[xMx Reaper xMx]

hello guys, and thanks to anyone who decides to help me with this decision.


i am on the search for a new home theater system for in my 11x9 room.

i have looked at the onkyo ht-3100 and i almost jumped for it.


but, i decided to come on here and ask the pros first.

i would like everyone to know before they make any reccomendations that i only have a maximum of 250 to spend on this set.


i would like to have the best possible set up.

and i would also like 5.1.



to let everyone know.

here's my current set up.


32" Samsung ln32a330

Xbox 360 Pro (no HDMI) connected to the tv via component, and to the future surround sound system via optical.

Playstation 3 connected via HDMI to the tv, and then connected to the new system via optical.

DirecTV to be hooked up to the sound system using the best connection possible, hopefully optical, but im not sure.


and before anyone points out that i have three components that im attempting to hook up through optical, id like to let everyone know that i have a manual switch for up to three optical cables.


so im covered.


so is the onkyo the best choice?

and being that i plan to use this set up for a lot of blu-rays, would you guys reccomend something different?


losless audio isnt important to me.

 

[Tulpa]

If that's the most you have to spend and can find it for that price, it's a good setup. It'll work for Blu-ray if lossless audio doesn't matter.


If the DirecTV box has digital coaxial output, you can use that in place of an optical cable and not have to mess with the manual switch. The HT-S3100 has two optical and one coaxial input.


There are also converter boxes that convert optical to coaxial. That's an option so you don't have to get up to switch it every time.

 

[xMx Reaper xMx]

true.

ill have to check the receiver and see what outputs it has.


also, one more question.

would it be possible to build the system instead and have it perform better for around the same price?


or is it more that all of the systems in this range are comparable, and it wont really matter even if i buy the pieces separately?

 

[Tulpa]

That philosophy is usually true in that separates usually are better systems, but for under $300, you'd have to come across a heck of a bunch of deals, or know someone who can get you some steep discounts.


You might get a decent stereo pair and that same receiver (TX-SR304), but the sub, surrounds and center would probably break it.

 

[xMx Reaper xMx]

would you say that the onkyo HT-S3100 is the best HTIB in that price range?


i might be able to bump the budget up to 300 or possibly even 350.

if i did that what would my options look like then?

 

[Tulpa]

Might include some Sonys and Yamahas. Don't know offhand the specific model numbers.


They'll all sound roughly the same, they'll just differ in a few features.

 

[xMx Reaper xMx]

so you'd say that it wouldnt be worth the increase of money? because if theyre all going to sound roughly the same than thats no big deal.


i have some questions though.


would you recommend this setup over the onkyo HT-S3100, or even HT-S4100.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-694

and this:
http://www.jr.com/onkyo/pe/ONK_TXSR304S/

 

[jdubau55]

Go with like the Onkyo 4100 over that. Newegg sells them for 329 with free shipping. They are out of stock right now though.

 

[xMx Reaper xMx]

well amazon has the onkyo HT-S4100 for $320 shipped.

would you spring for that over the 3100, and the receiver and speaker combo?