HT in a box

[squibcake]

anybody have a pick for best HT in a box? I'm talking about 1 to 2k price range, like the one from cambridge audio or the orbs packages. i'm thinking about taking the plunge and getting an lcd tv and one of these packages so that watching movies at home is a more fulfilling experience. also, would it be worth waiting for one to come out that incorporates the emerging HDMI technology? Listening to music will also be an important part of the system. any tips?

 

[jefemeister]

I would look at Energy: http://www.energy-speakers.com/home/home.html

Specically, their Encore speaker/sub package. I think it sells for a touch over $1000. The Take system is even cheaper but still very good. Then get a good receiver and DVD player with the budget leftover: Sony, Yahamha, Denon, Pioneer, etc are good choices.

 

[ooheadsoo]

For 1k to 2k, why HTiB?? There are package deals out there for PSB, Energy, other brands, etc, but don't get a HTiB for $1-2k...You can afford much better for that money. HTiB is for consumers who don't know better and want easy one stop shopping. Hifi shops may cut you discounts if you buy multiple speakers from them. Just don't go nuts and stick to your budget.

 

[episiarch]

I just outfitted my in-laws with a pair of Axiom bookshelf speakers. If I were looking for home theater speakers in the $1K-$2K price range I'd probably head straight for Axiom's line-up, because I really liked what I heard out of the stereo M3ti's.

 

[RYCeT]

For 1-2k, there's a lot of choice not to go htib. My HT setup

Panny DVDS97s, Panny receiver SAXR50s, Sub Hsu research STF2, Speakers: Paradigm Titan, Atom & CC170 plus wires & interconnects. It cost me not more than $1500.00. All items are brand new. pm me if you want to know how much each item cost and where to buy.

 

[BigD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYCeT For 1-2k, there's a lot of choice not to go htib. My HT setup. All items are brand new. pm me if you want to know how much each item cost and where to buy.

HTIB is for shoppers with under $500 budget. However 1-2k range, it would be crazy to buy 1 box system. Totally agree with rycet and others.

I would look into complete 5 or 5.1 speaker system. Very hard to match frontal, center and surround with different brands. Paradigm, athena, axiom, energy, acoustic energy aegis and monitor audio bronze are very solid ht speakers. $1000

Get a nice av receiver and universal dvd/cd system. Likely Denon, panasonic, pioneer and yamaha are very competitive units. $1000

Personally I like Denon combo with monitor audio.

 

[soundboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYCeT For 1-2k, there's a lot of choice not to go htib. My HT setup Panny DVDS97s, Panny receiver SAXR50s, Sub Hsu research STF2, Speakers: Paradigm Titan, Atom & CC170 plus wires & interconnects. It cost me not more than $1500.00. All items are brand new. pm me if you want to know how much each item cost and where to buy.

I will second this setup but will spring an extra $100.00 for the Panasonic SA-XR70 receiver....this receiver will give you HDMI for both video AND DVD-A.

 

[squibcake]

thanks for all the tips...i know that most HTiB systems are really bad. i was just wondering about some of the more expensive ones, like the orbs or the cambridge audio.

by the way, has anybody heard the orb speaker sets? i've seen the ads on head fi and been to their website. they seem reasonably priced and i haven't found a bad review yet online.

 

[BigD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by squibcake thanks for all the tips...i know that most HTiB systems are really bad. i was just wondering about some of the more expensive ones, like the orbs or the cambridge audio. by the way, has anybody heard the orb speaker sets? i've seen the ads on head fi and been to their website. they seem reasonably priced and i haven't found a bad review yet online.

If you're wandering about stylish system, there are Denon D-M51DVS(2.1ch), Niro Reference System(1.1ch), KEF Instant Theatre(2.1ch), Jamo 2F System(5.1ch), Linn Classic Movie System.

Also KEF KHT 2005.2, Energy Take 5.2, Canton Movie 10, and Jamo are more stylish speaker packages around.