building on a strict budget

Hondo · Jan 27, 2006

Hello all this is my first time building a home theater.

Im on a tight budget one my wife allowed me to use

I have around 800$ she would like 500$ but if i can find inbetween i could get away with it.

I live in a modular home sorta like a double wide trailer but nicer,The living room has one window an its about 24ft long by about 10ft wide not inclosed no wall between dining room and kitchen.

i have thought about getting a Htiab but couldent find one i liked, id prolly spend most on a reciver so i could just upgrade speakers down the road any input on Reciver speakers would be helpfull ty.

AudioArcher · Jan 27, 2006

Inexpensive

You should be able to pick up a Pioneer A/V reciever for around $300

AudioArcher · Jan 27, 2006

Epos

And I forgot to mention, you can pick up a pair of Epos ELS3 speakers for about $300 at Audioadvisor.com. Wonderful speakers, but you will eventually want to get a subwoofer to go with them later on. And don't forget to put those speakers at ear level.

zumbo · Jan 27, 2006

$259.95 plus shipping
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&kw=PIVSX815K&cpncode=11-6018621-2&sku=364260&srccode=cii_5784816

$226.00 with shipping
http://www.hsustore.com/vt12.html

$315.00 with shipping
http://www.hsustore.com/stf1.html

$800.95 total. Don't know the shipping cost for the Pioneer.

The good thing is that you will be set for a future upgrade. The receiver has pre-outs that can be used to add an external amp to drive better speakers when you get upgradeites. So, you are not throwing away money just because you are on a budget!

Nick250 · Jan 27, 2006

Hondo said:
id prolly spend most on a reciver so i could just upgrade speakers down the road any input on Reciver speakers would be helpfull ty.

IMO spend the LEAST on the receicer and the most on your speakers. Good sound is all about speakers, the receiver has practically nothing to do with it.

zumbo · Jan 27, 2006

Nick250 said:
IMO spend the LEAST on the receicer and the most on your speakers. Good sound is all about speakers, the receiver has practically nothing to do with it.

Good point, but make sure it has the inputs and outputs you need. And pre-outs, so you are not stuck with a unit you can't use when you get the fever to upgrade.

sdy284 · Jan 27, 2006

zumbo said:
$259.95 plus shipping
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&kw=PIVSX815K&cpncode=11-6018621-2&sku=364260&srccode=cii_5784816

$226.00 with shipping
http://www.hsustore.com/vt12.html

$315.00 with shipping
http://www.hsustore.com/stf1.html

$800.95 total. Don't know the shipping cost for the Pioneer.

The good thing is that you will be set for a future upgrade. The receiver has pre-outs that can be used to add an external amp to drive better speakers when you get upgradeites. So, you are not throwing away money just because you are on a budget!

that looks pretty good. I'd say that's about as good as you're going to get for $800

You might wanna poke around best buy/circuit city & see if they have any really good deals on open items

zumbo · Jan 27, 2006

sdy284 said:
You might wanna poke around best buy/circuit city & see if they have any really good deals on open items

Just don't buy on impulse. The open box "good deal" might not be such a "good deal" after several people get a close look at it to find what was missed. Or, you get it home and you notice a feature that is missing. Impulse buying is a bad thing, but I have done it myself.

sdy284 · Jan 28, 2006

zumbo said:
Just don't buy on impulse. The open box "good deal" might not be such a "good deal" after several people get a close look at it to find what was missed. Or, you get it home and you notice a feature that is missing. Impulse buying is a bad thing, but I have done it myself.

true, look @ the brick & mortar shops, then report back to us with the results...and we'll give u the ok

Hondo · Jan 28, 2006

well the more i think about it what is 200$ im sure i can just forget to tell her forgot about the 200$

but if i was to spend $1000 not including shipping how much of a big diffrence would that be from spending $800?

i Just bought a 32' LCD HDTV has HDMI output not sure if that need to be on the reciver?

but just wanted something to blast while playing xbox360 Movies and Music,My friends all have HTIAB they bought from walmart for 500$ they sound good but i always need better lol.

What are some killer speakers for around 500-600? and a reciver i wont have to upgrade forawhile for around 500-600 i did forget taxes are comming soon she dosent have to see my state

.

djpain75 · Jan 28, 2006

Buy Acoustech Speakers mannn

What are some killer speakers for around 500-600? and a reciver i wont have to upgrade forawhile for around 500-600 i did forget taxes are comming soon she dosent have to see my state

.[/QUOTE]

Dude, check out Acoustech home theater speakers. They rock for the price!!! Very solid awsome sounding speaks. Search this froum there are posts. I just bought a beautiful pair of fronts for $300 shipped!!! Amazon. The center is $140 shipped. They have an entire Acoustech set for like $800 i think including sub!

Bryce_H · Jan 28, 2006

I agree - put your money into speaker. Even the most basic HT receivers have most of what you will need. The technology in receivers changes much more quickly than that of speakers.

zumbo · Jan 28, 2006

$259.95 plus shipping
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&kw=PIVSX815K&cpncode=11-6018621-2&sku=364260&srccode=cii_5784816

$399.00 with shipping
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-110,4-2010$10120&menu=true&Page=2&id=23712

$315.00 with shipping
http://www.hsustore.com/stf1.html

$973.95 total. Don't know the shipping cost for the Pioneer.

or for $246.97 plus shipping
two pair of these: http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/43db9723009431f22740ac100341064f/Product/View/2098
and one of these: http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/43db9723009431f22740ac100341064f/Product/View/2101
$821.92 plus shipping. I would do this. Look at the size of the drivers. And, Wharfedale is a reputable company.

The good thing is that you will be set for a future upgrade. The receiver has pre-outs that can be used to add an external amp to drive better speakers when you get upgradeites. So, you are not throwing away money just because you are on a budget!

Buckeyefan 1 · Jan 28, 2006

I like the HSU Ventriloquist recommendation, but I'm not sure if it's the best system to "blast." It would be ideal for HT. If you want the biggest bang for your buck, I'd forget about the HDMI input for now. Component cables will work fine, and you can put the savings towards the speakers.

Personally, I'd say go with the Acoustech speakers with the sub, then pick up an Onkyo B stock receiver at Ubid. It's a tad over budget with shipping, but your buddies will think you've spent three grand on the system.

This place will beat all competitors on this speaker package.
http://www.sounddistributors.com/buynow.asp?action=detail&prid=1054&crid=165&cat_name=BIC+America+Speakers

I'd bid to $180 on this unit. It's still a steal at $200. Can you tell it's a "hot" item?
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10597017

dburchet · Jan 28, 2006

Receiver: Pioneer VSX-815 .................................$239.99 sans shipping
I have this receiver and it is an excellent starter receiver for HT
http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid=4118&stk_code=piovsx815k&svbname=403

Speakers: Athena Micra 6's .................................$299.98 sans shipping
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=27641&FEID=230&PMNID=416&ASaP=1

Now don't forget you'll need to pick up some better cableing.
SW cable: Belden 1505f, 20 ft ............................ $22.75
Speaker Cable: 60ft .......................................... $22.80
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

Total Proce: .................................................... $585.82 without shipping

zumbo · Jan 28, 2006

Buckeyefan 1 said:
I like the HSU Ventriloquist recommendation, but I'm not sure if it's the best system to "blast." It would be ideal for HT. If you want the biggest bang for your buck, I'd forget about the HDMI input for now. Component cables will work fine, and you can put the savings towards the speakers.

Personally, I'd say go with the Acoustech speakers with the sub, then pick up an Onkyo B stock receiver at Ubid. It's a tad over budget with shipping, but your buddies will think you've spent three grand on the system.

This place will beat all competitors on this speaker package.
http://www.sounddistributors.com/buynow.asp?action=detail&prid=1054&crid=165&cat_name=BIC+America+Speakers

I'd bid to $180 on this unit. It's still a steal at $200. Can you tell it's a "hot" item?
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10597017

Speaker package loooks like a good buy, but there are no pre-outs on that receiver.

sdy284 · Jan 28, 2006

zumbo said:
Speaker package loooks like a good buy, but there are no pre-outs on that receiver.

ok, this guy is building his first HT with low budget, Do you really think that he needs pre-outs on his first reciever? I'd say no way. Because when he does get some more cash to upgrade, If he gets decent speakers now, he can upgrade to a better reciever in the future.

zumbo · Jan 28, 2006

sdy284 said:
ok, this guy is building his first HT with low budget, Do you really think that he needs pre-outs on his first reciever? I'd say no way. Because when he does get some more cash to upgrade, If he gets decent speakers now, he can upgrade to a better reciever in the future.

Certainly. My first upgrade was adding an amp to my system. It was nice to get much more power at a much lower cost because I didn't have to buy another receiver or pre-pro. Then, as technology advances, you can upgrade the receiver or pre-pro.

sdy284 · Jan 28, 2006

zumbo said:
Certainly. My first upgrade was adding an amp to my system. It was nice to get much more power at a much lower cost because I didn't have to buy another receiver or pre-pro. Then, as technology advances, you can upgrade the receiver or pre-pro.

exactly, when he eventually does upgrade his receiver, he can get that HDMI upconversion that he wants & he can simultaneously get more power. I mean sure seperates are great, but they shouldn't necessarily be your first upgrade

AudioArcher · Jan 28, 2006

Speakers

I agree on getting some really good speakers and building from there. I'm telling you would be blown away by the Epos ELS-3s($300). In combo with a good sub they'd be an excellent start. Get a good basic amp and you can upgrade later.

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