Originally Posted by yustr

Many folks are considering buying a 5.1 system that includes everything in one small package – including the speakers which are typically very small cheap light weight tin cans. These are widely available in warehouse stores and through electronic web suppliers. They're made by reputable companies such as Phillips, LG, Samsung, Sony, etc. Typically they cost in the $250 - $500 range.

We get lots of questions here at TSF concerning how to hook other components to such a system to hear surround sound from the TV or a DVD player (assuming the unit doesn't have one built in). It boils down to this: Before you buy a 5.1 system make sure it has the capability to INPUT a DIGITAL SIGNAL. Look at the rear of the unit if its on the shelf, read the specs, do a web search (Don't bother asking the clerk – he has no idea and will make something up rather than tell you so.) and you MUST see a plug that is labeled “Digital In” or “Optical In” or something very close to that. If all you see are a red and white set of plugs labeled “Stereo In” or “Aux In” you'll be disappointed. Likewise, if there's no input you're out of luck.

If that's not enough to steer you away from these, the ones I've heard sound like crud too.

There's a whole other class of home-theater-in-a-box that includes a full feature surround sound receiver. These are also widely available and are made by companies such as Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, and others. They may or may not include a DVD play as part of the package. They're not as sleek as the all-in-one units and cost a little more but you can be assured that adding components will not present a problem. And most will have sufficient output power to drive larger/better speakers if you wish to upgrade in the future.

Still higher up on the audio food chain is to purchase all the components separately. You'll probably spend a little more but you'll be assured that the speakers sound good – to you, cause that's all that matters – and the amp/processor has the features you need now and in the future. The sky's the limit here. Good receivers can be had in the $300 – 500 range. But you can spend 10 times that. You can move up to separates and then the salesman can “spend as much as you've got”. The key to speakers is to find some that sound good to you and good together. Again you can get very very good speakers for about $300/pair (if you don't believe me go have a listen to some PSB Alpha 1s). You'll need 5 (6 actually as I doubt you can buy a single speaker) so you're looking at about $1000. You'll also want a subwoofer and again you can spend as much as you can afford but good ones can be had for $4 - 500. As a rule of thumb plan to spend about 60% - 70% of your budget on speakers and the rest on power. If you need a TV I'd say make it 40% TV 40% speakers and 20% power. If you don't have all the $$$ right away, get the power first. Today's electronics should last a good long while. In fact, the amp I'm using in my computer room is a Pioneer receiver from the 1980's and it still sounds great. Then upgrade the speakers as you save. Some stores will even give you full credit on your old speakers if you trade up.

That leads me to my final point: find a stereo shop and get to know the folks there. They'll be happy to work with you – that's how they make their living. And they want you to be happy – that's how they get more customers. Then tell them what you want, how much you have to spend and then listen. Listen to them. But more importantly, listen to music. It is my opinion that if a speaker sounds good playing music then sound tracks are easy. Then buy from them and enjoy.