Page 1 of Yamaha HTiB-45 for less than £300?

I need a home cinema setup, but don`t have a very large budget. I like the look of the Yamaha HTiB-45 package, which consists of an HTR-5540 RDS receiver and the NSP-220 speakers, but the package seems a bit expensive. Is it possible for me to purchase them for preferably quite a bit less than £300, either as a whole package or buying the amp & speakers separately?

Or would it be a good idea to get some alternative speakers that are cheaper (but still as good or better) if anyone knows of any? I am quite new to this, but I know what I`m after: Dolby Pro-Logic II, Dolby Digital and DTS as a minimum.

I want to use it mainly for connecting my NICAM TV, DVD player, VCR and PACE digital box (Telewest Active Digital), and possibly my PC (for gaming).

Any information/advice appreciated,

Gaz.

http://www.qed-uk.com/?i=L1hgZ0nWtpL2&bg=225&bp=b45s&v=8 for £340 delivered - I know it`s above your limit, but cheapest I`ve seen it. The equivalent amp alone would be £230 odd, which doesn`t leave much for speakers, so if I were you, I`d stay off the pies for a few weeks and save up to get it as a kit. I have a feeling you get speaker cable when it`s bought as a kit, too.

Only way to get below £300 is hit Richer Sounds for some bargain gear - I`m sure you could get a DD/DTS receiver for under £200 (no DPL2, though), plus a cheapy speaker package for £100, but the HTiB would last you longer, so worth saving, I reckon.

Alternative might be something like the Yamaha VS10 (again no DPL2), which can be had for under £300, but maybe getting a bit long in the tooth now.

I understand you have limited budget, but if you think about the stuff that goes in to these receivers - 5 amplifiers, all the decoding chipsets, preamp circuitry, tuner, etc etc - it`s pretty good value.

This item was edited on Friday, 26th July 2002, 10:23

If u can do without DPLII, u can have my HTib20 setup for £200.
Receiver
http://www.yamaha-audio.co.uk/homecinema/receiver/rx-v396rds/index.asp
Nsp220 speakers.
Remote, manual and brackets, but no box.

....you`d have to do without DTS, too - IIRC

I think I will probably have to save a bit more! I wanted DTS and Dolby Digital for watching DVDs, and the Pro Logic II would be OK for watching some TV broadcasts. I think the HTiB-45 kit does come with speaker cable (the rear ones obviously have a longer cable, but I might have to make a few adjustments to the length due to room layout). I can`t believe how much it varies in price though - I have seen it for as much as £400.

I`ll keep searching and see if I can find it even cheaper.

I think you`re making the right decision to wait, save, and hunt for a good price. I really don`t think you`ll see it for much less than the QED price, but happy hunting!

I got the Yamaha 520 reciever thingy and Panasonic speakers plus subwoofer for £330 total. I`m well pleased and couldn`t be happier. In saying that my room isn`t very big but the DD/DTS is great and I got this from Richer Sounds. I would reccommed this but if your room is really big then maybe the speakers are too small.

I did reply the other day but just noticed my posting`s not there! Found the Yamaha HTiB-45 at unbeatable.co.uk for £312.96 inc. VAT. It comes to about £320 (ish) with postage included I think. I might wait a bit and see if it goes down any more.

Have a look at this thread over at the AVforums to wet your appetite http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41743
- not sure if you need to be registered to see this, so sorry if you can`t see it! Someone mentions they had seen it for £280, but couldn`t remember where....