Looking for advice...

[maxmcleod]

Here is the setup I've found
I'm wanting to upgrade my setup and get it ready for lossless audio from my bluray player on my HTPC... so that means as of right now, my setup does not do lossless, since there aren't any hdmi soundcards out right now.
That's where im headed... for now I'm using optical.

http://www.hhgregg.com/ProductDetail...tID=19661#page

Is this a good deal for what I'm getting? or is there a better place to get this or very similar setup?

I personally like onkyo, don't really need the dvd player that comes with it, but couldn't find it without the player.

My other question is 7.1 worth my time? My room is laid out with the couch against the back wall, and I know the rear speakers for 7.1 are usually behind the seating... would inwall speakers behind the couch be good enough or would that be too close to the people sitting down?
would the two middle speakers, be right next to the couch on the sides? or further up in the middle of the room?

sorry for all the questions, but I thank you for the response in advance.

[Slec]

FYI you can get those for a couple hundred less at amazon...full warranty and everything. You'll get many responses but here's mine.

If you want the package but no ipod dock or DVD player, get the Onkyo 605, and 540 speaker set (total around $500-600).

Your budget should really be the determining factor. You can get the 605 or Yamaha 663 for under $500 (sometimes $350). If you want to go the 5.1 route, there are plenty of good sets (mythos, klipsch quintet III, mirages). You'd have to add a sub to some so see what they have to offer. Most importantly, try and give the speakers a listen if you can. They will all sound different so don't be afraid to hit the path. Take your own source material so you know the difference between what you normally hear, and what you hear with each set.

From there you can move into the expensive stuff....

[Slec]

Originally Posted by maxmcleod

My other question is 7.1 worth my time? My room is laid out with the couch against the back wall, and I know the rear speakers for 7.1 are usually behind the seating... would inwall speakers behind the couch be good enough or would that be too close to the people sitting down?
would the two middle speakers, be right next to the couch on the sides? or further up in the middle of the room?

sorry for all the questions, but I thank you for the response in advance.

The good thing about many of the receivers (605 included) that handle lossless audio is that they have setups that will adjust for speaker position. While not perfect, they do a damn respectable job of creating a good soundstage. Speaker placement, in less than ideal situations, can still sound great (as in walls in your situation would).

7.1 is not a standard at the moment but more and more titles are being released. For now, you might want to consider putting hte extra money into a better 5.1 speaker set and add 2 more channels later when more 7.1 tracks are available...

only you know how to best spend your money!