Low end home theatre setup (Kenwood SAT 5.1)

[cholyoak]

I'm looking for a cheap home theatre setup, with speakers, and found the Kenwood SAT 5.1 set:

http://www.kenwoodaudio.com/common/prodHom...&subcat=zone=au (http://www.kenwoodaudio.com/common/prodHome.asp?model=SAT%205.1&subcat=zone=au)

It includes a KRF-V5580D-S receiver and 5.1 speaker set. It's going for $500 at Harvey Norman at the moment. I realise that this is a pretty cheap system, but wondered if anyone had one and could share any experiences, or offer other advice for a low-end budget system like this.

[Marc]

Hi and welcome to Planet Audio.... :)

Is this an entry level system you intend on keeping for a long time, or a simple way in and you plan on upgrading / building up your HT system over time?

If its intended as a solution that will last, then it most probably offers great value for money.

However, if its a "bridge" then I would probably consider investing your $500 or so in an entry level HT receiver, and a very cheap set of speakers to made do for now. At least then you have a dedicated amplifier/reciever to build upon.

Even a cheap dedicated amp/receiver with cheap speakers will probably be better than an integrated system.

Just my opinion :)

[cholyoak]

This is one thing that attracted me to this system as it looks like it is just the combination you mention of an entry level receiver and cheap speakers (the receiver, satellites and subwoofer look to each be available seperately) that I can upgrade as I am able. Or am I being a little too hopeful about this units capabilities, do you think?

[Marc]

Sorry my mistake. I assumed it was a Receiver/DVD/ etc all in one + speakers.

What you are looking at for $500 sounds like reasonable value for money, just be sure to audition it prior to purchase. If a store doesn't want to demonstrate a product to you, it probably isn't worth purchasing (or the salesperson isn't very good at their job).

You would be able to upgrade these speakers at a later date, just don't expect too much power from that amplifier. :)