Spec me a sound system (£500)

[Robert1986]

I am new to the whole home cinema thing. I have been doing fine with my HTiAB logitech speakers for around 7 years now but feel its time for an upgrade.

I have no idea what speakers, sub, receiver ect to go for. If you guys could point me in the right direction and help me spend my money wisley, I'd very much appreciate it.

Current speakers - Logitech Z680 5.1. Bought back in 2001.

My budget is £500.

Thanks.

[mgrimsley]

have you tried www.richersounds.co.uk as i found these to be helpful and quite cheap.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I don't really know what £500 would buy you, as I'm in Canada. I can however provide you with some companies to consider for various componants. These are based on what a lot of members here have purchased and report favourably on.

Receivers: Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Sony and Yamaha.
Speakers: Klipsch, Polk, Paradigm, Energy, Def-Tech to name a few.

An Onkyo/Polk combo seems to be a real favourite amongst many members here.

If I may be so bold, I would suggest getting a 7.1 Receiver and 2 Speakers to start with. Add a Centre Channel next and then either the 2 Rear Surrounds or a Sub-woofer. Build it slowly from the ground up, as you will be happier in the long-term.

[Robert1986]

Thanks for the replies.

Building it up slowly sounds like a good idea. I guess I know what I'll be doing in 2009 then.

Just out of curiosity, how good/bad my current speakers? I have never listened to polk,Onkyo ect speakers before. Will I say a big improvement upgrading?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Robert1986

Thanks for the replies.

Building it up slowly sounds like a good idea. I guess I know what I'll be doing in 2009 then.

Just out of curiosity, how good/bad my current speakers? I have never listened to polk,Onkyo ect speakers before. Will I say a big improvement upgrading?

You'll hear a major improvement in sound quality Robert once you upgrade to a receiver/speaker combo. I can't speak for the ONKYO/POLK combo sound, as I haven't listened to such a setup in years, but it's an extremely popular one around here.

[Robert1986]

Hows this for a start? Also, whats the most important thing in a home cinema? The receiver of speakers? Should I spend more on the speakers or receiver?

Onkyo TX-SR506 - £189.99

Would I be able to hook this Onkyo up to my logitech speakers?

[Johnny Vinyl]

I don't think the SR506 will do it for you. You're better off with the 606....

I've linked you to a sticky from DriverKing. You'll see a combo there under BUDGET SYSTEMS that may work for you.

But you are on the right track Robert!

In terms of what one should spend on the receiver vs speakers, it should always be more for speakers. A case in point is my setup. Here are the details:

Receiver: Paid $1,100
Speakers: Paid $3,400 (no sub)

A 3 to 1 ratio is not a bad allocation of funds. Hence my recommendation if you only have £500 to spend, to get 2 Front speakers to start with and build from there.