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Home Theater in a Box recommendations?

1009 Views 14 Replies 11 Participants Last post by grandpa_tivo, Oct 22, 2001

bc999

Discussion Starter · Oct 17, 2001

I am looking to get a Dolby Digital 5.1 receiver/speaker package. I am not as big an audiophile as those here, but I do want to make sure I am getting the best value and quality for what I am willing to spend, and everyone here seems very knowledgable.

I mostly want them to hook up to the XBox I will be getting (it supports DD 5.1 in games), and of course for DVD movies as well.

I am looking to spend no more than $500, and after doing some research, I have read very good things about the Kenwood HTB-504 and the Klipsch Promedia 5.1. The Klipsch are marketed more as computer speakers, but I have still read nothing but great reviews for them, as well as for the Kenwood. The Klipsch Promedia 5.1 set doesn't include the receiver, though. After you add $99 for the "Audio Tornado" receiver which is supposed to go with it, it comes out to the same price as the Kenwood HTB-504.

Anyways, any advice for me on these two products or any others for the price?

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1 - 15 of 15 Posts

DWhite

· #2 · Oct 17, 2001

Check out the Energy Take 5.2 setup ( http://www.energy-speakers.com/take5...speakers1.html ). they are a decent sounding setup for your price range.

Joe_M

· #3 · Oct 17, 2001

DWhite, he is looking for it to include the receiver. The 5.2's are in the $600 range for the speakers alone. Unless of course you can find them on Ebay.

Bob Hawley

· #4 · Oct 17, 2001

I have the Kenwood htb-503 system. (I'm not sure what the difference is between the 503 and the 504; they look awfully similar.) I think that the 503 is an extremely good value. Obviously, you're making some compromises, but it's hard to get more for your money, and it's an excellent way to start. I'm thinking about upgrading the front and center speakers, but once I do that, I'm going to be set for a long time.

davewe

· #5 · Oct 17, 2001

I just had the same dilema. At first I was going to buy one of these HT in a box. I think I did much better.

First I bought a Denon 1601 at Good Guys for $199. Its a model that has recently been replaced. Despite it being listed at "only" 60 wpc, it fills my house with ease.

Then I bought a set of Take 5s. These also have been discontinued (the Take 5.2s are the current model). I paid $299.

So not to gloat too much, but for my $500 I think I did better than any of the HT in a Box setups you are considering.

Of course now I have to find a small sub. But some good deal will come along!

Dave

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Bhagi Katbamna

· #6 · Oct 17, 2001

Quote:

So not to gloat too much, but for my $500 I think I did better than any of the HT in a Box setups you are considering.

Of course now I have to find a small sub. But some good deal will come along!

Well, unless your sub is free, your system will be over $500.

bc999

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 18, 2001

The Take 5's look a little out of my range. Am I correct in that the Take 5's run about $500, which doesn't include either the sub or receiver?

I think I am leaning towards the Kenwood htb-504. I have seen them as low as $420 (including shipping). It does DD and DTS, and the reviews from people who were looking for an entry level setup were very happy with it, and said the receiver is good.

Considering that right now I don't have any audio setup at all, going from the TV speakers to a DD 5.1 setup, I think I'll be very happy. Later on when I can afford a full out system (HDTV, etc...) I can go for something more expensive.

Sparks72

· #8 · Oct 18, 2001

The Kenwood HTB-504 has looked like a great low cost solution to me as well (after way too much research). But the new Denon DHT-682xp (right now $549 at Sears or less with pricematch) looks nice. Less powerful sub, but much better speaker quality and its a Denon. If anyone has been able to check out this new HT in a box, please let us know.

sparks

Christian

· #9 · Oct 18, 2001

Check the Home Theater Dream Systems by Sony. I banned the guys together at work here on the ship to buy the 300 system (now discontinued, replaced by the 500, 700, and I think there's a 900 out there now). For how much we paid ($499) it sounds great (and an awesome thing when you're a month into a six month deployment).

The 300 system had limited in/outs, but I think Sony rectified this in their newer models. Hooking, configuring, and operating it is pretty easy, some of my more tech-challenged colleagues can even use it (LOL).

Christian

NefCanuck

· #10 · Oct 19, 2001

I've just purchased the same system, HTB-504 for $805CDN incl. taxes. After a few minor hiccups setting it up I've been rediscovering many of my DVD's with the excellent sound quality of the receiver & speakers, I can't wait until the weekend, when I can finally get my hands on a copy of SW:EP 1 and have the lightsaber duel and pod races flying around me

Heck, it even made Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker an amazing new experience.

Jeff412

· #11 · Oct 19, 2001

I was looking for the same thing, but I couldn't find anything with video switching. I finally settled on the Onkyo 494 receiver.($289.00 at CC) and the HTD Level One 5.1 set ($149.00 at www.hometheaterdirect.com ). The Onkyo is a high current amp and the htd set comes with an 80 W sub. I have been extremely pleased with this setup. Good luck.

Jeff

grandpa_tivo

· #12 · Oct 19, 2001

Jeff,

Can you comment more about the Level One speakers from HTD ? I've had my eye on them for awhile.

Please and thank you,

grandpa_tivo

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff412
I was looking for the same thing, but I couldn't find anything with video switching. I finally settled on the Onkyo 494 receiver.($289.00 at CC) and the HTD Level One 5.1 set ($149.00 at www.hometheaterdirect.com ). The Onkyo is a high current amp and the htd set comes with an 80 W sub. I have been extremely pleased with this setup. Good luck.

Jeff

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Jeff412

· #13 · Oct 22, 2001

Grandpa_Tivo,

I got mine about a month ago and have been very satisfied. Granted, they are not the top of the line, but the sound is clear and the bass is full. I have a 15' x 15' living room that I have this setup installed in and I have no problem filling the room crystal clear sound. If you've never bought from HTD they will even pay the shipping back if you aren't 100% satisfied. The only downside that I have found to the level ones is that the front mains are not shielded. The center channel is though.

Jeff

grandpa_tivo

· #14 · Oct 22, 2001

I had the Onkyo 494 and was leaning towards the HTD series 1 but this weekend I went to Sears on this tip. Denon was a name I immediately recognized as a quality component but I wondered if this might possibly be a Denon in name alone. I started investigating and most high end audio outfits in town didn't yet have the new model but they all said it would sell for $ 699. They all told me that Denon doesn't lend its name to crap so they suspected it would be a nice unit.

Sure enough, I picked it up at Sears for $549 ! $699 regular price. CC got the Onkyo 494 returned to them yesterday.

Now I'm shopping for a decent audio stand. Can't find anything other than particle board so today the Denon still sits in its box.

grandpa_tivo

Quote:

Originally posted by Sparks72
The Kenwood HTB-504 has looked like a great low cost solution to me as well (after way too much research). But the new Denon DHT-682xp (right now $549 at Sears or less with pricematch) looks nice. Less powerful sub, but much better speaker quality and its a Denon. If anyone has been able to check out this new HT in a box, please let us know.

sparks

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grandpa_tivo

· #15 · Oct 22, 2001

So I head to Sears with the best DVD I have for audio, Fantasia 2000.

I tell the guy that I need to listen to this DVD to determine if I like.

I tell him I'll likely attract some attention and he can sell some TVs. On all the TVs there is the ALCS. The area is empty.

He replies, all that will do is bring kids. 'Kids don't have money'.

I just look at him.

I stick in the DVD, head straight toward the last track, my favorite. Can't tell you the name of the music but the animated story is the one in which the volcano blows and the area is torched and life returns after rain. It sounded wonderful ! If you know this track you know there are some amazingly quiet moments and some ground shattering moments as well.

When it was playing and I had it turned up relatively loud folks started coming over. There was probably a dozen or so. Many asking what is this., where is this sound coming from, is the tv or the stereo, how much does that cost, etc .. Typical novice questions.

As I left, the other sales people were plucking these folks away to quieter areas to explain home theatre and Dolby and DTS audio.

That first sales buy I dealt with never quite got it. I think he thought it was all coincidental. @#$$% idiot. Kids don't have money. Duh, their folks do.

I swear, you are selling home theatre with baseball ! Drop in an intersting DVD and turn it up a little.

grandpa_tivo

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