Budget Speaker Setup for Onkyo TX-NR809...

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum as a poster but finally have taken the plunge into the Home Theater world with something a bit more planned out than what my roommates were throwing away!

I got in on a great deal on an ONKYO TX-NR809 receiver. I know that some people have had problems but in everything I have read most reviews are excellent and for the price I was willing to deal with potential issues.

Regarding speakers, I am setting up my 'theater' in a room that is approximately 16' x 20' using a Epson 8350 HD projector (if it matters).

I have only a limited budget now with the intent on slowly upgrading the speaker components as time and money allows. For these purposes I am trying to get 5.1 for under $300, with an additional $100 or so on reserve for good in-wall 12 or 14 AWG speaker wires (suggestions?) and banana clips, etc. I have not purchased anything yet but probably will in the next few days.

Where I am right now in my thinking is a POLK PSW10 subwoofer:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KVQBA right now for $90 on Amazon

and a choice between the Energy 5.0 system:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021L9BME for $178 on Amazon OR

the Jamo S426 HCS3 system for $180:

http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-426-HCS-WENGE-5-Piece/dp/B003GGXGU6

From reviews and specs I like the Jamu for tall fronts and slightly higher power but dislike what I understand to be cheapish build quality.

One advantage I see with the Energy system is that if I move to the 7.1 then I think I can take the fronts from the 5.1 to make the 7.1 and buy a nice pair of towers int he future. The Jamu would make me need to trash the towers to replace them since they would not really be space efficient as rears.

Both seem to get great reviews for sounds quality for this level of speaker.

Apart from soliciting any advice or other speaker options I should look into at this price point for a 5.1, can AVS reach a reasonable consensus on the 5.0 speaker selection described above?

Thanks in advance...you all are a great resource and much appreciated.

Thanks willieconway!

I appreciate the info. I may take your advice on delaying the sub purchase and wait until I can get something more....'appropriate'.

Since you have the 426 setup, I recall reading that the satellites only have springclips. True?

I am embarrassed by the discrepancy between the receiver/projector and speakers that I am mentioning and wish there was another way, but part of the situation is that because the 809 has some bad build issues, I wanna get something setup fast, and really just can't invest what I want to in it. I could conceive of install max at $400 but really haven't come across anything that seems to make that much difference. Again, I am just going on reviews and forum feedback.

My main use is also movie focused (I can't claim to be any kind of audiophile) so a full surround system with poor quality speakers right now is preferred to a 2.1 with slightly better speakers. I'll hopefully be back soon looking for advice on top-end speakers!

I continue to scour the forums on these speakers and still come up against one final question that I originally posted, but will rephrase here:

Is there any issue that a newbie wouldn't know about using the 4 energy satellite speakers in a 7.1 system if an additional 2 towers of better quality were purchased down the road? For example, this 'upgrade' would leave the newer and better tower speakers with the original Energy 5.0 center speaker for some amount of time...would it need to be replaced immediately? Is there any other use for the entry level center speaker besides center channel on another system?

I make the assumption that the center channel speakers cover the same range (generally) as the satellites but maybe this is not a good assumption.

Thanks AfroGT and sdg4vfx for the input.

I don't have anything right now except the receiver but I am close to buying. I am considering the Take Classics vs. the Jamo 426 systems with a polk PSW10 sub as a cheap way to get 5.1 and test and use the receiver. I have no audio system to speak of now so just the move to an entry level 5.0 or 5.1 will probably make me very happy. Since the receiver support 7.1 (7.2?) I was looking down the road to that upgrade by buying new fronts (and center) but keeping my options open.

I will be putting in-wall speaker wire (taking down the sheetrock and wiring for 7.2 at least) that will have to last me through upgrades. Suggestions? 12 awg overkill? Good brands? I don't anticipate pushing serious current (not making a concert hall here) but definitely want to future proof myself for this level of receiver I would think.

Thanks!

So you bring up a good point that I haven't even considered yet. I guess ideally I would do wall plates for a clean look. Any drawbacks I should consider? Good tip on the posts and wire gauge.

Thanks for the links. That site is great! Good prices and glad to hear someone endorsing their products.

Thanks Allnighters!

I was not aware of that company but it does seem to get good reviews so far. I am weighing different options especially foregoing the sub now for better speakers as others have mentioned. I can see this hobby turning expensive VERY quickly!