Im in the market for a home theater system, but have no idea what to look for. I dont want to spend anymore than about 350 shipped, and Id like to purchase it off ebay for a good deal. Can someone tell me some good brands, and if I should get 5.1 or 6.1? Thanks.
gmoore

 

Wow, for $350 I wouldn't worry about the numbers of channels. Look primarily at the speaker and sound quality. In that price range you should demo the models at a local audio store, find what you like, and then hunt online for a good deal. If you get some model numbers post them here and I'll find you a great price.

 

BTW: "Wow" was for "darn those prices keep dropping: :-)

Here's a start on eBay:
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?G...ecordstoskip=50

What components do you want? Do you need a DVD, an amplifier, or just speakers?

 

I need everything except a DVD player, I have a PS2 for that. Everyone says that for that price range I cant even get a decent reciever but the everything Ive heard at that range includes everything and sounds pretty good. Do you know of any good companies to look for? Ive already been through all those on ebay, they all seem similar but Im sure the specs mean as much as they do in the car audio word, nothing.
gmoore

 

If you are going to feed the reciever off of your PS2, then 6.1 or 5.1 is irrelevant as you are not going to get dolby digital to the reciever.

 

Just look for a 5.1 All in one setup. Use the PS2 for gaming not movies. Look for soemthing from Sony, JVC or Panasonic. But you may have to settle for RCA.

The all in ones systems are the best for you at this point. You get all the speakers you need, built in digital 5.1 audio, matched speakers and a nice looks because eveything works together. Just try to avoid brands like Emerson and the like.

$350 is tight, but doable nowadays.

 

The best I can advise you from experience is the KLIPSCH Promedia 5.1 For the price, nothing comes close, and a real home theater.......sh*t, I spent more than 350 dollars on wiring....Forget it....it cant be done. I GUARANTEE you, if you spend 350 on a "home theater" it WILL we GARBAGE. Like I always say, if you cant afford it, wait till you can. The logitech z680 are not to shabby either.

 

wow.... $350 for a home theatre is pretty tight, but i think it can be done.
(like Dave, i have more money in my interconnect wiring alone... )

actually though, i am pretty sure a PS2 can output a 5.1 optical digital signal. i know my X-box outputs a 5.1 DD and DTS signal natively, and i think the PS2 can do it w/ the right adapter kit and source audio.
yanked from the PS2 site:
[QUOTE]PlayStation 2

 

Hmm maybe this is a bad idea. Im attempting to get too much stuff for too little money by halfassing it all. Forget it, Im just gonna pool my budget and get something quality for my S. Thanks anyway.
gmoore

 

This is the best option! Home Theater is not cheap and I would not ever suggest trying to go cheap. In Home Electronics, you usually get what you pay for (Unless your buying Sony).