Onkyo does make a decent HTIB system as they use real speakers and a real receiver so things can just be upgraded as money permits. Your old Sony speakers may be usable but without knowing what model its hard to say.
How much do you want to spend on the receiver?
Here you go, This one from Accessories4less is Onkyo's best HTIB system and is just a few $$ more than your budget
You cant go wrong with it!
Oh yes, it has 4 HDMI inputs its a really good receiver thats with it. its an Onkyo 609.
I agree with JJ - a good 2.1 system will sound better than a subpar 5.1 system in most cases. Also, generally speaking, the sub included in most HTIB systems will not give you the sound you are looking to get.Hello,
While the Onkyo HTIB's are certainly quite compelling, speakers are the single most important link along with the acoustics of the room. That is why we often advocate starting with an AVR and a single pair of high quality speakers and adding to it over time.
For instance. you could purchase an Onkyo TX-NR609 from Accessories4less for $269. http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...Channel-3-D-Ready-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html
And for speakers, the SVS SBS-02's retailed for $300 a pair and are now available for $149. Unfortunately, it appears they have sold out of the matching SCS-02 Center Channel, but a single SBS-02 could work as a CC.
When ready, simply purchase another pair of SBS-02's for $149 and a single one for $75 for the CC and the Dayton Sub 1000 for $109 and would have an HT that would utterly slay any HTIB.
If it was me, I would start out with the AVR, pair of SBS-02's and the Dayton Subwoofer. The total would be $519 plus shipping. And from there, each upgrade would cost at most $150.
Cheers,
JJ
Keep in mind the speakers are THX certified so that does mean that they must meet standards set by them. The sub is rated 20-100Hz and the other speakers have decent sized drivers. I do agree that starting with a good 2.1 speaker system is a good option to start with but If he is like me I would want a full 5.1 system right away and upgrade later.
Hello,
And for speakers, the SVS SBS-02's retailed for $300 a pair and are now available for $149. Unfortunately, it appears they have sold out of the matching SCS-02 Center Channel, but a single SBS-02 could work as a CC.
If it was me, I would start out with the AVR, pair of SBS-02's and the Dayton Subwoofer. The total would be $519 plus shipping. And from there, each upgrade would cost at most $150.
Cheers,
JJ
I meant to provide a link for the SVS's as they are now buried. Here it is for others: http://www.svsound.com/sbs-02where are you seeing the SBS 02s for $150? can't find them anywhere
EDIT: NVM found them in the outlet section-the link sent me directly to their support page.
So I'm thinking maybe getting either get the Onkyo 509 or the 609 then (2) SBS-02s.
I'm just confused a bit on the lack of sub woofer. Will I be losing a dramatic amount of bass because of this?
What JJ was suggesting was going with the Dayton sub which I believe can be found at Parts Express.where are you seeing the SBS 02s for $150? can't find them anywhere
EDIT: NVM found them in the outlet section-the link sent me directly to their support page.
So I'm thinking maybe getting either get the Onkyo 509 or the 609 then (2) SBS-02s.
I'm just confused a bit on the lack of sub woofer. Will I be losing a dramatic amount of bass because of this?
Hello,What JJ was suggesting was going with the Dayton sub which I believe can be found at Parts Express.
And, Tony makes a good point. The Onkyo HTIBs are good as they include the 609 and have speakers that are THX certified. I honestly think you would be pleased with either.
If you want 5.1 right off, I would go with Tony's suggestion. Otherwise, I would build over time as JJ suggests and those SVSOUND speakers are a great start IMO.
