Advice on entry to home theater

AFAI · December 2007

For years I've been living with a simple dvd player to tv setup but now I find myself wanting a modest sound system to match the HDTV goodness.I've been diligently researching online and checking out the local electronic stores including Circuit City, and was blown away with how good the Polk speakers they had sounded. I also listened to the Onkyo 800 HTIB system and was very impressed with that. So I'm at a fork in the road and need directions. That's where you nice folks come in. I'm not a huge audio buff and just want something very basic with a price range of no more than $400-500 including a decent receiver that can input the dvd player, Xbox 360, and cable box.

Option 1:
-Onkyo 505 receiver
- 2 pairs of R150s
- CS1 center

Option 2:
-Onkyo HT-SR800 HTIB

Which one do you guys think is a more attractive option? I'll be using this mostly for watching tv and dvds, not so much for music. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sherardp · December 2007

Use your budget wisely, and go for something midrange. Forget the HTIB stuff and go with a good 2 channel setup then add to it as you go along. Go for a pair of Rti8s with a good AVR, then add on later.

tcrossma · December 2007

If it's just a choice between those two, i'd choose Option #1. Stay away from HTIB as they cannot be upgraded.

However, I don't think the Onkyo 505 has pre-outs. Pre-outs will let you hook up an external amplifier in the future, should the need arise. Spend just a little more and get a receiver with pre-outs.

AFAI · December 2007

Thanks for your input guys, it seems like there's a ton of options and ways to consider. The Monitor 50s were the ones that amazed me in Circuit City and I almost bought a pair on the spot but waited to check out other options. Now I see the RTi8s on Frys.com for the same price as the Monitor 50s. I haven't heard the RTi series, but they seem like the next step up from the Monitors. Would buying a pair of the RTi8s in 2 ch. be better overall than cheaper speakers like the R150s in a 5.1 setup? Also, would the Onkyo 505 be sufficient for the RTi8s? On crutchfield it lists the 505 as having one preout. Thanks again for the advice.

tcrossma · December 2007

The 505 has 1 sub pre-out, but no pre-outs for the individual channels. So you could not add an external amp down the road. The 505 is listed at 130w/channel @ 6 ohm, so that's probably something like 80-90w @ 8ohm, and will not really make the RTi8 sound their best.

My advice would be to go with the RTi8's and a bit better receiver with pre-outs. You will then have a pretty decent 2-channel setup for music and an improvement over the TV's speakers for movies/TV. Down the road you can add more speakers, a sub, and an amp and be right where you want to be without having wasted money on something that you no longer use.

AndyGwis · December 2007

I would probably grab the Rti8s while they are onsale and something like the Harman Kardon 247. It should have preouts and HDMI, which will be useful for hookup and some of the new sound formats.

You should also keep an eye our for a deal on a CSi3, which can be had for around $100 online if you search well, and then an adequate sub. I would think a good sub would run you $300 - $400.

Good luck!!!

AFAI · December 2007

Thanks again everyone. I guess it couldn't hurt to spend a little more now to get a nicer receiver so I won't have to spend five or six hundred more to replace it if i upgrade. One more question, whats the average longevity of nice speakers like these? I've always used lower end Sony bookshelf systems that crapped out after a couple years. Will these still work in five or six years if I take care of them?

obieone · December 2007

Welcome to the forum. You said you weren't really into music? If that's the case, You can get some really good deals @ Tweeter on close out Polk's. Check their website under clearance at the store nearest to you. They might have some T20's left over-
($88/pr), or they can score some from another branch locally(I think there's 4 or 5 of them in NC)
Good luck

AFAI · December 2007

Thanks, I've never heard of Tweeters before now, but I looked online and see there's one here In Raleigh so I'll definitely go check em' out this weekend.

AndyGwis · December 2007

I have some of those T20ebs. They are pretty decent little speakers, and a great score for the money. I have two pairs.

I still think the RTi8s would be the way to go. You could get the RTi8s for the front and the T20ebs for the rear if you want good 2-channel and decent HT on a budget. I wouldn't skimp too much on the receiver, though, and I would make sure to get at least the CSi3 for the center to match the 8s, if that's the way you go.

AndyGwis · December 2007

Sorry, I think I just realized I blew your $500 budget out of the water with my suggestions. You could get two pairs of the T20ebs for $180 and put the rest towards a receiver. I like HK, so check out some of their stuff.

Advice on entry to home theater

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