First time not going to buy HTIB setup

[xzrt]

Hi everyone, I am looking for advice as to what I should do regarding a new speaker setup. Before this, I only had an Onkyo HT5300 (2009 model). I have a budget of 500 max (speakers + receiver). I have been looking at some of the stuff from Jamo, Fluance, as well as another Onkyo setup (specifically the S406 S413 from Jamo, the AVHTB+ from fluance, and Onkyo HT540B setups). I would like this to sound decent as well as last for a while, but I do not know which would be the best. I also would be open to buying something not in a package such as these. I would like a 5.1 system, but if its possible to have anything more or less I would be open to it. Also, for any thoughts on receivers, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

With a $500 budget, to get better sound I would go with a 2.1 setup. Half to the speakers and half on the receiver, maybe pick up a last year's model on close out. Then add center and surrounds as funds allow.

If you want surround, an HTiB may be a better choice for now, but as with nearly all HTiBs, the speakers are always going to be the weak point.

 

[callas01]

Hi everyone, I am looking for advice as to what I should do regarding a new speaker setup. Before this, I only had an Onkyo HT5300 (2009 model). I have a budget of 500 max (speakers + receiver). I have been looking at some of the stuff from Jamo, Fluance, as well as another Onkyo setup (specifically the S406 S413 from Jamo, the AVHTB+ from fluance, and Onkyo HT540B setups). I would like this to sound decent as well as last for a while, but I do not know which would be the best. I also would be open to buying something not in a package such as these. I would like a 5.1 system, but if its possible to have anything more or less I would be open to it. Also, for any thoughts on receivers, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

If your still looking I would suggest 1 of 4 options in your price range.

1. Save some more money up and then start looking to buy, Id say $1000-1500 should get you a good system, $500 on a receiver, $1000 on speakers. OR @ $1000, find a refurb or discontinued Receiver like a Sony DN-1000, Yamaha 663/665 or Onkyo 607 or Marantz 4003 around $300, and then invest the remainder of the $1000 into speakers. BEST OPTION!

2. Jamo E660s and a Jamo E7 With a Refurb Marantz 4003 or Onkyo 607, total about $587-$617

You will need to save for the Sub and Surrounds, but you will have a good start to a system.


3. Jamo C403 and the C400 Cen and again, look at the receivers above, the Onkyo 607 could put this system in about $528. AGAIN, you will need to save for a sub and surrounds.

4. Polk Monitor 50s and CS1 and the Onkyo 507 puts this system about $530. Again, you will need to save for surrounds and a sub.

In the meantime you could use the current surrounds you have and the sub until you can save up for new ones.

 

[sholling]

With a $500 budget, to get better sound I would go with a 2.1 setup. Half to the speakers and half on the receiver, maybe pick up a last year's model on close out. Then add center and surrounds as funds allow.

+1 the problem is that $500 just isn't enough money for a decent 2.1 system if you include the receiver in that budget. If you budget $150 for the left and right fronts, $200 for a decent entry level subwoofer, and $250-300 for a receiver then you're already $100-150 over budget.

If you want surround, an HTiB may be a better choice for now, but as with nearly all HTiBs, the speakers are always going to be the weak point.

+1 again. If you are in the US you can pick up a refurbished HT-S7200 for $550 plus shipping. The 7200 comes with a decent receiver that you can use as the basis for future upgrades. Audioholics first look.

 

[jostenmeat]

Forget the receiver. Just get some good speakers, and you will be blown away at the difference. Trust me.

Onkyo HTIB receivers will be fine for most people, most rooms, if you pick up some relatively easy to drive bookshelves. Check out Infinity, Ascend, PSB as well.

Again, you'll be blown away. Just try the speakers first.

 

[timmay8612]

tons of good options on the used market. I bought the setup in my sig for $400

 

[AJinFLA]

I have a budget of 500...I would like this to sound decent ....but I do not know which would be the best.

Keeping in mind that "sound decent" and "best" are subjective and whatever you want them to mean...
Pioneer VSX-519
Harman Kardon HKTS-18
$13 over budget, so I hope you can skip Starbucks for 2 days