I'm getting my first speaker set up soon as an upgrade from my HDTV's built in stereo speakers.

Sony HT-SS2300 is my top HTIB choice now due to great reviews by the general public and that it accepts LPCM via HDMI. I do use my PS3 for games and blu-rays. But does this even matter with such a budget system?
I've heard some complaints about the light speakers, and want to ask one more time if there is a way to arrange a better system with a budget cap of $300. I want to go for some sort of surround, but realize it's not possible to have a very good setup with surround at this price point. At the same time, I don't know when I may be able to add speakers so it would have to be a much Superior 2.1 setup to beat the chance at 5.1. I am just asking if a set-up could be arranged that is better than this one for the same price. Mind you I'm coming from a simple stereo set up.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00180MQWG/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Thank you.

For a hundred dollars more (wait a little and save up!), you can do WAAAY better than that Sony setup. Sorry, but in my opinion, Sony audio just don't cut it. I don't much care for HTIBs either, but again, my opinion. But the offerings from Yamaha, time and time again have been impressive enough that I reccommended those systems in the entry level surround sound to many people and they have been happy.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567702&CTID=5000800

It's possible to find it cheaper than the list price, so shop around.:)

Thanks. I see just on amazon that I could get the YHT-391BL for just $15 more, so that could work. The BL is just for black right?

Also, should I take it that reception of LPCM is relatively unimportant without higher quality speakers?

Yes, the BL stands for black. If you can setup LPCM through the new system, I would go ahead and do so, you will have access to it. And decide for yourself, if it makes much difference. If not, at least you know that are using lossless surround formats decoded by the ps3. That is how my setup is configured and it sounds great. If you need some HDMI cable (and you will for the setup), get em cheap at Monoprice.com

Thanks, but in reading up it looks like it does not process audio via HDMI, so I have to used Digtital optical out to the speakers. If that's the case, could I do connect them via the optical cable to the PS3 rather than the TV?

Also, can I set up my PC to output sound through them via a 3.5mm Male to Male cable?

Ultimately, I could get an audio card that has some sort of optical output and that should give me better surround from the computer.

Disappointed to read that the Yamaha will not take any kind of audio off HDMI. Seems to be the case with a plethora of entry level HDMI equipped systems. That contradicts the new HDMI spec IMO. Nonetheless, you can hook up the optical from the ps3 and the 1/8 (3.5mm) cable to stereo RCA from your computer to the new receiver. A sound card with a digital output (optical or digital coax) will get you some digital 5.1 sound if your are running applications capable of doing such formats.:cool:

For a hundred dollars more (wait a little and save up!), you can do WAAAY better than that Sony setup. Sorry, but in my opinion, Sony audio just don't cut it. I don't much care for HTIBs either, but again, my opinion. But the offerings from Yamaha, time and time again have been impressive enough that I reccommended those systems in the entry level surround sound to many people and they have been happy.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567702&CTID=5000800

It's possible to find it cheaper than the list price, so shop around.http://www.*****************/trafficreport/img/3721/k08t1221bbuq/gdsmile.gif

I'm also impressed with yamaha, i like its quality.

So, it's still the best bet even if it does not have HDMI processing? That means it does not take the true HD tracks right?

Well, it will still be a huge improvement from my default set up, and I possibly upgrade components later.

Its still a big improvement, you will have to start looking at receivers that start around $300 or so alone to get into lossless audio territory.

People tend to argue also in order to reap benefits of lossless audio, you will have to invest in a little higher end speakers. Average investment of total package of around $1000 to $1500. I will leave the argument to them. You will still do fine with that Yamaha system.

Altec Lansing and HK make pretty good sounding HTIB speaker systems. Fine for a small space.

Thanks, going for the Yamaha's I'll expect to get them in a few weeks.
Is this the cable to get to hook the PS3 up? It does not get cheaper than this and 6ft is good for me I think. Just checking that this is the right one.
http://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Optical-Toslink-Digital-Interface/dp/B0002MQGOK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

This will sound crazy and I know a lot of people will have something to say about this but best buy's store brand insignia has a half way decint starter kit one box is a 5.1 speaker kit (~150) and a reciever (~150). So that would about do it and you can upgrade later.

Thanks, going for the Yamaha's I'll expect to get them in a few weeks.
Is this the cable to get to hook the PS3 up? It does not get cheaper than this and 6ft is good for me I think. Just checking that this is the right one.
http://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Optical-Toslink-Digital-Interface/dp/B0002MQGOK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Even with the around $3.00 shipping fee, that is not bad at all.

I was going to suggest this, but still handy for future inexpensive cabling needs.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229

I just saw these speakers and they made me think.
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=pd_ts_e_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Is there anyway to confirm if these are the same ones in the 391 set? If so, would I be better shopping for a different recciver for about 160 or 170$?

Thanks again.

They appear that they are. But I would not fret over it. A different receiver in the same price point won't make much a difference as looking for different speakers would.

This will sound crazy and I know a lot of people will have something to say about this but best buy's store brand insignia has a half way decint starter kit one box is a 5.1 speaker kit (~150) and a reciever (~150). So that would about do it and you can upgrade later.

I have the same speaker kit, performs above and beyond the price would suggest.

I didn't buy the receiver because I already have a functioning A/V receiver.