Durabrand Home Theater Package?

john_kassimatis · 07-20-2004, 12:46 PM

Hi all,

Someone I know is trying to get into the Home Theater Scene. Walmart has several extremely inexpensive Receiver & Speaker packages. The two cheapest ones are the "HT-400" and "HT-395" both are "Durabrand". Now, I realize that you usually get what you pay, so they are probably crap. However, has anyone ever heard of them, or anything about them?

They retail for $60-$70 and include a Receiver & remote, 5 Satelite speakers, a sub, and all the speaker wires. The less expensive is 100W, then 200W for the more expensive package.

Is there anything out there that is entry level and fairly inexpensive that isn't complete crap? For someone who is just getting into this whole scene, spending $400 or $500 might seem a bit expensive, even thought it's probably worth it in the long run.

Thanks for any input!

- John

John S · 07-20-2004, 01:09 PM

Hard to gauge expectations. I would rather have a decent old used Pro-Logic system than anything like that myself.

Best of luck with it.....

John Brill · 07-20-2004, 01:46 PM

The absolute cheapest I would go with is the Sony HTIB (HTDDW660) which retails around $199 at Circuit City...

Somehow I would think the Walmart "Special" is probably not all that special.

JB

john_kassimatis · 07-20-2004, 02:07 PM

JB:

I am sure you are correct.. Is that Sony any good? I mean, once again I understand that it's cheap, but how is it?

Jeremy Little · 07-20-2004, 02:14 PM

That package is decent, but keep in mind the limiting factor on it (besides the obvious sound limitations) is going to be the inputs. 1 optical and 1 coax, plus 2 ANALOG connections isn't a lot.

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Wayne A. Pflughaupt · 07-20-2004, 02:36 PM

A lot of those cheapie entry-level systems just don’t hold up. I know people who have gone that route and the built-in DVD player bit the dust in less than a year.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

john_kassimatis · 07-20-2004, 02:59 PM

Deff not looking for a built-in-dvd no.. 2 Digital connections would probably be okay, to start..

07-20-2004, 03:50 PM

I agree with whom ever said buy a used cheap "real" DD receiver and then just add some cheap KLH or what ever bookshelf speakers from Bestbuy. I'd just get two for now and add to it later if need be but at least that system would give the person somewhere to go as far as future upgrades (add more speakers) and should sound a lot better. Of course if $100 is the max you'll be hard pressed to beat these ultra cheap units...but even then I'd try a pawn shop etc for a name brand receiver.

DorianBryant · 07-21-2004, 04:34 AM

Ecost sometimes has entry level receivers for $79. They recently had several kenwoods for this price. Also, for $150 you could get a refurbished Onkyo 501 or a panny SA-XR25 from JandR. Either of these would be great choices.

Go on E-bay as well. you could get some decent bookshelf speakers for under $50. Sound quality would be way above the Durabrand.

John S · 07-21-2004, 11:57 AM

Yes, I know several people now, that have built around a $150 Onkyo TX-SR501. That is probably the most bang for your buck on future-ability. Paired with a decent sized set of any era bookshelfs and/or floor standing speakers, a few of them are even totally happy without a sub. The only needed to go get a center and surounds.