Integrated home theater systems - what's a good buy around $300 to $500?

[generator12]

I have to replace a Philips system - DVD player with 5.1 channel surround sound. Player is getting erratic.

What do I buy? It's very difficult to find reliable reviews on these things - everyone reviews receivers and speakers, but few review the integrated systems. I don't need a receiver as I only want to play pre-recorded DVDs and Blu-Rays. But I do want good video and sound.

I could use the 4 ohm speakers from my present unit, which did well in my opinion, but I can't discern whether the players I see advertised can drive 1000 watts into them. So I need help.

Your experiences?

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Integrated home theater systems - what's a good buy around $300 to $500?

I like my Onkyo sound system but you will have to find a dvd player to go with it.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Integrated home theater systems - what's a good buy around $300 to $500?

^^^ Ha, same here.

Our Onkyo system wasn't $300-500 though. I think our was something like $250, we don't need (or can use) a loud system since the neighbors house is so close. The ratings were really high, so I went for it, couldn't be happier.

 

[smclear]

Re: Integrated home theater systems - what's a good buy around $300 to $500?

I bought one of these last year, although the one I got was not a 3D version. So far, it's worked flawlessly.

http://www.samsung.com/us/video/home-theater/HT-D5500/ZA

I would recommend one now with this disclaimer, I've only had it for a year so limited experience.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Integrated home theater systems - what's a good buy around $300 to $500?

Driving 1000watts into them? So you're looking for an integrated 5.1 system with 5000watts output??? No chance, unless its 5000watts with 70% distortion. LOL I don't think you could even find an integrated 5.1 with 1000 combined watts of output.
I'd suggest a decent quality ($300-500) receiver with several HDMI inputs and HDMI upconversion (that way all your video sources will be routed through the HDMI instead of having multiple, bulky cables to the TV). You can get a standard DVD player for $30 on sale, or a BluRay for $75. When the player dies, you have minimal cost of replacement.
I don't even use DVDs anymore, I rip all my DVDs to several hard drive based media players. My newest has a 2.5" HD, and is slightly larger than a cassette case, 1080i HDMI output, and is small enough to easily use on the boat for overnighters (sweet!). About $85 with HD. My 'home' use media players have a 1Tb drive (about 225 movies), and have 2 USB ports for using external HDs. The boat player has a 250Gb HD since it's mainly for weekend use, but still holds 45-50 movies plus 30-40Gb of music.