Roughly $1000 to spend, what should I get?

[Trebek]

Well recently we bought a new HDTV, and I am now looking into a home theater system. I went to circuit city and did some infinity vs. polk testing, and so far I'm loving the polk rm6800 HTiB setup, and as for a receiver I'm thinking the Onkyo Tx-sr502. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure many of you will tell me I can piece together a nicer system with $1000, and I'm wondering what you would all choose. I would prefer something I can listen to in a store before buying, so tell me what I should go out looking for!

 

[bjornb17]

You should stay away from the HTIB systems. You can get a full size polk system at circuit city for the same price (i know, my brother got one). i think the 5.1 system, including the free subwoofer (they probably dont have the free sub deal anymore) for around $800. Of course you need to get a receiver too. $1000 is plenty to work with though.

 

[Nomo]

http://www.audioholics.com/showcase/systemguide/hometheatersystem.html

1K really won't buy a stellar system but take a look.

 

[Trebek]

I've read that plenty. The reason I'm not sure about the micra system, despite great reviews, is that I haven't been able to hear one in person.

 

[warnerwh]

Actually you could come out the best by buying used gear. Speakers don't really wear out and should be fine. Do plenty of research on speakers and a receiver and then start looking on Ebay. Polks are very good for the money but there are many others. Do a google and see what comes up just asking for best home theater speakers under 1000. Another way to go is get as good a pair of speakers as you can along with a sub to start out. Then get a center and surrounds down the line. With the two much better speakers and a sub for a thousand you'll have much better sound.

 

[Leprkon]

you might take a look at this:

http://ww2.onecall.com/PID_23123.htm

some Best Buys still carry the Athena products.

you can also hear JBL's at Best Buy. You can get them alot cheaper on-line, and they will be ok.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=357955&is=REG

another option would be to piece together something (keeping in mind you want to listen to them)

fronts: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polk-Bookshelf-Speakers-Monitor-40-/sem/rpsm/oid/93009/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do $ 299

center: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polk-Center-Channel-Speaker-CS1-/sem/rpsm/oid/93004/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do $ 179

rears: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polk-Outdoor-Speakers-Atrium45-/sem/rpsm/oid/50672/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do $ 199 (don't laugh... they are voice-matched to the Monitor line and are the easiest speakers in the world to mount)

and a Yamaha HTR 5740 ($200 at www.jr.com) 5750 ($399 at Best Buy but available for much less online, see http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=YAHTR5750S&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=320024) or 5670 or Denon 1705 or maybe 2105 to drive them

I'd wait a little on the sub until you have enough money to do it right... although you can get a heck of a buy on this one

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_26740.htm

I've got one coming for my bedroom set-up, should be here on Friday...

happy shopping

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

My suggestion...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32861&item=5759069593&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10313989

Lots of choices. Just one set of options. Costco sells those speakers. You can't believe the sound out of them for the price. www.bicamerica.com