home theatre questions

For best value I would suggest that you look at B-Stock PSB Image Series Speakers. I agree with an earlier responder on Denon and Sony ES receivers. I would also add the Yamaha RX series of receivers. For a video source look for an inexpensive Panasonic DVD player. If you shop carefully and defer buying a subwoofer until a later time I believe you can put together a very satisfying home theater on your budget.

The SONY STR DE695 has been a favorite of Sensible Sound magazine. In your price range ... personally, I would go for a Yamaha 5550 ($220) or Yamaha 5640 ($250) , new, at J&R Music http://www.jandr.com. If you are sold on the SONY, you can get it for $240 at J&R Music and not bother with eBay. The Polk 'R" series are OK, though you may find them a bit bright. You can go for PSB Speakers http://www.yawaonline.com or Axiom Speakers http://www.axiomaudio.com or Wharfedale Diamond 8 series http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/mfglisting.asp?hdnMfg=Wharfedale&MFGID=146. Rich

I know a couple people who have Definitive Technology Theater in a box setups, it comes with all 5 speaks plus a subwoofer. Im sure you could get it for under 1000. Ive heard them before, and as far as satelite theater in a box type setups, i personally think it is one of the best for the price. Sounds pretty good with music too.
(of course, not by the standards of the 2chan audiophiles on this site)

You dont need anything powerful to run them, so you could get a good yamaha or denon to run them.
It would definatly impress any casual listeners and it would put give your local cinema a run for the money

Other authorized PSB "factory cosmectic blemished" speaker dealers are www.dmc-electronics.com and www.upscaleaudio.com . Also, The $ensible Sound recommends net direct speaker maker Ascend Acoustics( www.ascendacoustics.com ) in your price range.

"Jacob":

I don't think I would have a problem in selecting either the Infinity Entra or the Polk Audio "R" Series Speaker Systems (assuming both of them are going to be 5.1 or 6.1 Surround Systems).

Now.......... as for the receiver???? I think that's a different story altogether. If I am on the fence, and if I was given a choice between a JVC and a Sony Receiver, I think I would opt for the Sony. Otherwise, if I was in a position to spend more on a receiver, then I would opt for a Denon or a Yamaha instead.

I am getting ready to upgrade the sound system part of my home theater as well, and right now, I am looking to combine a Definitive Technology ProCinema 60 6.1 Speaker System with a Yamaha RX-V740 Audio/Video Receiver. As far as a speaker system is concerned, if you are not already too hung up on the Infinity or the Polk Speaker System, you could do well to consider the Definitive Technology ProCinema 60 Speaker System as well. Like "Slappy" has said (and I can confirm what he has said. I have went down to Myer-Emco (an "upper echelon" audio/video chain store in my area (which is in Washington, D. C.))), they are pretty good speakers for the money. You might want to give them a try as well.

Regards and Good Luck...........

--Charles--