HTIB or alternatives in the sub $500 range (1 Viewer)

[Sam Posten]

Buddy of mine just got himself a 50 inch plasma but didnt budget for the sound system to go with it, or for HD content.

I think I've convinced him to go get the cheapest PS3 he can, so BD is taken care of.

That leaves him needing a receiver and speakers to go with it. He said his budget for such was $300 but I told him he probably wouldnt get much that wasnt plastic junk at that price, but I wasnt sure since I dont follow this price point. He could probably stretch to $500 but hes already put in for the display and needs all the stuff to go with the PS3...

So what would you recommend? Waiting and building up a bigger budget would be my recommendation, but thats unlikely to work for him given his new set sitting in his living room at the moment...

Sam

 

[chuckg]

I would forego the PS3 and get the sound system first! Buying a Blu player leaves you with pouring out dough to get movies to watch, where if you get the sound, you can start enjoying DVDs that you already have right now.

 

[hodedofome]

The only one I would consider (and it sounds really good for the price) is the Onkyo HT-SR800. You can get a refurb unit from Onkyo with a 1 year warranty for $350 right now Shop Onkyo

I told a friend to buy the refurb unit (it was like $280 at the time) and he loves it. Especially if your friend isn't into the hobby, he'll think it's the best thing he's ever heard. The sub is one of the best as far as HTiB units go, and the front speakers are big enough to have a good range. The receiver doesn't process HDMI audio but your friend would have to spend at least $400 just on a receiver to have that functionality. Trust me this is the only system at this price your friend should be looking at (if he wants sound quality), if the speakers are too big then he'll just have to get some cheap system from sony or panasonic and yes it'll sound poopy