Home Theatres
Dear Gary: Just recently I read Terry Paulin’s article in Issue 53, October 2001, of Widescreen Review and found it very interesting. I am a film buff and am sick of listening to my DVD audio squeezed through the two-inch speakers on my TV. Now, while I’d love to fit my system with outboard DTS and Dolby Digital decoders and separate 500-watt amplifiers for each channel, it just ain’t gonna happen (unless you have some cash to spare). Most of the articles in WSR seem to be geared to the top 3 percent of the population who can afford a $35,000 home theatre. I guarantee I love films as much as any of those rich people, but my budget only allows $300-$500. And, believe me, I’m in the majority. That said, what do you recommend for us poor folks in terms of a home theatre? Is a $400 Sony DTS/Dolby Digital receiver (with five satellite speakers + subwoofer) a waste of money? Or should I just listen to my two-inch speakers indefinitely and hope to win the lottery? Your expertise is greatly appreciated!
Mac Caudill,
Contributing Editor Terry Paullin Comments:
I usually counsel “first leap” customers who are on a tight budget to think of three, $500 blocks—$500 for a DTS/Dolby Digital 5X100watt receiver, $500 for a decent set of satellite speakers and $500 for a subwoofer, so your budget is super-tight! However, with judicious shopping and maybe settling for a used piece or two on eBay, I think you could have a setup that’s very enjoyable for $800-$1,000. Something like a Yamaha 595, Klipsch Quintet satellites, and any number of 8-inch subwoofers. I would stay away from those all in one packages, though. They almost always are a bundle of just too many compromises. Good luck.
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