Regarding the original question, how do you get people to swear off HTIB, use the economics: the fact is, if people have any taste for good sound, these HTIBoxes end up being money poured down the toilet, since NONE of the pieces end up having long-term value. Better by far to cut corners selectively -- get a cheap-cheap HT receiver, for example, like the lowest-powered H/K's or a used 5.1 w/out DPLII -- but always put at least some (preferably most or all) of your money toward items that you'll want for 5-10 years or longer, like M2is.
I live in a neighborhood in economic transition (young professional families like ours upgrading a lower-middle class enclave). Since we bought our house 7 years ago, we've done many upgrades, and we're always struck by the stupidity of the way the previous owner did repairs, always purchasing "the cheapest kind"—a ceiling fan that breaks, low-cost exterior paint that peels, carpet that wears and stains too quickly. Buy the cheapest and you end up paying more -- that's the American way, the "ignorance tax" we foist on the lower-classes, like the "Check Cashing" stations that linger on the peripheries of our barrios and ghettos, ready to take a nice 3% cut for transactions that should cost nothing or close to nothing.
HTIB is the "Check Cashing" phenomenon of audio ... the way "the man" takes a bite out of the ignorant consumer.
If this argument doesn't sway them, then let them eat HTIB!!!!!
Birdman
