Is HDMI 1.3 really that important? I have no problem with going used - that's how I get most of my guitar equipment - what would be something to keep an eye out for?
Much of my current gear is used. How important HDMI 1.3a is is up to you. All but one of my video rigs (three at my house two at my parents) run component rather than HDMI (because there was no compelling need for me to upgrade the AVRs).
I'd keep an eye out for pre-outs: especially if you don't get stereo sub-outs.
I've seen a lot of good reviews for these - would they hold up for a while, or would I want something bigger/better very quickly? Would I be able to move these to the surrounds, and get bigger/better front speakers, or would they not hold their own?
Match them with a good stereo pair of subs and you have a rig that will last until your budget is far bigger than we are discussing now. There are some modifications that can be done to improve the sound further, and if you eventually want even more, they make good surrounds.
What do you mean by "phantom"-ing the center channel?
Most AVRs, if told there is no center channel, will split the center-channel signal between the left and right speakers. In a large setup (say: a proper home theater where your L/R speakers may be 15' apart), this is generally inferior (debateable I suppose); but in smaller setups, like my bedroom where my L/R speakers are 10' apart, it can often be the better solution. (My center speaker is about $1000 by itself (was when new) and I've recently stopped using it because I like the sound better with it off)
Certainly, in a smaller setup, I'd prefer two good speakers to three lesser ones.
For the next 5 months or so, the system will be installed in a bedroom (last semester at college, and after that they'll most likely be in my apartment, but I'm unsure of where I'll be living after graduation as of yet, so we'll see). Because of this, I'm guessing that 2 subs would be overkill!
It's not about volume, though certainly more subs have an easier time than fewer: it's about fidelity. When using subs in stereo: don't think of them as HT subs. Think of them as the woofers on your L/R speakers.
Are there brands I should lean towards/away from other than Sony? Both of those look good, but is the 606 really that much better than the 507? The reason I ask, and the reason I wanted to keep the AVR below $250 is because that's my parents' Christmas budget for me, so I was going to have them purchase the receiver, and fund the rest of the parts myself. If the 606, or something else just a bit more than $250 is really that much more worth the money, I could buy the receiver myself, and have them buy speakers or a sub.
The one I referenced was chosen because it has stereo sub outs. I think the 507 does not but you can check.
You'll be fine with any of the major brands: Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc. The rig I've suggested is not very power hungry (and it sounds like you will be at low listening levels).
If you want to defer costs, you can get a much less expensive used 5.1 receiver by ignoring HDMI and only wanting 1 sub out (<$100): then get one sub and a pair of 2030p. If you have the space and desire: get another pair of 2030p for surrounds.
When you are ready to move up: replace the receiver (or if the receiver has pre-amp outs and ins, use an external crossover to: or if just pre-amp outs, an external crossover and external amp), add a second sub and, if you prefer, a center channel (and surrounds if you did not get them earlier.
Also, by then you'll have had good time to get a feel for the 2030p. If you got 2 and have the funds/desire to go with something else: move them to the back and buy new fronts.
It sounds like I'd be much happier starting from 2/2.1 and building up from there, so I'll probably do that (especially since it will only be in a bedroom/dorm/office type area for now)
I think it's the better choice for sound quality. If you want, you can get a used pair of "throw aways" off craigslist or the like for surrounds. The demands on surround speakers are not very high, and it's a good way to get surround without compromising the sound of your primary speakers due to budget.
Would you still recommend this if I could afford something like the two receivers that fightinkraut posted, a sub, and the 2030P's? As far as sub's go, do I need to purchase another amp, or would I be fine with a powered subwoofer like the YAMAHA YST-SW216BL Front Firing 100W Powered Subwoofer Single or Polk Audio PSW10 Black 10-inch Powered Subwoofer Single? (Again, sorry I can't post links yet.. they're both $99 at newegg).
I'm sure the receivers are fine, but do look at my comment on stereo subs above.
I'm not generally up on subs in that price range to commend on the ones you asked for: the Dayton 10" and 12" come highly recommended by others in the price point.
I've also noticed that there are many used receivers on Amazon under $250 - how do I know what to stay away from there, or what would be a good deal?
Brand, features, and power. I mentioned some good brands. There are others. If you have a question on a specific one ask. I may not know, but someone likely will.
Like I said before, the main source of audio (actually the only, unless I get a separate CD/DVD/BluRay player soon) will be my PC, would this complicate anything, or change any of your advice? My HDTV is also my primary PC monitor, if that makes a difference.
You may want to consider looking for 5 (or more) channel direct inputs on the receiver. Older receivers may lack some sound decodes that you might like, and (depending on your sound card and BR player) the PC or BR may be able to do those decodes for you and put them out across patch cables.
so 5.1 or 7.1 coaxial inputs are definately an advantage when looking at older gear.
