Home-Theater-In-A-Box Recommendations?

[Darkside Hazuki]

My three year old Samsung HTIB (HT-DS610) just met it's end at the hands of static electricity. I need a replacement. It must have TWO optical audio inputs...and that's the only requirement. Couldn't care less about a DVD/CD changer, iPod adapter, or any other fancy crap. Preferably under $300. I am open to alternative suggestions in the right price range. Thanks in advance.

[PanzerNinja]

This one is seems to be acceptable to the guys over in the AVS forums. I'm thinking of picking one up myself.

http://www.buy.com/prod/pioneer-hts-gs1-5-1-surround-sound-speaker-system-designed-for-xbox/q/loc/111/204509050.html

[gunm]

Nice, but that's speakers only. I think OP wants the receiver too in an all-in-one set up.

I'm partial to the Sonys myself, but for under $300 w/2 DA optical Outs? There aren't many options.

I suggest getting whatever you can afford, but with a powered splitter or component switcher like below:

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Selector-Composite-Connections-Wireless/dp/B00062NHTS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1197175432&sr=1-3

I use something to this effect for DA only and it's fine for me.

[PanzerNinja]

Nice, but that's speakers only. I think OP wants the receiver too in an all-in-one set up.

Specs say "High impact gamers with limited space will appreciate the system's compact speakers and integrated 6-channel receiver subwoofer, which delivers a colossal 600 watts total system power (RMS)."

Also listed is that it has 3 Digital Inputs (1 Coaxial, 2 Optical)/1 Audio Input. Going by his original post, it looks like it has what he asked for.

[rickc25]

If you're willing to buy refurbished you can get this Onkyo with 2 optical inputs for about $170

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=HT-SR600&modelid=115&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1

It's factory refurbished directly from Onkyo and when you sign up for their club (which is free) you get 10% off refurbs, free shipping, and $10 off your first order. The general consensus from places like avsforum is that Onkyo makes very good budget systems and their refurbs are excellent quality.

[zman73]

Nice, but that's speakers only. I think OP wants the receiver too in an all-in-one set up.

I'm partial to the Sonys myself, but for under $300 w/2 DA optical Outs? There aren't many options.

I suggest getting whatever you can afford, but with a powered splitter or component switcher like below:

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Selector-Composite-Connections-Wireless/dp/B00062NHTS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1197175432&sr=1-3

I use something to this effect for DA only and it's fine for me.


Sony can make tvs but with receivers, Onkyo would be the way to go... not sony

[Darkside Hazuki]

I bit on the Onkyo HT-SR600. I paid $259 all in (new). I'm picking it up tonight, I'll let you know how it is. Thanks again!

[Lieutenant Dan]

I bit on the Onkyo HT-SR600. I paid $259 all in (new). I'm picking it up tonight, I'll let you know how it is. Thanks again!

I'd be interested in hearing your impressions. Where did you buy it from?