Surround Sound Advice

[threeve]

Alright, another one of these threads, lol. But my time has come. I got a PS3 mainly for games, but I've started to get a few BD's (around 15 now), and want me some surround sound and a taste of HD audio. I have extremely little experience in surround besides what I read on here, but I've looked around and found a receiver and speakers. Absolutely can't go over $500, and I don't hear very good things about HTIB's. So basically, will these "work" together?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG720-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B0015HKR46/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1213435174&sr=1-10

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-Surround-Speaker-System/dp/B000GU78Z4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215410711&sr=1-3

More generally, out of curiosity, will any speakers work with any receiver?
And finally, what better options are there for the money, because I'm sure there are some.
Any help is appreciated, I don't post much but you guys help me out a lot just from when I read through the forum. I'm still very much a newbie

[Midnightsailor]

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=71252

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by threeve

More generally, out of curiosity, will any speakers work with any receiver?
And finally, what better options are there for the money, because I'm sure there are some.
Any help is appreciated, I don't post much but you guys help me out a lot just from when I read through the forum. I'm still very much a newbie

In general YES. However, there are several factors that you need to consider before buying just anything.

Not all receivers can handle 4-ohm, 6-ohm and 8-ohm speaker loads. Your safest bet is to buy speakers that are an 8-ohm load as all receivers will handle that.

Check the "sensitivity rating" of any new speakers. The lower the rating, the more power(volume level) your receiver will have to put out. Klipsch speakers have very high sensitivity ratings and as such, you can get away with a smaller (watts per channel) receiver.

Hope that answers your question. I'm sure others will jump in here with more technically detailed info.

[obiwopkenobi62]

Check my sig. The receiver and speakers were suggested by many on here. Saved me a lot of money and the stuff is awesome. Best bang for my buck. Hope that helps.

[johnnyd1]

For a few bucks more !!!

Get the :

Sony STRDG820 7.1 Audio Video Receiver $295. at Amazon

It decodes DTS HD MA & Dolby True HD and has four (4) HDMI inputs

[callas01]

I think most people would say to build slowly if you are on a tight budget. It isn't everyones favorite way of getting surround sound now, but you will be happier in the long run.

For instance,
Sony 720 $220 amazon
Sony F6000 $199 amazon
Sony CN5000 $89

Total.... $508 (can you strech out $8)

Then save for the Sub and the rears.

You will prolly need one more HDMI cable so add that to your order from amazon, it will be about an extra $2. For speaker cable go to Home Depot and get 20' of stranded wire, 12 or 16 gauge, maybe about $3-$7.

Also, check BB the day after thanksgiving, I got my whole setup for $436, receiver and speakers.

[Slec]

Originally Posted by threeve

Alright, another one of these threads, lol. But my time has come. I got a PS3 mainly for games, but I've started to get a few BD's (around 15 now), and want me some surround sound and a taste of HD audio. I have extremely little experience in surround besides what I read on here, but I've looked around and found a receiver and speakers. Absolutely can't go over $500, and I don't hear very good things about HTIB's. So basically, will these "work" together?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDG720-Audio-Video-Receiver/dp/B0015HKR46/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1213435174&sr=1-10

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-Surround-Speaker-System/dp/B000GU78Z4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1215410711&sr=1-3

More generally, out of curiosity, will any speakers work with any receiver?
And finally, what better options are there for the money, because I'm sure there are some.
Any help is appreciated, I don't post much but you guys help me out a lot just from when I read through the forum. I'm still very much a newbie

Those speakers work very well for home theater use. My dad is using them on his setup. For the price, they sound really really good, and I think you'd be happy with them.

As others have said, if you can, get out and listen some, don't be afraid to build slowly. If you have to have surround sound now (and there's nothing wrong with that), you could do much worse then the speakers linked to above. They are a good choice.

[johnnyd1]

I understand you are on a budget, but you might wanna do it right the first time and not wish you had six months down the road. It may just cost you more in the long run !

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by johnnyd1

I understand you are on a budget, but you might wanna do it right the first time and not wish you had six months down the road. It may just cost you more in the long run !

Seriously, this is the best advice you'll get on the site. I got the Polk RM6750 as a cheap, quick fix and found out that I loved it but wanted much more. I have since gone through and replaced all of those speakers (except the sub).

Do it the right way (the way you want it) the first time.