How much bang for the buck is a Home Theater in a Box?

WillD · 06-20-2009, 01:54 PM

I apologize if I'm repeating other threads. I have been thinking about a Home Theater system and was curious about how much you really get with these HT's in a Box systems I've seen. I'm thinking that getting different pieces would be better if money wasn't a big problem since you can get different brands. I would like to spend about $700-900, maybe more if it would be worth the extra $$.

I remember from buying stereo equipment numerous years agothat the speakers make the system since they reproduce the signals into the sound we hear.

I have a Hitachi Ultravision that supports 5.1. Am I on the right track? I assume the first thing is to get a decent 5.1 surround sound receiver (to use for TV and playing CD's, DVD may come later). Does more money mean a better receiver or just more bells and whistles and functions I may never use?
The next step is getting a sub woofer and five speakers? I'm not real familiar with a many of today's brands although some have been around a while that I'm familiar with.

Concerning receivers, how much is enough watts per channel and how much is overkill. The couch is about 12 ft. from the TV and the room is not overly large, about 17' wide, 10 ft. cathedral ceiling and opens to a smaller dining room.

I appreciate any help anyone has.

marcallo · 06-20-2009, 01:58 PM

600 dollars covers the price of a really good Reciever. A HTIB isn't necessarily a bad thing but it will never be as "good" as a custom designed home theatre where every speaker matches and all the components are of fantastic quality.

Around here I think most people are way into Onkyo recievers, and Paradigm or Polk Audio speakers. As far as pricing goes the old saying holds especially true in home audio. You get what you pay for. My speakers were a couple thousand dollars when I bought them, but they're 10 years old now and sound as good as the day they arrived. That's a sound investment. Pun intended.

/edit2 - Someone posted this in another thread. Might fit your needs. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...JLVH4jLXQRV_uw

/edit - Have you considered just putting a good quality sound bar? It won't do those poppy behind you noises people seem to love, but it will provide great sound for way less money than 7 speakers a subwoofer and a reciever.

Loves2Watch · 06-20-2009, 02:25 PM

This would work well for you - http://www.accessories4less.com/make...00-watt/1.html

HiDefRev · 06-20-2009, 03:38 PM

I agree with Loves2Watch. The Onkyo 9100 ( or the 6100 or 7100 ) would probably be the best for you, as everything you need is in the box. The receiver in the 9100 has all of the latest Dolby and DTS formats as well as being THX certified. I would definintely give it some serious thought ! By the way, it doesn't matter about the Hitachi being 5.1, as it has no part in the audio from the receiver, unless you are using an OTA antenna for locals and want to run it to the receiver. All other equipment plugs DIRECTLY into your surround sound receiver and then you send the video from the receiver to your Hitachi.

Sean Price · 06-25-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

This would work well for you - can't quote the url he posted ABOVE

what gives here?

I just ordered that SAME SYSTEM from Onkyo directly off they website

Code:

got to shoponkyo dot com and click on systems then its the s9100

BUT for $1100!!!

I was happy with my order and was simply checking my email and got some span from tigerdirect which one way or another led me to this page/forum..

Saw this post and this link and it led me to that page where the same system that I just purchased for $1100 sells for ONLY $700???

Needless to say I was not happy and just called Onkyo to cancel my order..

what gives? the ONLY difference I see is that it says its reconditioned?

what the blood clot does that mean?

Onkyo's page only mentions refurbished items and it says they..well this..

Code:

* Refurbished products do not include batteries, cables or labels.
   Warranties reflect new models only. Read our warranty policy here.

all I want is a MORE THEN decent surround system.. my budget was basically around $400-700....

I have a PS3 and unopened new sony upscaler dvd..right now ONLY the ps3 is connected to the projection Samsung 61" HDTV,

waitin on the sound before i open/connect the upscaler..

room is a standard size living room, couch about 7-10ft from TV..

any and ALL advise is GREATLY appreciated!

peace

oNe

DoctorCAD · 06-25-2009, 04:48 PM

Reconditioned means that the device was returned on a warranty issue. Could be as simple as a bad fuse from the factory, or someone who didn't have a clue and set it up wrong, or a bad wire etc. Or it could be as abd as a blown amp, torn speaker, cold solder joint etc.

It is REFURBISHED to original factory condition (they say) and as you saw, sometimes things are missing.

Not always a bad thing, but its a crap-shoot. You might never have an issue or it might never be right.

Hence the discount.

Stew4HD · 06-25-2009, 06:05 PM

I recently installed a refurbed Onkyo HT-S6100 setup for a client and it went great. The packaging was like new, all the cables, manuals and batteries were all there. All the speakers had protective shrink wrap on them as well.

Loves2Watch · 06-25-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorCAD

Reconditioned means that the device was returned on a warranty issue. Could be as simple as a bad fuse from the factory, or someone who didn't have a clue and set it up wrong, or a bad wire etc. Or it could be as abd as a blown amp, torn speaker, cold solder joint etc.

It is REFURBISHED to original factory condition (they say) and as you saw, sometimes things are missing.

Not always a bad thing, but its a crap-shoot. You might never have an issue or it might never be right.

Hence the discount.

I have setup 40 - 50 of Onkyo refurbished HTiB's and only had one that didn't work. About the same failure rate as new. I don't see it as a crap shoot at all (and of course it was replaced with no problems at all). As a matter of fact, I seek refurbished equipment whenever available because of the great discounts offered.

Stew4HD · 06-25-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

I have setup 40 - 50 of Onkyo refurbished HTiB's and only had one that didn't work. About the same failure rate as new. I don't see it as a crap shoot at all (and of course it was replaced with no problems at all). As a matter of fact, I seek refurbished equipment whenever available because of the great discounts offered.

Indeed, the best part is that one can get more for less, especially in the Marantz line. I will recommend re-furb'd to my clients as much as possible.

Loves2Watch · 06-25-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

Indeed, the best part is that one can get more for less, especially in the Marantz line. I will recommend re-furb'd to my clients as much as possible.

Onkyo and Marantz from www.accessories4less.com Denon from www.dakmart.com.

Stew4HD · 06-25-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Onkyo and Marantz from www.accessories4less.com Denon from www.dakmart.com.

Oooh, thanks for the Denon refurb link. I get customers asking about Denon's too. I see on that site that the model I have, the 4806CI still carries a high price. That 3806CI for $899.. woo, nice price on that puppy!

Loves2Watch · 06-25-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

Oooh, thanks for the Denon refurb link. I get customers asking about Denon's too. I see on that site that the model I have, the 4806CI still carries a high price. That 3806CI for $899.. woo, nice price on that puppy!

Yes they do have some nice prices...

Stew4HD · 06-25-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Yes they do have some nice prices...

The one client I did the Onkyo HT-S6100 install for is asking about upgrading the receiver so that the Zone 2 speakers can also play a digital source. The receiver he got only ouputs analog signal sources to the "B" speakers which is not what he was looking for.

I wonder if the more expensive models of Onkyo, Denon or Marantz will do that? By more expensive, I mean in the under $1K range. I am finding it hard to find that specific info in the online manuals.

Loves2Watch · 06-25-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stew4HD

The one client I did the Onkyo HT-S6100 install for is asking about upgrading the receiver so that the Zone 2 speakers can also play a digital source. The receiver he got only ouputs analog signal sources to the "B" speakers which is not what he was looking for.

I wonder if the more expensive models of Onkyo, Denon or Marantz will do that? By more expensive, I mean in the under $1K range. I am finding it hard to find that specific info in the online manuals.

I am pretty sure, in the Onkyo line, the models from the 700 series and above will do digital audio from Zone2. I would have to read the owners manuals to be sure.

Stew4HD · 06-25-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

I am pretty sure, in the Onkyo line, the models from the 700 series and above will do digital audio from Zone2. I would have to read the owners manuals to be sure.

Thanks!

I just read through the Denon 889/2309 model doesn't say it will but it doesn't say that it won't either... I would sure expect that it will since I'd be connecting to the surround back speaker output for Zone 2.

For $489, that is a good price, IMO

06-20-2009, 01:54 PM	#1
WillD How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 24	How much bang for the buck is a Home Theater in a Box? I apologize if I'm repeating other threads. I have been thinking about a Home Theater system and was curious about how much you really get with these HT's in a Box systems I've seen. I'm thinking that getting different pieces would be better if money wasn't a big problem since you can get different brands. I would like to spend about $700-900, maybe more if it would be worth the extra $$. I remember from buying stereo equipment numerous years agothat the speakers make the system since they reproduce the signals into the sound we hear. I have a Hitachi Ultravision that supports 5.1. Am I on the right track? I assume the first thing is to get a decent 5.1 surround sound receiver (to use for TV and playing CD's, DVD may come later). Does more money mean a better receiver or just more bells and whistles and functions I may never use? The next step is getting a sub woofer and five speakers? I'm not real familiar with a many of today's brands although some have been around a while that I'm familiar with. Concerning receivers, how much is enough watts per channel and how much is overkill. The couch is about 12 ft. from the TV and the room is not overly large, about 17' wide, 10 ft. cathedral ceiling and opens to a smaller dining room. I appreciate any help anyone has.

06-20-2009, 01:58 PM	#2
marcallo High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 878	600 dollars covers the price of a really good Reciever. A HTIB isn't necessarily a bad thing but it will never be as "good" as a custom designed home theatre where every speaker matches and all the components are of fantastic quality. Around here I think most people are way into Onkyo recievers, and Paradigm or Polk Audio speakers. As far as pricing goes the old saying holds especially true in home audio. You get what you pay for. My speakers were a couple thousand dollars when I bought them, but they're 10 years old now and sound as good as the day they arrived. That's a sound investment. Pun intended. /edit2 - Someone posted this in another thread. Might fit your needs. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...JLVH4jLXQRV_uw /edit - Have you considered just putting a good quality sound bar? It won't do those poppy behind you noises people seem to love, but it will provide great sound for way less money than 7 speakers a subwoofer and a reciever. Last edited by marcallo; 06-20-2009 at 02:03 PM.

06-20-2009, 02:25 PM	#3
Loves2Watch Did I Do That? Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Omicron Persei 8 Posts: 16,620	This would work well for you - http://www.accessories4less.com/make...00-watt/1.html __________________ Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's or Blu-ray players. Main HT Room - Panasonic PT-AE4000U, Draper Premier 119" 16:9 Projector Screen, Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.

06-20-2009, 03:38 PM	#4
HiDefRev Trust me. I'm a Doctor. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Land of Relativity, USA Age: 56 Posts: 1,105	Indeed I agree with Loves2Watch. The Onkyo 9100 ( or the 6100 or 7100 ) would probably be the best for you, as everything you need is in the box. The receiver in the 9100 has all of the latest Dolby and DTS formats as well as being THX certified. I would definintely give it some serious thought ! By the way, it doesn't matter about the Hitachi being 5.1, as it has no part in the audio from the receiver, unless you are using an OTA antenna for locals and want to run it to the receiver. All other equipment plugs DIRECTLY into your surround sound receiver and then you send the video from the receiver to your Hitachi. __________________ Living Room Panasonic PT-50LCZ70 50" 1080p HDTV, Sony Playstation3 80 Gig, Onkyo HT-R667 7.1 AV Receiver, Yamaha NS-6490 Main, Side and Surround Speakers, Cadence C-17 Center Speaker, Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 15" Subwoofer, DISH ViP 722 HD DVR, Panasonic DVD Recorder/VCR, Monoprice cables Den Viewsonic NX2232W LCD HDTV, RCA RT-2500 5.1 AV Receiver, ESS-308 Main and Surround Speakers, RCA RT2500 Center Speaker Onkyo 10" Subwoofer, DISH ViP 211 HD Receiver, Magnavox Blu-Ray Player Last edited by HiDefRev; 06-20-2009 at 03:42 PM.

06-25-2009, 06:05 PM	#7
Stew4HD High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Tejas Baby Posts: 9,187	I recently installed a refurbed Onkyo HT-S6100 setup for a client and it went great. The packaging was like new, all the cables, manuals and batteries were all there. All the speakers had protective shrink wrap on them as well. __________________ ___________________________________

06-25-2009, 04:48 PM	#6
DoctorCAD Direct TV Fresh Meat Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 980	Reconditioned means that the device was returned on a warranty issue. Could be as simple as a bad fuse from the factory, or someone who didn't have a clue and set it up wrong, or a bad wire etc. Or it could be as abd as a blown amp, torn speaker, cold solder joint etc. It is REFURBISHED to original factory condition (they say) and as you saw, sometimes things are missing. Not always a bad thing, but its a crap-shoot. You might never have an issue or it might never be right. Hence the discount.

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