$300 budget audio for HTPC: Vizio 5.1 soundbar or Monoprice 5.1?

[tracerit]

I mainly watch bluray rips in mkv with DTS 6ch audio. I've been using a 2.1 Logitech THX Z623 system but got a Vizio 5.1 S4051 soundbar over the weekend. WHile the audio is much better, i'm a bit disappointed by the front speakers. Everything seems to be coming from the center. Now i'm thinking about going with a receiver and 5.1 speakers instead.

I don't mind the Vizio system that much since I love the simplicity of the setup and wireless sub/rears. But if my proposed receiver+5.1 setup is gonna be better, I'll switch and go with it. I'm planning on:

Monoprice 5.1 $120
http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007YLQU...UTF8&colid=3JV3M6BBIVSNO&coliid=I6JV8IUQFK8HV
Denon AVR-E200 $140
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...0-5.1-channel-3d-home-theater-receiver/1.html


This is what i'm using now: http://www.vizio.com/sb4051c0.html

My connection setup currently is
PC--->(HDMI)--->LCD TV---->(HDMI)--->Vizio soundbar


Or would it be better to output video to the TV via HDMI, and then output audio via HDMI from the PC to Vizio soundbar (or receiver). This way it bypasses the TV for audio output?

 

[yadda]

Also look at this Energy take classic system

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classi...22759&sr=1-1&keywords=energy+take+classic+5.1

 

[reallyscrued]

I've had those monoprices. Tinny. Good value if you only want to buy new.

Grab a used set of Quintet IIs on craigslist or eBay.

Add a sub when your budget allows.

 

[boomhower]

Of what you listed the moonrice is the way to go. The posted energy system is vastly superior to both.

 

[tracerit]

I ended up going with a refurb Yamaha V377 receiver + Monoprice 10565 5.1 system. Total was about $330 and I like it. Gonna slowly upgrade the speakers and sub as deals show up but for my small bedroom, I might just keep what I'm using.

 

[Kaido]

If you want simplicity, go with the Vizio. If you don't mind the installation, go with the Monoprice, although I haven't heard the base model Monoprice, so the Vizio may sound better OOTB. I have a Vizio 2.1 (wireless sub) on my TV & really wish I had gone for the 5.1 because it has a nice, full "theater" sound when you crank it up past 50%. I have the premium Monoprice system (more expensive), which has excellent separation, which I really like, not sure how the $100-ish models stack up. If you are willing to do an install, it might be worth it to go the DIY route. This 8" sub is really popular:

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SW-8MK2-Designed-100-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B008NCD2PC/

Here's some Bose double-cube-style speakers for $50 a pair:

http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Resonance-Audio-MC2-5B-Speaker/dp/B00JZTKW14

Might be worth throwing together something yourself if you want to try to piecemeal it!