Is there a 7.1 speaker setup for around $1300 that is better than the SVS SBS-01's

I'd say Home Theater Direc Level 2 Tower mains, Bookshelf surrounds, Center, and an SVS PB12-NSD migh be slightly better for movies and a even better for 2ch music. That said... check the overstock prices on the white and silver SVS packages, those are even better values.

I just picked up SVS SBS 01 (5.1) locally from SVS' demo shop in Ohio for my sister. Amazing deal, the PB12 is absolutely nuts. The excursion on that woofer is crazy. I haven't hooked up the surrounds yet, but I think it's a steal for 5.1 or 7.1.

This coming from an onix rockets owner.

ELmO

The HTD speakers are from HTD (Home Theater Direct). The PB12-NSD is from SVS. The SVS speaker packages are available at discounted overstock prices in the White and Silver color schemes. Onix Rockets are one of many great internet direct speaker brands, probably a step or two higher up the ladder than what you're looking at in your price range. The fact that the SVS speakers compare well to them is a testament to their quality and value.

It's OK, from now on we will refer to you as Danger Mouse (instead of Danger Dave).

So, everything Hopkins recommended is true, you will not go wrong with any of those brands. One thing to keep note, is that SVS has been making speakers for about ~18 months, yet I don't know a better pound-for-pound dollar subwoofer I've heard yet.

If you research more, you'll hear "Axiom" and "Ascend" which are supposedly good value for your money brands as well.

For me, get whatever you want that's highyly recommended (browse the forums) - I just recommend the sub be an SVS.
-ELmO

Become an AVS Club Member, and make this your avatar - please.

Yes onix makes great speakers ...... I have the retired rocket 150s and 100 center for my 5.1. there really isn't a small rocket line up right now. the 250s with the 200 center would be it. The

The onix x-series is more in line with the svs, in my opinion

I think ascend and axiom are great as well. Havent head the svs but I am looking at the svs because they are smallerish.....

PK

6 ERA D3's($400x3 = $1200) + 1 ERA D3 Center Channel $300 + an SVS PB10($330-$450) would be a heck of a system for about $1900. That is a little over your budget but these speakers are worth it. Personally I went with D4's up front and D3's in the back and just did 5.1. But if you must have 7.1 then the D3's would work well.

http://www.signalpathint.com/index.p...d=32&Itemid=45

"Better" is purely subjective, to find what sounds 'better' to you you'll have to audition. Having said that, the SVS system is a great value, though there are others at your budget as well.

I think you've been given some options and he was just agreeing with those and reccomend you listen some for yourself and find what you like best... in the end it's your ears that need to satisfied, not someone reading your equipment list on a forum. You've been given good reccomendations... HTD Level 2s, av123 x-series, ascend, axiom... in the more mainstream the Polk Monitor and RTi lines come to mind along with some of the eBay deals you can find on the JBL L series bookshelfs. What most will agree on is SVS and HSU are your best bang-for-the-buck in terms of subwoofers and would match nicely with speakers from any of these companies. Even the JBL Venue and Balboa series offer good value if you're looking for something fairly inexpensive available at a brick and morter store (though they're far cheaper online).

Your electronics budget or planned purchases as well as some more details about your room (carpet or hard floor, drywall or concrete, drapes or exposed glass) would also come in handy. Also your planned listening uses w/ expected ratios (70% movies, 10% music, 20% video games) may also play a factor.

It seems like you're expecting someone to give you the magic answer that's the perfect system for you without giving much feedback. You're also expecting the answers to come within minutes or hours when a good thread usually lasts days with alot of information exchange leading to the poster finding what works best for him based on research, feedback, and recommendations... not just by asking "what's the best" and expecting a unified response with a list of what to buy and how to set it up. These forums are a tool to aid in your own research, not somewhere to come for an instant answer if you don't want to research, shop, compare, audition, and make decisions for yourself.