Quick, cheap HT advice


For a friend (I'm strictly two-channel), what's a good-for-the-money cheap HT package, say, under $400. My friend has heard of a JVC THC5. How's that? What's better in the same price range? What are the important variables?

Can't say much more. Non crappy sound and build quality all about what one can hope for here. Any guidance appreciated.
rnm4
Panasonic SC-HT05 – a remarkably powerful Home Theater in a Box (or HTIB) package for a measly $250! The SC-HT05 is the ideal choice for those of us who already have a decent TV and DVD player but need an audio system that offers 5.1 surround sound via a variety of formats (i.e., Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS). Connectivity is an important consideration when choosing your home theater equipment, and the options here are respectable: on top of three stereo inputs and one out, you get one input each for SACD/DVD-Audio and coaxial digital and two optical inputs.

The SC-HT05 may not be the system you will use in your Golden Years, but it’ll sure serve you well until you’ve paid off your student loans. (Wait…that will be your Golden Years!)
HSU Ventriloquist might be worth a look.

http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/hsu_research_ventriloquist_vt12_stf1.htm
Well before I ever recommended anything "solid" or concrete, I'd have to know more about his room and potential setup/needs. I mean, how big is the space we're talking about here? Acoustics? Seating?...This all matters.