Topic: Home Theater on a budget

[Karl]

Hello, I have a tiny $200 to spend on home theater (receiver, speakers).  Speakers could either be 2.1, 4.1, or 5.1.  I don't need something that's super loud, but I would like something with decent sound quality top to bottom.  Any suggestions?  I'm also willing to buy stuff off ebay.

[scervin]

I'm pretty sure it can be done, but it will take some hunting on ebay.  The reciever would probably have to be one of the first Dolby Digital models.  Not sure you will be able to add a sub.  I'd wait until you can spend a little more or go with headphones (not a great HT experience though).

sc

[dnsacks]

karl:

Do you have any existing speakers that can be used?  It's going to be tough to buy a ht receiver on that budget, let alone a receiver and speakers. 

[ducati]

I have heard decent things about this unit:

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsplash/shop/detail.asp?dpno=460496

I haven't heard it, so I can offer no comment.  It is within spitting distance of your target price.

[Karl]

Hrmph.

Well, here's where I'm coming from.  I've been using self-powered computer speakers for my DVD, Boston Acoustics BA790.  Actually not a bad sound.  Problem is, if I want to change the volume, I have to stand up to go change it. 

I guess the question I should be asking is what's the best sound I can get for $200?  Self-powered like above would be fine, but I would also need a remote control.  Or receiver and speakers would be fine.  I will be more than happy with 2.1, I would rather have decent 2.1 sound than crappy 4 or 5.1.  I see a lot of those all in one type things at Best Buy or wherever (DVD, receiver and speakers).  If there's one of those types that sounds decent I would be interested in that also.

thx

[Nick in Edinboro]

If you have a dvd player that outputs DTS than this isn't a terrible option just to get a HT setup.  I have one in my basement.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2663659

[dnsacks]

If you have a dvd player that outputs DTS than this isn't a terrible option just to get a HT setup. I have one in my basement.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2663659

Shoot, even if you DON'T have a dvd player that outputs dts, you could have the system quoted above and the necessary dvd for well under $200

[Karl]

I would have my doubts that that would even fit the description of sound "decent".  If that can be bought for $45, surely I can find something for $200 that sounds at least decent.  And hopefully some people have already used the product and are satisfied with it.

[Nick in Edinboro]

Just trying to help, I do not think the ROI between a $50 and a $200 budget will be all that much but YMMV.

I have that unit and it's fine for watching movies in my basement, depends what your after.

Best of luck,
Nick

[Nick Culbreth]

Just trying to help, I do not think the ROI between a $50 and a $200 budget will be all that much but YMMV.

Agreed.  I think he'll be hard pressed to find many viable options with that budget.

[Karl]

Just trying to help, I do not think the ROI between a $50 and a $200 budget will be all that much but YMMV.

I have that unit and it's fine for watching movies in my basement, depends what your after.

Best of luck,
Nick

What's ROI mean?  If you have it and you think it sounds ok, then I think I'll jet over to wally world and see if they'll actually let me hear one of those things.

[JeffK]

ROI = Return On Investment.

Head over to your local stores (Best Buy, Circuit City, Walmart, Target, etc) and check out their Home Theater in a Box systems.  Most will include a 5.1 speaker setup with a receiver/dvd/cd player all in one.  Let your ears decide if something sounds 'decent' in your price range.  The good thing about one of these systems, is that when you're ready to upgrade, the speakers are generally small enough that it'll make a great bedroom system in the future.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

If you must have 5.1 now, I'd suggest that you get the $50 surround system and put $150 in the bank to save toward a better set of speakers.  Then use the $50 set-up in a bedroom or office when you upgrade the main system. Edit: If you listen to the $50 system and find it to be reasonable.  JeffK is right, you should listen to it before you buy it.


If you can wait for 5.1, I'd recommend getting a decent pair of used monitors for a two channel system and then save to upgrade your front channels in the same product line so that the monitors can become well matched rear speakers.  I think a decent 2 channel system will be more satisfiying than a compromised multichannel system, even for watching movies.

With respect to the ROI comments, you should not think of this purchase as an expense, but as an investment.  Buy something that won't get hammered on resale and that way you get a better value for your money today with the benefit of being able to sell the gear later to fund upgrades.  A $200 5.1 system will have almost no resale value, but for $200 you can find a used stereo pair of monitors that will hold that value for a few years until you are ready to replace them.