Reccomend me a good home theater system for under $500.

[B Dids]

That I can order online. Go!!

[astroglide]

www.cnet.com (http://www.cnet.com)

[ricochet420]

Depends, do you mean an all in one box?
Kenwood (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=82-122-004&depa=0)
Panasonic (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=82-103-118&depa=0)
Sony (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductdesc.asp?description=82-105-015&depa=0)

[Shajen]

Hey B, you aren't gonna be too pleased IMO for under $500.

However, in case you can find something by Onkyo for <$500, go for it dude. I've had my system for about 5 years now. Not one single problem and it just sounds AWESOME.

Spend a little more now, be happier later.

GL in your search man.

[gvibes]

[ QUOTE ]
That I can order online. Go!!

[/ QUOTE ]

For simplicity's sake, I recommend a HTIB (Home Theater in a Box).

Check out avsforum.com's HTIB section at AVSForum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=7a455a7b6d9da4cfa4539ec865c5304 3&forumid=109)

Last time I checked, they were all about Onkyo (I can understand - I've been quite impressed with their receivers). I suggest the 770, available factory reconditioned direct from Onkyo (in black or silver) for 400. The receiver included in the package is top notch. 770, in black (http://www.shoponkyo.com/catalog_detail.cfm?id=HT-S770&type=3&class=Systems&p=i&ext_war=1) or 770, in silver (http://www.shoponkyo.com/catalog_detail.cfm?id=HT-S770S&type=3&class=Systems&p=i&ext_war=1)

It is tough, but marginally possible (I think), to build a component HT for less than 500. Let me know if you want suggestions in that direction.

EDIT: I'm not sure if those are the lowest prices available - I didn't do much checking as far as price.

[razor]

[ QUOTE ]
Hey B, you aren't gonna be too pleased IMO for under $500.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm with Shajen on this one...

If you just want something that works, then fine spend $500 some top brand HomeTheatreInABox... but if you want something 'good' do a bit of research, go listen to some systems are a real stereo store and spend a few more bucks.

every HTIB I've ever heard sounded like [censored].

[gvibes]

Although I respectfully disagree with the contention that the OP won't be happy with the Onkyo S770, I can see where you are coming from.

How about the following, for a component system:
Onkyo 502 refurb - ~200 shipped from shoponkyo.com (maybe cheaper elsewhere)
Fluance SX-HTB - 260 + s/h - http://www.fluance.com/fluan5speaks.html
Dayton sub - 125 + s/h - http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-632

Should be less than 650 total, and all components are highly regarded (though I must confess I've never listened to the Fluance - I do however have the 502 and Dayton currently).

[B Dids]

Based on some other recs. I ended up getting the Onkyo 770 for like 462 from Circut City. Looks like this should do the trick.