First surround set up, any help guys?

[BeardlessCheese]

Hey, I just bought my first two Blu Ray films (Saw IV, Black Hawk Down) and i'm loving what i'm seeing, but not so much hearing, as i'm just using my tv's stereo speakers and I really want to experience the much praised 7.1 you guys speak of.

Could you helpfull folk please recommend me a fairly cheap set up, I don't want to give you a price range as I have no idea what to expect and don't want to sound retarded .

Also i'm English so, take that into consideration with prices etc.

Thanks .

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by BeardlessCheese

Hey, I just bought my first two Blu Ray films (Saw IV, Black Hawk Down) and i'm loving what i'm seeing, but not so much hearing, as i'm just using my tv's stereo speakers and I really want to experience the much praised 7.1 you guys speak of.

Could you helpfull folk please recommend me a fairly cheap set up, I don't want to give you a price range as I have no idea what to expect and don't want to sound retarded .

Also i'm English so, take that into consideration with prices etc.

Thanks .

First thing folks are going to say is a price range- it really helps. If you're really shooting for 7.1 you'll need a receiver that'll at least cost around $299 or so to give you an idea. The Polk 6750's are 5.1 and are between $199 and $240. Another alternative is Onkyo's HTiB which uses the Onkyo 605 and combines it with 5.1 speakers for around $899.

You may want to look at starting off with a 7.1 capable receiver and 5.1 speakers, then upgrade later. It all depends on your budget.

[BeardlessCheese]

Originally Posted by aramis109

First thing folks are going to say is a price range- it really helps. If you're really shooting for 7.1 you'll need a receiver that'll at least cost around $299 or so to give you an idea. The Polk 6750's are 5.1 and are between $199 and $240. Another alternative is Onkyo's HTiB which uses the Onkyo 605 and combines it with 5.1 speakers for around $899.

You may want to look at starting off with a 7.1 capable receiver and 5.1 speakers, then upgrade later. It all depends on your budget.

Well i'll say about £500, which with current exchange rates translates to roughly $984.
Is that gonna be anywhere near enough for a decent set up?

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by BeardlessCheese

Well i'll say about £500, which with current exchange rates translates to roughly $984.
Is that gonna be anywhere near enough for a decent set up?

yes... that amount will get you a very nice setup.

[BeardlessCheese]

Originally Posted by hagar852

yes... that amount will get you a very nice setup.

Sarcasm?

If not, anyone care to expand on this with recommended receivers, speakers etc.

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by BeardlessCheese

Sarcasm?

If not, anyone care to expand on this with recommended receivers, speakers etc.

No, he was being serious.

The Onkyo 605 and 606 are really good places to start. The 605 can be had refurbished for around $299 US. A lot of the guys here seem to really like the Yamahas at that price point, so I'll let them chime in. I can say that I have the Onkyo 605 and really love it. It's my first "true" receiver after having crappy HTiB's for years.

[Driver_King]

This could be a start. Monoprice for all the cables you need!

[Mission1979]

The ONKYO TXSR805 looks really good, how come in the US its $538 and in the UK £800 about ($1500) Madness.

As for a good startup to 7.1 i'm at a loss, i'm getting confused with all the HDMI ready amps that don't do HD audio, what is the point?

I've got a 3 year old Yamaha AV amp, and I was thinking of upgrading as I'm having audio syn problems but i've no idea what to do anymore!

[zanderol24]

this guy wont be able to get a good deal on an onkyo in the UK though, mines was cheap @ £260 refurbed.

i would opt for the Onkyo 605
and these q acoustics speakers
http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/4136

they are bloody great i have the same setup - opt for the Floor standers for the extra 30 quid and this is a serious setup mate take my word for itt hese speakers are reduced by 200 quid at the moment and won what hi fi best speakers under £750 and imo better than the kefs and mordaunt short

[BeardlessCheese]

Thanks for all the replies so far, they have been a real help

And us Brits always get fisted with price conversions, its ridiculous sometimes.

[Beta Man]

If Onkyos cost so much in the UK, why not look at other brands

[Intamin]

Yamaha's are comparable to Onkyo as far as entry level receivers go in price, and they may not cost an arm and a leg in the exchange, so I'd suggest looking at either the rx-v563/663

[hagar852]

I would buy the cheapest receiver possible that satisfies whatever needs you have for your system. And put the rest of the money toward a nice speaker setup.. Or wait a while longer and save up a little more $$ and get a nicer setup that will last you a while longer without the upgraditis setting in.

I am not sure what is available to you in the UK so I am not the best person to recommend equipment, but I believe you can get a nice set of polks for about $600-$700.. and the left over I would purchase possibly the Sony DG720 which would offer some nice functionality at low price.

[allstar780]

you could always buy your stuff online from an american company that ships international??? that way you get american pricing and the only added expense is shipping

[zanderol24]

never heard of import costs?
we are one of the most taxed nations in the world mate- customs love this sort of item to slap a heft duty on