What's the cheapest home theater system that would be acceptable to you?

[Mort]

If budget is a concern, I would much rather have 2.1 with better speakers and sub on a $300 Wiim amp than a $600 or more AVR that also needs rear and center speaker.

2.1 would be upgradable.

I personally have a second setup with $850 philharmonic audio ceramic minis and a $650 Rythmik sub. $1800. You could get a cheaper sub.

 

[popej]

AVR that also needs rear and center speaker.

Not true. I have used AVR 2.1 for many years. When I bougt it, it was the most cost effective way to get proper room correction and bass management.

 

[Mort]

You are right. And even more viable used.

Not true. I have used AVR 2.1 for many years. When I bougt it, it was the most cost effective way to get proper room correction and bass management.

 

[JeffS7444]

There are a number of ways to achieve good sound, but IMO now's the time to consider the needs of the end-user: Did they actually request 5.1 channel sound, and are they the sort of person to call for help every time they vacuum around the electronics and dislodge a cable?

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

I think it's important to listen to some equipment and find out what your ears find acceptable. You may be surprised at what does. Like most everything, audio equipment had diminishing returns. Another factor is the limits of human hearing. For people in middle age or older the limits are often well below the golden ear bar. It seems to me that the goal should be the cheapest reliable gear that sounds good to you.

 

[FrantzM]

Hi

My current system pleases me and ost people who have heard it. Full range, Serious performance in my small room ( 3.2 x 5 x 2.8 meters). My Denon AVR-X3400H has been discontinued, I suggest its replacement the 3800 ...
Speakers: JBL SLR 308 Reviewed by @amirm [Click Here] about $500
Subwoofers: 2 x Dayton Audio SUB 1500 about $600 for a pair.
Denon AVR-X3800 about $1200 (wait for good deal or refurbished).
Denon Audyssey IOS App $20.oo, I believe there's also an android version.
Cables ...

~$2500.

You need to take time to measure, make this work. @OCA has some GREAT [Click Here] threads on how to optimize Audyssey to an extent you would not believe. For that you need to acquire a miniDSP Umik-1 then learn, be patient and follow the instructions.. You will sweat, you will swear but after several trials you end up with an incredibly good system. Objectively and subjectively...
Later you add surround sound speakers, an additional LSR 308 for center channel ,maybe throw in some Atmos ceiling speakers and ... you'll have a blast ....for many years wondering how such great sound can be obtained at such a reduced financial outlay.

Peace.

 

[Koeitje]

If I were going to do a basic system that was "actually decent" in my mind, I'd probably go with 3x JBL LSR 305s and 2x LSR308s for the fronts, with 1 or 2 Dayton Sub 1200s to fill in the bass, and then whatever AVR or processor fits the budget and does room correction built-in.

I tried to think of a passive speaker I'd rather use instead... oddly nothing came to mind that's cheaper but the Elac DBR 62 will get you really far for a bit more money.

So for speakers you'd be around $1300 for a 5.2 system that will probably sound 90% as good as something you'd spend 5-10x on. Maybe another $500-1K for the AVR but I don't know much about that category.

I know you said not to consider used, but It is worth mentioning that you see the JBLs on sale secondhand pretty often so if you're motivated you could probably shave 40-50% off that.

I already use the LSR305 as surrounds with Revel M106 as mains. I'd have no problem with a full surround system with LSR305s.

 

[Chrispy]

Possibly the KEF Q series speakers would fit for the budget, especially second hand. But it’s hard to beat the actives.

As for an AVR without pre-outs, yes they are cheaper, but usually also don’t have proper room correction. Note that the older Audyssey is less customizable, and has that strange midrange dip. So a bit more recent model is probably better. Something like Denon x3600h and up would deliver good features that are even modern enough and not cost an arm and a leg.

Wouldn't 3300 and up yield use of the editor app for customization?

 

[voodooless]

Wouldn't 3300 and up yield use of the editor app for customization?

It does have XT32, so should be okay if the app can be used.

 

[Chrispy]

It does have XT32, so should be okay if the app can be used.

Just thinking more if you had a 3200 you could get xt32 but not the editor app....