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Surprise-Home Theater Advice

#1
Rating: 0
10/6/08 at 4:58pm
  • Joined: October 2008
  • Post Count: 1
Hey, I feel bad adding to the repertoire of advice seekers who frequent this site(who rarely have something to offer) -which seems to be the norm around here...but the fact is I do need some help and am wondering if you well informed chaps' could take pity.

I have 2000-2500 dollars to spend on a television and home theater setup-I know, not much, but that's my budget. I will be moving into a small 1 bedroom apartment (efficiency) and want something that will enhance my experience with respect to space limitations and close-by neighbors. I'm not completely ignorant and have done a moderate amount of research-here's what I've come up with. Also, a big factor to consider is I'm a gamer-Xbox 360 mostly-so enhancing that experience is pivotal-best quality for a gamer at the price would be great.

Panasonic TH-58PX600U 58-Inch Plasma HDTV -$1700(refurbished)
Denon DHT-487DV (*est. $610) or the 7.1 onkyo HTIB

I know there's a lot of negative thoughts on HTIB around here but I think it might be best considering my budget. If I'm wrong please let me know as I do want a quality system. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. THANKS!
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#2
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10/6/08 at 6:26pm
  • Joined: July 2002
  • Post Count: 722

Re: Surprise-Home Theater Advice

The Denon looks nice. One drawback is it doesn't have any HDMI inputs. So that'll make your connection a little more complicated; and you'll probably want a programmable remote. Also, you won't have access to the top end audio from HD disks.

It looks like the Denon is a 5.1 system , not a 7.1. I have no problem with a 5.1; but just so you are aware.
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#3
Rating: 0
10/6/08 at 8:08pm
  • Joined: August 2003
  • Location: SF Bay Area
  • Post Count: 2,298

Re: Surprise-Home Theater Advice

That's a big plasma for $1700. But it's doesn't leave much for the rest of the system. The problem with htib's in that price range is the speakers/subwoofer. The Onkyo 6100 is hdmi 1.3 so it does DolbyTrue-HD and DTS-MA but how much better would they sound thru those speakers? Plus, a BlueRay player would put you over budget.

Another option is a factory refurb like this Denon/Boston Acoustics package from ecost.com for $289, a Denon authorised dealer. Add a refurb BluRay player like this Sony for $339 or this Samsung for $229 and you would have a nice system. Of course, refurbs aren't without their risks, but these come with a factory warranty. Hope this helps.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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