Thanks to Loveinthehd for the direction and everyone else for advice. Replaced the Onkyo crap in a box with :
-4 DCM MTX TP160C Bookshelfs - $199
-MTX Musica6c center (couldn't find TP160C in black)- $49
-Dayton Audio Sub 1200 - $149
-Onkyo TX-Sr494 -$199
Total $600
I know it's not a great system, but I hope it will tide me over until the wife graduates from college in 3 years.