What are some decent HTIB systems these days?

comfortablycurt
comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
edited August 2013 in Electronics
Hey everyone, haven't been around in quite a while.

I'm looking for some recommendations on a decent HTIB system. Yes, decent is a subjective term when HTIB systems are in question, but I'm looking for a decent little surround system for my mom, on a budget. Preferably less than $300.

Required specs-

5.1, obviously systems with 7.1+ would be ok, but the extra channels won't be used.

Powered sub is preferred, but not essential. A smallish sub- 8" being ideal, but 10" may work as well.

Smallish satellite speakers. Not microscopically tiny, but they need to blend with the room decor without really sticking out too much.

Something with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD is preferred, for future expansion to a Blu-ray player.

Beyond that, there aren't really any other necessities. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!
The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
Post edited by comfortablycurt on
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Comments

  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2013
    Whoops, I should have clarified that- I need a system that includes a receiver. The receiver that she did have quit working, which is why I'm looking into a whole new system. The speakers are basically all mismatches anyway, so I'm looking for a complete system for her.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2013
    Were you referring to the TL150? I looked at the 250's, and they're nearly $500. Definitely out of the price range. The TL150 speakers look affordable though. They're lacking a receiver though, which is an issue. I'd like to spend a lot more, but she'll basically be happy with anything. She's far from an audiophile, she just wants something decent to use during movies, and to play music on.

    Audiophile sound quality is not really a concern(nor would it even be possible with a HTIB).
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,762
    edited August 2013
    SurroundBar? No AVR needed....
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2013
    Hmm...I hadn't really thought about a SurroundBar. That's definitely something to keep in mind, but I think I'd ultimately prefer to go with an actual surround system. There's plenty of room for it, and all the wiring is already there from the existing system.

    I'll have to poke around and check out some of the different SurroundBars though, thanks for the suggestion.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2013
    Honestly, I don't think I'm really interested in a SoundBar. Audiophile sound quality isn't a necessity, but something a little better than a SoundBar would be preferred. She'll be using it to listen to music while doing stuff in other rooms of the house, and I don't think a SoundBar would really cut it for that. If it was going to be exclusively used for watching TV/movies, I'd consider it though.

    I was kind of looking at this Onkyo system- http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S3500-5-1-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0077V88V8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375574405&sr=8-1&keywords=onkyo+hts3500- but the non-powered sub is kind of a drawback. I've always been happy with Onkyo products in the past.

    I'd love to get a Polk setup, but none of the HTIB systems come with receivers as far as I can tell. The additional cost of a receiver, on top of a few hundred bucks for the speakers, plus the additional cost of a sub would be too pricey for the application.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2013
    Go with the Onkyo system. It fits the price range, includes everything she needs and since she doesn't have golden ears she should be perfectly happy with it.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • smglbrth
    smglbrth Posts: 1,472
    edited August 2013
    Accessories 4 Less has the Oinker system refurb for $179.99. No affiliation, obviously, but I have bought refurbed stuff from there and never had an issue.
    Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2013
    Buy new for your mother, she will be all kinds of pissed off if something went wrong with a piece of used gear.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited August 2013
    Here are a variety of compete systems.

    http://www.crutchfield.com/g_315950/Home-Theater-Systems.html
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited August 2013
    Curt, consider the Onkyo 5500(powered sub)from Accessories4less for about $240. From personal experience and reports of others, factory refurbished Onkyo equipment should be at least as reliable as brand-new units.
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2013
    John K. wrote: »
    Curt, consider the Onkyo 5500(powered sub)from Accessories4less for about $240. From personal experience and reports of others, factory refurbished Onkyo equipment should be at least as reliable as brand-new units.

    That looks perfect!! I've bought from Accessories4Less in the past, and have always been very happy with them.

    The room it's going in won't really accommodate a 7.1 setup, but this receiver can utilize that extra speakers as front height speakers too, and that might work in the room. That sub is also almost the perfect dimensions to fit in the space for it. I think that might be the one. Thanks for the recommendation!!

    Now I just need to quit being a broke college student and maybe I can get back to work on my 2-channel rig...it hasn't been upgraded in a couple years now......
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,124
    edited August 2013
    Sounds like your search is over. I was going to say if you don't mind used, I see Ht gear on Craigslist all the time. The one That John recommends sounds like a deal.
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited August 2013
    Good to see you're still around, Curt. Sounds like a lot of things have happened in the last few years. Hope all is "good". Certainly the decision to go to college is an appropriate one. Keep in touch and good luck.

    I'd also go with the Onkyo system from A4less.com

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2013
    I'm still open to any other suggestions too. I probably won't be making the actual purchase until the end of this coming week, so I'm definitely still interested in other options. This setup will fit the bill though.
    cnh wrote: »
    Good to see you're still around, Curt. Sounds like a lot of things have happened in the last few years. Hope all is "good". Certainly the decision to go to college is an appropriate one. Keep in touch and good luck.

    I'd also go with the Onkyo system from A4less.com

    cnh

    Yep, I'm still around. I've been busy in other endeavors recently. Namely, going to college. I started almost a year ago, and I'm majoring in physics. So, it's keeping me quite busy.

    Hopefully I'll be getting back into the market for some new 2 channel gear soon, so I may be spending a little more time here again. I still really wanna grab a pair of LSi's eventually...
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HTguru1982
    HTguru1982 Posts: 1,066
    edited August 2013
    If you don't mind going the used route, there's this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Five-5-KEF-KHT-HTC-1001-CENTER-CHANNEL-SPEAKR-HTS-1001-SPEAKERS-/271249589319?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item3f27bc4447

    Obviously you will still need an AVR and subwoofer and that would probably put you over your $300 limit. But you could probably piece together the rest from here or Craigslist. Just a thought.
    Display: Sony 42" LCD
    Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
    Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
    AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
    Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
    Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
    Fronts: NHT 2.5
    Center: NHT VS-1.2A
    Surrounds: NHT Super One
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited August 2013
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    Yep, I'm still around. I've been busy in other endeavors recently. Namely, going to college. I started almost a year ago, and I'm majoring in physics.

    So, are you going to change your handle to "Comfortably Sheldon". :biggrin:
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HTguru1982
    HTguru1982 Posts: 1,066
    edited August 2013
    BlueFox wrote: »
    So, are you going to change your handle to "Comfortably Sheldon". :biggrin:

    You're in my spot.
    Display: Sony 42" LCD
    Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
    Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
    AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
    Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
    Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
    Fronts: NHT 2.5
    Center: NHT VS-1.2A
    Surrounds: NHT Super One
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited August 2013
    BlueFox wrote: »
    So, are you going to change your handle to "Comfortably Sheldon". :biggrin:

    lol...I just might!
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited August 2013
    Curt, I know you want a AVR and a set of speaker together, but have you looked at Monoprice's 5.1 channel Energy clone? Its quite cheap and paired with a used AVR off the forum, audiogon, accessories4less may be right in that sweet spot for you.

    http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=8247&seq=1&format=2

    Otherwise, buy 5 of these and pair with whatever existing sub is in use: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-652
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited August 2013
    Can't do better than Andrew Jones designed Pioneer speakers for the money; just add a cheap receiver!
    Jake
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited August 2013
    NewEgg has an open box martin logan mlt-2 system for 189.00 would need an avr, but could find one to get you close.
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  • Bob in WI
    Bob in WI Posts: 155
    edited August 2013
    We got a Samsung with Smart TV features at Best Buy. Perfectly acceptable for TV in my opinion but my opinion of TV places the media below pond scum. FM tuner works fine, good remote, separate button for Netflix (if that trips your trigger); You wouldn't listen to opera on it but it shakes the ground for "B" movie explosions & other gratuitous acts of violence. I thought the learning curve was longer than it should have been - in my opinion, this is immature technology. We got the TV to go with it but most of the work is done by the HTIB.
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