[AnitaPeterson]

Hi there,

I'm sorry if this subject seems old and tired to regular users. I don't come here too often, and so far my searches have been unsuccessful, considering the budget limitations.

I *used* to be a stereo/hi-fi afficionado long time ago, when I lived in Europe. But I've fallen behind pitifully, as life has become more complicated over the last five years or so. I don't even know who's the current top dog maker of equipment (to give you an idea - my musical nirvana used to be the Technics Ta-Keh CD decks and the Nakamichi Dragon...)

Anyway, my life's story is not the point here. My point is that I'm finally getting ready to buy a DECENT home theatre system. What I have so far is a toy, with muddy bass, a garbled front-right speaker, and unpleasant mid-treble.

But - there's always a But, isn't it? - I can only go as high as $500 CDN. Which poses an additional problem, considering that the Canadian market is much smaller and limited in offers than the U.S.

Nevertheless, I still hope you can help me here. What I'm looking for, basically, is a good receiver and a nice set of 5.1 speakers.

I'd avoid a HTIB for two reasons:

1) I already have two excellent DVD players
2) I will be connecting a few other components to the receiver (a MD deck, one or two cassette decks and the computer) - and we all know HTIBs usually sacrifice the number of inputs for compactness.

As for other features, DD 5.1 and DTS would be good. DTS II would be good, too, if it was accessible...

So. What would you buy if you were in my situation? Both Canadian and U.S inputs are welcome, I just hope that you won't suggest me to go to Circuit City for a particular model

Cheers!

[DavidY]

I have seen a Kenwood HTIB (HTB506??) on sale just under CAD$500 (Visions Electronics here in BC). A budget of CAD$500 isn't much for an A/V receiver and a set of 5.1 speakers....just enought for a home theater in a box without a DVD player. Speakers are typically their weakest link.

Here are some posts on the Kenwood HTB506:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=187298

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=192597

Futureshop.ca carries Yamaha YHT-150S for CAD$500. Not sure if how good it is.

Dave

[AnitaPeterson]

I remember seeing a Panasonic slim receiver once and some Polk speakers - at $250 each.

I must say I'm disappointed: only one reply? I'd have thought people who know about these things like to talk about them.

[Chris PC]

HTIB approach:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...1&newdeptid=10

..A Home Theatre In a Box or...

Look for used equipment. Thats a good way to go. Try Canuck Audiomart or AudioGon. Try the Hardware for Sale forum here and the marketplace on AVS. I bet if you placed an ad here, someone could be selling a decent 5.1 receiver and 5.1 speakers and subwoofer that would be better than a HTIB. Thats your best bet. Post a Want Ad on here:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...=10&daysprune=

That is what I would do. Even if you had to peice it together one component at a time it would be better. A used subwoofer for $150.00. A used midrange 2 or 3 year old 5.1 DD and DTS receiver for $125.00. 5.1 speakers for $200.00. $50.00 for a dvd player. Its possible.

..or if you want brand new un-used with warranty, then try this on for size:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0&WLBS=fsweb19

and this:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0&newdeptid=10

If going over budget is impossible, then for the receiver, try this:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...1&newdeptid=10

Or try 2001audiovideo.

Go to either of Future Shop, 2001audiovideo or Best Buy with someone you know who is up on the current electronics equipment, and tell the store you want to spend $500.00 on a receiver and 5.1 speakers and you should be able to get them to put together something that comes to as much as $600.00 with tax and you can bargain it down to a total of $500.00. Don't forget you'll need speaker wire.

[DavidY]

I am not sure if there is a London Drugs store in Ottawa. They currently have on sale the Panasonic XR25 receiver for CAD$199....in Alberta, they have the Panasonic XR15 for CAD$99. Then find a set of used speakers....if you can up your budget, get the clearance priced, but new 5.1 set from Audioshop (Ottawa) called the Dahlquist Orbit 5.1A for CAD$450, that's 50% off list. Audition them to ensure that you like 'em.

A/V receivers in the CAD$200-$250 range...stuck with mass market brands..based strictly on price alone (ie. not performance based suggestions):

JVC RX6042 $200
Pioneer VSXD514 $250
Sony STRDE597 $250 (I personally cannot stand the DE series)

Dave

[Felix_H]

Definitely no LD in Ottawa.

Good luck though. $500 is a tough budget.

[AnitaPeterson]

What do you guys think of this one:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0041981&atab=3

I wonder what receiver it uses...

[Romar Armas]

Anita, are you in a rush to get a system? The reason I ask is that DENON has a yearly sale around February/March which is really good. A lot of their previous year models are sold at less than half the original price. I was able to pick up a 2803 for $700 CAD. They also have Mirage speakers on sale at less than half the retail price.

This would be great if:

1. You are not in a rush
2. You are willing to drive to Toronto

[Jean D]

since your in canada, and these speakers are made in canada it may be worth your while to look at www.fluance.com I have the SX-HTB set. excellent for your budget. then Id get a decent sony reciever or whatever keeps you under budget.

[JohnnyG]

I second the Fluance route....I used to sell them when I was in retail (yes, they have a dealer program). Those and a receiver will put you over budget, but it'll be well worth it. Light years ahead of any HTIB system, even without adding a subwoofer.

[ChrisHeflen]

You could try these. I know that it might put you over your budget, but I think your gonna have to to get anything quality anyway.

http://accessories4less.com/Amazing/...6&tpc=&cc=&SR=

and then this

http://accessories4less.com/Amazing/...AR+SR5300&tpc=

You said you already have a DVD player.
Good luck!