Point me in the right direction


Since I'm new here I know my question has been asked before. So if I can view or research some threads please help me find them. My question would be how to get started on a new/first system? Also why would it not be better to just purchase a boxed home theater system(it seems it would be cheaper)? Also what could be used in startup of a system from components from the early 90's? All hobbies are addictive and they get expensive but when first starting out you do until you can do better that I understand hopefully there's some help on this subject already here help me find it.
bigken
These things depriciate quickly.
Used is usually better if you are budget concious.
Early 90's gear may work to an extent. You may be able to find a matching center to your speakers-I doubt it.
One thing that I find very important is to have your front 3 speakers and amps the same.
You may end up using your speakers for the rears or finding a matching center.
It is less likely that you will find a 3/4 channel amp that will match your stereo amp (if you have a receiver, sell it). A nice stereo amp may sell for enough to buy some HT gear.
My last bit of advice: Don't skimp on the sub or center channel. They handle the bulk of the work.
Take a look at Outlaw Audio for components http://www.outlawaudio.com/...Parts Express has subwoofer kits that "ANYONE" can build http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-760

Speakers?....go out and listen to a few if you can...buy 5 of what you like. If you can't go listen for some reason, research here and at other forums (Audiocircle forum comes to mind for budget gear) for good speakers...lots of info because everyone is at some time or another looking for them.

Digital?...Another search will turn up tons of suggestions in the budget range...I'd spend around $500 here if music is more important than movies.

Dave
Pabelson gives some good advice. First, you/we need to know the intended purpose of the system. Are you going to listen to music only, or is it going to be a Home Theater system? What formats does it need to play, ie CD, DVD, radio, TV, LP, etc.?

We also need to know your budget. Decide your budget and stick to it. If you have some components from an old system that you may want to use, list them here so people can help you determine if they are useful in the new system.

You have a huge choice concerning the number of speakers you plan to use. Personally, if you have a limited budget, I would suggest that you forget about trying to set up a multi-channel HT system. It is much easier to set up a good sounding inexpensive 2-channel system vs. a 5.1 (or more) channel system.

Provide a few more details and you will likely get some valuable advice.

Enjoy,

TIC
have to do your DD, due diligence. You have lots of homework to to do reading over hundreds of topics here.
For the responces I'm thankful. I only have an Onkyo TX 902 tuning amp that I may consider using if possible. My emphasis is mainly listening to music(although my wife and daughter rents/buys on the minimum 15 DVD's monthly so I may have to consider more). $500 seems to be a more realistic budget right now. I know DVD players are capable of playing CD's but the aforementioned Onkyo is not A/V so I may be limited there. I will do more research here and maybe other sites others mentioned here. Thanks all will be listening for more advice.