last good listing for this topic that i found in search was in 2005 - so yeah... here is another broad topic asking for suggestions....

I am looking for a relatively cheap (I'm no audiophile) home theater system... ~$500 or less... that can accomodate a room that is roughly 16' by 14'. I can only spend so much time researching the billions of tech related items that exist... and this is one field that I have kept my nose out of... so I wouldn't know if audio lovers think "all systems that cheap SUX0RZ!!" or if I can actually get something that will suit my tastes well for that price or less. I simply want something that can play surround sound and can handle some bass Soooooo.... if anyone has suggestions, I am all ears.

[Edited on September 5, 2006 at 10:29 AM. Reason : edit]

9/5/2006 10:28:57 AM

This is truely an area where you get what you pay for. Since you're not up for a lot of research, go hit up some stores and check out systems in person. Just be sure to bring a critical ear and try to find a place where the staff will help you pick out what to listen for in a system. All the research in the world can't replace listening to something in person. So, hit the streets, my friend.

9/5/2006 10:50:09 AM

ive put together a 3 different brand home theater and its sounds great...

i got a pair of sony towers off tww, got onkyo sub and rears off tww and then got a center channel and receiver from a pawn shop and worked them down...i dunno if you wanted matching stuff or what but you could definitely make a good system out of $500

9/5/2006 11:19:36 AM

I got an Onkyo S770 from ecost.com a little over a year ago and I haven't had a single complaint yet. I even recommended it to my sister and another friend of mine and they both love theirs too. I only paid $326 for mine and it looks like they've actually raised the price a little since I bought mine, but it still looks like you could get it for <$400 shipped. It's a 6.1 system. Plenty of bass for a room that small (way too loud for an apartment)

9/5/2006 11:30:33 AM

I got an Onkyo HT-780 system from Crutchfield, its a great 7.1 system and works great in my living room which is about the same size you mentioned, 16'x14' or very close to that.

9/5/2006 8:58:57 PM

I will definitely be going to a few specific places to simply listen to any systems in the pricerange that are setup. I don't consider this to be a HUGE purchase to the effect of a computer, TV, car, etc... (largely since I am not going to be that damned picky)... but I will at least get a feel for what I like first.

I keep seeing Onkyo over and over in old threads and new all over the place... guess there is a reason behind it.

Thanks for the input... it has steered my research in a better direction.

[Edited on September 6, 2006 at 2:05 PM. Reason : ;dkfjlsjkdaf]

9/6/2006 2:05:30 PM

I had Onkyo until it was stolen by movers (or "lost")...I went to buy a new one and went for ad Denon. It's not advertised at all, so you may noit have heard of them or think they're crappy. But for the same prices, you can get a much better product in my opinion.

9/6/2006 5:36:55 PM

Yeah, Denons are supposed to be nice. They've bought up a bunch of other audio companies now though, so I think they're becoming a little easier to find. If you're in Raleigh, I'd say check out Audio Advice on Glenwood. They sell some crazy expensive high end stuff, but I'm pretty sure they have systems in your pricerange there too.

9/8/2006 2:46:19 PM

Places like Audio Advice give you a great chance to see and hear home theatre systems (screen and all) set up correctly. Go to a place like that, get an idea of something you want, then buy the same model online for less.

9/8/2006 2:48:16 PM