oakleys09

Cheap upgrade, poor college student..

Alright, so I’m a poor college student looking to upgrade to a cheap home theater-in-a-box surround system. Currently I’m just using the TV’s speakers and a DVD player. The size of the room is small… don’t know exact measurements, but I would guess 18’x11’. I’d probably end up mounting the speakers and I’d also like to be able to connect my computer to the receiver. Also, the system doesn’t necessarily have to include a DVD player, as I can pick up one separately. Not looking to spend anymore than I have to, but the maximum I’d be willing to go is probably in the $350-$400 range, cheaper if possible. Any help is appreciated!

Ed Moxley

Re: Cheap upgrade, poor college student..

I mentioned in another thread, that Wal Mart has a Pioneer or Sony system for around $400. It is a receiver, and speakers, including a sub. Just check the box for the number and type of inputs it has.
Good luck!

gene c

Re: Cheap upgrade, poor college student..

I'd try and stretch the budget a bit to the Onkyo 790 ($397.06 shipped from 6ave.com) It doesn't come with a dvd player but it does come with a real receiver and subwoofer. This way you can upgrade just the speakers for another big performance improvement a while later when the bug bites again.

ThomasC

Re: Cheap upgrade, poor college student..

I recommend the Logitech Z-5500. It can take several inputs, and you can get it for under $300.

The man I loved - the man who vanished - he never came back at all. But maybe he's still out there, somewhere. Maybe some day, when Gotham no longer needs Batman, I'll see him again.

Alon Goldberg

Re: Cheap upgrade, poor college student..

I'll second the Logitech Z-5500, available for $288 on Amazon.

oakleys09

Re: Cheap upgrade, poor college student..

I liked what I read about the Logitech Z-5500, but as I don't have a lot of extra room, I'd be mounting the speakers and don't like the fact that the speakers are a bit awkward in mounting. Looking through some reviews I've stumbled upon the Onkyo HT-S590 and was wondering if this would be a decent HTiB solution for me? Seems decent and meets the requirements I want just wondering if anyone had any info/input about it.

gene c

Re: Cheap upgrade, poor college student..

There is a pretty big drop in performance from the 790 I recommended earlier to the 590. The center/surround speakers are the main culprit. Go to ecost.com and look at the Sherwood HTS-6500. I have to admit that I've never heard this one but for $229 it's worth a look. And I bet the speakers are much better than those that come with the 590.