Buying Complete Home Theatre system vs reciever and speaker

[rma123]

Hi: I am debating between buying a complete home theatre package like the Onkyo S907 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000H9AF9K/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-2997841-8111830?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance) that includes a speaker, receiver and DVD player or buying a receiver and speaker system separately like Onkyo SR804 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000J40PMK/ref=ord_cart_shr/103-2997841-8111830?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance) and the Polk 6750 speaker package (http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B0002WTK4S/ref=sr_1_1/103-2997841-8111830?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1178982126&sr=1-1).

The home theater package costing me about $730 and the second package (receiver and speaker) is about $900. Of course the 2nd one doesnot include a dvd player.

My question is will I see a significant different in sound if I go with the 2nd option? Just need some help making a decision which one to buy.

Thanks
Ray

 

[j_garcia]

What exactly is your budget. IMHO, buying separate will give you a much better chance at getting good stuff. The Onkyo package isn't bad, but the weak point is the speakers (I've installed a few of these for customers). It will give you decent sound, but it won't give you amazing sound for the price. To be honest with you, the second receiver is FAR surperior to the one that will come in the package, however the Polk speakers will be no better than the ones in that Onkyo package and the receiver is way overkill for those particular speakers.

So lets start with a budget and your room size and the memebers here can usually help you find something to fit it.

 

[rma123]

My room size is 20 X 14 (lengthXwidth).

I am willing to spend 800-1500 on the receiver, speaker and DVD. What speakers would you recommend with this Receiver in that budget? If the sound quality is amzaing v/s good, I definitely donot mind spending 1500.

Is this receiver an overkill for the room size I have?

Thanks
Ray

What exactly is your budget. IMHO, buying separate will give you a much better chance at getting good stuff. The Onkyo package isn't bad, but the weak point is the speakers (I've installed a few of these for customers). It will give you decent sound, but it won't give you amazing sound for the price. To be honest with you, the second receiver is FAR surperior to the one that will come in the package, however the Polk speakers will be no better than the ones in that Onkyo package and the receiver is way overkill for those particular speakers.

So lets start with a budget and your room size and the memebers here can usually help you find something to fit it.

 

[Seth=L]

You might consider spending less on the receiver and pay more attention to the speakers. Always chose speakers first, then choose receivers second.

If it were me, I would start looking here for speakers-
http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55
The floorstanders don't have pictures yet, but I have seen photos of them elsewhere on this forum and other places and they are very nice looking.
(in no particular order)
Klipsch
Paradigm
HSU
SVS
Energy
Athena Technologies
Definitive Technologies
Axiom
Ascend Acoustics
....and there are plenty more I don't recall off the top of my head, that would be great speakers to audition or have a look at.

For budget, yet high performing receivers I like Onkyo and Yamahas' offerings in the $500-$600 range.

 

[agarwalro]

You have a fairly large room and the subwoofer included in the package will probably be inadequate.

Your budget of $800 - 1500 presents the problem that, at $800, its difficult to get 5.1 Speakers + Receiver + DVD Player that would be any better than the Onkyo package in your post. At $1500, you can easily put together the 5.1 Speakers + Receiver + DVD Player that would blow the Onkyo package out of the water.

If your preference is to be closer to the $800 mark, stick with the HTIBs. Audioholics website has a Denon package that rated well. Denon HTIB Some internet research will reveal other options in the price range.

If your preference is to get the best value for money, you might end up closer to the $1500 mark. If you go down this route, get the following,
Dvd player - Oppo Digital (approx. $200. Get any thats meets your requirements/perference, each player from this company has its advantages)
Receiver - A Yamaha/ Denon/ Marantz/ Onkyo 7.1 receiver in the $400 range
5.1 Speakers - Budget at least $750 for these. Some internet direct brand like, AV123, Axiom, Aperion, etc. For details, this is a whole other discussion...

 

[jcPanny]

HT System

RMA,
I think you can put together a great HT system in your budget. I would recommend limiting the receiver to $3-500 and sepnding the rest on speakers and a sub. A quality bookshelf speaker system will perform much better than a satelite type HTIB system like the ones from Amazon.

I second the AV123 X-series speakers option, you could even get floorstanders in your budget. Also check out The SVS bookshelf speaker system. They have the white and silver finish on sale for $800 for 5 speakers and a quality 10" sub.

For receiver check out the Yamaha RX-V659 for about $300, or if you like Onkyo, the 604/605 model.

Get a good upscalling DVD player like the Oppo Digital DV970HD for $150.

Buy few cables on the cheap from monoprice, hook it up, and enjoy!