Need suggestions for inexpensive surround sound system

[boowho]

As the topic says, I'm looking for a reasonably priced SS sys. Don't care whether it plays blue-rays or not, don't care about AM-FM radio either. Would like On Screen Displays/Navigation, individual channel volumes, and at least a few equalizer presets. 1000 total watts would be preferable, and of course something that sounds decent.

Three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output should be suficient.

I'm not even against a factory-refurb it's not all beat up cosmetically.

Thanks, and help if you can.

Boowho??

[edDV]

What is your budget?

Why 1000 Watts?

Do you already have 5x speakers plus subwoofer?

Good speakers are far more expensive than the receiver.

[Bullworth]

Good points from edDV. A good set of speakers can make all the difference in the world but they can break the bank too. I recently got a set of speakers that have made all the difference for my SS system but they definitely cost more than many prepackaged systems.
Since you don't care about blu-ray then that narrows down your choices, but you may still want to consider a SS that can do 7.1 if you're thinking about upgrading further down the line.

[boowho]

What is your budget?

Why 1000 Watts?

Do you already have 5x speakers plus subwoofer?

Good speakers are far more expensive than the receiver.

Well, yes....... inexpensive is relative, isn't it??? I am NOT an audiophile. A cheap system from Sam's Club will sound pretty good to me, especially since it's going in a motorhome.

Why 1000 watts? Because there is a cheap 600 watt total system in there now, and it's just a tiny bit weak. I'd say my budget is (GASP) a measly $250. Something that was probably around $600 late last year (electronics prices drop like rocks).

Yes, I know.... Many of you would pay $250 for a set of speaker wires (if not more). And, no.... I don't have any speakers. cheap, Cheap, CHEAP!!!! that's me...

Actually I DID spend $250 on a (used) Pronto Universal Remote back at Christmas time. It was close to $1000 new.

Boowho???

[edDV]

For a 5.1 audio system, the left and right (stereo) front speakers are the most important for sound quality. Speakers can be a long term investment. I'm still using 1970's Dynaco's in my basement. They would also make fine surround speakers.

Power (wattage) is less important. Budget 5.1 receivers can be had for around $200 on sale or less used (see Craigslist). You can start with cheap center (dialog) and surround speakers. Put as much $ as you can into the L and R front speakers. Hint a subwoofer for your birthday present. That is your next step when funds become available.

Longer term you will invest in a good center speaker, then upgrade the surrounds.

[boowho]

For a 5.1 audio system, the left and right (stereo) front speakers are the most important for sound quality. Speakers can be a long term investment. I'm still using 1970's Dynaco's in my basement. They would also make fine surround speakers.

Power (wattage) is less important. Budget 5.1 receivers can be had for around $200 on sale or less used (see Craigslist). You can start with cheap center (dialog) and surround speakers. Put as much $ as you can into the L and R front speakers. Hint a subwoofer for your birthday present. That is your next step when funds become available.

Longer term you will invest in a good center speaker, then upgrade the surrounds.

Thanks to all..... I probably should have said that I wanted a CHEAPIE system the first time I posted. Unfortunately, the cheapie systems have no (or maybe ONE) HDMI input and do not have on screen displays. To get something that has multiple HDMI inputs you need 300-500 for just the amp, and the form factor is just to tall for a motorhome.

I bought an RCA 5.1 system with the amp (plus AM/FM but no DVD/BD player) and speakers for $158(yikes) at Walmart. I know it's junk, but it's all I need. Just something to make the audio of my 22" flatscreen sound a little bit better than the internal (probably 1 inch) speakers.

It has one optical and one coax input. They had another one (last years "version" of the same model I think) with 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output. I may decide to swap between the two units before it's all over.

boowho??