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Want cheap/basic surround sound

post #1 of 12
3/7/13 at 8:21pm
Thread Starter 
Hey all, new here and just lurking and trying to learn stuff. Like the title says, I'd like a surround sound system that I will connect a Wii, PS3, DirecTV (with HD), and maybe one or two other game systems (using component inputs).

I've bought a few HTIB deals in the past and they've always had problems, so my biggest concern is getting something that'll last for a few years. One friend suggested that I start with a receiver and start adding pairs of speakers. My budget is ~$400, and I'm really not concerned with volume, I just want to have the surround sound experience for movies and games (it'll be in a 12'x12' living room). I have no preference over bookshelf or floor speakers, just something that won't break.
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post #2 of 12
3/7/13 at 10:46pm
Consider pairing the 5.1 setup below with a Denon 1613 on clearance. Give either avscience. com or Electronics Expo a "call".

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-5-1-Channel-Satellite-Speakers-Subwoofer/dp/B007YLQUWK
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post #3 of 12
3/7/13 at 11:19pm
1613 wont work for him if he wants to use component inputs as this receiver has none.

He's gonna want a receiver with at least 2 sets of component video inputs and analog to HDMI video conversion.
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post #4 of 12
3/7/13 at 11:28pm
There are converters available to stay within budget ....

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011404&p_id=7110&seq=1&format=2

http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-1080P-Output-Upscaling-Converter/dp/B007PY3ZPG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362727712&sr=8-1&keywords=wii2hdmi
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post #5 of 12
3/8/13 at 7:23am
Thread Starter 
If I still have speakers left over from a previous HTIB, would I be able to use those with a receiver? I imagine I'd have to check the ohms, watts, and the sub (I don't know if it's standby or whatever).
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post #6 of 12
3/8/13 at 8:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiko1986 View Post

If I still have speakers left over from a previous HTIB, would I be able to use those with a receiver? I imagine I'd have to check the ohms, watts, and the sub (I don't know if it's standby or whatever).

I haven't found a HTIB (at least from a big box store, eg Best Buy) that uses particularly demanding speakers, so I wouldn't sweat reusing the speakers.
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post #7 of 12
3/8/13 at 8:08am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scardeal View Post

I haven't found a HTIB (at least from a big box store, eg Best Buy) that uses particularly demanding speakers, so I wouldn't sweat reusing the speakers.

Well, then I guess I'll look for a nicer receiver (with more inputs). Any suggestions?
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post #8 of 12
3/8/13 at 9:22am
Check the speakers carefully. Some HTIB's have really odd speakers and speaker configurations.
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post #9 of 12
3/8/13 at 10:53am
Apparently Monoprice has a system that very closely relates to the energy take classic 5.1 for less $$$. Worth looking into.
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post #10 of 12
3/8/13 at 3:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiko1986 View Post

If I still have speakers left over from a previous HTIB, would I be able to use those with a receiver? I imagine I'd have to check the ohms, watts, and the sub (I don't know if it's standby or whatever).

In many cases, this is not wise as the speakers are often very low impedance 2-4 ohm and not designed to be powered by another AVR.
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post #11 of 12
3/9/13 at 8:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

In many cases, this is not wise as the speakers are often very low impedance 2-4 ohm and not designed to be powered by another AVR.

Okay, so I ordered the Mono price surround sound speaker set for $102 shipped. All I need is a receiver. In two weeks (next paycheck) I'll be able to get something ~$350. Just need a recommendation for a receiver.
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post #12 of 12
3/9/13 at 8:11pm
Denon 1612 refurb from accessories4less
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