Could use some help/suggestions...

[kcsamerica]

I'm looking to purchase a HTIB setup and feel comfortable with around a $500 price tag. (I'd like to save a couple hundred for a Blu-Ray as well, which I'm leaning towards the LG BD390.) I feel I can get the most bang for the buck with the Onkyo HT-S series and would go along nicely with my 46" Panasonic plasma HDTV.

My TV room is a little odd, though (picture attached). It's taller than usual, about 13 foot high. The dark pink are doors and the light pink is a window. I wanted to point this out because I'm not sure how it'd be possible to hang or stand speakers behind the sofa with the window taking up most of the width, or to the left of the sofa without it blaring in someone's ear.

I'd like to get the latest I can afford in hopes it'll last a long time, so I was thinking along the lines of the 7200 series. But I'm not sure if 7.1 could work in my setup. And at the same time, the 5.1 series seems to have its flaws (needing HDMI cable AND audio cables), plus it's missing other audio features.

So anyone with any advice as to what I might be happy with, and how I can lay out the speakers? A 7200 but only using 5.1? Would the 6200 suffice? What are the differences between the -100 and the -200, should I be concerned?

Oh, and as I mentioned, I'm also looking to replace my DVD/VCR combo with the LG Blu-Ray. Any thoughts on that model, or would a PS3 be just as good? I'd be willing to spend a little more or less depending on the outcome. I have a Nintendo Wii, cable HD DVR, SD TiVo (which may be set aside in the near future), and possibly iPod that I'd like to hook up to this system.

Thanks to all for any advice and input!

[MrBoylan]

I'm looking to purchase a HTIB setup and feel comfortable with around a $500 price tag. (I'd like to save a couple hundred for a Blu-Ray as well, which I'm leaning towards the LG BD390.) I feel I can get the most bang for the buck with the Onkyo HT-S series and would go along nicely with my 46" Panasonic plasma HDTV.

Sorry for the delay. I was in Korea last week and fell behind on forum posts a bit. We're big fans of Onkyo receivers, but not so much their speakers or HTiB systems. Very few of the speaker systems included in HTiB packages are really very good as this is usually where manufacturers cut corners. The latest Panasonic Blu-ray HTiB models being an exception to the rule.

Chris Chiarella really enjoyed his time with the Panasonic SC-BT200 but was a little less enthralled with the Onkyo HT-S6200, primarily due to the lack of dynamic range of the speakers.

Although you might spend a little more money, you're really better off buying a home theater receiver and a separate set of speakers, probably from a different company. Let the receiver-makers do what they do best and let the speaker-makers do their thing. I've recently updated an article on this topic which you can find here:

Buy a Low Budget/High Performance Home Theater Receiver and Speakers (Updated for 2009): BigPictureBigSound

The Onkyo TX-SR607 is the one I'm recommending but you can save a bit and go with TX-SR507 or with an entry-level receiver from Denon or Pioneer. For speakers, there are still some great bargains on Polk, Cambridge SoundWorks and Energy Speakers, all described and linked in the article. All will outperform the speakers included in your traditional HTiB systems.

My TV room is a little odd, though (picture attached). It's taller than usual, about 13 foot high. The dark pink are doors and the light pink is a window. I wanted to point this out because I'm not sure how it'd be possible to hang or stand speakers behind the sofa with the window taking up most of the width, or to the left of the sofa without it blaring in someone's ear.

I'd like to get the latest I can afford in hopes it'll last a long time, so I was thinking along the lines of the 7200 series. But I'm not sure if 7.1 could work in my setup. And at the same time, the 5.1 series seems to have its flaws (needing HDMI cable AND audio cables), plus it's missing other audio features.

Any 7.1 system can be used in a 5.1-channel mode, whether HTiB or receiver plus speakers. And I would say definitely start with 5.1 since your placement options are limited. You can always move up to 7.1 if you feel the need, as long as the receiver supports it. It's OK (in fact, it's recommended) to have your rear or side speakers higher up than your front speakers so you have some flexibility there.

So anyone with any advice as to what I might be happy with, and how I can lay out the speakers? A 7200 but only using 5.1? Would the 6200 suffice? What are the differences between the -100 and the -200, should I be concerned?

Onkyo only recently started including support for Blu-ray audio formats (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD) in their latest HTIB systems. I wouldn't even consider the x100 series if Blu-ray is your main source. But honestly, HTiB systems are really only for those who are intimidated by or can't be bothered to shop for component systems. The fact that you're reading and posting on our forum suggests that you are not one of these people. The Panasonic plasma and LG BD 390 are a very high quality display and source component. Do them justice by buying an audio system that can keep up with the video.

For placement, I would say mount the surround speakers on the rear wall on either side of the window. The speakers I'm recommending are all very small and should fit even in a pretty tight space. The fronts are a little tricky as it is difficult for get much left/center/right separation in your room. I would move the TV stand as close to that door as possible and put the speakers on either side of the A/V stand using floor stands if possible, with the center channel just below the TV. This will give you pretty nice sound from the couch. Unfortunately the person in the chair isn't going to get the best sound (or picture for that matter) but maybe you can angle the stand and speakers slightly toward the chair so they create a decent sound field in both listening positions?

A 7.1-channel system actually would fill things out a bit allowing you to put a side surround channel just left of and above the couch with another one to the right of the chair. This would give the chair listener a more enveloping surround soundstage.

Oh, and as I mentioned, I'm also looking to replace my DVD/VCR combo with the LG Blu-Ray. Any thoughts on that model, or would a PS3 be just as good? I'd be willing to spend a little more or less depending on the outcome. I have a Nintendo Wii, cable HD DVR, SD TiVo (which may be set aside in the near future), and possibly iPod that I'd like to hook up to this system.

Thanks to all for any advice and input!

We have the BD 390 in for review right now and it's really excellent - fast to load discs, built-in 802.11n or g WiFi, great video and audio performance, and excellent internet streaming capabilities (Netflix, CinemaNow, YouTube and now VUDU). Unfortunately it's one of the more expensive players, but hey, you can't have everything! The PS3 is fine as a Blu-ray player, but doesn't integrate as well with a home theater system. It operates on Bluetooth (not IR) so if you want to control it from an integrated remote like a Harmony, you have to buy additional IR remotes/dongles or a Bluetooth to IR converter (Logitech makes one of these for use with their Harmony remotes). Unless you need/want HD gaming, then go with the BD 390 instead.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions. Also, if you buy online don't forget to use our links in the above referenced article to help support Big Picture Big Sound.

-CB

[CRoswell]

Wow CB. I registered because I have to say a huge THANK YOU for this advice.

I was in the same boat, looking at a HTiaB solution. Reading your post and the linked articles sold me on spending a bit more for a good receiver now and upgrading my speakers a bit later.

Btw - Great sale on today on newegg.com on the Onkyo TX-SR607. Just got it for $380 shipped PLUS a free clean & connect kit. (Kit is worth $20 by their standards, but it was free, so I can use it for something...)
If I should not post URLs, please feel to edit this.

[MrBoylan]

Wow CB. I registered because I have to say a huge THANK YOU for this advice.

I was in the same boat, looking at a HTiB solution. Reading your post and the linked articles sold me on spending a bit more for a good receiver now and upgrading my speakers a bit later.

Btw - Great sale on today on newegg.com on the Onkyo TX-SR607. Just got it for $380 shipped PLUS a free clean & connect kit. (Kit is worth $20 by their standards, but it was free, so I can use it for something...)
If I should not post URLs, please feel to edit this.

Glad the advice helped. NewEgg is not one of our affiliate partners so I'll remove the URL. The TX-SR607 is sometimes as low as $377 on Amazon, but currently it's a little over $400:

Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver (Black): Electronics

Good luck and if you can, use our affiliate links for the speaker purchase. In addition to the links in the article itself, you might be able to find some good deals on speakers (Polk, Boston Acoustics, Mirage, Energy) at Electronics Expo:

Save up to 25% off Audio and Home Theater Items at Electronics-Expo.com.

Enter code LS11AUD25 at checkout. This offer is valid through December 2nd.

For example, the Polk RM6750 5.1 channel compact home theater speaker system is only $210 minus $10.50 with the coupon - $199.50 plus shipping - great deal on a nice compact set of surround sound speakers.

Direct link:

Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System (Black)

Don't forget to apply coupon code LS11AUD25 during check-out.

Regards,

-Chris

[CRoswell]

Sorry about that Chris. Meant no offense.

I will definitely try to use one of your affiliates on the speakers. The polk unit that you linked looks decent, but with that particular Onkyo unit, shouldn't I be looking at a 7.1 speaker package? I like the look of the Onkyo HTiaB's rear speakers like you folks reviewed here:
Onkyo Unveils HT-S7200 and HT-S6200 7.1 Home Theater Systems: BigPictureBigSound but I steered clear of the HTiaB because I have read time and time again that you lose out on customization of the system.

So I have some more research to do on speakers, but the purchase has to wait until early next year so I have some time at least.

[kcsamerica]

Thanks for so much info! So this is what I have in my Amazon shopping cart with your comments, articles, help (maybe $100 more in the end than I considered with HTIB) And I probably should add some speaker wire...:
$408 - Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver
$216 - Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System
$274 - LG BD 390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player

I'm keeping them in my cart until the prices are at what I feel will be their lowest. This is an xmas gift to myself, so I have time, even if it's the beginning of next year. Does anyone know when Amazon tends to show their best prices, whether a time of day, a day of the week, or Black Friday, etc.? Unfortunately they don't offer any kind of price guarentee and I can't just run it up to the corner store for a price difference. I'd hate to buy it then see it 10% cheaper after I get it set up! Any idea how low these prices can go, or when a company would come out with a newer model? (A newer model introduction typically means lower prices on older models.)

Chris- by keeping this in my cart, will it keep you for credit? Is there any way to make sure you are getting credit?

Oh, and I like the fact that the Onkyo mentioned above has HD Radio! (It says it's compatible, which means it can receive those stations, right? The way it's worded makes it sound it's an out-of-the-box ability.)

So does this all sound like I'm on the right track to get a great under-$1000 setup that will last many many years? Any other tips, suggestions, comments, or replies to the above questions?

Thanks again for some great advice and elaborate reply Chris! And thanks for the find on newegg CRoswell... since I can wait, I'm sure Amazon's price can get to at least that level at some point!

[MrBoylan]

I will definitely try to use one of your affiliates on the speakers. The polk unit that you linked looks decent, but with that particular Onkyo unit, shouldn't I be looking at a 7.1 speaker package?

With the Onkyo TX-SR607, there are a number of options: standard 5.1, 7.1 with side/rear speakers or 7.1 with front height channels and standard rear surrounds. One nice thing about the Polk RM-6750 system is that the individual satellite speakers (RM-6751) are sold separately, available in white, black or silver so you can beef it up from 5.1 to 7.1 whenever you like, adding either front height speakers or rear channel speakers. We wrote up a deal alert on that system a while back and it has links to all three of the individual colored satellites:

Deal Alert: Polk RM6750 5.1-Channel Surround Speaker System: $250: BigPictureBigSound

So I have some more research to do on speakers, but the purchase has to wait until early next year so I have some time at least.

That Polk deal has been around for a while and will probably last as long as stock remains at one of the vendors who sell them (e.g., Electronics Expo) plus or minus a few bucks. These are by no means the only options. Aperion Audio, Energy, Boston Acustics. Mirage and others all make some really nice speakers. I like the Polk RM-6750 system for the price and the size but you can do better if you're willing to spend a bit more and/or go a little larger.

Anyway, good luck!

-Chris

[MrBoylan]

Thanks for so much info! So this is what I have in my Amazon shopping cart with your comments, articles, help (maybe $100 more in the end than I considered with HTIB) And I probably should add some speaker wire...:
$408 - Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver
$216 - Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System
$274 - LG BD 390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player

Very nice system. If you want to upgrade it to 7.1, you can buy the RM-6751 satellite speakers individually on Amazon for about $50 each, or over time you can buy more subsctantial more powerful speakers for the main front channels.

I'm keeping them in my cart until the prices are at what I feel will be their lowest. This is an xmas gift to myself, so I have time, even if it's the beginning of next year.

The RM-6750 system is not technically sold by Amazon anymore. They are still up there from Amazon marketplace sellers like "Wholesale AV" and "Electronics Expo." The best deal on the RM-6750 system right now is $199.50 plus shipping if you get them directly on Electronics Expo using a coupon code that expires December 2 - I have this deal linked in an earlier post in this thread. I think shipping is $39.99, but that still brings the system home for less than $240 including shipping. I don't think it's going to get much if any lower than that.

Does anyone know when Amazon tends to show their best prices, whether a time of day, a day of the week, or Black Friday, etc.? Unfortunately they don't offer any kind of price guarentee and I can't just run it up to the corner store for a price difference. I'd hate to buy it then see it 10% cheaper after I get it set up! Any idea how low these prices can go, or when a company would come out with a newer model? (A newer model introduction typically means lower prices on older models.)

Predicting a sale on a specific item is pretty tricky. The LG BD370 Blu-ray player is currently $145 with 3 free movies but that deal expires tomorrow. The BD 390 is definitely a better player with superior upconversion and the addition of VUDU movies on demand that the BD 370 does not have.

Last year, Amazon had some killer player/software deals where you could get great prices on nearly all of the major companies' players when bought with 4 movies. That deal or something similar might crop up again. If we see it, we'll post if in our deals section.

But for the receiver, just check your cart every day or two and see if it drops.

Chris- by keeping this in my cart, will it keep you for credit? Is there any way to make sure you are getting credit?

As long as you followed the links from BPBS to Amazon and placed the item in your cart, I think BPBS will get the referral credit, even if you buy it later.

Oh, and I like the fact that the Onkyo mentioned above has HD Radio! (It says it's compatible, which means it can receive those stations, right? The way it's worded makes it sound it's an out-of-the-box ability.)

Actually, for HD Radio, I think you need to add the UP-HT1 tuner for an additional $150. This is why they say "HD-Radio-ready":

Amazon.com: Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio Tuner: Electronics

So does this all sound like I'm on the right track to get a great under-$1000 setup that will last many many years? Any other tips, suggestions, comments, or replies to the above questions?

It's a fine set-up. And expandable. In addition to the HD radio tuner, you can add an iPod dock (UP-A1) for about $94 if you want to integrate your iPod into the system.

One thing you might consider is to buy the inexpensive 5.1 channel speaker system, and over time potentially upgrade the front channels to beefier speakers, moving the small satellites to the back and side for 7.1. The front left, right and center channels contain the most dynamic and wide-range sound and these are most critical for movie enjoyment. The rear and side channels (or front height channels) tpyically don't need to be as fancy in order to get decent sound. Staying within the same brand is a good idea though, as you want the tonal character to be similar all around the room.

Anyway... good luck with your purchase and keep an eye on our deals section to see if any of these go on sale:

Home Theater, Electronics and HDTV Deals on BigPictureBigSound

Hope that helps,

-Chris

[kcsamerica]

Very nice system. If you want to upgrade it to 7.1, you can buy the RM-6751 satellite speakers individually on Amazon for about $50 each, or over time you can buy more subsctantial more powerful speakers for the main front channels.

I thought this Polk model was reasonably highly rated for its price range? Would you suggest another model to start with and that's about $350 or less? I'm hoping whatever I get to last many years, possibly adding to it or upgrading a piece here & there for quality, but hopefully not replacing parts.

Also, the LG BD 390 is on sale at Best Buy for $260, plus my 10% off coupon, plus instant gratification. I'm holding off on setting it up until I finish my "homework", my reward for the weekend! Anyway, I wish you had some affiliation with Best Buy; I did feel guilty buying from there. But I know I'll be purchasing the remainder of my equipment in the next month or two through Amazon and giving credit to where credit is due!

Any further thoughts on the speaker system? Thanks again!

--Brian

EDIT: Any suggestions for a Blu-Ray movie to check out visual and audio quality? (Audio will come later, so maybe visual quality?) I read recommendations somewhere during my research, but I've since lost that web page...

EDIT #2: Just bought the Onkyo with your link to Amazon for just under $350!

[MrBoylan]

I thought this Polk model was reasonably highly rated for its price range? Would you suggest another model to start with and that's about $350 or less? I'm hoping whatever I get to last many years, possibly adding to it or upgrading a piece here & there for quality, but hopefully not replacing parts.

For $250 for the 5.1 channel set of speakers, I don't think you can do any better, but you can definitely get better sound if you're prepared to spend more and go larger. There's only so deep that a thin little speaker can go, and a subwoofer can't be expected to fill in the upper bass harmonics in that 90 Hz to 120 Hz area where these speakers are a little light.

For example, just adding on a pair of larger bookshelf speakers like the Polk RM10s will make a big difference for the front channels. Music will be much more dynamic and full due to increased power handling and sensitivty as well as extended overall frequency response. And right now, with Amazon's Black Friday sale, they're $69 a pair instead of $250! Here's a link in case you want to snag a pair:

Polk Audio M10 Bookshelf Speaker: $69: Save $181: BigPictureBigSound

Put a pair of these up front, and use the rest of the 5.1 channel set for the rest and you will get killer 7.1 channel sound. The Onkyo's auto-calibration software will adjust everything so that the levels match so don't worry about that.

Also, the LG BD 390 is on sale at Best Buy for $260, plus my 10% off coupon, plus instant gratification. I'm holding off on setting it up until I finish my "homework", my reward for the weekend! Anyway, I wish you had some affiliation with Best Buy; I did feel guilty buying from there. But I know I'll be purchasing the remainder of my equipment in the next month or two through Amazon and giving credit to where credit is due!

We're also BestBuy affiliates and you can buy online and pick up in store. Here's the BD 390 link with our affiliate code embedded:

LG - Blu-ray Disc Player with 1080p Output - BD390

Not sure what your 10% off coupon is, but if it's good online then you can order via the above link. I'd expect a better deal in the next few days, though. We're seeing all kinds of crazy prices on electronics this week and keeping most of them up to date in our Black Friday Deals page:

Black Friday Sales: Online Deals on HDTV, Blu-ray, Home Theater and Electronics: BigPictureBigSound

Also, we work with a couple of dozen different online retailers, not just Best But and Amazon, but Vann's and Electronics Expo and OneCall.com and J&R and many others. You can get a pretty complete list of our affiliate partners here on our online shopping page:

Online Shopping: Great Deals and Coupons on Electronics (HDTV, Home Theater, Speakers, etc.): BigPictureBigSound

Any further thoughts on the speaker system? Thanks again!

--Brian

Again, the Polk System I mentioned earlier is a great buy for the price and size, and upgrading the front and possibly center channels over time is something you can do at your own pace if you feel the need for higher performance. But for the money and size, I'd stick by me recommendation for that system.

EDIT: Any suggestions for a Blu-Ray movie to check out visual and audio quality? (Audio will come later, so maybe visual quality?) I read recommendations somewhere during my research, but I've since lost that web page...

Too many to mention but some of my favorites include The Dark Knight (IMAX segments in particular), Blade Runner, Planet Earth, Baraka, Braveheart. There are lots more.

EDIT #2: Just bought the Onkyo with your link to Amazon for just under $350!

Great. Your patience paid off! If you haven't pulled the trigger on the BD 390 yet, then keep that in your cart too and see what happens, or keep your eyes peeled to our deals pages to see if Amazon resurrects those killer player+software deals from last year.

Good luck and don't forget to stick an HDMI cable or two in your cart while you're at it. The Amazon Basics HDMI cables sell for around $7.50 and should work just fine.

-CB