Speaker Selection Question

"Good" is a pretty relative term, corsair, and in my opinion, you are not going to find a "good quality, good sounding set of speakers" for a 7.1 system for $600.00.

But there are speaker systems that you can get for that price. Here's a good place to start lookin' with some associated reviews and ratings: http://shopper.cnet.com/4144-6467_9-...0&tag=srt.prcl

They rated the Onkyo SKS-HT240 System as a best buy in that price range. http://shopper.cnet.com/surround-spe...ag=srch_9_1#p1

Can't give you any personal experiences with speakers in this price range though.

Like I said, corsair, "good" is a relative term and you may find that Onkyo speaker package to be just fine.

If I were you, I'd go to your closest store and start listening to various systems to find out what you like in varying price ranges.

I've been in this game for a long time, and as such, I've climbed up the price ladder wayyyyyyy above your six hundred dollar level, so I am the wrong person to ask what price range would a good set of 7.1 speakers start at.

There are others here who may throw out a price range at ya, but I'd take that with a grain of salt.

Get out there and start auditioning. Best advice I can give ya.

"Good" is a moving target, but I know how you feel. You can find reviews on just about any option that will tell you this set or that are "great!" -- especially if they're posted by people who bought them. I have only read a few that said "I did a lot of research, and what I bought really sucks!"

The unfortunate position you are in is not having much experience. I'm a bit there, myself. But here's a simple example of a very basic system as you describe...
Magnepan MMG W in the Front -- $325
Magnepan MMG C as the Center Channel -- $300
Magnepan MMG W as Surrounds -- $325
Velodyne 3750 Subwoofer -- $400
...this is only 5.1 and we're at $1,350

Next idea...
Read this report on some of the best Small 5.1 Systems...
http://magazine.playbackmag.net/playback/200803web/
http://magazine.playbackmag.net/playback/200804web/

Right off the bat, you're at up to $1500 -- but there are several below that in this two-part report. And some Reviews on these are very inticing. Simply add two more speakers and you're at your 7.1 ideal.

Let me repeat that -- don't take the listed prices as being the current pricing. Read these two reports thoroughly and then look for sales or specials on the grouping that looks interesting to you.

My advice? Home Theater In a Box systems may get you a usable starter setiup, but many do not regard them as "good" -- and the fellas here are certainly not trying to be snobbish about it. Some people are perfectly happy with Bose, for example (not much there at $600, however). Heck, my boss said that's all he wants because their systems are very easy to operate -- and he's a millionaire several times over. He's thrown away more high-end gadgets than you can shake a stick at.

My question would be...
Are you willing to build a decent system over time? If so, your $600 might buy some good Front Speakers -- or, after reading the two reports above, a decent 5.1 system. Then add a few extras in a few months to round out that 7.1 system.

But here's another point...
Just because the Receiver is 7.1 doesn't mean you have to force a 7.1 setup upon it. Many people are perfectly happy with that 3.1 or 5.1 setup. Let's do some quick math -- $600 divided by 8 speakers to get 7.1 sound = only $75 Per Speaker. You can't hardly buy car speakers for that. So if you are bound by it, eBay's a possibility, as well as classifieds or Craigs List.

Finally, here's two possible winners (not quite 7.1)...
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equi..._vt12_stf1.htm
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equi...ke_classic.htm

I totally agree with the above posters. $600 isn't much of a budget for 8 speakers. But, a LOT goes into the decision making process.

How big is the room? The larger volume of space, the more it takes to fill it with sound. Generally speaking, smaller, cheaper speakers won't have the ability to play as loud without starting to distort and break up. Especially during big action scenes when a lot is going on. Still though, exceptions to the rule are out there, but you are going to need to start doing some auditioning for yourself to see what sounds "good" to you.

Another GREAT point already given, is you may want to consider going 5.1 to start or even less. At $600, you might just want to start with the front R/L channels only and build our your system from there.

Finally, you are going to need all sorts of interconnect cables, video cables, HDMI cables, speaker wire and speaker stands (assuming you are going with smaller bookshelf type speakers which will need stands). Is all of that included in your $600 budget?

Something to think about.

There has been some good advice in the previous threads suggesting that you consider a 5.1 system instead of a 7.1 system when you are on a limited budget. You can always add two back surrounds as your budget allows or use one back suround for a 6.1 system. I have two 6.1 systems using Polk LSi and RTi speakers that work nicely for for me.