Recommend an entry level surround sound package

[///M-Spec]

I have a non-audiophile, non-technical friend who is moving into a bigger home and wants a decent entry level system to go with it. I'm trying to steer him into the right direction, but admit I don't the market very well myself.

He wants to spend about $1000 USD total for amp, decoder/player and speakers. It needs to do the usual DD and DTS (5.1 or 6.1 doesn't really matter) and have decent output, including support for a second set of speakers (for outdoor). A 5 or 6 disc changer would be nice.

I see a lot of bundled packages that include pretty everything but the TV set in the price range. Are they generally any good? Or is he going to be better off buying seperate components?

Again, this is for a non-audiophile joe-schmoe consumer who may or may not hear the difference in something that is passably medicore and something truly great. I just don't him to buy junk is all.

TIA for any comments.


M

 

[Der Alta]

Well, if he's looking to enjoy movies, and just looking for a nice package, I'd recommend an "all in one" system like this Harmon Kardon package from Circuit City.

There are two routes he can take. (A) Pick out decent components and piece it all together, or (B) buy an all in one.

Route A, is longer, more expensive and a bit more tedious. You have to pick the wires, learn a few different remotes, and make sure it's all connected correctly. Granted you'll get slightly better sound and a rich sense of "Done it all myself" satisfaction.

Route B, is easier, simpler and faster. One remote to manage it all (Wife loves that), you simply pick out one, go home and set it up. Done. You'll honestly get the same enjoyment out of that as you would the other.

With the way all the systems come packaged now, Best Buy, Circuit City, or other retailer, you're virtually picking out the same components where ever you go. If you go to a smaller shop the has good stuff, (Tweeter) You'll pay more for the same thing. Now, if you were duping $3000 that's a different story, then definately go to a small shop.

In his $1000 price range, anything from $600-$1000 will be about the same. In that range, stick with Sony (everything works smoothly together) or similar brand. Avoid JVC.

Good Luck,

AO

 

[Duke]

When I got my Sony TV they gave us a coupon for $100 of any other Sony electronics. We ended up getting a basic Sony 5.1 receiver, 4 corner speakers, a larger center speaker, and a 8" sub for $200 ($300 retail). It's a decent package and it has enough sound to fill my living room cleanly. It has plenty of inputs and it takes digital out from my DVD player and optical from my PS2 as well as plain stereo from the TV tuner. If I had a VCR on this TV there are still open inputs for it.

I forget the model number but for what I paid (even at retail) it's great.