Let's Build a Dedicated Home Theater System... for $1500

[Todd Anderson]

This thread is going to a journey that builds on opinions, with the ultimate goal of building a dedicated home theater system for $1500.

To set the parameters:

The system needs to be at least a 5.1 channel surround sound system.
It can be projector or TV based.
It can 4K or High Def based.

While I'm thinking it might be fun to see what we can come up with purchasing everything new, it's worth considering opening this up to buying used equipment (too).

So, before we begin, let's discuss New versus Used gear (or a mixture of the two).

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm going to kick in a vote for making this a new/used mixture of gear.

 

[Tonto]

I think we should limit the HT to 5.1, a sub, BD Player & TV.

That will get somebody into the arena. And used (but factory reconditioned with a warranty) if it is going to be a product that we recommend.

AVR: $150
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...1-ch-x-80-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...1-ch-x-80-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...1-ch-x-80-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

BD Player: $50

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...1bl/yamaha-bd-s671-blu-ray-disc-player/1.html

Speakers: $120 (including Cables)
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...5.1-speaker-system-w/8-subwoofer-black/1.html

Cables: $13
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...3/helios-hdmi-hs-w/ethernet-18gbps-3ft/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...6/helios-hdmi-hs-w/ethernet-18gbps-6ft/1.html

Display: $380--$500
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/misc/deal-of-the-day/pcmcat248000050016.c?id=pcmcat248000050016
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...080p-smart-hdtv-black/4405201.p?skuId=4405201

Pretty bare bones system, but for $713-$833, gets someone started. It leaves enough to get a better sub, which will have the biggest impact on the entire HT experience.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Let's take it one step at a time and discuss why we are selecting a certain product: Maybe we can spend a few days discussing the AVR, then speakers, then the sub, then TV... etc.

Seems like manufacturer new and used gear (all with warranty) is a reasonable way to go.,,, curious to hear if anyone one else has input on that?

 

[Tony V.]

Starter budget systems always sacrifice something, Used gear can be a great way to go but you never really know how someone used it and if they over drove things into clipping. Accessories4less is a stellar place to start and really tough to beat. I am in agreement that lets start with receivers for now.

The difference between a 5.1 and 7.1 system is negligible in this price range so a 5.1 AVR is a good idea although you tend to get more bang for buck getting one that does 7.1 even if you dont use all 7.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I agree, often times a little bump of $100 can push a buyer from a 5.1 to a 7.1 receiver. That extra bit usually comes along with more connectivity options and 10-15W more power.

Most gear made in the last two years has at least one HDMI 2.0 input... but it would be nice to make sure we get 2 or 3 input slots to cover our bases for HDCP 2.2 source material from a streaming stick (for example).

 

[Tony V.]

This Denon AVR920W ticks most of the "need" boxes including decent power output, Atmos and DTSx
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...-ch-x-90-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

 

[Todd Anderson]

Here's one that's even cheaper... 8/2 HDMI input/output... 100 per channel (2ch driven)...7.2 channel... only $279

 

[NBPK402]

I think on speakers the best bang is going used... no warranty required. I would purchase speakers from local sellers, maybe from Craigslist.

 

[Tonto]

I threw my 3 AVR's out there since the are name brand & certainly up to a 5.1 set up. There is wiggle room in the budget, but I still say it should be go to improving the sub 1st!

 

[Tony V.]

I agree that a good sub will make or break a system. The challenge is that you still need to have a good "heart" to the system and the receiver is that piece.

 

[JBrax]

I think every component in the chain is important. Maybe overhead speakers for Atmos/DTS:X being the least important but I'd prefer even those being timbre matched. I'd also say if one was to skimp the AVR might be next in line. With AVR tech changing so rapidly the shelf life if one wants to stay current is maybe three years. My preference is to buy a flagship AVR and keep it until something comes out that I feel I just can't live without. It's just preference really and driven by ones budget and what our significant others allow.

 

[Todd Anderson]

That AVR Iinked is only $279. Talk about a deal... should we pencil that in?

As for speakers... lets not go used. We can go refurb... but not used.

Let's talk subs!

I agree... the sub is arguably one of the anchor points of a system.

Going forward, we'll assume a room size of 18X15X9 (which is roughly 2400 cu ft)

 

[Bacovish]

Sorry I'm late to the party guys. This thread is a great idea by the way.

Todd, I'm not seeing a link for the AVR you picked.

 

[Bacovish]

With the sub being discussed and since a sub can take up a lot of the budget....probably would be best to find one refurbished or possibly used.
Thoughts??

 

[Todd Anderson]

I'm sorry!

Here's the link: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ch-x-100-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

It's a refurb TX-NR646

Lots of connectivity, decent power...

 

[Todd Anderson]

I vote we try and keep this to new or refurb... simply because when we're finished it can be a guide for others.

 

[Bacovish]

I'm sorry!

Here's the link: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ch-x-100-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

It's a refurb TX-NR646

Lots of connectivity, decent power...

Wow. Great price for all those features and power. Don't think one can be found with all that at a better price.

 

[Bacovish]

I vote we try and keep this to new or refurb... simply because when we're finished it can be a guide for others.

Good idea. When shopping used the market can change drastically depending on where you are. Especially if someone lives in a rural area or small town.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Wow. Great price for all those features and power. Don't think one can be found with all that at a better price.

The price is almost ridiculous. If we buy this, we still have 1,200 left over. Not that much...BUT, we're here to be creative! ;-)

The other option is to go with a 5.1 receiver that @Tonto dug up.

This one: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...1-ch-x-80-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

is only only $150!!!

It might be worth dumping less into the AVR and a little more into the sub??

 

[JBrax]

This thread is killing me! I want to jump in and play but I HATE my budget. It's like the $10 secret santa gift that I don't feel comfortable with. I keep trying to put a package together only to run short of funds for something I don't want to settle for.

 

[Todd Anderson]

One step at a time. Baby steps! We can do this.

First we need to nail down this AVR. The more I think about this, the more I like @Tonto top suggestion. A 5.1 receiver than can handle 4K...has 4/1 HDMI in and out. $150.

Should we buy it?

 

[Bacovish]

Lol. I'm in the same boat. I keep trying to put things together but end up over budget.
For a 1500 system you have to make cuts where you can. For $150 it can do what we need it to do for sure. Avr is important no doubt but a sub is also and not to mention some speakers and a viewing source. The AVR can only do so much if everything else you have is sub par. I think we are splitting hairs for what you get for another 100 bucks.

That is a solid AVR so my vote is buy it. We could really use the extra money.

 

[JBrax]

Ok, while I have serious reservations recommending any Onkyo AVR due to mine having failed me twice I'll concur. Hard to argue with $150 price tag. What's next?

 

[Bacovish]

Good points jbrax. I was looking at the pioneer for the same price and trying to figure out the differences.i know nothing about the pioneer reliability though.