11-05-2002, 11:36 AM
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 Home Theater System
I am in the market for a home theater system. However, I do not want one that is real expensive (looking at no more than $400.00). The room I want to set it up in is quite large, but I have it arranged so that the system would only cover an area of 13'x16'. I have a 32" Toshiba television that would be hooked up to it. However, I need a system that has a good receiver with it. A DVD player would be nice, but it is not necessary at this time (still have plenty of VCR tapes). If necessary to increase the "experience" of the system, I have two good Pioneer speakers, from my stereo, that I could hook up to the system. Thanks to all in advance, for any help. __________________ Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: 11.30.2002 Save 20% off of your purchase at ICE.com with coupon code BCD20-414266.  |
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11-09-2002, 04:22 AM
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If you currently have a "decent" stereo system, try hooking up the audio out lines from your vcr and dvd player to the unit's audio in. I was wishing around for a home theater system when I decided to try hooking my units up to a 10 year old AIWA shelf system. Sound is so much fuller than from the teeny speakers in my 27 inch TV I don't get all the fancy features that would be available with a new home theater system, but I also didn't spend $400. |
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11-09-2002, 08:57 AM
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I would highly recommend a DVD player and also pushing beyond $400 if you could. The DVD player will give you SO much more sound quality than VHS, but you COULD step into BUILDING a home theater system by staying with the VCR. As far as decent inexpensive receivers go, you might want to check out the Denon line, which gets a lot of raves from people on a site that I frequent. Here's a refurbished one on eBay starting at $199: and a slightly used one starting at $265: You may be able to pick up a decent DVD player at under $200. Panasonic gets high marks in this territory, although many have said that build quality is substandard. Here's one that comes highly recommended, currently at $182.50: The eBay links are just for reference. You may be able to find brand new items for decent prices at other online stores. With just the receiver and a DVD player and your 2 Pioneer speakers, you won't get surround sound, but it would probably still sound better than the VHS system in Pro Logic mode with 5 speakers. It would allow you to step into one when you could afford the additional speakers, as you just need to change settings on the receiver. To get everything at once, this Kenwood system (from what I hear) is highly rated. The "list price" is $900, but I think it could be purchased new for about $550. I may be wrong. [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] You might want to solicit other opinions by posting your request on the "Home Theater" forum on this site: [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] Membership is free, and there is a wealth of information in all price categories. __________________ [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: 11.30.2002 Save 20% off of your purchase at ICE.com with coupon code BCD20-414266 (excludes watches). Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: If you've never registered at eBay, you are missing out on the world's greatest garage sale! A must-use for all bargain hunters, you can register for FREE today. Sell your stuff. Buy new stuff. It's that simple. [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] |
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11-09-2002, 09:39 AM
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I did a little more searching for you (not much) and found the AVR-1802 ususally selling new for $399, which totally blows your wad. The Panasonic RP-91 should probably sell for more than $250, so that's probably not a good selection, plus it has progressive scan, which you don't need anyway. Here's a possibility for an entire system at $450: It is priced at $499, currently on back order, if you buy something else for a dollar or more, you can use the $50 off $500 coupon here: Shipping is free, and you'd get everything you need for about $50 more than you wanted to spend. I'm sure the equipment would be a compromise (wouldn't be the quality that you'd get from the Denon receiver, for example and the DVD player sounds almost finicky enough to be useless). The CNET reviews are worth checking out: [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] __________________ [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: 11.15.2002 Click through to save $5 off of your purchase of $50 or more, plus get FREE shipping, at Buy.com. [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: 11.30.2002 Save 20% off of your purchase at ICE.com with coupon code BCD20-414266 (excludes watches). |
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11-10-2002, 02:58 PM
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I did a little more thinking about what I would do if in your shoes and I think this is the best option: shoot the wad on a decent receiver like the Denon, or perhaps Yamaha or Marantz. If you buy right, you can have a little cash left over to get a couple of cheap surround speakers. Amazon seems to have sales on Wharfedales a lot and while I haven't heard them myself, I've heard others say they're decent for the price. Surrounds aren't THAT critical, but they do add to the experience. Don't bother with a center channel. Just set the receiver to indicate you don't have one. When you can afford to blow another $200, get a decent DVD player. I hear major complaints about really cheap DVD players like their inability to play many movies or just plain ornery operation. When you come across some more buried cash, get a center channel to match your front speakers. You may want to get 2 new main speakers at the time you get a center channel. It's important that they match (tonally). Eventually, get a subwoofer to add that extra dynamic to your movies. If you build your system over a period of time, it will take longer, but you'll end up with better quality. If you read some of the messages on that AudioReview forum, you'll see tales where people have lamented over buying cheap gear and having to replace it when it dies early. One guy spoke of buying several DVD players and realizing that if he spent more in the beginning, he'd have better quality and less frustration. __________________ [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: 11.15.2002 Click through to save $5 off of your purchase of $50 or more, plus get FREE shipping, at Buy.com. Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: 12.31.2002 Enjoy big savings during the Holiday Tool Sale at Amazon.com! Check out these [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now], or go directly to [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] EXP: 11.30.2002 Save 20% off of your purchase at ICE.com with coupon code BCD20-414266 (excludes watches). [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] |
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