Surround Sound on a Budget?

[avons123]

Hey all,  I'm in the planning stages of refinishing my basement, and one item on my wish list are some decent surround sound speakers.  We're not audiophiles and don't need anything top of the line - we'll mainly use them to play background music and watch an occasional movie.

What's the best way to achieve this on a budget?  Ideally, I'd like to spend less than $500.  Should I be looking for used speakers or go for a new setup?  Any advice is much appreciated.

[stacheasaurus]

I would recommend a soundbar. Sonos, for example, makes great products and provides an immersive experience.

[RWD]

$500 is extremely limited. Basically used mid-to-low-end gear or a soundbar. Any true surround system that is new for that price will have very poor sound quality. I paid over $1000 just for my receiver and that was a half-off refurbished deal. See if you can find a set of Hsu Research speakers used, those are excellent for the price.
Complete example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/386263434461 (though this listing is double your budget)

[BlueMR2]

I'd be looking for used equipment.  People often get rid of perfectly good older surround sound gear as there's a continual upgrade treadmill on those...  Could get a whole system that was high end just a few years ago for $500 or less whereas that won't even get you started on a decent new system.

[GilesMM]

I'd be looking for used equipment.  People often get rid of perfectly good older surround sound gear as there's a continual upgrade treadmill on those...  Could get a whole system that was high end just a few years ago for $500 or less whereas that won't even get you started on a decent new system.

You can pick up amazing deals this way.  I have gotten all my surround and sound bar systems this way.  People basically throw away 2-3 year old equipment when they move or upgrade, etc.

[HipGnosis]

I'd be looking for used equipment.  People often get rid of perfectly good older surround sound gear as there's a continual upgrade treadmill on those...  Could get a whole system that was high end just a few years ago for $500 or less whereas that won't even get you started on a decent new system.

You can pick up amazing deals this way.  I have gotten all my surround and sound bar systems this way.  People basically throw away 2-3 year old equipment when they move or upgrade, etc.

Where do you shop / find these deals??

[Just Joe]

Marketplace, eBay, estate sales sometimes.

[Reddleman]

I'd agree that used is the best bet. 

Marketplace is probably the easiest, since eBay shipping on an entire system (particularly the subwoofer) may cost as much as the entire system itself! 

I bought a full surround system (All quality Paradigm speakers and sub, Denon 7.1 HDMI switching receiver) a few years ago.  Had to meet the guy at a storage container so there was no way to test it.  Since he was moving and just wanted to get rid of it I offered him $200 and he took it.  Original price was probably closer to $2k.  Everything worked.

Many people are moving to sound bars since the quality has gotten much better recently and it's "good enough" for most people.  Finding someone getting rid of a really good 5.1/7.1 system is pretty simple these days.