Home theatre in a box help..Sorta

[AJB]

I have a 12x12 room that I want to add a 5.1 system to. I have the TV already. I am looking to spend no more than $1000. basically, I am just going to watch blu-rays and cable tv on the system.

So I not sure a Home Theater in a Box is the way to go, maybe a receiver with a 5.1 speaker package and a blue-ray player. Anyone have some recommendations on a 5.1 speaker setup and receiver and blu-ray player?

I do have some flexibility on budget if its realy worth jumping up a bit in price. Also prefer speaker on the smaller side.

Any suggestions?

[AJB]

Anyone have any suggestions?

[twelvevolt]

Find a good receiver for a few hundred bucks with all the necessary features. I know this gets mentioned a lot, but the refurbed onkyos really are a great deal. As for speakers, do a little research and listen to a few models in stores. You'll be able to tell what sounds good to you in your price range. If you want smaller, you can do a lot with bookshelf speakers. Don't be afraid to buy in pieces if it allows you to get better gear in the end. Movies sound great through a good pair of speakers and a sub. You can add the center and surrounds when you can afford them.

Definitely stay away from anything that comes in an all in one box.

[AJB]

That's what I kind of figured. I guess I am looking for a recommendation on a 5.1 pre-packedged speaker setup suggestions.

[osiris]

Find an audio/video independent retailer and go listen to some things. Not Best Buy, but someone with only one or two locations.

[3 Money Pits]

Cheapest "decent" AVR imo:

http://slickdeals.net/f/4283272-Deno...from-Paul-s-TV

Won't upconvert your Wii (or component or composite in general) to HDMI like the pricier ones, but it has a lot of features that considerably more expensive models have (like discrete amps for each channel).

Speakers are going to be more about personal preference... I have these:

http://slickdeals.net/f/4266044-Best...-Speaker-59-99

Including a pair of matching bookshelfs for the rear, and have been delighted with them, especially considering the price I paid. Polk also makes some very decent entry-priced setups.

[BlixemBimmer]

...... Movies sound great through a good pair of speakers and a sub. You can add the center and surrounds when you can afford them. ...

From what I understand, all (most?) of the dialogue in movies is directed to the centre channel, so consider adding it as well for watching movies.

But I agree, skip on the rear speakers for now.

edit: I believe your amp will be able to re-allocate the centre channel to the other 2 front speakers, but it will definitely not sound as good as having a dedicated centre channel.

[osiris]

but it will definitely not sound as good as having a dedicated centre channel.

Not necessarily. Depending or speaker and room layout, a center channel may not be beneficial at all.

[BlixemBimmer]

Not necessarily. Depending or speaker and room layout, a center channel may not be beneficial at all.

Then why do we bother with 5.1 systems? Shouldn't we just safe money and effort and do 4.1 systems?

[osiris]

Then why do we bother with 5.1 systems? Shouldn't we just safe money and effort and do 4.1 systems?

Depending or speaker and room layout, a center channel may not be beneficial at all.