Surround Sound System to go along with 60" Sony SXRD.I need ideas?

[jmy350z]

I just purchased the new Sony 60"SXRD television. My new place is a small one bedroom apartment.I would like also like to do a surround sound system to go along with the new television.I do not want to spend alot of cash because I do not plan to stay here that long. I just want a nice basic system that is going to sound great.Should I look at home theater in a box? Or should I buy separates and build a system that I could use later on down the road if I ever get a house? Whaere should I start? When I was in Best Buy,I looked to see what they had.They had a Bose system with tiny speakers which sounded fantastic in the store.Dont know what they would sound like in my place.Money is not a problem.Just dont want to spend alot of cash for something that is most likely going to be temporary.Is there anything that I should stay away from? Thanks for your help.

 

[jaxvon]

Well for starters, stay away from Bose. Their stuff is WAY overpriced for the quality/sound.

Unless you're doing in-wall installation, no A/V system is really permanent. Sure nicer stuff might be more bulky, but it can be packed up and moved with you.

That said...
What is your budget maximum?
How large is your room?
What will you be using this system for? Movies? Music? TV? What % of each?
Are there any constraints for size and appearance?
What kind of music do you listen to?

 

[Snap]

Aside from you needing to answer Jax's questions, I just wanted to say...
NICE TV!

And if you are seriously looking at small speakers, I just got a set of Jamo sat speakers. They are awesome. Really liked the sound that came from them. I have not tried the Sub that goes with the A340 set, but the center and the fronts sound really nice. If I get the chance I might do a review on them next week.

Won't be as good as Jax's reviews....but none the less a review.

 

[jmy350z]

Ok. The system I want to build will be used for everything. Music,dvd's,tv,and also gaming.The music I listen to is mostly rock,but I listen to just about anything.My place is a small one bedroom apartment. The living room is about 18.5'x13'. I want to set this up right the first time.I have money to spend. Thanks alot for the help.

 

[jaxvon]

The first thing you should do is find your local hi-fi shops and listen to speakers. No one here can tell you what kind of speakers you will like for certain. Seeing how you like to listen to rock, I suggest that you make it a point to listen to some Klipsch Reference series speakers (especially the RF-7). Klipsch will also excel in home theater. Here are some other brands that you should consider for audition:

Rocket/Onix (from AV123.com, use their forums to find someone for a local audition)
Axiom (also an online brand)
Paradigm
Energy
PSB
RBH Sound
Phase Technology
Definitive Technology
Klipsch (Reference Series or THX Ultra systems only)
B&W
M&K
Monitor Audio
Status Acoustics
Aerial Acoustics
PMC Loudspeakers
JM Lab/Focal
KEF
Martin-Logan
Magnepan
Vandersteen
Triad Speakers
Epiphany


This is a HUGE list of manufacturers, some of which offer speakers that are VERY expensive (think >$60,000). However, they all offer high-quality products. I know that you will find something you like in that group. If I were to suggest a narrower group, I think you should check out:

Klipsch
Phase Technology
Martin Logan
Vandersteen
Triad
M&K
B&W
RBH/Status Acoustics