Mixing brands on receivers and speakers -- bad idea?

[Kai Winters]

Were it me I would start with the receiver, then fronts and move on from there. It depends on your budget, short term future purchases, desires, wife's approval/acceptance, etc.
Generally you may be able to use the htib speakers as surrounds and just maybe the sub but as has been said it depends on ohms.

The 2 most highly recommended receivers on this forum seem to be the Onkyo 606 and Yamaha 663. Both are highly touted and deserve the praise while also being fairly inexpensive if you shop carefully.
I would start with a decent receiver...I prefer Yamaha and would choose the 663...and a good pair of fronts. I am a Paradigm fan, feeling they give you some of the best sound for the money. I would probably start with the Atoms if budget were critical. They are an amazing speaker for the money. As budget allows I would move the Atoms to be used as surrounds, etc. replacing them with better fronts in the future.
The receiver and Atoms will set you back $800ish at 6ave right now. For a bit more you could upgrade the Atoms to the Titans for $50 more. Both speakers are the version 5...the latest Paradigms are version 6...You can do better if you ask for a deal and/or shop around.

My advice for speakers is to take a compilation cd of your favorite listening material and several favorite movies and go on a listening trip. Everyone's ears hear differently and you buy based on what is most pleasing to your ears. However quality will always out. You will be best served by buying the most speaker you can afford at a time as they will last the longest, have the biggest impact on your listening experience and do not change as much as electronics, such as receivers do.

Good luck, as questions as needed and keep us informed.