5.1 Setup...where to start?

[digitalErich]

I know there have been several threads like this before, but most seem to be centered around HTiaB type systems. I'm looking to build a 5.1 setup for movies/gaming/music from individual components but I have no clue where to start.

I have an apartment so i don't need a ton of wattage, I just want a decent receiver with good functionality and some clean sounding speakers that aren't super expensive. I'm basically looking to build a "B student" system here.

I know I'll need to do some research on my own, but give me a push...any recommendations for brands or models for the receiver or speakers to get me started?

[LiquidRain]

I talked to Wackman3000 about this and he basically said that given a budget of $1,000, you want:

- $300-$400 spent on the receiver
- $300-ish spent on front speakers
- $100-$300 on the rear and centre
- $100-$200 on the subwoofer

Yes you can go over $1,000 with that, but you get the idea. Front speakers and the receiver are most important. Next come the rear, then the sub, then the centre. He told me 2 really good front speakers will generally more than make up for the lack of a sub, if they're good.

He recommended Onkyo and Yamaha as brands for receivers.

[Fubl]

Denon and Onkyo are interchangable depending on year. Link the 05 series for Denon maybe better but the 06 series stuff for onkyo will have added the options and done a better job than similar denon units.

[digitalErich]

Thanks Liquid, those are almost the exact numbers I had in my head with minimal research so I'm on the right path, I think. I think now I need to settle on make and model for speakers. Any brands to stay away from? Polk seems to be relatively affordable with decent enough sound but I've never bought that brand before.