Well it happened, my HT is starting to crap out on me. Its not playing newer DVD's. It probably has something to do with the laser. Its an older Awia unit, about 4 years old. I got my use out of it, so its no big deal, but now its time to buy a new one.

Whats everyone suggestions? I don have big cash to build one myself. I need a kit for around or under 500$. Thats going to be the budget. Im thinking about getting a sony unit or maybe just buying a sony dvd and scraping the HT experience.

oh well, i got time to decide, what does eveyone think. New Home Theater system, or just a plain DVD player?

also, what model HT would you recamend?

 

Aiwa? $500- I think you need a more realistic budget.

are you planning on replacing the receiver only. Based on your limited funds I would recommend you do one good piece of the HT puzzle every 6 months. 2 years from now you will a damn good system and you won't need to upgrade.

 

old unit was an awia. new one is being debated. crutchfield has HT's for around 500$ that are good.

 

Crutcfield is overpriced. Go do your research on HT mag sites, and then try froogle or CNET for the best prices, and good service.

also try audioreview.com

 

"value packed receivers"

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.a...8&page_number=1

 

interesting. thank you.

BTW, what are some other very good electronic sites to purchase from that are reliable?

 

Over at dvdtalk.com, the Onkyo HTIBs get a lot of recommendations. I've seen them a couple of times and can't really recommend them. Take a look and decide for yourself. Both the 6.1 and 5.1 systems are under $500.

For $600, you could get better speakers and the lowest Onkyo receiver which will be better than the one in the HTIB.

I agree with the above post recommending that you build a system over time. Even at $750, you will have a lot more options and a much better system than a $500 HTIB.

Also, Cambridge Soundworks makes good, inexpensive surround packages.

Good luck.

 

Why not just get your existing DVD player repaired?

Don't buy all-in-one systems, since if one component fails, you cannot easily replace it. I'd just buy a decent DVD player for now, if you can't get yours repaired. A good receiver and speakers will last ten years or more, while items like CD players and DVD players have parts that wear out, and need repair or replacement more often, so it doesn't make sense to purchase everything in one plastic box unless space is a real issue, i.e. Tokyo apartment kind of issue.

 

HTIB systems generally have crappy speakers.

I recommend that you buy what needs to be replaced now and save what you can. I would buy a SEPARATE DVD player and receiver. Then, add nice speakers when you have the cash.

I got separates over time and used what I had from college until I replaced it. Now, I've spent $1700 on my DVD player, receiver, and speakers and I don't feel the need to replace any of it for a long long time.

 

you guys make a lot of sense with the build a system over time theory. im starting to lean towards that. might pay off more in the long run.