THEM TAKE THEM OUT OF A SEALED BOX TO PUT ON DISPLAY A KID OPENED A SODA. THE SODA GOT ON THE GRILLE, AND SIDE. I WIPED "A LITTLE" OFF.
AND TALKED THE MANAGER INTO SELLING THEM TO ME AS AN OPEN BOX BUY. THEY CLEANED UP WITH A DAMP PAPER TOWEL. NORMAL PRICE WAS 200.00 EACH. I GOT THE PAIR FOR
$180.00 TOTAL INCLUDING TAX
SUBWOOFER CAMBRIDGE BASS CUBE 8
LITTLE MONEY BIG PUNCH. AND WILL KEEP UP AT NORMAL LISTENING LEVELS WITH MY SYSTEM. I TURN IT OFF FOR MUSIC. I WILL UPGRADE THIS LATER BUT I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE UNIT FOR THE MONEY SPECIALLY SINCE IM PO.
EBAY WITH SHIPPING
$80.00
REARS pioneer cs-k731. 4-way towers 35hz no mud either.I USE TO USE INFINITY REF 2000.1 which also used to be my fronts but...
MY FRIEND WAS GOING TO YARD SALE HIS OLDER PIONEER SPEAKER SET UP AS HE BOUGHT A YAMAHA SYSTEM WITH CUTE LITTLE CUBES{WHYY!!!!} I WAS WITH HIM WHEN HE BOUGHT THEM NEW AND I KNOW HE TAKES CARE OF HIS STUFF. so i bought them all for
$75.00 CA-CHING.
TOTAL SYSTEM PRICE PAID
$985.00
NEIGHBORS WHO THINK ALIENS ARE LANDING AT MY HOUSE FREQUENTLY
1
NEIGHBORS WHO THINK I HAVE RAGING PARTIES THAT RESULT IN GUNFIRE
3
P.S. DEER DO NOT WALK UP TO MY HOUSE ANYMORE
From: Mike ( mshea@liquidtheater.com ) on 11 June 2002
Subject: 16x9 mode
I tried to set up this list as a non-hacker version. There are a lot of ways to get high value per dollar by learning how to hack things, but I don't want to recommend a TV that doesn't have a built in 16x9 mode even if you can do it in the service menu. It's just too hard to change back and fourth in a family environment.
From: Jared ( jdh2424@yahoo.com ) on 11 June 2002
Subject: JVC AV 36230
Why settle for a 32-inch Sony when you can get a 36-inch JVC for the same price. I know the JVS does not have a 16 x 9 feature built in, but if can work the remote and have about 15 minutes then your set. What you can do is, get into the service menu and change the size that your tv displays at "ie like a Computer monitor” You can make the picture go left/right up/down and expand or shrink the picture. So what you can do it tell your DVD player that you have a 16x9 tv, shrink the picture vertically and BAM 500 lines and a picture that is 25% better. Here is a link how to.
http://www.audioreview.com/TVs,32,inch,and,above/JVC,AV,36230/PRD_128454_2725crx.aspx
My folks have a 36" Wega and my JVC will them a run for your money, and this tv can be had at $800 dollars on sale at your local store.
From: Mike ( mshea@liquidtheater.com ) on 9 June 2002
Subject: Wega problems
The only drawback I have heard about the Wega series is the problem you bring up. While the set, when working properly, has an excellent picture and great features, quality control has been a problem.
I picked this one as a recommended component because it is the most inexpensive set that includes a 16x9 enhanced mode, a requirement for any good home theater display.
If I can find another brand with the same features, I will probably replace it on the list. So far Samsung is being researched.
From: chris ( graberc@yahoo.com ) on 9 June 2002
Subject: Wega
I have the Wega mentioned. . .and would never recommend it. This is my story. . .
I bought the Sony Wega,new, directly from Sony (my brother worked there). When I got it home I realised that it had a large blue blur in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Kind of like A magnetic interference blur, even though it was safely away from any speakers. I couldn't take it back (con of buying straight from sony) and had to rely on the warranty. The guy comes out and picks it up, 2 weeks no tv. They bring it back and it still has a smaller blur. The guy has to come out to my house, take off the back, and adjust it. The reason? The large wegas are very sensitive he says. The magnetic poles can even effect the picture. He swore they adjusted it at the shop. . .Yeah right I thought. So I called another technician. He stated the same thing. . .damn thing is way sensitive being it is flat and 32inches.
From: John ( jplacson@mydestiny.net ) on 4 October 2001
Subject: sorry..sorry... follow-up
I'm looking for comments on the Boston System 8000 vs. Energy's Take 5... sorry :) My mistake... but comments on the System 9000 (Not the new 9000 II) are welcome as well. :)
From: John ( jplacson@mydestiny.net ) on 4 October 2001
Subject: Semi-budget system
I'm torn between the Boston System 9000 and the Energy Take 5. I don't really need the power (My windows rattle with my current system already). As much as I like the dipolar Boston surrounds, I've gotten used to the identical 5.1 setup that the newer systems offer. Any comments between these two?
My PC (SB Live...soon to be Audigy) is plugged into it too. Just a note, 5.1 is NOT just for movies!!! :) Games are great when you can actually tell where everyone is! Resampled sounds for Counter-strike from Sound Effects CDs... the game sounds great... Don't crank the volume if you're using the AWP (Arctic rifle) hehehehe
From: Soren ( soren@cinternet.net ) on 6 January 2000
For those on a real shoestring budget or in tight quarters (like me in my 4-person apartment with 7 other guys), just get a decent computer with a DVD-ROM drive, a 19" monitor, a SoundBlaster Live! card, and Cambridge Soundworks speakers. About $2500-$3000. Sure, it won't replace going to the theater, but it is a great way to view DVD's economically.
From: Alex ( erkis@erkis.com ) on 15 December 1999
My HT System
Video:
NEC LT100
DVD Sony 7700
DVDO line doubler
Dalite mate white 1.5 16/9 120"
Synergistic S video cable
Audio:
Denon 5700 AV
Martin Logan scenario
Martin Logan script
Martin Logan Cinema
Synergistic PhaseII cable
Synergistic coax Ref
Synergestic AC master cable on all component expect 7700 ; 0 (
Monster Cable HT3500 for surge protector
To improve my system I would have to spend a LOT of $ (see your ref system with revel speakers!)
Cheer
Alex
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From: John ( GAN818@aol.com ) on 23 February 2004
Subject: Home Theater for under $500
Hi all,
I've really enjoyed checking out the site and have learned quite a bit. I'm in the market for a home theater system and would like some feedback -but I'm only able to spend around $500 at this time. First of all, I'm not quite the aficionado as most seem to be here. But I do try to get the most "bang for the buck" and figure this is the place to get help. To start, I have a pretty decent TV in a 27" Sony Wega(I would have liked a larger set, but I won it so I can't complain). I live in a relatively small apartment and don't need to blow the roof off the place. I initially looked at some Boxed sets, namely the panasonic SC-HT700 but my worry was that future expansion would be a problem(as far as inputs/outputs go) as well as the overall sound quality. The reviews I saw seemed to give a positive spin on it for the money. I looked into some of the "best buys" listed on the site and was interested in the Onkyo TXSR-501(found online for about$260) with the Home Theater Direct Level One 6-speaker package($150). I'd also need to pick up a decent DVD player -the Panasonic was listed here, should I go for a 5-disc..I thought it would be more convenient, are there any drawbacks? Also, what cables would you suggest and where is the best place to pick them up. Please let me know your thoughts. I just don't want to underspend and be disappointed. I'd also like to consider any future expansion -I don't want to spend the cash and find out 2 years from now I made a bad decision. Thanks in advance for the help!
John