Looking at the
back of that receiver, it looks like Sony uses proprietary plugs on the ends of their speaker wires, including the wires for the passive bass module. If you insist on keeping your existing HTIB speakers for now, you could probably snip the plugs off the ends of the speaker wires and feed the bare stripped wires into the binding posts on an aftermarket receiver I guess. I dunno. Do your speakers have spring clips in the back? If so, I guess you could use
different speaker wire without having to destroy your current speaker wires or usability for the next owner of your receiver. You won't be able to recycle that bass module, though. You're going to need a new powered subwoofer regardless.
If I were you, I'd probably leave the plugs intact and include the speakers with the receiver on a Craigslist listing. It'll be easier to make it someone else's problem if you sell it as a complete set, basically.
Given that you're looking to upgrade a little at a time, I get the impression that a low budget is a concern. If your budget is severely limited, you could just start over with a refurb
Denon AVR-E300, L/C/R speakers of your choice, and perhaps
an economical sub. Depending on the LCR you choose, you might just be able to do all this for < $600. You can add
surround speakers later when budget allows.
The great thing about that Denon AVR and higher level models is Audyssey room correction, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ features.
Science.
If you're looking for a simple remote control, I recommend getting a
Logitech Harmony remote of some sort. You program it through a PC, and a single remote will operate your AVR, Blu-Ray player, TV, and your DirecTV DVR. For example, a single button press powers on the TV, AVR, and Blu-Ray player, then sets the TV and AVR to the appropriate inputs without your having to think about it. All you do is press the button for "Watch a Blu-Ray". If you've been watching a Blu-Ray and want to switch to the DirecTV box, pressing the button for "Watch TV" powers off the Blu-Ray player, pulls the tuner out of standby, leaves the TV and AVR powered on, and flips the AVR and / or TV to the appropriate input. Pressing the power button on the remote powers all the devices off. I say all that to say, ruling out an AVR by the complexity of its remote is probably not the best way to shop for an AVR.
What is your budget for your upgrades? Can you describe the room you're upgrading? What are the room's dimensions?
