New to Home Audio

[xAdonis]

Alright so here is my journey so far.

I started out looking at the Onkyo 7.1 HTIB's for around $700. Then I realized that I could buy a decent Onkyo Receiver and a separate speaker package a fair bit less. From there I started researching and have found that I most definitely do not need a crappy 7.1 home theater system for my living room, and a 2.1 or 3.1 setup would be much better allocation of my funds. This lead me here.

I am thinking about getting the Onkyo SR607 for a receiver (somewhat future proof), and I have about $500 left over for speakers. I am not an audiophile by any means. I consider my 2.1 Klipsch PC speakers to good sound, so I gather that I essentially know nothing.

I would also like to add that I listen to more music than watch movies. I listen to Metal, Blues, and Classic Rock mostly, so whatever I get I would like to keep this in mind, This will also be connected to my HDTV and PS3, and I do watch some movies.

I am fairly certain a pair of floor standing loudspeakers and a decent sub will get me off the ground. This is all so overwhelming I have no idea where to start.

 

[sholling]

I am thinking about getting the Onkyo SR607 for a receiver (somewhat future proof), and I have about $500 left over for speakers.

A good choice for your budget. Not future proof with HDMI 1.4 and 3D support in the newer TX-SR608, but a good choice for what you can afford to spend.

I am not an audiophile by any means. I consider my 2.1 Klipsch PC speakers to good sound, so I gather that I essentially know nothing.

I used Klipsch Promedia for years.

I am fairly certain a pair of floor standing loudspeakers and a decent sub will get me off the ground. This is all so overwhelming I have no idea where to start.

Unfortunately your budget will not support a pair of floor standing speakers and a sub. You don't don't mention the size of the room which makes a recommendation tough but for a small to medium sized room I'd consider a pair of Behringer B2030P studio monitors ($150) and as much sub as you can afford. Both Hsu Research (STF-2) and eD (A2-250) offer subs within your budget. Alternately for a medium to large room you could go with a pair of Infinity Primus P362 towers (~$400/pr) and add a sub later when you've saved up a bit more money.

 

[xAdonis]

The room is something like 15x20. Do you think I could get decent bass out of the floor standing speakers?

I was looking at a pair of Polk RTi10's for around the same price. How would I go about comparing and contrasting them? Are there any statistics to keep in mind when looking for speakers?

Also, my budget is not completely solid - I can save up more initially if it will improve the length of the investment. I don't want speakers I will have to replace right away. I would rather wait for another paycheck and get something that will last.

 

[AJinFLA]

The room is something like 15x20. Do you think I could get decent bass out of the floor standing speakers?

You could try to audition the Infinity Primus 362's if possible, to see if they meet your sonic requirements. They are available here on site for $400/pr, shipped. Adding a Polk PSW10 would meet your current budget and should be more than sufficient for your music listening.
As you expand to HT in the future, you could add a center, surrounds and a 2nd sub (preferably a higher output one).

 

[XEagleDriver]

Another option.

. . . about $500

. . . listen to more music than watch movies.

. . . Metal, Blues, and Classic Rock mostly

. . . and I watch some movies.

XAdonis,

I think you would be well served by the PSB Image line (the older line, not the new line released this past year).

See: DMC Electonics or Saturday Audio for good prices.

I have bought "B-Stock" speakers from both retailers and never found the "blemish" on any of them--they are as good as new IMO.

Get B15 bookshelves ($230+ship) and a C40 center ($240+ship)
then your front sound stage will be matched, which will serve you well for the long run!

Add the sub of your choice after a few more paychecks.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[Matt34]

I second the Infinity P362 towers. You can go without a sub for a little bit but don't skimp on your mains (L/R).

 

[xAdonis]

How important is the center channel?

 

[JerryLove]

How important is the center channel?

There's two ways to interpret that question:

"how important is it to have a center channel?" - That seems to vary. I actually sold the center from by bedroom system because I got better sound with it turned off and phantomed. Different setups report differing needs.

"how important is it that the center channel match the L/R speakers?" - Very. The center (when present) does a lot of heavy lifting in movies (most of the dialogue, which is something people are good at detecting problems with), and needs to integrate with the L/R speakers as they are frequently putting out the same sounds (anything transiting L-to-R goes through center).