Hey guys i want to build a system for Music primarily. Its in a basement (24x50) and want to hook up outside speakers to it also. I spoke with Crutchfield and they told me an Onkyo TX_SR603 receiver with a pair of Polk Monitor 40 bookshelf speakers would go good as i have a brand new Dayton 12" subwoofer to go with them. I would however like the option to make it a "surround system" for sporting events/tv/movies, but my primary use is for Music Indoors and Out. I am not and audiophile by any means but want it to sound good and be loud enough, as well as hookin up all my components (cd/dvd player....EQ.....etc.)
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Looking to spend around $500 - $700 for speakers and receiver. Thanks if anyone can help.

Whew. Setting up a good system for music both indoors and outdoors, and as a surround system for 5.1 for $500-700? Quite a gauntlet you've laid down there. I don't think you can do it, but acceptable sound is very subjective. I don't think I could put together a system I'd be able to listen to that would do all of that for that money.

I would suggest you focus on one area and then expand from there as time and money allow.

Also, your room is GIANT! Your sub is not going to give you decent performance in that room.

I'm afraid I just don't know about the components that would satisfy your price range to be of help in suggesting actual product, but hopefully I can steer you away from a lousy multi use system into a decent single focused system that will also play music when needed.

yea thats basically what i want, a receiver to be sufficient for the dvd/cd player, EG, TV etc. that will and a "good" set of speakers for the basement and a set for outdoors, and then gradually build it into a surround system possibly, but mailny right now, i have the sub just need an adequate receiver and a good set of speakers....and I thank you for the response

yea thats basically what i want, a receiver to be sufficient for the dvd/cd player, EG, TV etc. that will and a "good" set of speakers for the basement and a set for outdoors, and then gradually build it into a surround system possibly, but mailny right now, i have the sub just need an adequate receiver and a good set of speakers....and I thank you for the responseYou can use a 7.1 receiver to set up a 5.1 surround system in one location, and use the extra 2 channels to power a "Zone2" pair of speakers outdoors. So it's definitely doable.