Hi I'm new to forums.

[LOUNGINLIZ]

Hi, I'm LounginLiz. I'm new to forums. I need help in understanding home theater systems. Are HDMI ports necessary for good quality sound? I will be using this system in a small living room. I have an old Technics system from the early 80's(?). I plan on getting an HD LCD tv soon, but thought I would buy my surround system first so I can space out my money output, if you know what I mean. I would like to stay around $300.00. Can anyone give me some good advice on which system would be good for me?

 

[Audioholics]

There are a couple of cool articles you should start with:

http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/ask-dr-a-the-budget-dance

 

[j_garcia]

Welcome $300 is a tight budget, so we need to know what you expect to be able to get for that kind of money? Is this for a large room? Is it for mostly music or movies or equal?

 

[avaserfi]

Another thing to point out is in your price range HDMI is not a possibility and at the same time you shouldn't worry about it. The few things that actually require HDMI are not so common and it is not needed for good sound quality.

 

[LOUNGINLIZ]

Welcome $300 is a tight budget, so we need to know what you expect to be able to get for that kind of money? Is this for a large room? Is it for mostly music or movies or equal?

I have a very small living room. I'm planning on getting a 40 or 42" widescreen LCD tv. I have an old Technics surround sound now. I have seen a few for around $300. (+ or -) that advertize "HDMI" input. My husband doesn't like loud, so I will use when he isn't in the room. (or keep it down when he is) If HDMI is not important I can just use the system I now have. I just upgraded to DVR with DirectV and the tech said I would have to
cut down or top some trees if I want HD......bummer! We live in the country and like our trees.

 

[LOUNGINLIZ]

Another thing to point out is in your price range HDMI is not a possibility and at the same time you shouldn't worry about it. The few things that actually require HDMI are not so common and it is not needed for good sound quality.

Sounds like this site is for people that are spending a lot of money on their systems. I'm just an average joe, just interested in a little HD upgrade in the near future. Nothing expensive. Maybe a "Sony" LCD with a dvd recorder and a new surround sound system. I'll keep reading some of the posts on this site. Thanks for answering my post.

 

[avaserfi]

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a good system but you might have to make some sacrifices and from the sounds of it HDMI isn't something you need on your receiver. You an still get a TV with HDMI ins and run audio through the receiver to get the same effect and have that HDMI upgrade .

Personally if I were you I would look into getting a two channel system and a receiver. You will get far better sound quality than some home theater in a box and will have room to upgrade in the future. Another thing I would recommend is buying used that way you can make that 300 dollars go a lot further with buying last years model for less than half the price which is what I did for my receiver.

One thing you will note here is many people might have spent a lot of money on their hometheaters but we are always looking for the best deal for the money too .

 

[mazersteven]

Sounds like this site is for people that are spending a lot of money on their systems. I'm just an average joe, just interested in a little HD upgrade in the near future. Nothing expensive.

I can say this. Yes hanging around here might cost you more then you thought you where going to spend. But I see it this way. "You can't afford not to hang out here". Because it will cost you more in the long run when you have to keep upgrading because you purchased the wrong stuff in the first place.

There are guys with $500 systems and guys with $50,000 systems here. Living together in perfect Harmony.

 

[j_garcia]

I would actually say there are a LARGE number of people who come here that are looking to spend $500-1000 total, so I wouldn't say you are in the wrong place. It is just that $300 is tight for a complete system that will generally impress people, and the majority are not impressed by the typical $300 system; sort of what I was getting at.

Having said that, you CAN find packages in that range:

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKHTS790B

I installed a similar system to this in a small living room and it did quite well for the price. This is refurbished, but AC4L is an authorized reseller and a good company that I have dealt with for years without issue. This includes a receiver and speakers, but no DVD player.

 

[Audioholics]

Sounds like this site is for people that are spending a lot of money on their systems.

We serve all kinds here... Check out this system/review:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/denon-dht-487dv-home-theater-in-a-box-review

 

[avaserfi]

While Clint posted a system that was more expensive then you planned on spending you are basically getting seperates just sold in a box. If possible that would be a great system to pick up especially because it allows for actual upgrades unlike most other box systems. Also, you won't need to play it loudly as it will most likely be much more clear than the regular boxed system.