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***Official HTIB Alternatives Thread***

645K views 3K replies 619 participants last post by  Hotwheels1 
#1 ·
Finally, a thread for those intrigued by the possibilities of piecing together their own budget HT, rather than settle for an all-in-one box solution full of various design compromises. The top priority here is sound quality over convenience, while remaining competitive with HTIB type prices.


This thread isn't to debate the pros/cons of true HTIB, rather, it is here as a gathering place for those who seek to share their experiences, knowledge, and benefits realized by by components designed to survive on their own merits in the A/V marketplace. Share your experiences, and feel free to add your own suggestions. This first post is by no means meant to be comprehensive, just some ideas to get started for those with a rough budget of $300 - $1000. For those at the low end of the budget range, you'll have to start small (think 2.0 or 2.1) and build over time. If you want instant 5.1 or 7.1 for less than $300, this is not the place for you.

Receivers:


Onkyo TX-SR 504 ($169): Onkyo 504


Panasonic XR-55 ($219):
Panasonic Digital Amp/Receiver


Pioneer VSX-516 ($169):
Pioneer 516


Yamaha HTR-5930SL ($199):
Yamaha 5930


Refurbished Harman Kardon AVR's ($200+)
Search the Harman direct store on ebay for daily auctions: H/K 140, 235, 240, 340, etc.

Speakers (Mains and/or Surrounds):


Athena AS-B1.2 ($99/pr)
Athena Bookshelves


AV123 X-LS ($219/pr)
AV123 Bookshelves


Polk Floorstanders ($69.99/ea):
Polk R50


More Polk Floorstanders ($49.99/ea)
Polk R300's


Polkr R150's ($49.99/pr):
Polk Bookshelves


Boston Acoustic CR-57 ($179/pr):
BA Bookshelves


HSU HB-1 ($109/pr):
HSU Bookshelves (Horn Tweeters)


JBL Monitor ($139/pr):
JBL Bookshelves


Infinity Primus P152 ($99/ea)
Infinity Bookshelves


SVS SBS-01 ($225):
SVS Bookshelves


Acoustic Research A2's ($50/pr)
AR A2


Center Channel Speakers:


AV123 X-CS ($139):
AV123 Center Channel


Athena AS-C1.2 ($149):
Athena Center Channel - Audition Series


Athena AS-C.5 ($75):
Athena Center Channel - Point 5 Series


Polk Audio RM6752 ($79):
Polk Center Channel


Polk CS1 ($159)
Polk CS1


Infinity Primus C25 ($99):
Infinity C25


SVS SCS-01 ($185):
SVS Center Channel


HSU HC-1 ($199):
HSU Center Channel - Horn Tweeters


Subwoofers


Dayton 10" ($124):
Dayton 10"


Velodyne VX-10 ($159)
Velo VX-10


AV123 X-sub ($199):
X-Sub


Bic Acoustech H-100 (~ $230):

***authorized ebay seller, make an offer***
please note that I am not a seller...you must search for auctions on ebay.


Hsu STF-1 ($249):
STF-1


Hsu VTF-2 MK2 ($399):
VTF-2.2


Elemental Designs A2-300 ($350)
A2-300


SVS PB10-NSD ($429):
PB10-NSD

Speaker Packages


Athena Micra 5.1 Package ($399)
Micra 6


Klipsch Quintet II 5.0 Package($299)
Quintet II


Klipsch Quintet III 5.0 Package ($399)
Quintet III


Velodyne CHT Front Row 5.0 Package ($199)
Available in white only....call (408)465-2824 to order directly from Velodyne.

EDIT/UPDATE 04-26-07

Links to great detailed info on wiring, speaker placement, and general HT tutorials. Thanks to Buzzy for the suggestion and links:

Wire:
Roger Russell's classic speaker wire table
Crutchfield on speaker wire


Placement:

Speaker placement

Lots of good general info:
Crutchfield Advisor
Aperion



EDIT/UPDATE 05-02-07

Excellent thread from the Audio Setup, Theory, Chat section of AVS with a massive amount of information. Thanks to Dr. PainMD for the thread and dbrowdy for suggesting inclusion of a link to this thread.

AVS Master Thread for Setting up your Home Theater
Setting Up Your Home Theatre 101


EDIT/UPDATE 06-03-07


Several links updated, with a few new products added that have been discussed at length in thus far in the thread. Speaker packages added 06-06-07.
 
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#2 ·
don't forget the Velodyne front row system, it seems to be pretty popular as an alternative these days.

http://www.velodyne.com/velodyne/pro...x?sid=815x485n


Just a thought to those looking for a new system on a budget. Don't compromise! Save up and get the best that you can the first time even if that means not getting a full 5.1 to start with. I set up my first ht system 7-8 months ago and have replaced every thing but the receiver. If you do it 2 times it will cost you 2 times the money.
 
#3 ·
The advent heritage were popular a little bit ago, but I think they are sold out now.


There are threads with people paying 220 bucks for 7 advents. ( I own the center...retailed for 150, got it for 18 euro) The point is you can find some good deals on very good bookshelves.


If you add a panny Xr55, then an HSU sub for ~500, that is an EXCELLANT Ht system for only 900 dollars.
 
#4 ·
good call on the Advents and Velodyne Front Row system...great values that were just overlooked. these guys can be paired with an entry level sub and receiver for a nice $500 5.1 system.
 
#5 ·
thanks for starting this thread. Great idea for those of us on a budget who want components or a higher end HTIB but struggle in the speaker forum because the "budget" speakers typically get slammed in favor of piecing together a more expensive system over time.


Went to my local Circuit City to hear the Onkyo 504 ($269) paired with Polk M10 fronts and surrounds ($200), Polk CSM Center ($129), and a Velodyne VRP1000 Sub ($249). I personally liked the sound of this setup but the price tag was well over my budget. From reading the various forums have decided to get a refurbished 504 for $159, Polk R15 front and surrounds ($100), Polk Csi25 center ($70), and a Velodyne VX-10 ($159) which have been described as very similar to the ones I demoed. Not being an audiophile I was happy with what I heard and feel as though I will be content with this setup for a long time....especially since my wife thinks it will be too loud. Total cost including shipping is just under $510.


Now I am impatiently awaiting is arrival!
 
#6 ·
This thread would also be good to people who start out with a HTIB and want to upgrade.


Say you get a killer deal on a 790 from Shoponkyo, but after a while you get more in your budget and want better sound. Well, the receiver is roughly the same as the Onkyo mentioned in G-Star's link, so you're good to go there, just add the sub or speaker packages and you're on your way.



I think a Bic H-100 is next on my list.
 
#7 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tulpa /forum/post/0


This thread would also be good to people who start out with a HTIB and want to upgrade.

excellent point here. the 790 receiver is absolutely its strong point, and the reason why it is one of the better HTIB's out there. it is a great upgrade platform for those who desire a little bit more in the way performance out of their HT gear.


the ebay/craigslist market for onkyo speakers/subs is HOT.
 
#8 ·
#9 ·
I went with Onkyo 504,Velodyne CHT speakers and Bic H-100.


It sounds fantastic. I calibrated with Radio shack SPL meter and Avia.


LFE effects are fantastic and sounds accurate but it doesn't rattle my walls/move my couch etc etc as many have posted in this forum. I listen at -10 for movies.


For $600 nobody can go wrong with this setup.
 
#10 ·
With all due respect G-star your thread really does not belong in this section of the MB. Read the title again. This section is for owners of HTIB or people that are considering getting one. If they wish to look into something other than HTIB, there are other sections of the forum they can go to and that's where you should place your thread.


I wouldn't go into the Sony RPTV SXRD MB and tell people not to buy the Sony but instead get the JVC D-ila RPTV as an alternative. Get my point?


A mod should look into this.
 
#11 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by dchanman01 /forum/post/0


With all due respect G-star your thread really does not belong in this section of the MB. Read the title again. This section is for owners of HTIB or people that are considering getting one. If they wish to look into something other than HTIB, there are other sections of the forum they can go to and that's where you should place your thread.


I wouldn't go into the Sony RPTV SXRD MB and tell people not to buy the Sony but instead get the JVC D-ila RPTV as an alternative. Get my point?


A mod should look into this.

the title of this forum is sort of a misnomer. it is the best and most appropriate place for discussion of budget home theater/home theater in a box. this includes low cost component systems that compete with all-in-one-box systems, even if that offends your delicate sensibilities. all we're doing with this thread is trying to create a central place for people who want something more than a one-size-fits-all system to discuss their experiences.


if you want to get the mods involved, go ahead and knock yourself out...there have been very successful threads on this topic in this very forum in the past. if you had been posting for more than a month or two, maybe you'd realize this.


so, with all due respect, get your head out of your ass and ignore this thread if it upsets you so much.
 
#12 ·
You need to calm down cause I ain't upset at all over your thread so leave out the dirty words. I do honestly feel your thread belongs elsewhere. If you are doing budget HT with component stuff it's not a HTIB so it shouldn't be here, that's all.


My time on this MB has nothing to do with it. I'm on 6 other MB's relating to other interests of mine so just because you have lots of posts here compared to me doesn't mean ****. You know stuff I don't and vice versa.


Take a valium and good night.


I find it amusing that you are specifically targeting your bashing on the 990 yet I see no posts from you in the official ht-s590 thread................hidden agenda in the making????????
 
#13 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by dchanman01 /forum/post/0


I find it amusing that you are specifically targeting your bashing on the 990 yet I see no posts from you in the official ht-s590 thread................hidden agenda in the making????????

i'm not turning this thread into an argument with one person, so this is the last time i will address this nonsense.



i don't know where you got the idea that i'm specifically targeting the 990. i guess you own one, and this thread has touched a nerve. that in itself is pretty ironic.



the HTS-590 can be had for $160. there's really not even any 2.0 system that can compete at that pricepoint, so that's why i have largely ignored it. the concepts of this thread really start to apply for HTIB's $300 and up. so there's no agenda, its just the reality of the situation.

Quote:
You know stuff I don't and vice versa.

i've owned an onkyo HTIB, and listened carefully to several others that i haven't owned. i've also put together my own budget HT with component stuff, and have heard what a difference quality separates make first hand. so i think i'm qualified to comment on these issues, and perhaps it means that i just might know something that you don't.
 
#14 ·
Personally I think it's a good idea for a thread. You get a lot of people in here looking for budget components, they normally don't get a lot of help in the specific forums where people are into higher end gear.

Anyways, I'd like to add the sherwood rd-8601 into the mix. A little bit more expensive than the other receivers mentioned but for the couple extra bucks you pick up component upconversion, OSD, and auto calibration.


Sherwood RD-8601 ($259):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882177001


Another thing I didn't see mentioned is cables. Check out the site sponsors at the top of the forums page, all of them have great quality cables at prices multiple times less expensive than you will pay at the B&M stores.
 
#16 ·
I think that this is a great thread and is exactly what I was looking for. I just purchased a new TV, and now need a sound system setup to compliment the great picture. Problem is, I spent most of my budget on the TV! My Budget is around 400-500. I wouldn't be opposed to starting with a 2.0 or 2.1, and adding to the system later.


This system will be used for 80% movies, and 20% music. My living room is rather large and open. I've never had a Home Theater system, I'm new to this.


I've been looking at:


Receiver: Refurb Onkyo TX-SR504

Speakers: CHT FRONT ROW SYSTEM or AV123 X-LS

Sub: Bic Acoustech H-100


Geez, I guess I've already exceeded my budget...story of my life.


My main question is rather I should go ahead and buy a sub-woofer now, or wait and get some better speakers with the money. Any advice or suggestions?
 
#17 ·
Thanks for starting this thread G star. I have a HTIB and I am in the processing of upgrading and this thread is helpful. Also, I am someone who is very new to AVS and HT. I don't know alot, but learning. If I went to CC tomorrow, most reps just try and sell you HTIB's. This thread gives both suggestions for upgrades and education before buying an HTIB.
 
#18 ·
G-star this thread is great and it's in the perfect place, IMO. I'm a new poster, but I've lurked forever and this section is where I learned that a great component setup can be done for around the price of a HTIB.


This section has really turned into Home Theater on a Budget, whether it be HTIB or budget components. And that's a Good Thing
 
#19 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by lpj8 /forum/post/0


I think that this is a great thread and is exactly what I was looking for. I just purchased a new TV, and now need a sound system setup to compliment the great picture. Problem is, I spent most of my budget on the TV! My Budget is around 400-500. I wouldn't be opposed to starting with a 2.0 or 2.1, and adding to the system later.


This system will be used for 80% movies, and 20% music. My living room is rather large and open. I've never had a Home Theater system, I'm new to this.


I've been looking at:


Receiver: Refurb Onkyo TX-SR504

Speakers: CHT FRONT ROW SYSTEM or AV123 X-LS

Sub: Bic Acoustech H-100


Geez, I guess I've already exceeded my budget...story of my life.


My main question is rather I should go ahead and buy a sub-woofer now, or wait and get some better speakers with the money. Any advice or suggestions?


I would start with the best speakers that you can afford to get. If that means waiting on a sub, so be it. Another way would be get a 2.1 or 3.1 depending on your budget. I know your movie experience will not be the same with out a sub, but in the long run it will be worth it. As you already mentioned the X-LS speakers, look at what AV123 has to offer in package form, some really good deals.
 
#20 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by lpj8 /forum/post/0


I think that this is a great thread and is exactly what I was looking for. I just purchased a new TV, and now need a sound system setup to compliment the great picture. Problem is, I spent most of my budget on the TV! My Budget is around 400-500. I wouldn't be opposed to starting with a 2.0 or 2.1, and adding to the system later.


This system will be used for 80% movies, and 20% music. My living room is rather large and open. I've never had a Home Theater system, I'm new to this.


I've been looking at:


Receiver: Refurb Onkyo TX-SR504

Speakers: CHT FRONT ROW SYSTEM or AV123 X-LS

Sub: Bic Acoustech H-100


Geez, I guess I've already exceeded my budget...story of my life.


My main question is rather I should go ahead and buy a sub-woofer now, or wait and get some better speakers with the money. Any advice or suggestions?

I have exactly same system which I configured very recently. I am very much satisfied

with this setup. Speakers sound natural and there is no brightness at all which is one of my criteria. Bic H-100 at that price is great and fantastic for movies.


Forgot to add. If you go with Velodyne speakers it needs subwoofer since they are small bookshelf speakers which requires a sub.
 
#22 ·
first, thanks to those who have positively contributed to this thread. i like to see how the knowledge base is already expanding with new suggestions.



also, i hope anyone who is interested in upgrading their HTIB's in pieces finds useful information here. i used to own an onkyo HTIB (HTS-780) and ultimately found the speakers to be muddy and the sub wasn't so great with handling movie bass.


i took a chance and bought a pair of athena B1's and a C1 on clearance for $200, and loved the immediate improvement that it made to the system. so i sold the onkyo back surrounds, mains, and center as a package via craigslist for $125. bingo, new speakers only cost $75.


then i bought a refurbished H/K AVR-235 receiver from harmandirect on ebay for $260, and sold the onkyo receiver on craigslist for $250, believe it or not. so for $10 more, i got a better receiver with more power, features, etc.


by this time i was hooked, and the sub had to go. i sold it for $110 and bought an SVS PB-10 for $460. so yeah, i went over budget, but ended up getting the SVS for $350 net, knowing i would not have the urge to upgrade soon b/c it is such a capable sub.


finally added some athena S.5's as surrounds that i got off ebay for $70/pr. sold the last onkyo surrounds for $30.


the best and most dramatic upgrade was the sub, then the L/C/R speakers. if i had it to do over again, i would have built the system in pieces. but the upgrading was fun, and not too cost prohibitive, when selling the HTIB gear is taken into account.
 
#23 ·
Nice thread guys, this is exactly what I needed and greatly appreciated.


I have a question about the receiver though - everyone seems to be going with the Onkyo 504. Whats the difference with the 604 and is it worth the upgrade? I have a PS3 which doubles as my DVD/Blu-ray player, so I want to fully utilize that. I mean, I was considering it, but now I'm beginning to question the value of the upgrade.
 
#24 ·
604 adds HDMI switching, and probably a few other things.


That receiver alone sells for about as much as the whole HT-S790 (saw it for $379, which is around the price of a new 790 with a few rebates, or a refurbished one from Onkyo), though, so anyone looking for a complete home theater solution in the $400-500 range wouldn't really consider it unless they can get a killer deal on speakers or leave some stuff out.
 
#25 ·
tulpa is right on the money concerning the 604. a very nice receiver with several advantages over the 504, but a bit out of range for those on a budget. i would consider one if i had about $1200 - $1500 to spend on a 5.1 setup, or if i was going to start with 2.1 system.


i usually recommend people spend about 15 - 20% of their total budget on the receiver. the $$ is better spent on good speakers/sub, as that is where the advantages of component systems will really become evident.
 
#26 ·
If all i had initially was a receiver and 2 speakers, how much different would it sound from the stereo speakers on my tv? I'm new to the HT world so I don't know that much about audio. This will be my first surround sound system btw. I was big on having a hdmi switching receiver, but now the only thing i'm concerned with is the truehd and dtshd (probably way out the range of htib'ers)


Great thread btw. I always hear people say don't go HTIB because they suck, then turn around and recommend something 2x the price and say i'll be happier in the long run. I doubt id be happier when my lights get cut off in the process. Hopefully this will get stickied and become very informative
 
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