***Official HTIB Alternatives Thread*** - Page 59

For that price get it while it is hot. You can always upgrade later and have a backup for if (when) it breaks.

PS: for me it was the Audyssey and the upconversion that sold me on the 605. The extra wattage didn't hurt either. But with my income I won't really miss a couple hundred dollars I just don't like buying more than I need for the principle of it. I don't intend to replace my equipment for 10 years (if it will last that long).

This is a really helpful thread. I'm totally new to this field, and I plan to get an HDTV before long so I want to start setting up a (budget) home theater sound system. Music is really important, so my first goal is to get a 2.1 system + a receiver that is capable of doing at least 5.1 later on (once I get the TV, other speakers, etc). I'd like to spend under $600 at this time.

I mainly listen to rock, some acoustic stuff, some bass-heavy music... so I was thinking that I need to get a subwoofer. My plan was to get 2 bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer and eventually purchase larger, floor-standing speakers and retire the bookshelf speakers to surround.

What I really want to know is if anyone has any particular recommendations for a warm, inexpensive, bassy setup that is still clean in the mids and highs. I need a receiver, 2 speakers, and a subwoofer.

I've been looking at the following:
Onkyo TX-SR505S (Refurb) - $239
Polk R150 - $50

However, I'm not sure about which subwoofer would go well with the Polks or if the Polks are any good for music at all.

Thanks for the help.

It's time to say a Thank You to everybody who has contributed to this thread!! Like many I stumbled across thid thread while looking for more information on HTIB systems. I was looking to upgrade from an old Yamaha mini system with built in pro-logic.

Around early July I started reading the thread and learining more and more. Many thanks to Ron Temple for his information regarding the AV123 products and HK receivers on e-bay.

I took the plunge and got on the waiting list for some av123 speakers and am thoroughly enjoying the following set up:

X-sls Mains
X-cs center
HK AVR-340 (From HK direct on E-Bay)
Onkyo DV-CP704 6-disk DVD / CD player
Existing Yamaha Bookshelf speakers as surrounds
Existing 8" Yamaha Sub

Total price - excluding Yamaha parts of course! $823 ($983 including shipping on all of the items)

The sound quality of the combination is outstanding, I love to listen to CD's I have owned for years and notice how 'real' a piano sounds or hear some additional sounds I never noticed before! And for movies, the big x-cs comes into it's own and sounds fantastic. There was a long wait for the speakers as expected, but the pictures and reviews I had seen convinced me it would be worth the wait.

Budget wise, it ended up more than I set out to spend, but the result is IMO well worth the expense! I'm so happy I found this thread!!

Thanks G-Star for setting up this thread and to everybody who has contributed so much valuable information.

Well, I have been reading, re-reading this whole post all week. Missed out on a lot of sleep, as i had been figuring out which HTIB to get when i stumbled upon this site/thread. Well, needless to say, all my HTIB research switched to building a budget home theatre thanks to the thread, as do many others after reading the great info compiled here. Thanks to all who contributed info. I just ordered the following to start my system out:

ONKYO 574 (refurb) $139
Athena b1.2 L/R $99 pr
Athena c1.2 Center $99
C-ST speaker stand $39

I wondered about a sub? I eventually will get floorstanders to go with this setup and move the bookshelves to rears, or perhaps just get another set of the bookshelves, and spend more on the sub. I thought i would wait to check out the bookshelves first. But i digress, looking for sub advice. I have seen/read different suggestions, and am wondering which sub to go with for a 15 by 15 room? The BIC h100, Dayton 10", or Athena p4100, or velodyne i belive are the below 250 subs commonly named within my range? I don't think i have come accross any info on the Athena. Any suggestions? Should i buy F1.2 towers, and spend less on the sub (dayton or velodyne) or stick with the idea of 4 b1.2s and getting the Bic? Or of course, any other suggestions welcome!

Thanks again, as i am totally enjoying jumping in to the HTIB alternative world!

Well, scratch that question about which sub to get. Again, many thanks to this and other AVS Forum pages which i am continuing to use and learn from, i was able to get a b-stock av13 x-sub for $150! Kinda makes the question moot, cause i am positive by looking at anything else under 200, that this is/was a great deal. Now i just have to wait til next week when all my components are here to enjoy. Now the only issue i will have would be deciding whether to get floorstanders F1.2s, or go with another pair of the bookshelves. Although i was able to answer my earlier question myself...well, thanks to a link from another thread that is...i would like to again thank everyone for all this awesome info in one place to help the newbies, and others considering falling into the HTIB trap. A little "leg" work, and i am sure now i should have a system that'll blow away the Onkyo htib i had set my mind upon getting. Sorry flags(RIP).

What about Radiient's speaker sets? They seem like a great deal, and I liked the way the Insignia speakers at best buy sounded... I can imagine that the floor standing speakers would also be nice.

$400, free shipping for towers that seem to be as nice as these...
http://www.radiient.com/Helios-5-Cha...c=2&category=6

Hey all,

I've been looking at a budget system to use in my bedroom. The room is 11'x11' with 8' ceilings. Space is at a premium. What suggestions do you guys have?

I was initially looking at a set of computer speakers like the Logitech Z-5500 to save space as it has a small receiver. However I did not like the sound from Logitech last gen version. So I've started looking at speaker sets. What do people think of the Athena Micra-6? or the Polk RM6750?

I am very new at all of this..so I basically have no room to even give a recommendation since I don't even OWN anything yet. But I will offer up what I've decided on, as its probably on a page back from here.

I've heard/read rave reviews on the HSU research VT-12 6.1 setup with the STF-1 sub. www.hsuresearch.com. They are a satellite system, but supposedly put out very nice sound for the size. The size and sound quality is what made me decide on them, I guess we'll find out sometime soon if it was a good choice.

As far as a receiver goes, you can read my earlier posts...I had enough HDMI inputs on my TV for what I was going to hook up I just got an Onkyo 504 for $179 new, free shipped.

Thanks for such a wondering and informative thread. That said, the little hair that I had left in my head has now been pulled out.

Last week I purchased a Panasonic Plasma (TH-50PH9UK). This TV is the one that doesn't come with speakers, stand or HDMI. I did add a HDMI source to it and now I am looking for the speakers/home theater to acompany it.

I have room that is 16x16 with 10 foot ceilings. The room opens up into our kitchen as well Currently, the HDMI source is being used by my Time Warner HD DVR box. Other then the DVR box and my PS2, I do not have anything. I am ISO receiver, speakers, DVD player, etc. I will probably purchase either a wii or a PS3, so I should be able to figure the DVD part out. Do you have any recommendations for receivers, speakers, etc? I would like to be able to use my IPOD through the system, if possible. I am willing to spend over $1000 but prefer to stay under, if possible. Thanks a million in advance. CMS

Those just made my list as well. They are a little more expensive then the Micra-6's and maybe overkill for my bedroom. But I have 2 to 4 weeks to decide so I look forward to your review when you get them.

When considering the VT-12 for your bedroom be sure to keep in mind the dimensions of the center channel and where you will put it. IMO it is too deep to wall mount. I considered a shelf above my PDP but ended up putting it in the entertainment center which puts it at lower than ideal hight but looks great.

I figured it makes sense to run my planned setup by people here who know more than I ever will..

I am working out of a relatively large room and planning to utilize a 7.1 system with the 2 front channels being floorstanding.

Receiver - Panasonic XR55 or Onkyo TXSR504 or Onkyo TXSR574
Subwoofer - X-sub
Center - unknown
Fronts - Polk R50 x 2
4 surrounds - Insignia NS-B111 (2 sets of 2)

I had three outstanding considerations, first which receiver would work best. Second, what would be a recommended center channel given my fronts? Last, would I be better off with this or with a 5.1 with only one set of Insignias?

MY HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE!

I have been reading and researching threads for about two weeks and I still can't make a decision. My wife gave the go ahead for a 1000 budget and I'm doing my best to keep it. She wants small speakers so with that in mind I have the following ideas

HSU performance 2 package 595.00 shipped
Onkyo 505 for 219(referb) or 605 399(referb)
Logitec 880 75-130 on ebay (I already have bids on this)

I'm also watching a set of SVS speakers (3) but the price just jumped to 200 bucks so add another 2 for the rear and a good sub and I'm over budget.

Anyway...thought I'd post. I'm actually having more fun looking for stuff then anything. I'd better decided so I can really work at work!!!

You can get the onkyo 605 new for $399 shipped.
http://www.gosale.com/4932026/onkyo-...FRyOFQodvnxiwQ


HSU package is nice. Another alternative is the KEF 2005 which normally goes for $999 and Circuit City has it on sale for $499.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/KEF-H...oductDetail.do

I suspect the HSU sub is better because its larger but you should at least listen to the KEF system since they have it in stores.

I bet you are having fun researching!

Your head may be going to explode, but I think you are enjoying yourself too!

I just thought I would mention that you can get the Logitech Harmony 880 new on amazon.com for about $130. I would NOT suggest paying more than $100 on e-Bay since they may not be perfectly functioning units (some of these units have had problems with faulty buttons and/or charging base stations). Even if Logictech c/s is generally excellent, there is only so much they can reasonably be expected to do if the unit is (a) out of warranty by more than a few weeks/months, and (b) bought used on e-Bay.

You could also consider the 720 for $120 new from Costco if it's in stock (and you have access to the store as a member or know somebody who can get it for you).

Otherwise, the 550 is a reasonable compromise for about $80 new on amazon.com.

Thanks for the input on the remotes. I may just spend the extra money and get a new unit. There are many many listings for 130 or so bucks. I like the 880 and the features so I think I'll stick with it.

The KEF's are tempting but the reviews of the HSU stuff are really good. I'd like to be able to spend a grand for a better set of speakers but then I wouldn't have anything to run them with.

Well after all that time I placed two orders this morning

Onkyo 605(new) for 375.49 shipped. Thanks for the link afrogt!

HSU reasearch performance 2 637.55 shipped. I didn't realize they were here in CA so I got hit with the tax.

So I'm 13.04 over budget without my remote. I'm still going to order that though. Thanks to AVS and all you guys for the advise. I'll be back when I want to upgrade!!

Any recommendations on a good match for a 5.1 setup with good towers and satellites for the surround.

This is what i had in mind :
Polk R50 mains (x2)
Polk CS2 center
SUB - undicided?????
Polk RM6801 satellite surrounds (to be wall mounted) (x2)
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/rm6801/

Do you think this will work ok?

That is what I have and have been pretty happy with it. I would suggest that you purchase the warranty extension on the sub electronics, however. For $45 it gives you a total of 5 years on the electronics (leaving you with a additional 2 years on the speaker). FWIW my sub amp died within an hour of plugging it in.

I didn't even think about the warranty extension when I purchased it. Perhaps I could call and get it. Well...maybe not. If the sub craps out after two years it's an excuse to upgrade right?

Now that I have everything on order the waiting game starts. My speakers should be here this week but my Onkyo is coming from NY so it may not be here until the 25th. Hopefully I get some order conformations tomorrow and some tracking numbers. I really can't wait to play and even the wife is happy we have small speakers coming!

It seems to me that you are off to a good start! I would just suggest the following:
- Polk RM6801 specs: decent, but not hot http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/rm6801/
- Polk R150 specs: much hotter http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/r150/
- R150s sell for $50 a pair at Frys, so why not go for those instead?!

As for the sub:
- Acoustech H100, $239 on e-Bay shipped http://www.acoustechspeakers.com/sho...pe=8&spkrID=26
- Velodyne VX-10C, $150 from Fry's http://shop3.outpost.com/product/467...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

With either of these subs and the R150s, you have a great system for a great price.

Thanks Kex

I will look into these, however I was trying to get satellites for the rear speakers to be wall mounted. The R150's seem rather large.

I've been looking for a 5.1 speaker set to start a new home theatre with, budget of $300-$400 for the speakers themselves. Lots of good information here, but unfortunately everything I become interested in is long gone now! I was looking at the Athena Micra 6's, and then the Velodyne CHT Frontrow but I can't really find either now. (I know you can order the velodynes direct over the phone...but I live in Canada so it could be very tough). Any suggestions on what set I should look into? Thanks in advance

The R50s sound GREAT with a CSR center and R150 surrounds. All perfectly voice-matched. I just put together a system with all these (plus an Onkyo 505 receiver) and am very happy with the results. I don't think the little sats (for surrounds) would sound right (or at least, not as good).

Athena Micra here:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...mber=1ATMICRA6

Don't know about shipping to Canada. U could probably call them.

Also look at the Polk RM 6750 which can be found for $250 in the U.S.

Thanks for the input, keep it coming if you guys have any more ideas. I'll give audioadvisor a call this week and see what they charge for shipping to Canada, those Micras look really sweet.

Question though, I know sometimes it's unfair to generalize on brand quality as a whole, but I read on a newsgroup publication that Polk falls under the class of "not as good as Bose" (link found here....http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/PICS/stereo/bosefaq.htm ) . I've never compared the two, although I'm well aware that would probably be an insult to Polk, so is that just inaccurate or does it have some truth to it? It's so hard to tell what online is editorial and what is factual.

A Bose FAQ from 95??? What did you think they'd say. It's just marketing spin. You can find Bose and Polk in many retail outlets...go listen and compare.

You know what Ron I actually didn't notice the date on it! Thanks for pointing that out. Did you read the article though? I think you're thinking that the FAQ is a Bose fanboy article, but the FAQ's not actually about how mighty Bose is; it focuses more on it's weaknesses and marketing ploys. Which is why I was wondering about the polk opinion they offered since that FAQ was mostly picking Bose apart. Anyways, I'm trying more to focus on finding a place that has the Athenas or Velodynes or even HSU Research sets, and Polk was completely off my radar until now which is why I asked.

I'm not a fan of sat systems, so I really can't point you toward any particular killer system. I think they all are pretty decent. That being said, I know Polk doesn't make anything but quality at it's price point...the various RM lines, if you can find them discounted will compete with the Athenas and Velos. The Hsu setup has the advantage of a really nice sub included.