A not so new...newbie

[craigzilla]

OK guys, while I am not exactly a HT newbie, it has been quite awhile since I purchased new components for a new HT. I just recently sold my Mitsubishi 31” TV (tube ala 1995) along with my Pioneer VSK-D602S receiver and my Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble surround system (it was mixed with the Ensemble II’s actually). It had been sitting in my garage for 5 years and when we got a new Sony KDL-46XBR3 earlier this year, I knew it was time to replace the compact Sony HTIB (Dream machine or something) that my girlfriend had purchased a few years back (and yes, it is her house so I have to work it correctly

So my dilemma is this: I have been suffering information overload by going through this forum, many others, and some magazines. I thought I would throw out my goals, and see if I could get some help.

OK, so we have this beautiful Sony KDL-46XBR3 television. I need a good receiver that will still be budget oriented (probably in the $500-700 range), yet provide us enough room for expansion moving forward for a few years. Like I said, I had my last HT system for over 10 years. We currently have a Sony combo dvd/vcr player with composite output – which eventually will be replaced by a Blue Ray DVD player. We also have an HD cable box/recorder that utilizes HDMI. Lastly, we have a hardly used Wii system – everything tied together with a Harmony 880 remote (my Xmas present last year )

Now, the catch is that I have to run my cables through the wall, so I’m thinking I’ll only need the single HDMI connector from the receiver to the TV, and then everything else to the receiver. Additionally, the woman is extremely conscious about aesthetics in the room – this prevents me from anything other than compact speaker systems which get hid on bookshelves (the old Sony HTIB had speakers that were probably 4” square with a passive sub we ended up putting the closet that was about 10”x10” x 12” tall).
My initial thoughts are to go with either the Polk Audio RM 6750’s for now, and as technology (and finances) allow for more expensive speakers, they can be replaced. (I’ve also looked at the Orb Audio, EMP, Acoustic Energy, M&K, Definitive, Energy, etc.). Also, as far as receivers, I was thinking of going with something as simple as the Onkyo 606, but I have read other reviews – CNET - that said the Onkyo’s no longer had the definitive edge at that pricepoint (then referenced the Sony STR-DG920). I have looked as high as the Onkyo 805B (on sale for $579) – with a possible stretch to the 875.

Now, about our environment, small house, family room where the system is located about 14 ft x 17 ft with the TV mounted on the long wall. We sit approximately 5-6 ft from the screen (less than 1.5x screen size). The equipment is going to be hidden in a wood TV console, where there probably won’t be much room for circulation (although I am thinking of routing holes through the top/back of the component compartment to diffuse heat buildup. I believe the cable box, a blue ray player, and one of the Onkyo smaller (606) receivers should fit in the compartment with 2-3 inches surrounding it.

So, what type of recommendations can you guys provide? I do go see the demos for Blue Ray and can notice the difference quite easily (I’ll stand about the same distance from demo models in stores as I sit from ours). I am not particular to any brand, but figure I’ll be spending approx. $1k initially, but may upgrade the speakers in time. It just SEEMS like I should get a good receiver now (even if I use my crap HTIB speakers temporarily), then upgrade the speakers accordingly. I know the 1080i vs 1080p debate has been posted, but wouldn't it make sense, if I knew I was getting new equipment, to go with something that is geared specifically for 1080p? (to maximize the capabilities of my tv?)

I’ve also been perusing used setups, and while I know people bust on Bose, I have been seeing the tiny Bose speakers for $125 for the tiny double cubes. Are they REALLY that much worse than others at $125 pair pricepoint? Oh, and we are thinking of expanding our audio throughout the house (and thus the interest in the Onkyo 875?) – but would love to do it via wireless technology if possible (..and yes, I know, wireless is not as good as wired – but I’m tired of crawling around in our tiny attic to drop wires through the walls).

Obviously, any help or things I need to be aware of will be greatly appreciated. You can also email me for more direct communication. Thanks, and keep up the great site. I really enjoy much of the info on here and seeing some of the setups - although I can tell who isn't married, or who doesn't own their homes by having all the wires showing in some of those HT photos

Thanks, I am going to start routing holes through the walls this week (I have 1 plasma and 2 LCD's, each in a different room - so I'll be busy all week