Hi all,
I just moved into my new apartment and bought my 42 inch S-series Sony Bravia. I noticed that the speakers from my TV were pretty bad so I decided to purchase a home theater system from Best Buys. After browsing through their inventory for an hour, I did what any novice would do.... I went with the Bose Cinemate Series 2. I immediately noticed that even with my untrained ears that Bose certainly does suck for the money I spent ($650 with tax). I am planning on returning these overpriced home theater set in the upcoming days and I was really hoping you audiophiles on this forum could guide me to finding a perfect home theater system for my home. I have a 650 dollar budget and my living room isn't all that large so I think a 2.1 system would be best. I would really appreciate it if you gave me the company and products name that I should purchase. Here are what I am mainly looking for:

Needs:
- I play a lot of games on the ps3 so any system that would take advantage of this.
- Watch blu-ray movies
- Watch a lot of sports on Direct TV

Thanks in advance

Check out Denon's pre-configured systems with boston acoustics speakers.

[Link: usa.denon.com]

they are a decent start if you want actual 5.1 surround sound - but you will eventually want to upgrade to a better set of front speakers and a more robust AV receiver...but either of those items will take most of your 650 budget.

if you are set on a 2.1 system and don't plan to upgrade for a while, get a decent set of starter bookshelf speakers (200-300) a starter sub (150-300) and a decent starter 2 channel stereo receiver (entry level yamaha/denon about 250-300).

Ditto the Denon, its a decent system. We have done a few and sound darn good for the money and has some good features

Even if you have a small living room, you want to go with at least a 5.1 system, especially if you are watching BluRays. It's not so that it sounds louder, but so that you can hear sound effects from all sides. You want the sound to follow the helicopter as it flies over your head while dodging bullets coming at you from both sides. 5.1 sound is like 3D TV for your ears.

CJ

I'm not an expert but my needs (and specially my budget) are similar to yours. I'm planning on getting an onkyo receiver SR607 ($400), for speakers I have 3 choices, polk RM6750($220), polk RM705($350), or klipsch quintet III($200) and a cheap polk sub ($100-$200)

you can get the SR507($300) if you're not interested in video upscaling

the total comes near or lower than $650 in almost all configurations

I need to listen to this speakers to see which one I like more, but they all have good reviews for the money

all amazon prices

if its not to late check out psb alpha speakers..

I would 3rd the Denon/Boston Accoustics 5.1 suggestion. With the PS3 games and Bluray movies you'de REALLY be selling yourself short with a 2.1 system as the PS3 has amazing surround sound!!!

oops - didnt see how old this was... lol

well ,u can just out Sony 5.1ch BRAVIA Theater System that would be best in your budget and these are the best in use...i have buy this home theater system and it sounds great...

I bet since this was originally postedin November of last year, that he already has a new system. Thanks for trying though.