A good, reasonable 3.1 audio system solution.

FX-Overclocking

FX-Overclocking

New member
I'm looking to see if theres a solid, reasonably priced 3.1 home audio system out there that would be a good upgrade for my father's new TV and its standard audio. I am going to wall mount his TV, so if the audio system could also be fairly small that would be great too.

I would like to spend $500 or less if possible.

Many thanks!

-FX
 
Zero said:
You probably want a small HTIB type setup. Try Onkyo.
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Yep. Don't have to use rear speakers.

Also, newegg is having a sale of maybe 25% off on Klipsch and Energy if you got the email - there's coupon codes.

You might also be able to get a BIC America speakers for fronts/center at newegg and also a sub (from BIC or Acoustech (?) or Dayton not newegg) and then get a Yamaha or maybe Onkyo entry-level receiver for a total of about $500. Jamo is also a value brand I've heard good things of but that might price it too high.

Newegg often has sales on Polk speakers on Saturdays. And Yamaha receivers, too. Just watch for 'em.
 
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IMO it seems like a waste of money since it's not *that* much better than your tv speakers. I would still go with a decent small HITB system which will give you more bang for your buck. However the soundbar is indeed a simple solution.
 
Zero said:
IMO it seems like a waste of money since it's not *that* much better than your tv speakers. I would still go with a decent small HITB system which will give you more bang for your buck. However the soundbar is indeed a simple solution.
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:up:

Really good soundbars that give the illusion of surround sound tend to be pretty pricey... I'd be concerned with the JVC one (and not just because of the brand).

Jamo 5.1 system @ Amazon for $199 free shipping

plus

Onkyo TX-SR508 from newegg

OR

Onkyo HT-S5300 home theater in a box from newegg for $459

OR a total budget 3.1 system consisting of

2x BIC DV-32B for $47 from Amazon + BIC DV-32CLR for $38 from Amazon + a Dayton SUB-120 from partsexpress for $156 = $241

Add in something like a Pioneer VSX-520H for $200 and the total is $441 for a rockin' little system.

In other words, lots of other options. I'd probably try the Jamo 5.1 system + a receiver on sale for around $200 for a total of around $400.

If you stick with the soundbar, please post back here after you get it calibrated (I really suggest using an SPL meter if there's no receiver-based measurement system) and let us know how it sounds. From what I've read, a soundbar can sound pretty good in the sweet spot, but the sweet spot is pretty small....
 
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$500 for a 3.1 system? Jeez! I just spent $450 on the Onkyo HT-S5300 vito mentioned above. It's a great system for the money, better than any surround sound system I've ever owned, without a doubt. 1200W total system power, 290 powered sub, 4 HDMI 1.4 inputs, yada yada.
 
RicH(SAD) said:
What is so special about that? My two front and receiver cost me more than that and they aren't exactly high end either. You get what you pay for. ;)
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I've never been one to value audio quality so greatly that I would spend such a significant quantity of money on mere speakers. I'd rather put that money into the display. Others may feel differently, and that is fine.
 
Yeah to each their own I guess. I'm the kind of guy that will just sit down to listen to some music and do nothing else for an hour or two. Most people listen to music while they are doing something else and pay very little attention to what they are listening to. I appreciate good audio a lot more than good video .. My ears love it but my wallet certainly isn't thanking me. :(
 
ShaidarHaran said:
I've never been one to value audio quality so greatly that I would spend such a significant quantity of money on mere speakers. I'd rather put that money into the display. Others may feel differently, and that is fine.
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Well if you want more than "mere speakers", you're gonna have to pay for it. Same concept applies to displays and even videocards.
 
Yeah, in the '90s my dad spend about $7,000 on a sound system which has since become outdated and suffered a burnt out reciever. Since then he has shyed away from the complexity of high-end surround systems. Plus, to be honest, we used to turn it off for regular TV. The news in 5.1 was a bit much... but it was awesome for movies.
 
FX-Overclocking said:
Yeah, in the '90s my dad spend about $7,000 on a sound system which has since become outdated and suffered a burnt out reciever. Since then he has shyed away from the complexity of high-end surround systems. Plus, to be honest, we used to turn it off for regular TV. The news in 5.1 was a bit much... but it was awesome for movies.
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Speakers rarely become outdated, though they can wear out/become fragile as the decades pass. Any details on what that system consisted of? Just curious.
 
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