LF : Decent 2.1 home theatre in a box

[BMC]

Was wondering if anyone can recommend a decent 2.1 home theatre in a box. Was looking at the Bose cinemate but I just can't bring myself to drop that much money on a 2.1 system. This will be going in a condo so I won't be going any bigger than a 2.1. TIA!

[tjayl]

What do you want to spend?
My personal opinion. Forget about anything "in a box", and buy the best 2 channel integrated amplifier you can afford (new or even better used) and get the best pair of bookshelf speakers you can afford (new or again even better used). Forget about the .1 for now. You can always add a small sub later if you really feel you need to. Doing this will give you infinitly better sound quality.

[BMC]

Looking to spend around $500. Again, not looking for anything crazy.

[sexyj]

Is 2.1 still considered a home theatre ?

Just get a good receiver and some decent speakers and you should be good.

[M-e-X-x]

What do you want to spend?
My personal opinion. Forget about anything "in a box", and buy the best 2 channel integrated amplifier you can afford (new or even better used) and get the best pair of bookshelf speakers you can afford (new or again even better used). Forget about the .1 for now. You can always add a small sub later if you really feel you need to. Doing this will give you infinitly better sound quality.

+1

I paired a curbside technics amp with some old aiwa speakers. Sounds disgustly good and I barely crank them. I remember a poster mentioned a while ago that they dont' bother with 5.1 for movies and I agree with them. 5.1 I would say is better for video gaming, but movies isn't that necessary.