I have $500, what is the best surround sound system setup with discounts that I can get?

Question

I currently have a 40" Samsung LCD, 360, and PS3.

I want a system mainly for movies and tv.

I work at an electronics store so I can get products at cost. Also we have 'accommodation' offers from the following vendors:

Bose, Boston, Denon, Polk which get me 30-40% off the normal price.

(For instance I can get the Denon DHT-488BA for less than $450 or the 588BA for less that $600)

I have a slightly flexible budget of $400-500.

I've look at HTIB like the Onkyo HT-SR800 but was wondering if I could find something better with the discounts I'll be working with (the SR800 HDMI won't carry audio).

Any suggestions on a build or HTIB?

Answer 1

Sony has really good but cheap speakers. Bose, of course is the best but the most expensive.

Answer 2

If you have to do it all in one shot, 588BA is the way I'd go because of the accomidations. If you can wait and do it in pieces, I'd get a Denon reciever and get your two fronts. then when you get more money add your center, then your rears. Other than that, the best htib under 500 retail is onkyo. I think 7.1 is impractical because living space is even more expensive than the equipment.

Answer 3

My vote is for the Denon. If you can swing the extra $ for the 588, it has a better receiver. If not, the 488 isn't bad, especially at that price. What I like about them is they're upgradeable in the future and Denon makes a nice receiver. The BA speakers in the package are just ok, but you can get better ones at some later time when the budget allows.

Answer 4

You work at an electronics store but you are asking this question here? Sorry but I just have to ask why you don't ask one of your salesperson who understands surround?