Help me choose: Entry Level HT (1 Viewer)

[Ross K]

The only thing that I have is my TV (samsung 32" txn3245fp), and now I need to compliment it with speakers, dvd, receiver, etc. I started looking at a HTiB but i figure that separates would be more upgradable. I have compiled a few different options that I am looknig at. What do yall think of each and which one would you buy? I dont really wanna spend more than $600 (including S/H) right now.

Option 1:
Complete HTiB Denon DHT-683DVD as seen here , it seems to be a really good deal.
Price: $590 before S/H

Option 2:
Fluance AV-HTB($200)(not SX cuz speakers have to be black or silver)
Panasonic s55s dvd player($110)
Panasonic SA-HE75 receiver($160)
Price: $480 before S/H

Option 3:
Onkyo HTS-650(refurbished $280)
Panasonic s55s dvd player($110)
Price: $390 before S/H

Option 4:
Onkyo SR500 (refurbished $150) receiver
Onkyo HT500 (refurbished $150) speakers
Panasonic s55s dvd player($110)
Price: $410 before S/H


So there they are. I'm not really stuck on the s55 dvd player, but its cheap and has progressive scan, optical output and MP3. I've been researching this stuff for a while, and I'm pointing towards option 2. I'd like the receiver and dvd player to be same color. I know I'm picky, but oh well. Sorry if my choices suck, I am complete n00b at HT.

ps, one question: is the onkyo HTS-650 as seen in option 3 the same as combining the SR500 and HT500?

 

[Bob McElfresh]

The Kenwood HTB's have a good reputation. All the parts as separate pieces so you can later upgrade components and money/interest allow. Look for models like "HTB-509" at your local store. Should be about $600.

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

I'll throw my $.02 in here. The Onkyo HT500 is great, I just bought one from Onkyo, refurbished for $170. I don't think it gets better than that for a beginner speaker system. They sound great hooked up to my Sony DA1ES, especially with SACD. (The Sony 755 is about $230, and includes DVD and SACD) I don't know much about the other things you are looking at, other than I almost bought the Fluance package. Happy shopping!

 

[Dan Paulson]

Where are you getting the Onkyo HTS-650 for $280? It's 460 Refurbished on Onkyo's site...

 

[Ross K]

you have to sign up and you will get 10 points for doing so. Once registered, you will see the discounted prices.

edit: my mistake, onkyo sells them for $329, but you can find them on ebay for $280

 

[Ben LG]

I have what you listed in option 4 just without the ht500 speakers, instead I use them with Infinity towers. I am still suprised and very happy at the sound coming out from the SR500 and picture from S55 for under $300. Still debating whether I really need a sub, I am using them as a bedroom HT that is 15 x 10 and so far the sound is very full and enough for me atm, if you are setting it up in a living, I would go for the sr600/700 if your budget allows it. I hope you know that the refurbished Onkyo HT500 speakers from J&R come with a hefty $70+ shipping.

 

[MikeShea]

Onkyo TX-SR500 ($300)
Home Theater Direct Level 1 ($150)
Panasonic S35K Progressive DVD Player ($100)

$550 and it should run circles around standard home theaters in boxes.

 

[AaronJB]

Onkyo SKSHT-500 5.1 speaker set ($250 at CC)
Panasonic SAHE-100 receiver ($239 at jandr.com)
Onkyo SKB-100 (back surround speaker) ($40 at shoponkyo.com)
Panasonic S35 ($99)

About $635, but you would get 6.1 instead of 5.1.

 

[AaronJB]

Options for 6.1 systems:

Panasonic SAHE100 Receiver ($239 at jandr.com)
Onkyo SKSHT500 5.1 Speaker Set ($240 recondit. at shoponkyo.com)
Onkyo SKB100 Back Surround Speaker ($32 reconditioned at shoponkyo.com)
Panasonic S35 DVD PLayer ($99ish)

About $611.

---------------

Onkyo TXSR600 Receiver & SKSHT-500 Speaker Package ($499 reconditioned at shoponkyo.com)
Onkyo SKB100 Back Surround Speaker ($32 reconditioned at shoponkyo.com)
Panasonic S35 DVD player ($99)

About $630

 

[Jeremy Tebo]

Actually, the reconditioned SKSHT500 came to $170 total from shoponkyo.com including free shipping. As Ross said, you have to register first. Maybe it has changed, but thats what I paid about 2 weeks ago. (And use the extra $ to get the Sony DVD/SACD player, its awesome)

 

[Chris Quinn]

I don't think ther is any benefit to progressive scan unless you have HDTV display. Am I wrong? Of course now that pro scans are under $100 why not.

 

[David Lawson]

Since you're already considering refurbished Onkyo stuff, what about the DVCP500 5-disc DVD/CD/MP3 changer for $100?