5.1 system on college budget (<$350)

Phil_G · 12-18-2005, 06:52 PM

I'm looking for a receiver/speaker setup for my dorm room (about 12'x15'), and I don't really want to spend more than $350 on the setup. I'm not looking for absolutely top notch quality, just good sound for occasionally watching DVDs, Xbox, and music. Only 2 components I plan on hooking up to the receiver are my Xbox (for games, movies, and CDs), and iPod dock. I thought about starting off with a 2.1 setup and adding on later, but I really would like to have the whole setup now if I can. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

derekBannatyne · 12-18-2005, 08:30 PM

I've read the Athena Micra 6 is a pretty good system... there's one on Audion for $189...

Dick Knisely · 12-18-2005, 11:03 PM

Mild understatement

if you believe this...

http://www.audioholics.com/productre...sMicra6p1.html

And they've gotten rave reviews from a number of folks on various AV forums. However, they're going to blow the budget it you go for the full 5.1. Could probably get a 2.1 set and a budget receiver. Something like a Panasonic or Pioneer -- not bad for the money and you can get something for ~$150-$200 online. Below that I'm just familiar with enough of them to know what's worth buying.

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Clifton, VA? Well, howdy neighbor (Centreville).

Matt Rohr · 12-19-2005, 03:32 PM

I own the Micra 6. I use it for my bedroom setup.

It might be a little overkill for some....but it is alright to me! Sounds great you may also want to check out the Hsu Research’s Ventriloquist VT-12 and the Paradigm Cinema Series. I am a large fan of Paradigm speakes. I own the Studio Series speakers and enjoy them in my main system. Check them out!

Jimi C · 12-19-2005, 08:07 PM

http://www.fluance.com/fluan5speaks.html

Dont forget about Fluance...

**HTF Ads**

derekBannatyne · 12-19-2005, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Clifton, VA? Well, howdy neighbor (Centreville).

hey that's pretty close to here. I'm actually looking at a very similar situation (upgrading from an htib).

Phil_G · 12-19-2005, 11:09 PM

Yeah, everything that has been mentioned so far is a little out of my price range. Both the Fluence and Athena systems looked nice, but are pushing my price range as I am also needing a receiver, especially considering that I feel confident that shipping on all of this will be quite expensive. I am thinking that my only 2 options are a HTiB solution, or a 2.1 system plus receiver. Do ya'll have any suggestions for either? I think i remember reading that Onkyo had a pretty decent HTiB, do they still make it? Thanks!

Mike~Sileck · 12-19-2005, 11:23 PM

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?EdpNo=1068250

Use them in a dorm and love them!!

LanceJ · 12-19-2005, 11:55 PM

Mike: didn't think about the PC speaker idea. Some of those systems I've listened to sound very good & for a dorm room their small size comes in handy.

I wonder if they are priced lower than equivalent "normal" audio systems because they aren't expected to be used much for music?

Phil: there's quite a few receiver + 5.1 speaker packages out there. Here's a Panasonic for $250 and a Yamaha for $300.

Though to be honest, that Logitech system still seems like a better answer for your space situation (very small, though the sub is kind of large but you could use it to stack books on or something).

GregUVA · 12-20-2005, 03:36 PM

Onkyo 5.1 HTIB for $299. I can't post the URL, but go to shoponkyo.com.

Phil_G · 12-25-2005, 12:33 AM

So, I now have a $550 budget, and am no longer looking at HTiBs. I have been reading that the Athena Micra 6 system is good for the price ($300), so thats what I'm leaning towards for the speakers. As far as receivers, I am looking at the Pioneer 515 for $179, Panasonic XR55 ($230), and refurbished HK AVR-135 ($248 at harmonaudio.com). I have reading a lot about the Panasonic receiver and it seems like people are flat out amazed with it as a digital receiver, is it really as good as people say it is and will outperform the Pioneer and HK in sound quality? Thanks!