Advice For 7.1 Setup

[kermuffle]

Hi everyone, it's been a while

I've been looking into getting into HT. Ideally I'd like a 7.1 system, but money is tight atm. I'd probably like to keep my budget around or lower than $1500.00. As a beginner and with a low budget I'm thinking of HTIB... Priority is for surround sound, and not visual processing or switching. Not too sure about digital vs analogue or all the surround formats. Want to avoid caring about anything being superseded Space is also a limitation. The gear hooked up would be a 508xda, ps3, xe-1, htpc, vcr, foxtel and other game consoles.

So far I;ve been looking at...

- carlton audio visual is selling a marantz 3001 7.1 receiver at $450.00. w/ up to $1000.00 speaker bundle

- sony muteki system at $1000

- yammy surround pack

Timing might also be an issue with the global eco. crisis... Maybe I'll wait another year or two?

I'd greatly appreciate any advice given.

Cheers,

Jon

[petetherock]

Mate

With such a limited budget, I would use it to get quality rather than quantity.

Get a 5.1 system and get better components.

I run a 9.2 system and it is better, but setting it up and the cost are significantly more than a simple 5.1 system which can yield quite decent results.

Don't forget you need stands, cables and other costs which increase with a 7.1 vs a 5.1 system setup.

[Euro76]

WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 9.2 $295 (Front)

WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 9.1 $275 (Rear)

WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 9 CS/CM $169/??

WHARFEDALE SW150 $300

Wharfedale ranges can get from Mario in Sydney (search on Ebay) , he is a nice guy.

Denon AVR1508 probably can get it for $499 in Melbourne

Total cost $1538 plus stand and cables too

For this setup, you wont be regret for the entry level. hope this will help

Edited November 5, 2008 by magiman05

[kermuffle]

Thanks for the input, I was thinking of getting a Yamaha speaker package from eastwoodhifi at around $1000.00 that's a 5.1 pack. The info given on the pack is at:

http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/NS7900_6900%20NPB.pdf

And for the sub: http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...s/YST-SW216.asp

Quality over quantity, if I could pair that with a reasonably priced 5.1 receiver... Will the sr3001 fit the bill? is the 1508 better? Don't mind going cheaper with the avr... Are base models okay?

Edited November 5, 2008 by kermuffle

[phreek]

Id go even further and say just get the fronts and a matching centre with your existing budget.

Get some matching rears and sub later.

[kermuffle]

Okay, so how about, Monitor Audio BR5 floorstanders and the Denon 1508? Or would it be better to get an integrated amp for now that could be used as a "power amp" later?