Best HTIB under $1k (1 Viewer)

[profanitypete]

I am buying a house, and I already have a HT system which is going to go into our theater, now I need one for my living room. The room is around 12'x18', and my budget is $1000. My biggest need is for the receiver to be slim, as there isn't much space for components and this is going to be a discrete system. Along those lines, a built in BD player is a big plus, as is wifi. The real system is upstairs which is a work in progress (have an Onkyo TX-SR806, need speakers and sub but that's another thread). Also, I would like front tower speakers, mainly to reduce the amount of speaker stands I have to buy.
Right now, my two front runners are:
Samsung HT-E6730 ($900)
The receiver is slim, it has a built in BD player, tower speakers, and Samsung's new vacuum tube speakers. It has 3D, but that is irrelevant to me.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-HT-E6730-Channel-1330-Watt-Blu-Ray/dp/B007581VWG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1I4FSJWL6M5HL&colid=61DBPH0M9P7L
Onkyo HT-S8409 ($650)
THX certified set, with a non slim receiver with no BD player. Tower speakers, and the price leaves room for expansion/BD player.
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S8409-7-1-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B005EP2HMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334779218&sr=8-1
Any other options you guys recommend or a built system that fits my specs with my budget and is slim?

 

[Steve Tannehill]

Hi, Peter, welcome to HTF!
Personally, I would opt for a blu-ray player separate from the receiver. Plus, I've heard of Onkyo receivers...I've never heard of Samsung in that market. Plus, it looks like the Onkyo you have chosen is 7.1. The Samsung appears to be 5.1.
Good luck!

 

[Jim Mcc]

With a $1,000 budget, I would not even consider a HTIB system. You can put together a nice system with that budget. Do you want a 5.1 or 7.1 sysyem? Using towers and wanting a "discrete" system doesn't make sense to me. And buying towers so you don't have to buy as many speaker stands?

 

[profanitypete]

With a $1,000 budget, I would not even consider a HTIB system. You can put together a nice system with that budget. Do you want a 5.1 or 7.1 sysyem? Using towers and wanting a "discrete" system doesn't make sense to me. And buying towers so you don't have to buy as many speaker stands?

I'm prefering a 7.1, and sorry reading that now it does seem confusing. I want a discrete receiver, mainly because the location doesn't have much space for a big receiver (like my other onkyo), bluray player, and a cable box. And as for the towers, I like towers better in general.
So what system would you put together for $1k or less?

 

[profanitypete]

For this system, I'd like to use the "Buy once, cry once" mentality. I'd like to set it up once and not have to touch it for a while. My other system is one I'm interested in upgrading as time goes along.

 

[Martino]

OK - I'll give it a shot - with your budget and requirements of - a 7.1 system with tower front speakers and a slim receiver/blu-ray player for $1000.00 or less:
- Marantz NR1602 SlimLine AV Receiver 7.1ch with Networking and AirPlay --
"At just over 4 inches high and 14 inches deep, the NR1602 can fit on a standard-size shelf with room to spare." -- that should be OK for your tight space requirement...
Price: $379.99
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARNR1602/Marantz-NR1602-SlimLine-AV-Receiver-7.1ch-with-Networking-and-AirPlay/1.html
- Fluance AV Series 7.0 Surround Sound Home Theater Speaker System
Price: $329.99
http://www.fluance.com/fluance-avhtb-avsssingle-2pack-7-0-system.html
- Toshiba BDX2250 Blu-ray Disc Player
Price: $69.98
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Toshiba-BDX2250-Blu-ray-Disc-Player/17473230
- Powered Sub - Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer - $129.00
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-629&utm_source=googleps
Total cost: $907.87
-- That leaves $92.13 to cover shipping and cables....

 

[Jim Mcc]

Martino put together a nice system there for you, except for 1 item. I would spend just a little more and buy a Panasonic Blu-ray player. Which model depends on what features you need.

 

[Martino]

Funny you mention that - I originally had a panasonic player, but it went over the 1K budget.....had to sub a cheaper one that would pass the slim test...

 

[profanitypete]

Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it!
Just out of curiosity, do you have a rec. for 5.1 speakers and upgraded other components? Watching blu rays isn't as important on this system, this is mainly going to be for watching cable (eugh, 1080i), streaming movies and music from a Mac, and some music streaming from AirPlay (Love that the receiver has it built in!)
Also, I've heard of all of those websites except the first one with the receiver, it's a reputable website right?

 

[Martino]

Also, I've heard of all of those websites except the first one with the receiver, it's a reputable website right?

I have gotten a few items from this site, and never had an issue. Here is a 3rd party review site - contains both positive and a few negative reviews about that site.
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Accessories_4_Less

 

[profanitypete]

Also, I've heard of all of those websites except the first one with the receiver, it's a reputable website right?

I have gotten a few items from this site, and never had an issue. Here is a 3rd party review site - contains both positive and a few negative reviews about that site.
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Accessories_4_Less

Awesome, thanks! Their price is considerably less than others. Any ideas for 5.1 better components? The main thing I'm worried about is the sub, that seems really low cost (could be completely wrong)

 

[Jim Mcc]

Accessories4less is very reputable, yes. The "Energy" Take Classic 5.1 system is a very popular, highly recommended system. I recently saw it for $399, but I forget where. Maybe Amazon. Make sure you buy a Blu-ray player that streams in 1080p like the new Panasonics do. I have the Pan. 220 and it's a great player. It also steams 5.1 sound and subtitles when available. And the DVD upconversion is excellent.

 

[profanitypete]

Accessories4less is very reputable, yes. The "Energy" Take Classic 5.1 system is a very popular, highly recommended system. I recently saw it for $399, but I forget where. Maybe Amazon. Make sure you buy a Blu-ray player that streams in 1080p like the new Panasonics do. I have the Pan. 220 and it's a great player. It also steams 5.1 sound and subtitles when available. And the DVD upconversion is excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334868300&sr=8-1
So that system, would you recommend a better sub? And couldn't I use those speakers + 2 towers up front and have 7.1?

 

[Martino]

The "Energy" Take Classic 5.1 system is a very popular

-- They are very nice....but do not fit the tower speakers in the front requirement...And I don't think that Energy has a matching set of tower speakers for the front on that system.

 

[profanitypete]

Also, is it worth it to get a refurb Marantz model as opposed to new? How is their warranty support?

 

[Jim Mcc]

Oops, I forgot about you wanting towers in front. Walmart.com has the Pioneer 821, 5.1 receiver for $198. That's a great deal if it has the features you need.

 

[Martino]

They are an authorized Marantz dealer....and I think you get a 1 year warranty (would call/e-mail to verify).
I think that list price for a new one of those slim-line receivers is around 650.00....
http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-NR1602-AV-Receiver/dp/B005455PW4
I am putting together a second system and will be going with the refurb unit to save some money....

 

[Jim Mcc]

Also, is it worth it to get a refurb Marantz model as opposed to new? How is their warranty support?

The refurbs all have at least 1 year warranty. It shows the warranty with each receiver. Some have 2 years I noticed.

 

[Martino]

Another option - Mains - matching with tower speakers - budget (newegg curently not stocked on all...):
Pioneer SP-FS51-LR Floorstanding Speakers Pair - $129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117403
Rear:
Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Loudspeakers Pair - $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405
Center:
Pioneer SP-C21 Center Channel Speaker Each - $79.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117404
Very good Sub: Epic Legend - $499.00
http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/legend.html
Speaker price -- $807.00
Pioneer 821, 5.1 receiver for $198 mentioned above:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-5.1-Channel-A-V-Receiver-with-iPod-iPhone-iPad-Connectivity/16935876
Total cost - $1005
Differences from first system - high end sub vs. budget sub (better bass performance) - speakers have very good cabinetry, but uses cheaper drivers.....something that you get to answer to stay within your budget....also not using the slim-line receiver...this one is 6" high instead of 4"...

 

[profanitypete]

Alright, I think I have it set. I searched around for better prices and found some trade offs! I think I am going to expand my budget a bit, just to get the better receiver.
Receiver: Marantz NR1602 SlimLine AV Receiver 7.1ch with Networking and AirPlay $379 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARNR1602/Marantz-NR1602-SlimLine-AV-Receiver-7.1ch-with-Networking-and-AirPlay/1.html
Towers: Pioneer SP-FS51-LR $179 (I know it's more, but this is the cheapest I can find since newegg is sold out. Unless you think it will be back in stock soon, I don't need this all set up right away) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+5-1/4%22+3-Way+Floor+Speakers+%28Pair%29+-+Black/1147998.p?id=1218224796804&skuId=1147998&cmp=RMX&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=1147998
Center: Pioneer SP-C21 $59 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+5-1/4%22+2-Way+Center-Channel+Speaker/1147943.p?skuId=1147943&productCategoryId=abcat0205002&id=1218224803917
Surrounds: Pioneer SP-BS21 $49 (after $50 coupon on newegg) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405
Sub: Epik Legend $499 http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/legend.html
Total before tax/shipping: $1,168
+ tax/shipping/good gauge speaker wire and a good Surge protector will probably come in under $1300
Then down the road I'll get a BD player, in the meantime I can just watch blurays on the other system.
Best bang for the buck at $1168? Possibly $1118 if I can get the towers from newegg