Good HT 5.1 system for $600?

[audionoobie8954]

Hi all,

I am looking for a good 5.1 Home theatre system. Primary use will be mostly Satellite HD DVR, some blu-ray movies and some music from iphone.. My budget is about $600. This should cover the AV receiver and 5.1 speaker set.

Some basic research has yielded the following options:

1) Onkyo HT-S9400THX 7.1-Channel Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package (Bookshelf)
Onkyo HT-S8409/7500 7.1-Channel Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package (Tower)
2) Yamaha YHT-897 5.1-Channel Network Home Theater System (Tower)

Since this will be my first HT and I am a newbie, please recommend which of the above or something similar would be best for me? The Onkyo with thx and the yamaha with airplay both seem attractive. I am probably ok with pairing different AVR and speakers if there is significant difference. I am looking to buy in Feb '13 so prices are likely to hopefully reduce by then.

I plan to also buy a 40" LCD-LED TV (no 3D) to complete my HT system. (budget is $500)
Thanks again

[monkish54]

Hi all,

I am looking for a good 5.1 Home theatre system. Primary use will be mostly Satellite HD DVR, some blu-ray movies and some music from iphone.. My budget is about $600. This should cover the AV receiver and 5.1 speaker set.

Can you up your budget by $100?

[audionoobie8954]

I might be able to stretch to $700 - which HTIB system or combination are you thinking?
Thanks

[monkish54]

FS-52 X 2 = $258

BS-22 X 1 = $129

SP-C22 X 1 = $99

Receiver X 1 = $127

Total = $614

OR

Receiver X 1 = $190

Total = $677

This is definitely the way to go. Better than any HTIB and they rival speakers costing many times their price. This is the ultimate budget system, IMO.

[monkish54]

There might be some sales on the Pioneer speakers right now, making the value even higher.

[agarwalro]

Keep the front and center from the list above, but you can use the BS-21 for surrounds instead of the BS-22. This saves you $80.

[sholling]

Onkyo HTIB packages can be really good bang for the buck because almost uniquely they include good receivers in their packages but their speakers, like all HTIB speakers, leave a lot to be desired. Speakers are the heart and soul of any system.

The Pioneer/Denon system looks like a better choice (especially with the AVR-1612 option) but I would plan to save up for a decent subwoofer when money allows. Unfortunately decent subs aren't cheap but you can probably get by without one for now.