Have know idea what im looking for. please help!

[Thare187]

Alright let me start by saying that I am very new to this and am not well versed. Someone told me this was the place to go for help. I am looking for a decent HTIB under $600. I would perfer to have a stand alone reciever, a decent watted sub and would like wireless rear speakers but wouldnt kill me if wired. I have a xbox 360 w/o hdmi, digital cable w/ hdmi, and upconvert dvd player w/ hdmi. My tv, a magnavox, which is getting replaced, with I dont know what yet, has only one hdmi. room is about 21X15. Thanks for any help. Sorry if this post doesnt make any sense.

 

[Seth=L]

LOL, your post makes sense to me. Would you prefer to buy new, or is buying used an option for you?

 

[Thare187]

prefer new but used is alright

 

[MDS]

Onkyo is probably the best bang for the buck in terms of HTIB systems. You won't get wireless speakers but you really wouldn't want them anyway.

The receiver that comes with Onkyo HTIBs is a rebadged (different model number) that is essentially the same as the 5xx series. All the pieces are separate so you can upgrade piece by piece in the future if you want to.

 

[Thare187]

Thanks that is the brand i was looking at. Any particular model number that is alright?
also looking for a 5.1

 

[Thare187]

looked around and the HTSR600 looks like what I am going to settle on. Any thoughts, concerns?

 

[Halon451]

looked around and the HTSR600 looks like what I am going to settle on. Any thoughts, concerns?

The HT-SR600 doesn't have HDMI. Is saving a little bit for a better system an option? Most here would recommend a standalone receiver with a good set of speakers and avoid the HTIB route. Dollar for dollar you will get way more bang for your buck with some thorough research, patience, and careful selection, that will blow any HTIB system out of the water.

But if you prefer to go the easy, convenient route of course and just get some 5.1 sound into your home, you could still get enjoyment out of an HTIB - it's just all in what you want from a system.

The Onkyo system above isn't a bad starter model.

 

[Thare187]

From what I understand the hdmi on these are pointless since it cant (sorry dont know the right term) play audio via the hdmi only picture. I have a a dvd player that I connect via the hdmi to my tv. I was going to connect just the audio of the cable box and dvd to this system. Is that possible

 

[Seth=L]

From what I understand the hdmi on these are pointless since it cant (sorry dont know the right term) play audio via the hdmi only picture. I have a a dvd player that I connect via the hdmi to my tv. I was going to connect just the audio of the cable box and dvd to this system. Is that possible

Correct, you can't get the audio from HDMI using a pass-thru receiver. If your Display has enough HDMI inputs for now and the future you don't need to get a receiver with HDMI.

The Onkyo HTIAB are about as good as budget HTIAB goes.

 

[Halon451]

From what I understand the hdmi on these are pointless since it cant (sorry dont know the right term) play audio via the hdmi only picture. I have a a dvd player that I connect via the hdmi to my tv. I was going to connect just the audio of the cable box and dvd to this system. Is that possible

HDMI and Component video are pretty much equivalent quality as far as the video signal is concerned. HDMI w/audio presents a scenario that helps reduce cable clutter that's about it.

If you were to use this Onkyo system, I would run everything via component video through the receiver, and have one component cable from that to the TV. Use digital coax or optical for the audio from each source, and make sure you have it plugged into its corresponding input that matches the video from that source. That way you can use the receiver for switching purposes too. It may create more clutter behind the console, but simplifies operation of it from the front.

 

[Thare187]

HDMI and Component video are pretty much equivalent quality as far as the video signal is concerned. HDMI w/audio presents a scenario that helps reduce cable clutter that's about it.

If you were to use this Onkyo system, I would run everything via component video through the receiver, and have one component cable from that to the TV. Use digital coax or optical for the audio from each source, and make sure you have it plugged into its corresponding input that matches the video from that source. That way you can use the receiver for switching purposes too. It may create more clutter behind the console, but simplifies operation of it from the front.

Thats probably the route I will take. Thank you. My only concern is that my dvd player is an upconvert through HDMI. Will that pose a problem with the component cables? I dont want to spend the money on a BR or HDDVD yet cause I dont want to end up with a betamax or laser disc. I know BR is leading the pack now but I want to know for sure. Thanks again for all your help guys/gals.

 

[Thare187]

also, any advice on sub upgrade? Heard this one has no bass whatsoever.

 

[Davemcc]

also, any advice on sub upgrade? Heard this one has no bass whatsoever.

If I had $600 for a full system, I would get this and this. It may appear that I'm $20 over budget, but the receiver can be had for as little as $138 at OneCall if you look closely. If the budget is flexible, for sure get a better receiver.

Edit - Just a note, I haven't heard the Micra 6, but it was very well reviewed and recommended by the Audioholics staff.

 

[Thare187]

I noticed that the sub is passive. If I upgrade the sub will it make any real difference?

 

[Davemcc]

I think there is a mistake somewhere. I don't think the Onkyo's sub is passive, nor the Athena.

Normally, I'd say absolutely upgrade the sub. It is the beating heart of a home theater system. But doing so would eat so much of your budget that you would have to further compromise the quality of your speakers. If by "upgrade the sub" you mean "upgrade the budget", a whole new set of options opens up.

 

[mazersteven]

Just something to think about.

IMO if you take your time, and purchase as funds become available. Anywhere between $1000-$1200 bucks. You can put an "excellent" system together, not just a system.

 

[Thare187]

I think there is a mistake somewhere. I don't think the Onkyo's sub is passive, nor the Athena.

Normally, I'd say absolutely upgrade the sub. It is the beating heart of a home theater system. But doing so would eat so much of your budget that you would have to further compromise the quality of your speakers. If by "upgrade the sub" you mean "upgrade the budget", a whole new set of options opens up.

http://shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-SR600&modelid=131&group_id=1&detail=3

I think if what I read is correct here and other places-sub is passive. My question is if it is, can I spend a few more bucks and get a better one? Should I stick with onkyo or can I mix subs and speakers with no problem?

 

[Thare187]

Was looking at this:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8291127&productCategoryId=abcat0205008&type=product&tab=7&id=1172277278160#productdetail

 

[Davemcc]

http://shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-SR600&modelid=131&group_id=1&detail=3

I think if what I read is correct here and other places-sub is passive. My question is if it is, can I spend a few more bucks and get a better one? Should I stick with onkyo or can I mix subs and speakers with no problem?

It took a few websites for me to find out how that worked. That receiver does indeed have a built-in subwoofer amp. The Sony sub at least has speaker level inputs, so you could use it if you wanted. I've got no problem with the Sony sub but there are, apparently, better choices for the money.

Personally, I don't think your whole approach to finding a system is going to lead you to a very good sounding system. The Onkyo system just isn't a good place to start, IMO. Start by choosing a good set of speakers and choose the other components around them.

 

[Halon451]

Was looking at this:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8291127&productCategoryId=abcat0205008&type=product&tab=7&id=1172277278160#productdetail

I would have to say don't do this: Reason being is this - I have owned that exact sub before, and there is a definite reason I do not still own it. Sony makes some great products, but speakers and subwoofers are best left to those companies who specialize in speaker/subwoofer design. While it is not a bad little budget sub, you are MUCH better off waiting and saving up some cash for a real system.

I agree with what Dave and Mazer have suggested - you would do yourself a huge favor by doing it right the first time, rather than squeaking by with "something that works". I had a HTIB system for a few years that didn't cost me hardly anything, but it wasn't until it broke and I had to start shelling out the money for a new system that this concept really grabbed a hold of me. You will find that once you start spending money on new gear, you will have certain expectations - and when those cheap systems fail to meet your expectations, you find yourself in a quandry, having already spent the cash, but it's just not living up to your expectations. Then you'll be right back here on AH, asking what to do, trust me.

I had to go without a full system for a while to save up the money - but in the end, I was so glad I went that route, even having to sacrifice not having one for a while - it ended up being a no-brainer.

And stay away from Bose, for the love of god...