Sound System under $1000?

[Sahil George]

Does anyone have any suggestions for surround sound/home theatre system, preferably under $1000 while also being bang for the buck?

[Dedayog]

11 minutes ago, Sahil George said:

Does anyone have any suggestions for surround sound/home theatre system, preferably under $1000 while also being bang for the buck?

Speakers?  Amp?  AVR? How many? Separates or soundbar?  Subwoofer?  Space size?  Content type (what type of movies, media)?

 

There are dedicated audio/video sites that have sound engineers and designers who contribute, I would go with before asking on a PC/Tech forum.  Hopefully you did that as well.

[Robchil]

13 minutes ago, Sahil George said:

Does anyone have any suggestions for surround sound/home theatre system, preferably under $1000 while also being bang for the buck?

would a logitech 906z be good enough for you? 

 

[Bob__]

I just use home theater setups for the PC in my bedroom. Work pretty good but its definitely more expensive going with a full theater setup. something like this maybe if space permits it

https://www.klipsch.com/products/reference-cinema-system-5-1-4-with-dolby-atmos

https://www.klipsch.com/products/onkyo-tx-nr5100-av-receiver

https://www.amazon.com/composite-headphone-jack/s?k=composite+to+headphone+jack

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Oxygen-Free-Pure-Copper-Speaker/dp/B001UNGJF6?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[Sahil George]

22 hours ago, Dedayog said:

Speakers?  Amp?  AVR? How many? Separates or soundbar?  Subwoofer?  Space size?  Content type (what type of movies, media)?

 

There are dedicated audio/video sites that have sound engineers and designers who contribute, I would go with before asking on a PC/Tech forum.  Hopefully you did that as well.

I'm not getting into it(sound engineers)as it is more than bit of hassle where I live, also since I'm comfortable in doing it DIY. Also sometimes I've to shift the places of the audio system, so DIYing it is more sensible to my requirements rather than with sound engineer, designers etc. 

[dalekphalm]

On 4/15/2023 at 7:32 AM, Sahil George said:

I'm not getting into it(sound engineers)as it is more than bit of hassle where I live, also since I'm comfortable in doing it DIY. Also sometimes I've to shift the places of the audio system, so DIYing it is more sensible to my requirements rather than with sound engineer, designers etc. 

Without answers to those questions we can't really give you very specific advice.

 

For example, here's a good budget system:

Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 AV Receiver

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V385-5-1-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B07BNXXJKB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=321Y6F788YQ9T&keywords=rx-v385&qid=1681673026&sprefix=rx-v385%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-2&th=1

$270 USD

 

Klipsch Black Reference 5.1 kit

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Reference-Theater-Surround-System/dp/B0779GRFWF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RXLPZ0GPHIM6&keywords=klipsch%2B5.1&qid=1681673047&sprefix=klipsch%2B5.1%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1&th=1

$360 USD

 

Total: $630 USD plus any applicable taxes and shipping

 

Sony STR-DH790 7.2 AV Receiver (Can do 5.1.2 Atmos)

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DH790-7-2-ch-Receiver-Vision/dp/B079YW5VQL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=23OMPY9J91URL&keywords=av%2Breceiver%2B5.1.2&qid=1681673274&sprefix=av%2Breceiver%2B5.1.2%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-2&th=1

$448 USD

 

The next jump up is a bit of a price increase, then you're looking at 9.2 AV Receivers (capable of 5.1.4 Atmos) like this one

Onkyo TX-NR7100

https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-NR7100-9-2-Channel-Certified-Compatible/dp/B09B4J31J5/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1XM744J9D5S1Z&keywords=av+receiver+9.2+atmos&qid=1681673577&sprefix=av+receiver+9.2+atmos%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-6

$900 USD

 

You can always get a bigger AV Receiver now and then piece together the speakers over time. Additionally, looking at used speakers is a great way to save money. Always look for sales too.

[divito]

As others have said, really need answers. If plain and simple, I'd say just get a Klipsch 5.1 set. 

Otherwise you'll have to dabble into the other suggestions people have mentioned.

[cmndr]

If you're open to deal hunting a bit... 

Elac Debut 5.2 ($250ish) - Also good (probably better) if on sale for $250-300 - KEF Q150, Emotiva B1+, JBL 530
used AVR (think Denon x3200w $200ish)
used subwoofer (think SVS PB1000 or something from Outlaw, Rel, Hsu, etc.) $300

This would get you a VERY solid, expandable 2.1 set up with $250ish left over. basically ANY cheap speaker will be passing for the sides if you want them and it's a similarish story for height/top speakers. 

As an FYI, your front sound stage (left + center + right) speakers generally matter the most. A bad center is worse than no center and decent L+R (unless you have REALLY weird seating positions). Many centers at budgety price points SUCK. 

 

[Stahlmann]

Go for a good soundbar. A good receiver supporting all the latest bells and whistles (HDMI 2.1 passthrough, Dolby Atmos, etc.) can cost close to $1000 on it's own. And a good soundbar like a Samsung HW-Q990B will deliver great sounding 11.1.4 Atmos for under $1000.

 

I got a Samsung HW-Q80R a few years ago and added the optional rear speakers a few months later. The sound is simply amazing. So far i personally haven't heard a standalone speaker setup that sounded significantly better, even ones that cost upwards of $1000 (not including the receiver).