Best budget 5.1 surround receiver and speakers?

Used to own and sell the Marantz receivers. Never cared that much for all but the most expensive for the money, personally. The Denon's are good Value. They have the MultEQ feature, which is superb! Also, good power and and balanced sound for the money. Actually, they work good with the highly efficient Klipsch speakers, and the EQ balances the sound superbly! For cheap, for MOVIE SYSTEM, I'd go HSU SB-1's (can't beat that "horn efficiency" and focus for the money!...great dynamics), matching sub, and Denon 2708(?) for around $750 on the net new! I doubt you'll get a more potent movie combo, unless you go with powered speakers. Good luck

I'm building my first home theatre and agree 5.1 is a great cost effective way to start.

My problem is reading too much and wanting the best, without even hearing anything.

I think what's important for us on a budget:

1) Good amp/pre/receiver that can grow as speakers get upgraded
2) Good L/R Speakers and if possible identical centre and rears
3) Self powered sub

If I could do it for $1500 as you suggest I'd be all over that in a second and will read this thread every day.

I've calculated used:
Sunfire 5.1 amp - $1000
Sunfire Sub - $1000
Pre - $?
Speakers - $?

As you can see I'm already $500 over budget with no speakers or pre. Please help. I'm thinking of getting this anyways with really cheap speakers until next year. Am I sick?

I'm not one for these all-in-one box systems but what do you think of this one?

http://www.secondact.biz/product/HTS990THXRB

av123.com

X series all around

Panasonic XR-55 or 57 reciever.

Solid.

"Pmboyd":

For a "budget" 5.1 channel surround sound system, then I would try this approach:

Speaker System Packages:

I would first look at Paradigm and PSB (great sound at affordable prices) and then look at their subwoofers. If not, then I would still look at the Paradigm and PSB Speaker Systems and then mate them with a Subwoofer from either HSU (which by the way, their Ventriloquist line of speakers isn't a bad line to look at either) or SVS. Afterwards, if these aren't exactly your cup of tea, then I would also look at some of the more affordable packages from Definitive Technology. But, I would consider the Def Techs a distant fourth after HSU, Paradigm and PSB.

Receiver:

As for a receiver, then not only I would look at Marantz, but I would also check out Denon, Harman/Kardon and then Yamaha. I wouldn't overlook NAD either.

Good Luck and Happy Shopping........

--Charles--