Home theater in a box recommendations
Question: Can anyone recommend a good quality home theater in a box for around $500-700? My idea is to get a system I could expand/upgrade. I’m leaning toward Dennon and HK based strictly on brand loyalty from years ago. Do these companies still put out a good product? I haven’t actually heard the HK speakers yet, are they basically JBL’s? How about Yamaha systems?
Alternatively, I was thinking of going with separate components and using an old pair of DCM’s as my L&R speakers. The one salesman I talked to said that would not be a good idea because if the center speaker didn’t acoustically “match” the L&R, it would sound like crap. Is there some truth to this, or was he just trying to sell me a pair of speakers.
I also have to battle the wife because she thinks the DCM’s are ugly and too “80’s,” but that’s another story…
Answer 1: I went with Yamaha. I liked it better than comparable Denon or Onkyo systems (both of which were about $200.00 more). It does not have HDMI in/out so you will need co/ax cables. I love the sound, it has outstanding power and if I need more, which I do not, I could add a powered sub (it comes with a passive sub).
Great system, great price: Yamaha 720W 5.1-Ch. XM-Ready Home Theater Speaker System Model: YHT-370
Answer 2: I went with HK AVR 245 and infinity TSS 1100 speakers. The system is awesome! The 12 inch Sub woofer makes the thing pop.
Answer 3: Onkyo Home Theater System (HT-S790S) - ONK HTS790S
• 7.1-channel sound
• 8-piece speaker system
• iPod dock-compatible
• XM-radio ready
• Onkyo’s WRAT technology
• HDTV-capable
Under $500 at Circuit City!