http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/R1M8CM8FMVSKF5/ref=cm_lm_pthnk_view?ie=UTF8&lm%5Fbb=

You won’t be able to do HD under about $ 600, but you could get an entry-level HTIB for under $ 400.

My favorite suggestion for around $ 400 is a Haman Kardon AVR-254 receiver and the Energy ACT6 speaker system.

The ACT6 speakers are not the greatest speakers you’ll ever find but I can guarantee that they’re better than the speakers included with any $ 400 HTiB – at least they don’t seem like a waste of precious natural resources. However keep in mind that these are small speakers and, like any other small speaker HTiB, they won’t produce the best sound in a huge room. But in a small to medium size space they will be pretty darn good.

These speakers are well constructed and made from aluminum rather than plastic. In case you haven’t heard of Energy speakers they have been around for a long time and is a well respected spec developer/manufacturer of speakers from budget to high-end. These are a bit older and have been on closeout for a while, but that’s why the price is so good. Also, silver is less popular than black.

When the ACT6 first came out it got a few good reviews:
http://www.soundstage.com/surrounded/surrounded200502.htm
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/speakers/678/home-theater-on-a-budget-page4.html
It’s actually impressive to find a serious review for a speaker system this cheap.

The Energy ACT6 can be found at:
eBay from Acoustic Sound Design ($ 220): http://cgi.ebay.com/Energy-Speakers-Energy-ACT6-Home-Theater-System-NEW_W0QQitemZ230251487665QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers
They might accept a ‘Best Offer’ of $ 160 (for $ 200 shipped total) since it looks like they just started that option and may want to blow these out.

The Harman Kardon AVR-254 receiver can be found at:
Amazon ($ 250) or Electronics Expo ($ 244): http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0016BN5CM/ref=dp_olp_new_map?ie=UTF8&condition=new
B&H ($ 250): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/549825-REG/Harman_Kardon_AVR_154_AVR_154_5_1_Channel_A_V_Receiver.html

It might be a little bit over your budget but I think it’s worth it. If you absolutely can’t go above the $ 400 limit then you might consider a factory refurbished AVR-247 or AVR-146 receiver from the Harman Kardon eBay store where they sell at auction. The AVR-247 is a better receiver and it typically goes for about $ 200 at auction. The AVR-146 is an older model and has one less HDMI input than the AVR254 but it is almost equal in connectivity – it typically goes for about $ 150 at auction.
The Harman Kardon eBay store is here: http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_Home-Theater-Receivers_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ10225972QQftidZ2QQtZkm
I almost prefer a refurbished receiver for its savings and because, in my opinion, electronics are generally reliable and these things aren’t very complex. Plus, it’s direct from the manufacturer and comes with a valid warranty.

There are other capable receivers that will put you below your $ 400 budget but I think the HK looks nice, sounds nice, matches the ACT6, and has better connectivity for the future than other, cheaper receivers.