Advice for buying a $200 HIBT system?

You can buy a cheepie 5.1. amp. but you cannot be cheap on speakers. I would look at other posts in this chat room and you will understand why cheap speakers wont make you happy. and dont even think about BOSE read on stewart

At that price, you are not going to get a high quality home theater system. I have listened to some of these systems in the stores and think the Sony has the best overall sound. Actually has a decent sub, even if it is passive. Also, it is not very expensive, so when you decide to upgrade to seperates, you are not out much money. Remember, you will not be able to upgrade any of these HTIBs.

The best thing you can do is let your ears decide. Compare them side by side if you can. Most of these systems have tinny sounding surrounds and boomy bass. Pick something that sounds more natural musically.

Forget the power rating, they do not compare with what you get in a seperate surround receiver. Once again, listen, listen, listen. Forget the specs, all that matters is a sound that you like.

the logitechs are great speakers. but it limits you quite a bit and will never get you true surround sound cause it relys on a sound card to process the sound first which you dont have. on the bright side, you're getting some of the best computers speakers out there.

the panasonic is just OLD but it is a very good budget system. i'd definitely recommend it. i just hate the fact that it requires a propriatery cable that connects the reciever to the sub that prevents you from putting the subwoofer close to the couch.

the good thing about the sony is that it does have 2 DIGITAL inputs plus a lot more stereo inputs, but the speakers are definitely NOT the hottest thing in the world. especially when its just a passive subwoofer, theres just no fullness in the sound.

the samsung is a good little unit, but again the speakers are a little weak and connections are limited.

amazon.com has the yamaha yht-160 on sale for $250. power sub which does fill up the room to a certain extent. 3 digital audio inputs, plus a lot of rca inputs. a/b speaker switching. even has component switching too for your HD (if u ever need it). this yamaha is definitely the one if would recomend if you dont mind spending a few more dollars for a much better product.

You may not want your music loud but you still will want quality sound. HTIB, is a quick fix. And like any quick fix its only going to deliver short term. My advice keep saving then go to B&H photo for a great price on speakers.