[Ewins]

I've gotten the "ok" from my wife to put together a HT system.  It'll have to be fairly low-end but it'll be an upgrade from the tv speakers and altec-lansing 2.1 sub/sat pc speakers that I'm currently using.  

I'm leaning towards one of the digi-amps currently out like the panasonic xr50, or the JVC (can't remember the model)

For speakers, I'm considering the infinity Primus 150's as mains and center or the HK 6 b's (good deals on ebay right now).  I'm not sure about the sub...I may even leave that out completely for now and just go with the LRC for now.  The use will be about 80/20 movies/music.

I need to keep my speaker budget between $200-$300 and about the same for the receiver.

I'm to any and all opinions and suggestions.  Thanks in advance.

[mcgsxr]

First of all, welcome to the Circles, good to have you aboard.

Secondly, nice call on the digital amplification front - I am sure that you can find the Panny or JVC in your price range, though you might have to buy online, if you are up for that.

As for the speakers, well, there are many choices, and I am likely not the guy to recommend those - I have had the same speakers for 10 years now...

Sub?

Mark in Canada

[Ewins]

Thanks for the greeting mcgsxr.

From what I’ve been reading the digi-amp’s seem to offer a lot of bang for the buck in sound quality and output and would probably be a better option than a similarly priced analog amp.  

I’m not sure if I’ll add a sub yet.  I’m only going with bookshelves right now so the base won’t be super (the wife nixed the towers idea) but I don’t need a bunch base anyway, as long the midrange and highs are crisp and clear.  I can always add a sub later if I need to.

[mcgsxr]

OK, I think I understand a little more about your direction.

Now, you naughty boy you, you cannot call it a .1 system, if there is no sub - that IS the .1 ...

To be straightforward, I would suggest that the two speakers (mains) are likely to be the most important - I run a 4.1 system (no center channel) that was only upgraded from 2.1 recently.

There are great audio experiences to be had, with only 2 speakers, as long as they are decent.

Hunt the Panny or JVC as your A/V heart.  Add speakers (I am suggesting just 2) that suit the sound you like - listen and pick the right ones for you.

Add center, surrounds, and sub, as the budget allows, UNLESS you are dead set on having all 3 speakers right away - in that case you are spreading the budget across 3 speakers, rather than 2, and in time, might come to regret that decision.

Good luck with the hunt, and let us know how it works out.

mark in Canada

[Ewins]

Sorry for the confusion about the .1 part.  I was rethinking my setup as I was typing.  It seems like the best option would be to opt for 2 good quality mains and then add the center and sub (in that order?) as needed.  My only question about going with the 2 mains first is finding a matching center channel when the time comes.

[mcgsxr]

Oh, I was just being cheeky with  the .1 reprimand!  

As for the order of install, if you choose to go mains first, and then flesh it out, it depends on your preferences.  From what you state, it sounds like you would want to go with center first, then surrounds, then sub.

As for matching the front 3 speakers, that is optimal, so if you pick a well known manufacturer, and can act within a year or two, I would bet that matching would not be much of an issue.

Beyond that, it really comes down to how picky you are about sound, and when you are able to start adding speakers.

mark in Canada