Newbie with an odd request on getting started.

[abefroeman]

I have $2300 on a target CC.

Buy everything somewhere else. Use your target CC for groceries and deodorant, not speakers.

Buy something pretty with a 30 day trial via the internet and return it when you are done.

 

[abefroeman]

On second thought,

Just get a Bose system from target.

It will impress potential home buyers more than anything we could recommend, unless they are audiophiles.

 

[majorloser]

Time to do some research on your part

Major, what kind of budget could I do much better with at online retailers? (I.E. better to spend $1000 at retailer X than $2300 at Target?)

Thanks!

Let's start with speakers:

You could do five of these at $139 ea. for $695 +S&H:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1
(just need to add a subwoofer)

You could do this for $1,099 + S&H:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast2.html

or for $999 +S&H:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast1.html

Mazer already linked the SVS system.

Here's a projector, screen and HDMI cable for $1,249 Free S&H
(and they're throwing in an upconverting DVD player)
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/proddtls.asp?itemid=21770

Here's a good upconverting DVD player for the money. Also play SACD's and DVD-A's:
http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/

Then you'd need to add a receiver:

(quick example) Pioneer VSX-917V-K 7.1-Channel Audio & Video Receiver for $289
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4171343

and others:
http://www.buy.com/
http://www.ubid.com/Consumer_Electronics_Home_Audio/c1014.html

There's many good deals out there just waiting to be found. Check out the "Deals, Deals, Deals" section here and the "Recommended On-Line Retailers" on the front page:
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/recommended-stores-manufacturers/recommended-online-companies

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Maybe there is a reason he has to use the Target credit card. I would just buy a good plasma TV with the CC and then get the SVS system that was mentioned earlier. You can get the Panasonic 50" Flat Panel HD-Ready Plasma TV ( TH50PHD9UK) for $1,649.99 at Target online and then pay cash for the SVS. I wouldnt get a PJ as you have no idea how it will "fit" into your new home.

 

[obscbyclouds]

Maybe there is a reason he has to use the Target credit card. I would just buy a good plasma TV with the CC and then get the SVS system that was mentioned earlier. You can get the Panasonic 50" Flat Panel HD-Ready Plasma TV ( TH50PHD9UK) for $1,649.99 at Target online and then pay cash for the SVS. I wouldnt get a PJ as you have no idea how it will "fit" into your new home.

That's not a bad deal at all. They also have a 50" Sony SXRD for a similar price, most of their TV's seem to be reasonably priced. As other's have said, you definately want to avoid their Audio equipment. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[no. 5]

If you can shop online with the card, Target.com sells more stuff than most of their stores. Some of the super targets have seperate audio components, not just home theater in a boxes, which would be "junk". But you can also get projectors from them online, and they have some nice athena & JBL speakers.

I agree, for what it sounds like you want to do (install a HT in a house you're about to sell - which could increase the resale value), Target.com should provide you with most of the equipment to do what you want to do.

As Djs mentioned, they have projectors, and fairly nice speakers (and even in-wall speakers), so I think you could make a decent home theater that will increase the value of the house, and not sound or look too bad.

However, Target.com did not look like it had any good receivers, so you would have to spend some of your own cash and buy one somewhere else.

I don't remember if this was mentioned, but as far as cables, it doesn't really matter what you buy - but you may want to go with Monster Cable, only because of the brand recognition.
Or, as Abefroeman suggested, just buy Bose eek! It will be a huge selling point... unless the new buyers know something about audio.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think he is intending to take the gear with him so he should not buy BOSE!

I agree, for what it sounds like you want to do (install a HT in a house you're about to sell - which could increase the resale value), Target.com should provide you with most of the equipment to do what you want to do.

As Djs mentioned, they have projectors, and fairly nice speakers (and even in-wall speakers), so I think you could make a decent home theater that will increase the value of the house, and not sound or look too bad.

However, Target.com did not look like it had any good receivers, so you would have to spend some of your own cash and buy one somewhere else.

I don't remember if this was mentioned, but as far as cables, it doesn't really matter what you buy - but you may want to go with Monster Cable, only because of the brand recognition.
Or, as Abefroeman suggested, just buy Bose eek! It will be a huge selling point... unless the new buyers know something about audio.

 

[no. 5]

I think he is intending to take the gear with him so he should not buy BOSE!

Ahh, good point.... but if he sold the Bose with the house, he could double the selling price of the house!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Sadly enough...that may be true

Ahh, good point.... but if he sold the Bose with the house, he could double the selling price of the house!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Ahh, good point.... but if he sold the Bose with the house, he could double the selling price of the house!

Or the buyer might think, "Hmmm, this guy has no taste in audio gears---not a good sign--what else is bad with this house?'

 

[majorloser]

Sadly enough...that may be true

Frankly, if all you're looking to do is sell the house with "window dressing" a cheap HTIB and a cheap projector shining on a white painted section of the wall will blow the socks off of most average home buyers. Want to make it look fancy? Buy a cheap screen. No need for anything but a DVD of a movie playing when they tour the home.

Some HTIB even come with speaker stands and wire. All you'd need is a coffee table to set the projector on in front of a comfy sofa. Place a small bar area in the rear of the theater and give it a "sports" theme. I've seen many model homes and furniture stores where they do this exact thing. Dark curtains and dim lighting around the bar area.

Kitchens attract female home buyers. Home theaters attract guys.

Want to lure the sportsfan guy? Put a huge Fathead decal on the wall of the local team behind the bar. They're removable.
http://www.fathead.com/

Heck, go to the local rental store and rent a big TV and audio system. If you don't want anything permanent.

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

You guys rock! Thank you VERY much for taking time out of your busy days to help me research. You have pointed out alot I didn't think about.

The bose idea is really a good one. It will impress Mr. and Mrs. Average Home buyer.

Great advice on the recievers, both what to buy, and what not to buy.

My initial research is leaning me toward an LG LCD in 42", the 790P model, I believe. I have read alot of great reviews. Input on this is appreciated.

ALSO** I was wrong. It is a target VISA, not a target card. So not to start all over again, but that does kinda change the rules!

I think I still would like to start with either a great TV or a great set of speakers, then build around it, and YES it will be going with me, Unless they are willing to pay for it.

I already own a commercial popcorn machine, so I am gonna do this up right! Hopefully a nicely staged home theatre will impress all parties involved.

THANK YOU!!!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would suggest not getting the LG.

I guess we get to start over and help you spnd your money now huh?

You guys rock! Thank you VERY much for taking time out of your busy days to help me research. You have pointed out alot I didn't think about.

The bose idea is really a good one. It will impress Mr. and Mrs. Average Home buyer.

Great advice on the recievers, both what to buy, and what not to buy.

My initial research is leaning me toward an LG LCD in 42", the 790P model, I believe. I have read alot of great reviews. Input on this is appreciated.

ALSO** I was wrong. It is a target VISA, not a target card. So not to start all over again, but that does kinda change the rules!

I think I still would like to start with either a great TV or a great set of speakers, then build around it, and YES it will be going with me, Unless they are willing to pay for it.

I already own a commercial popcorn machine, so I am gonna do this up right! Hopefully a nicely staged home theatre will impress all parties involved.

THANK YOU!!!

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

LOL, sorry! I was just starting to get a feel for what I might buy and BAM, the rules changed.

I still only have that much on the card though, so I need to make it work where it really needs to, and considering I need it all, it may be difficult.

I am still of the same opinion as the sausage king of chicago (wasn't that abe froeman in Ferris Buellers day off?) Anyhow, I digress. I think that the impression would be good, and may give me more money elsewhere?

MBD

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

ALSO** I was wrong. It is a target VISA, not a target card. So not to start all over again, but that does kinda change the rules!

That changes everything. First, don't even buy anything from Target
So you have $2,300 for the entire Home Theater: speakers, receiver, TV.

Now everyone can give you his recommendation with the only restriction being the budget of $2,300 Total.

Okay, here is my recommendation:
1) Receiver: Onkyo SR605 for $399.99 (Free S/H)

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4166654

2) Speakers for 5.1 HT: Definitive Technology ProCinema 60 for $548 (Includes S/H)

http://www.idealav.com/shopcart.aspx

3) TV: Toshiba 42" LCD Flat Panel 720p HDTV for $1,199 (Free S/H)

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=86541

Wow, that gives you $152 left to spend on a DVD player?

Edit: Oh, what the heck. Just put out another $96 cash and get yourself a Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player for $248 (Free S/H)!

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-A2-HD-DVD-Player/dp/B000IJV4BC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-0224395-8733210?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187368712&sr=8-1

 

[bobnegi]

What about Costco? They have a liberal return policy, just buy thier most expensive stuff, and reuturn it when you are done.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What about Costco? They have a liberal return policy, just buy thier most expensive stuff, and reuturn it when you are done.

Yeah, it's too bad for me Costco doesn't cary DefTech

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

Ok, this is the thank you post.

Thanks to everyone for suggestions and taking time out of busy schedules to look out for a stranger!

I took some advice, and went with my gut on some decisions.

Let me pre-empt this with the fact that I am NOT an audiophile, and I am probably easily impressed!

I went to the local best buy and let my ears and eyes help me buy (if you are cringing right now, rest assured I did not buy a HTIB)

I looked at ALL the TV's and got down to two plasmas that really looked great, panasonic and hitachi. The hitachi went on sale for $999. That made my decision. (42" 1080I)

Then I went to my reciever. I liked the Harmon Kardon. So far it has been great, and I am happy with my decision. Model AVR146.

Next I chose a center channel. I went with a JBL Voice Venue series. It is also meeting with approval.

For my surround (5.1) I went with four JBL control ones, with wall mounts.

I chose a yamaha powered subwoofer, YST SW 216. This really gave me a great sound, as I found most of the HTIB woofers to be crap.

I bought a HDMI sony five disc DVD. Now I can sit my fat butt on the couch and press a button to switch DVD's. This is however the only piece of equipment that I am not completely happy with yet. I am going to see if it grows on me.

I bought some stadium seating that reclines and has cup holders. This was alot of fun putting it all together.

An additional $250 in cables and I was ready to go.

I bought a copy of "Pirates of the Carribean, Dead Mans Chest." And turned it Waaaaaaaaayyyyyy up.

To me, it rocked, and I was really happy.

I want y'all to know that I thought of your advice as I made my way through the tangled commercial web that is home theatres. Your advice was very good. I might have got better equipment mail order, but I am funny about seeing and touching what I am buying. If I fell short there, it is still OK, as I am very happy with what I got. Going out and listening really made it obvious that HTIB was not a good choice.

Home theatre realized!!! Total bill around $2400, plus the seating.

Thank you!
MBD

 

[AVRat]

A fat happy butt ... $PRICELESS

 

[Mrbowdeadly]

fat happy butt.....good.

Friendly board full of experienced audioholics with great attitudes......

PRICELESS!

MBD