For anybody else looking to this thread to answers to their own dilema...

Not only do you want HDMI switching, but if you have any non-hdmi source units, you're gonna need HDMI switching and upconversion. Nothing is nicer than having one simple HDMI cable to run to your TV, especially when it's wall-mounted or something.

Earlier this year, I got one of these:


Onkyo TX-SR606, with Polk Audio speakers... and it's awesome. It's my 3rd Onkyo receiver, and it's too bad some folks here have had problems with Onkyo receivers because none of mine have ever had trouble. They're also built really well for the money.

 

Raj, It is unfortunate about your Onkyo stuff. My cousin was in the business for years. The only thing he suggested to me when I told him I didn't want a big box brand was to upgrade to the Integra product line from Onkyo. The warranty is longer and the components are a little higher end. Because they are sold through stereo stores and not retailers, the price points aren't usually much more for the extra beef and warranty.

I've had a TX-84 since about 1986 or so and it still provides basic audio in my basement. My home theater is run on a DTR-7, which is now probably pushing about 8 years, maybe 10? Other than one blown fuse in college on the TX-84, I've had absolutely no other issues with either.

Perhaps its brand loyalty, but I would absolutely recommend the Onkyo products for a basic home theater.

As for speakers - You've got to go and listen. Bring something that your're familiar with and hear it on the same player with different speakers. Buy what you like. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. I don't like Bose, nor the Advents my sister has. The newer Polks are supposedly a very different quality than older models. I listened to many when I was shopping, and settled on a very reasonably priced set of Energy speakers and sub that I found appealing to my ears.

 

[QUOTE=Yellow_S,Dec 1 2008, 01:43 AM] What are you talking about?

 

Home theatre is like all things musical, it is what sounds good to you. I started 10 years ago with MB quart 3 towers and point 5 for rears with a B&W center. I love the way they sounded. I have always used Denon receivers, I now have Mirage om-9 omnipolars fronts, omd c-1 center, sub and rears. I love the accurate sound they produce it really fills the room. My Quarts and B&W have moved upstairs now. I am glad you found some stuff you like.

 

How important is it to have voice matched speakers? I have a 'mid range' Onkyo receiver with infinity primus speakers. I am happy with my system overall, but I do not feel I am always hearing 100% of the dialogue (My left and Rights are big towers, but I do not think that they are overpowering the center... I think the center I have just doesn't do the job for me... it is the C25 Primus). I want more clarity and more precise dialogue out of the center speaker (I want to hear the whispers). If I upgrade only my center, do I have to get an infinity primus (it looks like there is a better primus than the one I have)? I know I need to hear it for myself, but what center speaker do you recommend if I don't have to stay in the same family? and if I do stay in the same family?