[Netherwind]

I was looking into getting a receiver and a set of 5.1 speakers, it would have to be a few months in the future but determining parts ahead of time makes life a lot easier.

Anyway what I am wondering is, for low end, am I better off getting the speakers separate or in a collection such as the Klipsch HD Theater 300 Home Theater System. I've never dealt with speaker systems before so forgive my lack of intelligence in this field.

I am a college student and they might be going into a dorm in the future(next year or the year after). I do not have a lot of money to spend I was really hoping to be able to get both the receiver and speakers for under $500.

Thank you for your help.

Edit: I don't know if this matters but I will be using it with a PS3 and my computer, for gaming/movies/music equally.

 

[DeusEx]

It's usually better to upgrade slowly, but with higher quality speakers. First the LCR, then rears, then sub. But if you're in a hurry, then an Energy Take 5.1 system + entry Onkyo/Yamaha/Pioneer/HK AV Receiver is your best bet under $500 for a full 5.1 system.

 

[Netherwind]

I'm seeing the Energy Take 5.1 System to be $599, and discontinued? So are you referring to a used set of speakers and a used receiver, or what?

Edit: And I see the Take 5 system, without the subwoofer, to be $199?

 

[DeusEx]

Amazon.com: Energy Take Classic 5 Pack 5.0 Home Theater Speaker (Black): Electronics

It's $198. My mistake, I meant the 5.0 system. You can always pick up an entry 8 or 10" subwoofer for ~$100. That leaves you ~$200 for an AVR, there are plenty of AVRs out there for around that much (if you go used, there are even more) by the brands I listed.

 

[Netherwind]

Alright so I found... Amazon.com: Energy Take Classic 5 Pack 5.0 Home Theater Speaker (Black): Electronics, Amazon.com: Energy ESW-8HG 8" 200 watt Take Classic subwoofer: Electronics and then the receiver being maybe.. Newegg.com - Pioneer 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver VSX-519V-K, how does that look?

 

[iriverdude]

Get av amplifier + left/right speakers for now, and buy the rest later. That way you end up with a nicer system, rather than buying a 5.1 low quality system and regretting it. $500 isn't a lot, you won't get a nice 5.1 system for that, but all right stereo system (but still not fantastic)

 

[thepowerofdonuts]

I agree about getting L+R for now and upgrading later. If you're on a budget, the Denon AVR-1609 is nice IMO.

 

[Netherwind]

Well say I go with L/R Speakers, and I want to upgrade later, movies and such support like, 3.1, etc. right? if I just buy say...a center speaker and not the rear L/R

 

[iriverdude]

Yes you can do that, buy stereo pair first- set to 2 channel mode. When you buy a center speaker enable center in amp settings, you'll get audio (3.0) As you add sub (3.1) or rears next (4.0) then finally all (5.1)

 

[Netherwind]

Okay, now I have to ask...would it be possible to get a good 2.1 system and an AVR for under $500? And either way can someone give me a few examples of speakers in that price range so I know what I'm looking at?

 

[iriverdude]

A good subwoofer is $500 alone. So I'd just buy stereo speakers and av amplifier for now. But I'm quite into home theatre, I'd class a good subwoofer as SVS SB12+ or BK Monolith. Things like 8" ported sub $150 100W I wouldn't bother with.

 

[Netherwind]

Well understand this I'm a college student...when I get out of college in 5 years I'll be able to afford a $500 sub etc...but while I'm in college I just want something that's not great, not bad, but just decent, and affordable, a $500 sub is not affordable at all.

 

[iriverdude]

I'd still just buy stereo speakers and av amplifier for now. Rather than spending your entire budget (which isn't a lot) on the whole system in one go. Or perhaps if you want quality audio not lower quality surround perhaps just buy a stereo integrated amplifier. I'd prefer quality 2.0 system rather than budget 5.1 of the same price.

 

[Netherwind]

Can you give me an example of a quality 2.0 system for that price?

 

[RicHSAD]

You could get some solid stereo speakers + sub for a bit less than 500$ but then you would still need the receiver. You can get the Energy CB-20 for around $243(amazon) and the Energy ESW-V8 sub for $225(on sale) at wwstereo. Amazing little sub at that price and perfect for a dorm room/apartment. Maybe if you can find a cheap used receiver somewhere you could get a pretty damn good 2.1 setup for just a little over your budget.

Edit: wwstereo also has the Take Classic 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System with ESW-V8 Subwoofer(!!) combo on sale for $379. This is a solid deal if you'd prefer to still go the 5.1 route.