Best HTIB under $300? Can be used as well

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

also another question was what is the ARC connection between TV and receiver? i heard with ARC via HDMI, any audio that is connected straight to tv can pass thorugh the receiver? im confused i have mutiple HDMI devices so how would i go and enjoy the sound quality of these devices when most of these HTIB has about 2 HDMI in

waw74 · Feb 10, 2013

ARC = audio return channel
If you're using the tuner on the TV for cable, you don't have to run an optical cable from the TV to the receiver for the sound, it will go "backwards" on the HDMI cable that normally carries the video signal from the receiver to the TV.

your TV and receiver have to support it, not all do.
not all TVs will send audio that comes in over HDMI out over the optical port or the ARC, so read the manual carefully before purchasing if that's what you want to do.

if you only have 2 HDMI inputs, and have more HDMI sources than that, you'll need an HDMI switch that has multiple inputs (2 to 8 on the page i linked) and 1 output. you can then switch between those inputs, normally using a separate remote control, or sometimes a manual switch.

or...
if your TV and stereo suport ARC, and your TV has enough inputs, you might be able to get away with plugging the extra devices into the TV, and using the TV in the place of the switch i mentioned earlier.

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

waw74 said:
ARC = audio return channel
If you're using the tuner on the TV for cable, you don't have to run an optical cable from the TV to the receiver for the sound, it will go "backwards" on the HDMI cable that normally carries the video signal from the receiver to the TV.

your TV and receiver have to support it, not all do.
not all TVs will send audio that comes in over HDMI out over the optical port or the ARC, so read the manual carefully before purchasing if that's what you want to do.

if you only have 2 HDMI inputs, and have more HDMI sources than that, you'll need an HDMI switch that has multiple inputs (2 to 8 on the page i linked) and 1 output. you can then switch between those inputs, normally using a separate remote control, or sometimes a manual switch.

or...
if your TV and stereo suport ARC, and your TV has enough inputs, you might be able to get away with plugging the extra devices into the TV, and using the TV in the place of the switch i mentioned earlier.

Both receiver and my tv have the ARC, so i can just hook up the receiver to my tv via HDMI, then lets say i can connect my apple tv to my tv via hdmi and it will output audio through my receiver? thanks a alot, as far as the first question goes, any recommendation on the HTIB to order? so far most of them have are ARC enabled.

i had this one in mind not sure if its good, im not so good in the Audio field

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-S...?pt=Home_Theater_in_a_Box&hash=item3f1ce7507b

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

$300 is a pretty low budget for a home theater system. Most people would suggest separates over a HTIB. Also, if you look at many audio specific forums, you will find that the suggestions would be to start with a decent AV receiver and 2 speakers. Then build from there as your budget allows.

Accessories4Less offers refurbished AV receivers from leading brands such as Denon and Onkyo. You can get a nice receiver and look for used speakers.

Even if you went with an inexpensive 5.1 speaker setup "temporarily" with the idea of selling when you can afford better, I do believe you'd end up with a better overall system than any $300 HTIB.

Lastly, have you considered a decent sound bar or ZVox instead?

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

jdag said:
$300 is a pretty low budget for a home theater system. Most people would suggest separates over a HTIB. Also, if you look at many audio specific forums, you will find that the suggestions would be to start with a decent AV receiver and 2 speakers. Then build from there as your budget allows.

Accessories4Less offers refurbished AV receivers from leading brands such as Denon and Onkyo. You can get a nice receiver and look for used speakers.

Even if you went with an inexpensive 5.1 speaker setup "temporarily" with the idea of selling when you can afford better, I do believe you'd end up with a better overall system than any $300 HTIB.

Lastly, have you considered a decent sound bar or ZVox instead?

no, im looking for strong bass as far as i know sound bars lack bass.

ok since we are talking about separate receivers, you said hook up at least two speakers, any speakers how do i know its compatible? sorry for being such a noob at this but ive never really researched audio. Ive heard onkyo is good

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
no, im looking for strong bass as far as i know sound bars lack bass.

ok since we are talking about separate receivers, you said hook up at least two speakers, any speakers how do i know its compatible? sorry for being such a noob at this but ive never really researched audio. Ive heard onkyo is good

Most speakers will be compatible with nearly any AV receiver.

As for stronger base, you can also add a subwoofer to nearly any AVR for a 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, or 7.1 setup. For that matter there are sound bars with subwoofers. And the ZVox systems can also have subs attached.

Honestly, the options and configurations are limitless. But my point is that $300 is just not going to get you much, and a $300 HTIB is going to be very modest at best. For $300 I would get a Denon receiver and search for 2 tower speakers. Or up to $400 and get 2 speakers and a modest sub.

I do think you are much better off looking used on Craigslist or withing audio forums. Check AVSForums.com.

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

jdag said:
Most speakers will be compatible with nearly any AV receiver.

As for stronger base, you can also add a subwoofer to nearly any AVR for a 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, or 7.1 setup. For that matter there are sound bars with subwoofers. And the ZVox systems can also have subs attached.

Honestly, the options and configurations are limitless. But my point is that $300 is just not going to get you much, and a $300 HTIB is going to be very modest at best. For $300 I would get a Denon receiver and search for 2 tower speakers. Or up to $400 and get 2 speakers and a modest sub.

I do think you are much better off looking used on Craigslist or withing audio forums. Check AVSForums.com.

thanks ill look on craig, which receiver should i be looking for?

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
thanks ill look on craig, which receiver should i be looking for?

There are tons of options, so just take this as a starting point. I do have 2 of these subwoofers and very happy with them. I also recently did research and will likely be getting the Denon 1913 or 2113 soon. I've had Harman Kardon AVRs in the past and been happy. I did have an Onkyo and didn't care much for it.

AVR: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...Networking-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-ready/1.html

AVR: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...me-Theater-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-ready/1.html

Subwoofer: http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/BIC-America-Formula-F-12-Subwoofer-System/3697914/product.html

If you really want a HTiB, these would be a better prepackaged systems than those "all in one" systems you see at big box stores by Samsung, Panasonic, LG, etc. these would be upgradable too whereas many of those all-in-one systems are fixed.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/HTIB/Home-Audio/Packaged-Systems/1.html

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

jdag said:
There are tons of options, so just take this as a starting point. I do have 2 of these subwoofers and very happy with them. I also recently did research and will likely be getting the Denon 1913 or 2113 soon. I've had Harman Kardon AVRs in the past and been happy. I did have an Onkyo and didn't care much for it.

AVR: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...Networking-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-ready/1.html

AVR: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...me-Theater-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-ready/1.html

Subwoofer: http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/BIC-America-Formula-F-12-Subwoofer-System/3697914/product.html

If you really want a HTiB, these would be a better prepackaged systems than those "all in one" systems you see at big box stores by Samsung, Panasonic, LG, etc. these would be upgradable too whereas many of those all-in-one systems are fixed.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/HTIB/Home-Audio/Packaged-Systems/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...S3500-5.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package/1.html is this ok?

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...S3500-5.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Package/1.html is this ok?

If you are set of that price point and a HTIB, then I would opt for 1 of the Denon setups instead. I had an Onkyo and didn't care for it (it was about 5 years ago and I can't remember exactly why I didn't like it, but I returned it in about a month).

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...stem-w/Boston-Acoustics-Speakers/1.html#!more

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...stem-w/Boston-Acoustics-Speakers/1.html#!more

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ater-System-w/Boston-Acoustic-Speakers/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...e-Theater-System-w/5.1-Speaker-Package/1.html

But I think all will suit your needs and be much better than those all in one systems.

Lastly, I suggest you look at:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/denon-dht-1312ba-fl

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-home-theater-in-a-box-denon-dht-1312ba/

And

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-home-theater-in-a-box-does-not-exist/

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

jdag said:
If you are set of that price point and a HTIB, then I would opt for 1 of the Denon setups instead. I had an Onkyo and didn't care for it (it was about 5 years ago and I can't remember exactly why I didn't like it, but I returned it in about a month).

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...stem-w/Boston-Acoustics-Speakers/1.html#!more

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...stem-w/Boston-Acoustics-Speakers/1.html#!more

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ater-System-w/Boston-Acoustic-Speakers/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...e-Theater-System-w/5.1-Speaker-Package/1.html

But I think all will suit your needs and be much better than those all in one systems.

Lastly, I suggest you look at:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/denon-dht-1312ba-fl

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-home-theater-in-a-box-denon-dht-1312ba/

And

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-home-theater-in-a-box-does-not-exist/

Out of the Denons, which would would be best? specially for nice bass and sound.
sorry to bother, but isn't the more the watts the better? ive seen system that are 650 watt and perform better than 1000 watt systems. i Dont understand

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
Out of the Denons, which would would be best? specially for nice bass and sound.
sorry to bother, but isn't the more the watts the better? ive seen system that are 650 watt and perform better than 1000 watt systems. i Dont understand

I would suggest that you call either Denon or Accessories4less with your Qs.

Wattages are listed by manufacturers and vary. They can be overstated.

These receivers will give you clean sound.

boomhower · Feb 10, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
Out of the Denons, which would would be best? specially for nice bass and sound.
sorry to bother, but isn't the more the watts the better? ive seen system that are 650 watt and perform better than 1000 watt systems. i Dont understand

Power ratings are easily manipulated depending on how they calculate it. Truth of the matter is it doesn't mean a lot. Power has little to do with sound quality. With the amount of power needed to make a meaningful difference in sound volume is substantial. You aren't going to notice much of a difference between 80W/channel and 100W/channel. The speakers themselves make more of a difference in the volume output depending on their ohm rating.

My suggestion is to take it slow and piece together as you get the money. A Denon 1612 refurb and a pair of Polk 35B's for $100 on sale at newegg regularly. That would be $300. Later get the matching center channel. Then a sub for ~$200. Then you can either get another pair of 35B's for surround or move to a floorstanding like the 45/65. You won't get the instant satisfaction or 5.1 right now but will end up with far superior sound quality.

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

boomhower said:
Power ratings are easily manipulated depending on how they calculate it. Truth of the matter is it doesn't mean a lot. Power has little to do with sound quality. With the amount of power needed to make a meaningful difference in sound volume is substantial. You aren't going to notice much of a difference between 80W/channel and 100W/channel. The speakers themselves make more of a difference in the volume output depending on their ohm rating.

My suggestion is to take it slow and piece together as you get the money. A Denon 1612 refurb and a pair of Polk 35B's for $100 on sale at newegg regularly. That would be $300. Later get the matching center channel. Then a sub for ~$200. Then you can either get another pair of 35B's for surround or move to a floorstanding like the 45/65. You won't get the instant satisfaction or 5.1 right now but will end up with far superior sound quality.

That was my suggestion as well but the OP seems to really want a full system. Also, is the OP willing to spend more in the future or is $300 the limit "forever"?

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

jdag said:
That was my suggestion as well but the OP seems to really want a full system. Also, is the OP willing to spend more in the future or is $300 the limit "forever"?

more like 300 the limit, i can however buy a receiver and speakers but would like for it to round as $300. not sure if im willing to spend more than that.
im in a small room too so no need for extreme sound that may cause the neighbors to be bothered.

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
more like 300 the limit, i can however buy a receiver and speakers but would like for it to round as $300. not sure if im willing to spend more than that.
im in a small room too so no need for extreme sound that may cause the neighbors to be bothered.

Audio equipment is clearly a "you get what you pay for" venture. So I go back to my 2 recommendations...

1) separates that you can add to and or replace later - start with a entry or mid level Denon receiver (1612, 1613, 1912, etc.) and 2 speakers

2) a prepackaged Denon system with Boston Accoustics speakers

I honestly think if you go with a Samsung, Panasonic, etc. HTiB that you'd be better off with a soundbar.

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 10, 2013

jdag said:
Audio equipment is clearly a "you get what you pay for" venture. So I go back to my 2 recommendations...

1) separates that you can add to and or replace later - start with a entry or mid level Denon receiver (1612, 1613, 1912, etc.) and 2 speakers

2) a prepackaged Denon system with Boston Accoustics speakers

I honestly think if you go with a Samsung, Panasonic, etc. HTiB that you'd be better off with a soundbar.

can you recommend a soundbar with subwoofer?
i will also look into the denon receiver. any speakers right?

jdag · Feb 10, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
can you recommend a soundbar with subwoofer?
i will also look into the denon receiver. any speakers right?

I cannot recommend a soundbar. I've heard a few, including a Sony at BB the other day. It was $299 and sounded surprisingly good. I've read good things about Zvox, but at $300 you will be limited and won't get a subwoofer.

As for "any speakers", they are very subjective. Virtually any speakers will work, but may not be pleasing to you. And again, costs can get up there very quickly.

If you are going to start with a 2 speaker stereo setup, then something like this woud work

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290268

Add a subwoofer next.

StinDaWg · Feb 11, 2013

These $200 Monoprice speakers are rebranded Energy Take Classics (regarded as the best budget 5.1 system available) at half the price. Pair it with a receiver of your choice and you will have a kickass setup for a little over $300.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=9774&seq=1&format=2

WhiteIphone5 · Feb 28, 2013

jdag said:
There are tons of options, so just take this as a starting point. I do have 2 of these subwoofers and very happy with them. I also recently did research and will likely be getting the Denon 1913 or 2113 soon. I've had Harman Kardon AVRs in the past and been happy. I did have an Onkyo and didn't care much for it.

AVR: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...Networking-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-ready/1.html

AVR: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...me-Theater-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-ready/1.html

Subwoofer: http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/BIC-America-Formula-F-12-Subwoofer-System/3697914/product.html

If you really want a HTiB, these would be a better prepackaged systems than those "all in one" systems you see at big box stores by Samsung, Panasonic, LG, etc. these would be upgradable too whereas many of those all-in-one systems are fixed.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/HTIB/Home-Audio/Packaged-Systems/1.html

hey im about to purchase the onkyo package, are the speakrs included?

jdag · Feb 28, 2013

WhiteIphone5 said:
hey im about to purchase the onkyo package, are the speakrs included?

It appears so...and I assume so...but I am not the vendor! Please don't take my word for it...make the phone call to the vendor!

Best HTIB under $300? Can be used as well

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