Looking for simple, low budget 5.1 system

kingcars66
kingcars66 Posts: 21
edited May 2010 in Speakers
Ok so I'm going to be moving into a bigger room and would like to step up to a slightly bigger surround system. Before I go further, let me iterate that I am NOT an audiophile by any means. I definitely like something better than stock TV speakers and crappy headphones, but I'm not crazy about getting every ounce of audio quality.

I've been in a tiny 10x10 room for a long time now and have used a cheap 100W Kawasaki HTiB that I got for $65 about 8 years ago haha. It has served me very well, but I'm ready for a little bit more to fill the slightly bigger room that I'll be moving into. My 5.1 is used mostly for gaming on my PS3 and PC (I have a special sound card that lets me get 5.1 out to my HT system, Auzentech ftw), and movies occasionally.

I know the people here will scoff at me, but I'm honestly just looking to get a decent bang for the buck HTiB for around $150, no higher than $200. A friend has said that I could probably piece together some used parts if I wanted to, but I'm not that big on used electronics. I'm not completely shut out to the idea, though. Opinions and suggestions are welcome, thanks for your time.
Post edited by kingcars66 on
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Comments

  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited May 2010
    Fresh meat! Fresh meat! Come get your fresh meat! Newbie grilling time!

    No, wait...I guess I shouldn't be harassing him...I did tell him to come here. Be nice! Steer him straight, but please don't assault him with Anthem processors and 5 channel amps and a set of Polk RTiA's for speaker duty. Something cheap and simple, but good sounding.

    I really don't know much about this market, so my advice is very questionable. For simplicity I would look at surround computer systems from Klipsch and Logitech. Or maybe a HTiB from Polk or Onkyo. If you want to do the leg work and ask the folks here for advice to guide you, you could really end up with a rocking system looking through the Flea Market section and piecing something together yourself.

    I'm actually pretty interested in reading the advice you'll get!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
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    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
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    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • kingcars66
    kingcars66 Posts: 21
    edited May 2010
    Also, it's worthy to mention that my PS3 uses an optical output for audio and my PC can use either optical or coaxial. My PS3 can also use coaxial if needed, but preferably not.
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    Welcome to CP. My brother -in-law bought this one for his mancave. He likes it a lot. Free shipping to boot.

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882103431
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • kingcars66
    kingcars66 Posts: 21
    edited May 2010
    Thanks for the reply, that's definitely along the lines of what I'm looking for. I did decide on a similar system for just a few extra dollars, especially because it has 2 inputs so I won't have to switch cables any more.

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882105457
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    kingcars66 wrote: »
    Thanks for the reply, that's definitely along the lines of what I'm looking for. I did decide on a similar system for just a few extra dollars, especially because it has 2 inputs so I won't have to switch cables any more.

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882105457

    That should sound pretty good as well. Sony is a good brand for Htib.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • be83663
    be83663 Posts: 192
    edited May 2010
    You can't go wrong with Onkyo SKS-HT540 for your budget range.

    http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/cart?action=preview&sku=544299412&qty=1

    Rated Five Star by a recent Sound and Vision Magazine, for under $500.00.
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  • kingcars66
    kingcars66 Posts: 21
    edited May 2010
    Thats an awesome deal on the Onkyo system. Thanks for the help; I ordered the Sony system that I linked above along with a wall mount for my TV. Can't wait to get my new room all set up.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited May 2010
    I would recommend an Onkyo.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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