Need Help Building Home Audio System

by betsyroper Jul 5, 2009 9:20PM PDT

Hello,

I want to build an audio system that is great for both tv/dvd & music. Currently I'm just running the audio out of my tv and into a standard analog stereo system. But I know that my new TV will have digital audio only. I also want to add a Logitech Squeezebox Duet into the mix. I already have a blu-ray player I'm happy with. I'd like 5.1 channel surround sound, and HDMI in & out ports.

The problem I'm finding is that most home theater sets include a dvd player and the one's that don't are outrageously expensive. I'm looking for a good mid-level system that supports digital audio, doesn't include a dvd player, will support the squeezebox, has 5.1 channels, has HDMI in & out, and is around $500. Am I dreaming, or is there something out there for me? Any help greatly appreciated.

thanks,
betsy

Discussion is locked

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options

by bearvp Jul 6, 2009 2:58AM PDT

Well I think you might be stuck with a 5.1 system that has the DVD player built-in. You need a receiver as well as speakers and, as far as I know, all the HTIB (home theater in a box) 5.1 speakers+receiver sets include DVD players.

As for recommendations, look into Onkyo products. They are routinely the most recommended HTIB sets on a budget similar to yours. Here are their options: http://www.onkyousa.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Systems

The only problem is that at your budget, you will not find any HTIB systems that support the newest DTS-HD and TrueHD sound formats found on Blu-rays, so you will be stuck with regular DTS and DD5.1 sound.

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There other options.

by jcrobso Jul 7, 2009 6:08AM PDT

http://www.jr.com/yamaha/pe/YAM_RXV365BL/
Yamaha AV Receiver $229.00

http://www.jr.com/cs480-surround-speakers/pe/JBL_CS480/
JBL 5.1 speaker system powered sub. $349.00

I know this adds up to $580, but in the long run you will have a much better system than most HTIB systems.

Or here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-6-1-Cinema-Home-Theater-Speaker-System_W0QQitemZ150356909916QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item2301f85f5c&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A3|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A100

The is the factory outlet store for Harmon Audio. They have many items for sale on the eBay store. John

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PS I forgot to put in this one.

by jcrobso Jul 7, 2009 6:16AM PDT

http://www.jr.com/onkyo/pe/ONK_HTS5200/

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Great for both TV/DVD & music? Not to be done at that price

by NM_Bill Jul 9, 2009 1:22PM PDT

A Squeezebox? Great idea.

Most all HTIBs try to do too much at a tightly restricted price. They inevitably have some critical compromise. My idea of mid-level system is more like $1000-$1500. Seriously. The uncommon ability to refrain from jumping at the $500 level, but instead waiting for a higher budget will be definitely worth the wait.

Sorry to present a downer as my viewpoint. Closer to $1500 will get you pleasure for a decade at least.

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Home theater's top pick for entry level A/V receiver are;

by ahtoi Jul 9, 2009 6:12PM PDT

Pioneer VSX-918 for $349, Pioneer VSX-919AH for $399, and Onkyo TX-SR607 for $599. Of course store price may vary.

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Think of minimizing a receiver to devote more money to the

by NM_Bill Jul 9, 2009 11:19PM PDT

most important element - which is the speakers.

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