Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Alternatives to HTIB

So... my brother-in-law just bought a big Panasonic TV (don't know the model yet) and is probably going to buy some 300 dollar 600 watt home theater in a box on the weekend.

Ick.

I would like to offer him some alternatives and Christmas is coming, but not sure what the options are on the DVD player / receiver front.

One important cost-saving move in the HTIB systems seems to be a combined DVD player / integrated amp combo in a single box. Is this something that gets sold separately or do I have no hope of assembling a "cheap except for the speakers" system.

Maybe the best thing is let him go ahead with the HTIB then substitute some Axioms for the mains. Feel like I'm missing something, any ideas ?

Thanks in advance,
JB