Setting up Onkyo 606 with Blu Ray on the cheapish

[manutd123]

Hi guys,

I have my Sony Bluray 350 now with an Onkyo 606.

I also have 2 front speakers and 2 rear.

I want to set this up now with a Centre and a Subwoofer.

I was going to go for the Q Acoustics 1010i package at one point for £400 odd but now figure if i can just get the centre and sub that should do the trick on the cheap.

Can anyone recommend if this would do and if so and relatively decent quality set for me please? Thanks in advance. Am happy to spend a couple of hundred quid if it does the trick.

[rwniel]

Certainly in terms of the centre speaker it's not a good idea to mix and match with different surround ones. What is the make and model of your existing speakers?

Budget subs really start with the likes of the Mordaunt Short Avant 309i ~ £200, so once you've added your centre speaker you're not really saving much over a complete 5.1 separates package. Plus you'll have something that's designed to match tonally as well as asthetically. The Q Acoustics 1010i is a popular match with the Onkyo 606, but as always it's worthwhile arranging an audition and then seeing what you think.

Robert

[manutd123]

i have a videologic dts system, but it doesnt seem to combine with onkyo so i just use the front and rear speakers till i upgrade.

i would probably go with the q acoustics, would it be better to wait for xmas sales?

otherwise any other offers worth considering in the same price range?

[rwniel]

The speakers that come with the Videologic DTS system wouldn't be compatible with the Onkyo (because of their power rating and impedance), so you'd be looking at a full 5.1 surround speaker package anyway. Another popular budget surround speaker option is the the Maudant Short Carnival 5.1 (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001AXOUWA/thedvdforums-21) 5.1 surround package ~ £220.

If it helps, Hispek have the Q Acoustics 1010i package (http://www.hispek.com/P/Q-Acoustics-1010IPACKBLACK-51-Speaker-Package-in-Black(1010IPACKBLACK).aspx) in black, cherry or beech for £399.99 plus delivery (although appear they're on order at the moment). That looks to be a pretty good deal considering the SSP is £500.

Robert

[manutd123]

Thanks Robert, yup had found the Hispek price the most competitive also.

I think if i am going to make one purchase for the next couple of years for Audio then it should be the Q Acoustics 1010i, best speakers for the price.

If only there was one i could get cheaper with REMOVED or in the xmas sales, that would be ideal.

I have a Panny 42 Viera that goes with this, is there anything else you would recommend with my current A/V package?

DO NOT BYPASS THE CENSOR

[rwniel]

Yes, the Q Acoustics do seem a good match and provided you're happy with more regular box-like speakers rather than compact style-orientated ones - after all, you ideally want something that's going to be balanced since a system is only ever as good as its weakest link. It's obviously hard to say whether it's going to turn up discounted in some way; you'd need a crystal ball for that! :) We could equally see price rises because of the weakness of the pound.

Another 5.1 surround speaker option you could consider is the Wharfdale Diamond 9 package; £341.57 in various finishes (http://www.hifix.co.uk/sku2.lasso?&item=e4dd1ae688b47798c6606d9a5e90638de71b1a5697db69d8&r). Again, I would suggest you arrange an audition to see what you think.

Robert

[manutd123]

Just found the Onkyo SKS11 5.1 Speaker with upgrade to HTX22HD, any good? about £300 at superfi?

[rwniel]

The Onkyo HTX22HD is an all-in-one package combining both av surround decoding and amplification either as 2.1 or upgraded to 5.1 surround. It's ideal if you want something all-in-one and compact but obviously won't compare to a decent standalone av amp/receiver and surround speaker package plus won't be so upgradable. In terms of its cost it's good value for money though and supports LPCM surround/decoded hd audio over hdmi making it a good match with say the Sony S350 blu ray player. It's however not designed to work with a separate av amp/receiver like the Onkyo SR606.

Robert

[rwniel]

I thought I would add the offer that Exceptional Audio Visual are doing on the Q Acoustics 1010i package (http://www.exceptional-av.co.uk/product.php?fdProductId=33); it's normally £439.99 delivered currently supplied with 30m of QED speaker cable plus a 3m sub cable. But there is a 10% discount code running until the 24th of December which is 'WHF41208'. So the cost would be £395.99. There are no particular terms and conditions other than it has to be a currently advertised item on their website. Hi Spec seem to have put their price up to £449.99 now they're back in stock.

Robert

[manutd123]

Thanks Robert

What's saying this will be closer to £350 though after the hols? I am keen on getting this soon though, having picked up my bluray at the weekend..;)

[rwniel]

Your guess is as good as mine. :) Although you are getting the speaker cable on the above deal which could easily be £20-£50 depending on what's actually required. That and the free delivery.

Robert