Advice on Family Room Music/Movie System

I think you might want to re-examine that budget after reviewing the constraints you have listed for the project… but then that only will account for which level of quality you wind up with. I’d put more $$$ into the speakers than into the receiver…. As that would be the easiest to swap out later on to improve or update the system.

Using a ghost center isn't going to be an option on the newer Onkyo units. Sony used to do it, and might still... check into that aspect on any unit you investigate.

Also be advised that '2nd' zone? It may be restricted to ONLY analog connected sources or the tuner... the 805/875 Onkyo IS LIKE THAT... AND MANY ARE. Top tier units might allow for digital sources via the second zone though... and some dedicated processors…. Look for that item as well. A call to the whoever supports team will clarify things as their press is quite veiled regarding such alternative zone uses. A second amp too might be required so do look into that area closely.

In my Onkyo based HT rig, I bought a dedicated center ch speaker which matches my mains.... reportedly. It doesn't. It does however provide the fill and center ch info being generated in multi ch audio with a very good blend and is a positive addition... but it's not voiced exactly to the mains, as complimentary as it is in fact.

My Sony, where I run the ghost due to space and placement considerations in my 14 by 12 ft. bedroom, is as enjoyable... to me. Go Figure.

The obvious diff between the two is what I term 'distinctive dynamics'. A defined point source projecting info and filling up a more cohesive symmetrical array is noticeably a nicer thing. Given side by side, right there and then comparisons, I think most would agree. Otherwise, either way can be quite acceptable ordinarily.

Not going with a center right off will save $$$ too. Once into it, one can be added later on if needed.

As I said, each method is quite enjoyable. Having better mains for this non center ch exp is a good thing too.... but I don't feel it is a necessity.

Getting a rec with the HDMI 1.3 option is going to be a great cost cutting measure too and allow for moves into Blue Ray and less cabling costs.

Bare in mind as well... 2 ch audio is my passion, I'm more geared to practicality, price to performance coefficients, and am pretty OK with not having the exact best possible situations more often than not in my non main listening systems. That said, I really dig the multi ch audio scene with well done DVDs or live events. The latter often suffers better reproduction.

Don't get me wrong here... I am quite picky... very much so... but I also realize which world I live in, its inherent financial logistics, priorities, and constraints.

Consequently, compromise is not a word I am unfamiliar with and I'm now capable of living with it with greater ease.

Lastly, given all the dedicated info swirling about from each speaker, be it 4, 5 or 7, that '0.1' ch is oh so important... especially with either on wall or limited range stand mounted two ways... which I strongly suggest over any on wall speakers. Phase Technologies, does a great job in HT presenting an outstanding value, yet seldom get the press they deserve and have great customer support if it is ever needed... though I doubt it will. They have a new line of on/in wall HT speakers that profess a general sweet spot ranging across the span of the seating area... they will be cost prohibitive.... coming in around 15K + for the setup. It does say though, that they have the insights and expertise for high end HT applications.

Were I to be on a severe budget I’d look into using bipolar speakers like from Mirage, or Eros, or Phase Tech. Getting them used might be an issue though. Other threads here illuminate their use in HT better than I can... and regular theaters do use them a lot.

Look into Vampire or Canare spool wire for speaker cabling. They’re both a good way to go. I’ve used both with great success.

Good luck, really.

Have you considered a used AV receiver? There are lots of high end AV receivers here on audiogon that can be had for well under $1000, heck for $500 you can get a THX/DTS/etc 5.1 or even 7.1 receiver that was over $3k just a few years back. The only real disadvantage of these units is they don't have HDMI inputs. But this doesn't matter unless you have a BluRay player, and even if you do, you can run the HDMI directly to your display and the audio (5.1 or 7.1 analog) to your receiver.

For the speakers, I agree with the above - spend your $1500 (or now $2000 with the money you saved) on a good pair of mains and possibly a sub. You can fill in the rest later as funds are available.

There is lots to choose from in this range, and certainly some good used deals here too. A personal favorite of mine is ACI (Audio Concepts, Inc). They don't advertise, only sell direct, etc. They have been around maybe 25 years and continually get rave reviews from the critics. Problem is you have to buy a pair to check them out - but they have a 30 day return policy.

A pair of their Emerald speakers and their Force sub would fit your stated budget. I have this setup in my bedroom and it is wonderful. Even some of my big ticket audiophile friends were impressed.

Disclaimer - I have no affiliation with ACI other than being a satisfied customer. There are other small shops like ACI that only sell direct and offer similar value. Bottom line - at $1500 to $2000 you should be able to find a very good set of mains and a sub that will form the basis of an excellent system.

Thanks everybody for the suggestions so far.

I definitely would consider a used receiver, especially since they lose value so quickly.

The space in the room is the big issue. There are no shortage of quality monitors that can be paired with a subwoofer, the key will be making them fit in the room. On wall mounting would still be the best option.

I have Linn stuff in my main system and they make some monitors that can be wall mounted on brackets, or stand mounted. Any other ideas?

I definitely hear the advice to invest in the mains and subwoofer. If you stop there than you don't need a receiver at all, maybe just a nice integrated amp. But I do want to try out the multi channel thing.

Just a clarification on the zone B idea. I was just thinking that a 7 channel receiver could drive some outdoor speakers with channels 6-7 using another source like a Squeezebox. Not a main priority but it doesn't seem uncommon.

Any other ideas are welcome!

bmd, the best downpriced on-wall speakers i've heard were energy take (i think fps is the model designation), which retail for about $400 each and sounded really good with music and movies. i'd think you can find 'em discounted or used for quite a bit less. they matched well with the garden-variety yamaha avr i heard them with. energy also makes excellent little 100w/150w subs, which you can easily find on ebay for $150 or so.
i agree with the recommendations for a used avr (places like accessories4less also blow out nice new or refurb onkyo or marantz units)-- denon, yam, onkyo etc. all make credible products w/second zone and numerous other features. all that said, i don't think you'll have a problem scoring a good system at you $1.5k budget.

A key issue here is your need - desire for 'on wall' speakers. outside of the audio diffs, finding them used is going to be tuff sledding.... possibly making you look into new ones altogether.

Pretty much all else can be had preowned.

The other 'key' diff - suggestions to get a used aV vs. int is the ability to initially just go 2.1 for now... and as time and other 'deals' come along, add to it, instead of outright replacing the int, were that the choice.

Focus makes on wall, and if you search threads here you'll find many other in wall or on wall speaker makers. Paradigm, Infinity, etc.

The Trick though, as I said, is getting good ones used. Especially di or bi poles for rears which is a good idea as they suffer less from on wall mounts and the audio info they serve to render.

The sub is the consideration following the mains.

J River music too is a source for end of run receivers or new ones... with warranties..

ACI too is a good company to deal with they are quite customer oriented.