How much do I need to spend?
This first part is easy. Just factor in the variables of budget, room size, and the quality/quantity of the components, and you'll know approximately where you stand.
| PRICE | ROOM SIZE | WHAT YOU'LL GET |
|---|
$500 or less
| Think small, cozy bed or living rooms measuring less than 200 square feet.
| A
feature-packed home theater in a box (HTIB) that includes a
receiver/DVD player or changer, HDMI output with DVD upscaling, five
satellite speakers, and a subwoofer. If that's too many speakers, opt
for a virtual-surround system with just one, two, or three front
speakers instead (plus the sub). |
$1,000 or less
| Moderately sized bedroom or living rooms measuring less than 300 square feet.
| You
can choose between a high-end or virtual-surround HTIB or mix 'n' match
an entry-level receiver, an HDMI-equipped upscaling DVD player, and a
5.1-speaker package. |
$1,500 or less
| Large
living rooms or dedicated home theaters measuring more 300 square feet.
You can, of course, still use these systems in smaller rooms.
| An
upscale HTIB or a customized setup that includes a midline receiver, an
HDMI-equipped upscaling DVD player or entry-level HD DVD player, and
either a matched speaker package or select speakers from a
manufacturer's line of speakers and subwoofers. |
More than $1,500
| Large
living rooms or dedicated home theaters measuring more 300 square feet.
Those who want a first-rate system in a more intimate home theater or
plan to add quality sound to another room (a.k.a., a zone) should also
consider stepping into this bracket.
| A
high-end HTIB or a customized setup that includes a top-rung receiver,
a Blu-ray or HD DVD player, and either a matched speaker package or
select speakers from a manufacturer's line of speakers and subwoofers. |
