I'm finally entering the world of home theatre, and need some advice from people with experience.
At this stage, my choice is limited by the missus - got to have wireless rear speakers.
So this leaves me with two options - the typical all-in-one 5.1 package sold by the likes of Samsung, Panasonic, Sony (all for the $800-"000 mark) - or the next step up (speakers & amp - mix and match according to price range).
My upper limit is "500 - but for this, I realise this is still peanuts for "true" home theatre experience. Nevertheless, I was able to get a quote on an Accusound E30 set of speakers, with (I forget what brand - entry-level Marantz?) a cheap amp, for "500.
I listened to the "all-in-one" packages, and then the Accusounds, and there was a noticeable step up in sound quality/clarity.
Now - first question to those who have these all-in-one's - are you still happy with the experience/quality of sound when watching movies?
And secondly - being a step up to the next level, are the Accusounds still a reasonable system at this price range ("500)?
I realise that sound is ultimately a subjective issue, but it's still good to get advice from people you know, rather than salesmen who don't.
spend the money on good speakers, take a low cost but well optioned amp/reciever. Wait a bit for that to sink in then spend a bit more on getting a good receiver. Current tv HDMI and 1900x1200 goodness? Multiple connections in required? (xbox, wii, ps3, dvd, blueray, cd, tape, turntable, crystal radio) Is it used as a family entertainment station?
I've gotta panasonic 5.1 system with a wireless rear speaker upgrade. Includes DVD player as part of the amp (plus ipod doc and USB) also has HDMI and DVD 780p upscaling which is very nice.
Not sure of the exact model number etc. but am very impressed. The speakers a small and unobtrusive yet give a good quality sound... from memory I think the setup cost about $800 (including the wireless upgrade pack).
Okay - I took Eater's advice, and also the advice of my ears. I got the Accusound E30 (which has been superceded by the ES40 - hence why I got them so cheap). They were "800, but I got them for $800.
On top of this, I got a cheap amp - this I can upgrade later on. Even with the cheap amp, the sound is far better than on the package combos. Total package was "200.
One other thing I picked up on while researching that is good to keep in mind (knight) was that if your amp blows on the packages (which is usually built into the DVD/Blue-ray player that comes with it), it is extremely difficult to just go out and buy another amp (unless you buy a high-end amp) as the speaker impedance of the package systems is not standard.
Ultimately, you need to test with your own ears, which is what swayed me away from the package systems. If you do want to go down that path (as they are still a great solution), just make sure you don't try to compare it with more expensive, higher quality systems, as it is a VERY noticeable difference with clarity - making it seem like a compromise to still consider it.
What i was going to suggest (Although im not sure on the availabilty) is what i did, and thats spend more money, over time, and buy parts of your system. High Quality front floor speakers can wipe with floor of most full systems if run correctly.
so buy front speakers and an Amp/receiver first. Then a Sub. Then center and rears. So the cost isnt so much all at once.
Oh and where you can, run optical :) Spending extra money on surge protecting powerboards and gold plated cables are worth it. these home theaters are a long-term investment. you could have them for 10 years plus.
I would always recommend a component style system over an all in one. All in one systems or HTiB(Home theatre in a box) have 2 main advantages over Component style systems and that is size and price but beyond that they pretty much lose lose. A component system gives you much more flexibilty, connectivity, upgrade path, ability to replace different parts if they die and often have better warranties on speakers and amps. I am another believer in buying good quality front speakers and a decent amp then gradually building up from there. In fact that is the way all my systems have come together. One of the main reasons is because of my love of music and the difference between equipment can be massive. When picking a home theatre setup you will generally get a better idea of quality by playing music of your choice through them to see what you like, obviously you would still want to listen to a movie to get an idea of how well the system handles action scenes (bass can be a problem). I now have a "home theatre" and a "stereo setup for music only" and both systems are components. It has taken many years to get there but I couldn't be happier.