We will explore several of the latest home theater systems that are the best available for the money. Both of these units will serve well for your home theater needs. Both receiver/Amp/Tuners come with remotes and have provided a way to hook up your iPod or iPhone and can control video with 4in and 1 out HDMI. AM/FM is standard on both as is 3D support. This is where similarities end and we are going to look at some of the important differences. We will then look at the other components you will need such as speaker systems and TVs.
Yamaha RX-V567 A/V Home Theater System
This powerful receiver is Yamaha’s latest home theater system. It is loaded with features for $559 at Best Buy. It has a 630 W amp and contains 7.1 surround sound technology. The extra two speakers go on the left and right sides of your arrangement but audio programming doesn’t yet contain the extra two channels of separate audio. It synthesizes the sound from the 5.1 audio and it sound great. You can save a lot of money by getting the model below this one without the additional outputs but the experience is diminished. If you want the ability to hookup your iPod or iPhone you will have to purchase a universal dock (model YDS-12) and spend an extra $119.
Denon AVR-791 A/V Surround System
The Denon AVR-791 home theater system has 125 W X7 and direct play for iPod and iPhone. No additional dock is needed. Video support contains 1080P up scaling for high definition. The Dolby Pro-Logic H2 sound and dts-HD makes this unit truly modern and up to date. The best thing about Denon is all the technology they give you at a low price. This home theater system is no exception priced at $499.99 also available at Best Buy.
Speaker Systems for Your Home Theater
You will need to buy at least two front speakers, two rear speakers and a sub-woofer to get the surround sound. It is usually best to buy the speakers matched in one kit. Here are some suggestions.
Energy RC-Micro 5.1 Speaker System
Small but powerful. Available for $399.99 from Crutchfield. These Energy RC-Micro’s are passive speakers with an 240 W powered sub-woofer. If you are limited on space these will work well for you .
Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD Speaker System
If you have money to spend and have a lot of space in your home theater the Aperion Intimus speaker system is worth considering. You can buy these at Amazon.com for $1569. They look good and perform very well. Like the Energy RC-Micro’s they have a powered sub-woofer and passive main and rear speakers. You also get a 10 year warranty with a 30 day, in home, trial and free shipping.
Home Theater TVs for Your Home Theater
The TV you select is probably the most important decision you will make for your home theater system. There are just way too many to list and so many different brands and technologies to choose from. The decision is made much harder with 3d thrown in the mix due to having to buy glasses for each viewer and the wide price range of the various sizes. Here are a few suggestions to start with.
Sony KDL46S5100 LCD HDTV
A large 46 inch LCD HDTV model that carries a low price tag when purchased at Modia.com. It has 1080p resolution with 6 HD inputs and a contrast ratio of 30000:1. The sale price of $899.99 is a true bargain.
Vizio E320VL 32-inch LCD HDTV
If you are on a budget and spent all your money on the other parts of your system or limited on space this is a great TV for $359.20 available at nobetterdeal.com. It has a 100000:1 contrast ratio and ECO HD with a digital ambient light sensor. When you consider it has SRS TruSurround HD and SRS TruVolume you are getting a lot for the money.
You need to spend a lot of time considering your exact needs when selecting the various components that make up a complete home theater system. A lot of money will go into all you will need and adds up fast. There are many other components that make up a complete home theater system. You probably have game systems already and to play movies you need a dvd or blu-ray disk player. You will have to purchase good quality speaker wire and cables. I recommend Monster brand cables and wire if you want the best. It is a lot of work and money but well worth it when you finally get to sit down with some popcorn and spend many happy hours admiring all your hard work.
Sources: Personal experience & the local Best Buy Store
