Need help with a decent setup (1 Viewer)

[allendehl]

Hi guys,
I love music and good sound in my movies. I'm not an audio expert neither I have a big budget for my home theater system. I was actually looking in Amazon for an Onkyo or Yamaha HT in a box system buy after reading here some threads I realize that I can do much better buying it separate, and probably keep in budget.
I dont want my total budget to go above the $450, I know is not a lot for these kind of systems but it is what it is...I have to stretch it to get the most of it.
I have a LG 3D TV and an Xbox360, I would like to be able to play good music too. About the kind of speakers...I'm not sure yet of the type I'll go with. My wife will probably have some issues if she doesnt like how they look in the LR...you know.
That being said, I was browsing accessories4less and found these systems...what do you think about them?
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENDHT591BA/DENON-DHT-591BA-5.1-Home-Theater-System-w/Boston-Acoustic-Speakers/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENDHT391XP/DENON-DHT-391XP-5.1-Channel-Home-Theater-System/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENDHT1312XP/DENON-DHT-1312XP-Home-Theater-System-w/SYS1312-Speaker-Package/1.html
If you think I can still do better by buying separate pieces would you recommend me some setups?
I've seen that some of you have links to the individual elements for a very good price or even know coupon codes...that will be appreciated as well..
Thanks lot!

 

[gene c]

The Onkyo HT-540 speaker system I linked to at the bottom is my favorite cheap package. It's not "audiophile" grade by any means but for $149 for 7 speakers and a 10" sub it's really not that bad. Un-forunately, it's sold out. But I'd shoot ac4l an email and ask if they're expecting more later on. you could pair it with either receiver (or some other that fits your budget). The Denon has a better vesion of Audyssey room correction which is important. It's basically the same receiver in the DHT-591BA. And don't worry about it's lesser wattage rating. You won't be able to tell the difference. Of the 3 you linked to I'd take the 591 since it has a better receiver than the other two.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTR590/Onkyo-HT-R590-7.1-Channel-3-D-Ready-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1612/DENON-AVR-1612-5.1-Channel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKSKSHT540/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-7.1-channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System/1.html
Also browse the Clearance Center at Vanns.com for customer returns and open box items.
Speakers http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1612/DENON-AVR-1612-5.1-Channel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
Receivers http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/clearance/3/21
Newegg.com is another place that can have some pretty good deals. Their Polk and Pioneer speakers in particular.
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=31&name=Home-Audio
But ac4l is pretty hard to beat.
Look at monoprice.com and partsexpress.com for cables, wires and stuff.

 

[allendehl]

Thanks a lot gene!
So, if I understand correctly, you like the speaker system for the HT-540 better than the ones in any of the other models, even the DHT-1312 I linked?
I might be wrong but I though the 1312 was newer...and perhaps included a better set of speakers.
Same thing with the receiver...you prefer the 591 over the 1312?
Summarizing...you recommend me to try to build a system with the HT-540 speaker set and the DHT-591BA receiver?
Also, this store has some receivers & HTIB systems in clearance, you might have to do a search for the following terms to avoid going through the whole list:
- HTS3400
- TX-NR709
- AVR-1912
- AVR-3312
Are any of them a good deal in your opinion?
Thanks!

 

[gene c]

Thanks a lot gene!
So, if I understand correctly, you like the speaker system for the HT-540 better than the ones in any of the other models, even the DHT-1312 I linked?
I might be wrong but I though the 1312 was newer...and perhaps included a better set of speakers.
Same thing with the receiver...you prefer the 591 over the 1312?
Summarizing...you recommend me to try to build a system with the HT-540 speaker set and the DHT-591BA receiver?
Also, this store has some receivers & HTIB systems in clearance, you might have to do a search for the following terms to avoid going through the whole list:
- HTS3400
- TX-NR709
- AVR-1912
- AVR-3312
Are any of them a good deal in your opinion?
Thanks!

The receiver in the DHT-1312 is the Denon 1312 which is their least expensive model. The 1612 is the next step up and has tghe Audyssey MultEQ automatic setup and room correction equilizer. The 591 is very similar to 1612, just has a different model number. The Boston speakers that come with those systems are pretty nice but pretty small and the subwoofers are pretty weak. The Onkyo speakers are 7.1 and have a larger front and center channel with dual 5" drivers and the sub is a 10" model that's listed as 25 hz. It's not a bad speaker package for $150. Just be reasonable with the expectations.
The 3400 has a passive subwoofer so I'd pass on it.
The 709 is a very good receiver with many features but Onkyo's QC has been suspect lately. Problems with the hdmi board.
The 1912 is a couple of models higher than the 1612. A better receiver than the 1612 but only if you need it.
The 3312 is when you start getting into serious equipment. But spend your money on better speakers/subwoofer. I wouldn't pair the Onkyo speaker system I listed with any receiver higher than the 1612.The Onkyo 709, Denon 3312 and even the 1912 are too much receiver for those speakers. More on the speakers, less on the receiver. But this is all the opinion of some knucklehead on the internet. The Denon/Boston packages are pretty good for the price. I just like a little bigger speakers and subwoofer. If you can up the budget a bit over $450 (more than a bit actually, ) consider the Onkyo 9400 refurbished from ac4l.com. ($599 + sh)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS9400/Onkyo-HT-S9400-THX-7.1-Ch-Network-Home-Theater-Receiver/Speaker/1.html

 

[allendehl]

gene, thanks again. That's quite a lesson on HT!!!
I'd love to go with the 9400, but not sure I can make it. For now, I'll focus on the more affordable option. I sent an email out to ac4l and they told me they have some 540 in order, so they should be coming sooner than later.
My question here is that the speakers are 7.1 but the receiver(591) is 5.1.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR591/DENON-AVR-591-5.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKSKSHT540/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-7.1-channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System/1.html
Besides this is there any other combination I should also consider? I guess that if I try to buy the speakers separate I wont be able to fit it in my budget.
Thanks again!

 

[gene c]

The 591 is $190, the HT-540's are $150. That's $340 plus shipping. Well within your budget.
You don't need to use all 7 speakers. Just use the 5 you want to use and put the other two in the closet.

 

[gene c]

I guess there's the Onkyo HT-7400, HT-6300 and 7409. They can all be had as refurbs for under $400. But I'd still go with the other setup. It would be real hard to find a receiver and 5 speakers plus a sub for much less than that. You would have to consider a good 2.1 system instead. Great for music but not so good for tv/movies.

 

[allendehl]

Gene, one more quick question.
The ac4l guy that responded my email says he suggests this system over the onkio, what do you think?
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSMCS100MDNT/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-Horizon-MCS100-5.1-8in-100w-sub-Speaker-System-Black/1.html

 

[gene c]

On paper the Onkyo system looks better but he has access to both of them so maybe the Boston system sounds better. But it only has an 8" 100 watt sub that only goes to 40 hz compared to the Onkyo sub that's 10 inches, 230 watts and goes to 25 hz. But again, he gets to listen to them both.

 

[allendehl]

This is what he said, he didn't mention any specifics:
"Honestly, I would recommend this system from Boston Acoustics over the Onkyo. Onkyo is not a speaker specialty company and builds speakers only as a secondary business."

 

[gene c]

I've said that before myself. Buy speakers from a company that specializes in them. But with your budget you need the best value. Boston is a good company. I've often recommended the CS2310B when it was available for $200-$250 but recomended selling the sub and getting a PartsExpress or BIC sub instead.
I guess the Bostons might have better quality but the Onkyo's are a better value. But again, I haven't compared them side-by-side.

 

[ethdfb]

So, if I understand correctly, you like the speaker system for the HT-540 better than the ones in any of the other models, even the DHT-1312 I linked?
I might be wrong but I though the 1312 was newer...and perhaps included a better set of speakers.
Beats By Dre
Same thing with the receiver...you prefer the 591 over the 1312?
Summarizing...you recommend me to try to build a system with the HT-540 speaker set and the DHT-591BA receiver?

 

[allendehl]

Hi gene, thanks again.
I just places the order in ecost for the receiver. They have a very good deal:
http://www.ecost.com/p/Denon-Consumer-Electronics/product~dpno~8886101~pdp.gjbchfi
Just one question that just popped in my head and did not find an answer in the specs. As I will have 2 extra speakers and my HT will be close to my back yard(covered) I was thinking to place the 2 speakers out there. Does the AVR591 will allow me to do that in a way that I can choose to play music in the back yard and not in the living room?

 

[Martino]

As I will have 2 extra speakers and my HT will be close to my back yard(covered) I was thinking to place the 2 speakers out there.

Looking at the link you provided - you bought a 5.1 receiver system and not a 7.1 system - so you do not have the extra 2 channels needed for a zone 2 configuration....
Denon 5.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI 1.4a - Refurbished - AVR591-OBREF
Key Features
Fully discrete, identical quality and power for all 5 channels (75 W x 5)

 

[allendehl]

Thanks Martino, it makes sense!. Is there an equivalent 7.1 receiver to the 591 that you know of?? Its not a deal killer but as they havent ship it yet, I might be able to change my order if it fits my budget.

 

[Martino]

They basically have the same model in 7.1: Denon 7.1-Channel AV Surround Receiver - AVR1712-REF
http://www.ecost.com/p/Denon-Home-Audio/product~dpno~8899076~pdp.gjcfgfb
This has the dual zone capability....runs for $215.00...
http://usa.denon.com/us/Product/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?CatId=AVReceivers(DenonNA)&PId=AVR1712(DenonNA)