Home theatre advice needed

[GooseHinson]

Not sure if this is the right forum, but I couldn't find anything more suitable.

About a month in a half ago I bought one of those Panasonic home theaters in a box from best buy (~450$). Although the sound quality was fine to my untuned ears and the power (1000Watts) seemed adaquate at the time, I just blew something up in the system and am looking for something with a little more power and panache.

Any recommendations OOT? Looking to spend 1200-2000$. The big electronic chains (best buy/future shop) don't really have what I am looking for, everything is pretty low end. Where should I shop?

[swede123]

I got one word for ya. Bose. <font color="white">It never gets old. </font>

Swede

[Perplexity]

[ QUOTE ]
I got one word for ya. Bose. <font color="white">It never gets old. </font>

Swede

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.firstadopter.com/fa/archi...1749.html#more

[GooseHinson]

I've heard nothing but bad things about Bose... Any brands I should be looking at other then Bose?

[Happenstance]

I'm assuming you're looking for a 5.1 setup - a receiver and 6 speakers (including a subwoofer).

As far as the speakers/subwoofer are concerned, there are a number of internet direct companies with stellar reputations and 30 day return policies, allowing you to audition the system in your own home.

www.axiom.com
www.svsound.com
www.av123.com
www.ascendacoustics.com

Some of these companies have multiple product lines, some of which can get quite expensive, but you should be able to put together a good 5.1 system at each of the sites for around $1200 (or less), leaving you plenty of money to buy a decent receiver.

For the record, I have axiom speakers and an svs subwoofer, and am very happy with both.

[Freakin]

Make sure you haggle

[MtnDave]

got a Denon receiver and a Take 5 5.1 speaker setup for about that price from GoodGuys. The speakers are great for movies and can take a lot of output (ask my neighbors).
Buying separate components is better than getting a Home Theater system in that price range.

[By-Tor]

[ QUOTE ]
got a Denon receiver and a Take 5 5.1 speaker setup for about that price from GoodGuys. The speakers are great for movies and can take a lot of output (ask my neighbors).
Buying separate components is better than getting a Home Theater system in that price range.

[/ QUOTE ]

I could have written this word for word.

Also, get the rear surround speaker.

[GooseHinson]

What is the whole wattage thing? The denon receivers declare only 100-160 watts of total system power, isn't this pretty weak? Is wattage not what directly translate to loudness?

[Happenstance]

Wattage is a tricky issue - some manufacturers overstate and others are more conservative. Also, don't confuse TOTAL wattage with wattage per channel. 7 Channels x 100 watts/channel should be more than enough power for a normal-sized room. (How big is your room?)

Regardless, you should be fine with a Denon receiver. Their entry-level receiver (1507) MSRPs for $330, I believe.

As others have said, the Energy Take 5.1 system is a big step up from a HTIB system. Separates make it much easier to upgrade in the future, too.