How do I know the quality of a home theater system?

Question

Using specifications such as wattage, etc, how can I tell the quality of a home theater system? I want to find a good set for around $100-$200 but I don't know a lot about sound fidelity. Also, any home theater system suggestions?

Answer 1

Good quality home theatre system budget starts $800 and up - assuming you get a good receiver and separate 5.1 speaker system.

For $100-$200 budget, you'll end up getting an HTIB (home theatre in a box).

Answer 2

check out BOSE

Answer 3

I have a panasonic. It has 500 watts, 5 speakers, plays dvd's cd's and it has am/fm radio. I paid around $200 for it and it is just wonderful. Has terrific sound and very easy to operate. I believe the model # is sc-ht690

Good Luck!

Answer 4

You have 3 or 4 different devices and each have their own issues/things to look for:

Receiver - 80 watts per channel from Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Kenwood.  Other systems sound more powerful, but there are many ways to measure power to make the numbers look better. The above companies tend to be honest and respectable. Good ones start about $500.

Subwoofer - A good sub has either a large driver (12", 15", 18"), or they try to 'fake it' with a small driver but more power. Some do a good job, but many do not.

Speakers - A lot of 'magic' in these and you cannot just read specs. They have flavor and like beer or ice cream, you should try to listen to a set with a favorite CD to hear what sounds good to you.

My advice: Set a budget and spend a few WEEKS learning about speakers, receivers, wires.

If you are impatient, get a Home Theater in a Box. Make sure to buy a system with a full-sized receiver, separate, self - powered subwoofer and 5 tone matched speakers.  Stick with Yamaha, Denon or Kenwood so at least you get good electronics.

The advantage to these over-sized box systems is you can later upgrade the sub, speakers, receiver later without tossing out the whole system.  

Decent ones start at about $400.

Many integrated systems from Samsung, Phillips are not expandable even if the price looks good. Avoid these or you will later be whining here "How can I hook up my new..." only to be told you cannot.

Answer 5

A wise man once said-

"Good stuff not cheap, cheap stuff not good..."

That being said, if you do your research and you know what you're looking for, you CAN put together a budget system that sounds decent.

Choosing speakers is a very personal thing; what sounds good to one person may sound horrible to another.  The speaker recommendations you will get here will cost you ten times your price range.  No one will recommend the "HTiB from Wal~Mart for $49.99 is all the surround sound you will ever need."

If you are serious about home theater, start saving your pennies and start doing some research.  By the time you have the money saved that you will need, you will be able to make a confident, informed purchase.