Which receiver and speakers?

[mdjd]

Hi, I'm looking to start my first setup...
All I have is a 55" Samsung LED, so I'll need to get a blu-ray player, receiver, and speakers. The living room is about 15 x 15. I want something that I can use for Xbox360, movies, and music.

My receiver choices so far:
I'm not so much concerned with 3D capability. The pass-through is a big issue as far as being able to have both video and audio go through one hdmi cable. As far as I can tell these three have that. I know the Sony doesn't upconvert, but aside from that it got really great reviews. Any other opinions?

(I would have provided links but since this is my first post it won't let me)
Sony STR-DH800 $200

Onkyo HT-RC260 $350

Denon 1610 $270?


Now for speakers...

Polk Audio Monitor 70s for $153 each
(Would I still need a sub with these to get best sound? What would I get for the center and the rears? or sides if going 7.1?)

Or would Polk Audio Monitor 60s with a good sub be equivalent to the 70s?

Mirage MX 5.1 system for $595

Any other recommendations?

Thank you for the input...

 

[sholling]

An overall budget would be nice but I'll toss out a few ideas. Start with the speakers and then select a receiver that will support them and gives you the features that you want. If you're in a house and money is tight I'd start with the best 2.1 or 3.1 system system (speakers and sub) that I could afford and add the other pieces later based on an overall plan.

The cheapest good solution is 2 pair of Behringer B2030 bookshelf studio monitors ($140/pr shipped). They are somewhat homely and benefit from some easy and inexpensive DIY mods that WmAX developed. You'll have to do a search to find them. Pair them with a Hsu STF-2 (assuming there is nobody under you). Later you can add more pairs to create a 5.1 or 7.1 system.

Or you could go with a pair of Infinity Primus P362 towers (~$200ea), the matching PC350, and when money allows the matching bookshelves for surrounds. The Primus are super easy for any receiver to drive. Finally add an STF-2 when money allows.

A third option would be just to buy a 5.1 package deal from SVSounds. I haven't heard their speakers but they have a good rep on here and their subs rock.

For the receiver I'd skip the Sony and look at the Onkyo but wait until you choose speakers and see what they require. In the meantime keep your eyes open because at least once in the last month Onkyo's TX-SR608 has gone on sale for under $400. Or if you're in the US and don't need 3D support you can still pick up refurbs of last years 607 for $300 at Accessories for less.

 

[sholling]

Or would Polk Audio Monitor 60s with a good sub be equivalent to the 70s?

Newegg has the Monitor 70s back on sale for $150ea this weekend (promo code EMCYTZN24). Registration required for the discount.

 

[mdjd]

I'm probably looking at a budget of around $1000...give or take a few hundred. So from what I've read the Monitor 70's are good speakers if you like music too. Does this take away from the movie and gaming sounds? How do the Monitor 60's compare with a good sub. I would probably also have to get a good sub with the 70's. I was thinking of getting the 60's or 70's with a C2 center. What would be good for rears then? Does anyone else have any other speaker suggestions? What about the Mirage MX5.1? Any experience with that?

Thanks a lot for the help!

 

[sholling]

I'm probably looking at a budget of around $1000...give or take a few hundred. So from what I've read the Monitor 70's are good speakers if you like music too. Does this take away from the movie and gaming sounds? How do the Monitor 60's compare with a good sub. I would probably also have to get a good sub with the 70's. I was thinking of getting the 60's or 70's with a C2 center. What would be good for rears then?

The 60s and 70s both benefit from a subwoofer. It's been a couple of years since I've heard the Polks so I can't tell you what would match up but I'm sure Polk will tell you if you give them a call.

What about the Mirage MX5.1? Any experience with that?

I haven't heard the MX5.1 but unless you're setting up in a small bedroom it wouldn't be my 1st choice, and probably not even then. The little subs that ship with most 5.1 satellite systems are usually pretty marginal for movies, and their satellites' crossover point is much higher than I like. If I wanted a moderately priced 5.1 bookshelf system for a medium sized room I'd look at the SVS SBS-01 with the optional PB12 NSD sub. I haven't heard them so that's just based on reputation and this review. In my opinion Audioholics' Pro Reviews are a cut above most that you find online.