Lost soul

[KiaKia]

Oh wise experts, guideth me as I embark on my first quest to bring surround sound to my humble, well more like dingy appartment. I've done quite a bit of research, and creeped on other topics and forums, but all that plays in my head is a monkey with symbals. The specs don't make sense to me so anything with a low price tag lures me in. To top it off, I live in Canada where because of free health care we have to suffer limited supply of goods and unreasonable prices. Most US sites don't even bother shipping to Canada, and I'm afraid of the ones that do because of the *beeps* at the borders slapping on taxes I've never heard of...For now, I've made some tentative early plans:

For the front speakers, I'm thinking of going with two Athena LS-100 bookshelf speakers. I was directed to the site audio viser that sells the pair for 200, and I apparently avoid taxes and shipping costs.

for the receiver I'm going with the popular Onkyo 606...found it at "accessories for less" for 300, and only 40 dollars shipping to Canada. For now they are unavailible

I still haven't settled on back speakers or sub. I can't wait to hear thoughts and recommendations from people

[Beta Man]

Budget?

Everyone and their brother seems to like the "Elemental Designs" subwoofers..... but again, budget???

are there any size constraints for your surrounds? You doing 2 surrounds, or 2 sides and 2 rear surrounds?

Also, you didn't mention a center channel speaker, which is THE most important speaker you can get..... so you'll want that before surrounds/sub.

[KiaKia]

I told you I was lost. My budget would be ideally 800, but willing to be stretched to 1000. The two front speakers are the only semi-definate thing because they seem to be good deals...are they? Thanks.

[Beta Man]

They're showing as $100 for the pair....

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...S100%20%20%20P


but regardless, I can't tell if they're 8ohm, or what...... MANY here swear by polk's monitor series.....

Here's a "recommended" setup from another member (O.K. Driver_King, here's your plug )



Polk Monitor 50's, Polk CS1 Center, and Polk 5.1 system
Energy 5.1 system and an eD subwoofer
Onkyo TX-SR606 or Onkyo TX-SR805
Monoprice- For all cable needs

[KiaKia]

I've found the Polk rm6750 going for 320 canadian after shipping. I've yet to find the onkyo606 at a reasonable price. The best I found was the onkyo705 going for 450 american after shipping. Thoughts?

[KiaKia]

I've found a system (used) on craigslist going for 450:

RT35i Front Speakers
M1 Series Sourround Speakers
CS245i Centre Speaker
PSW250 Subwoofer

Is this a ridicuously good deal I should jump on or should I just go for the rm6750 going for 320? He claims they're in near perfect condition with pictures, but the uncertainty of the internet still have me worried...

[Beta Man]

Well... I'm assuming you'll be seeing AND LISTENING to them in person.... otherwise I wouldn't even consider it....

If I were you though, I'd try to see how much he'd want for it without the sub.

[KiaKia]

heh Yeah, I already made it clear I'd have to test the system first. I'll try to get him to exclude the sub, but it looks like he wants to get rid of the entire system as a package. In any case, should I go for it?

[Beta Man]

looking around I found someone selling a pair of the fronts for $150, and someone sold the center in 2003 ( wow ) for $100

All in all, I'd say $450 all together wouldn't be a bad price..... I'd certainly talk him down though.

[KiaKia]

Keep in mind this is in canadian dollars, so at the moment that would amount to 360 US. By the way, thanks for all the help you've been giving me. Very helpful. One day I hope I can carry the torch and help another in need.