1. Buy a used AV receiver. AV receivers are the brains of a home theater system, and they can be expensive. However, you can often find used AV receivers for a fraction of the price of new ones. Just be sure to do your research and make sure the receiver you buy is compatible with your other components.
2. Use bookshelf speakers instead of floor-standing speakers. Bookshelf speakers are smaller and less expensive than floor-standing speakers, but they can still provide excellent sound quality. If you're on a tight budget, bookshelf speakers are a great option.
3. Skip the subwoofer. A subwoofer can add extra bass to your home theater system, but it's not essential. If you're looking to save money, you can skip the subwoofer and still have a great-sounding system.
4. Use an HDMI cable instead of an analog cable. HDMI cables carry both audio and video signals, so you only need one cable to connect your AV receiver to your TV. Analog cables require two separate cables, one for audio and one for video.
5. Set up your speakers correctly. The placement of your speakers can have a big impact on the sound quality of your home theater system. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for speaker placement.
Here's a list of some specific components that you can use to build a cheap home theater system:
* AV receiver: Yamaha RX-V385BL 5.1-Channel AV Receiver
* Speakers: Micca MB42X 4-Inch Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
* Subwoofer: Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12-Inch 120-Watt Powered Subwoofer
* HDMI cable: Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable
This system can be assembled for under $300, and it will provide excellent sound quality for movies, TV shows, and music.