First time Hi-Fi setup - Page 2

I would recommend an Onkyo Receiver. I have a yamaha and got my father-in-law an Onkyo when he needed a new one and the Onkyo is far above what my yamaha is and mine is one of the higher end models. The Audyssey setup in the Onkyo is vastly superior to the YPAO. Onkyo is also better value for money as well.

So is this for movies/tv or your computer?

if you dont want to get a sub right now then the floorstanding speakers are a better way to go to get a lower extension. If you have some DIY skill the best option is to go with kits and build your own speakers for the best value for your dollar.

This is a great way to start:

http://zaphaudio.com/ZA5/

http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/zaph%7Caudio-za5.2-tm-2-way-pair/

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=295-464

All the bookshelf speaker components you need with preassembled XO for $200 is a steal considering it will play as well as speakers that cost 500-700. I provided the Dayton drivers as a simple reference for how cheap you can get some sub drivers. When it comes to subwoofers there are different designs for different applications. One box that takes advantage of that driver is the "lilmike F 20 sub" google search it and you should find it on avsforum.com the sub will cost about $400 with amp driver and wood to build and then you have 200 plus whatever it costs you to build the box....lets just say 700 to be on the safe side. You still have 300 for a decent receiver to spend....

be warned, the f20 sub is big but would make a great tv stand!

Edit: If you want to avoid the sub this is a good value as well.

http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2.5-way-speaker-kits/zaph%7Caudio-za5.5-tall-tower-2.5-way-pair/

Good extension to about 45hz
Edited by madbrayniak - 10/30/12 at 1:13pm

well, i'm not familiar with branding over in the au, so looks like i'll have to do some digging for recommendations. pioneer makes a solid product, so does onkyo. i'm not an onkyo fan due to aesthetics, but they have great sound. I was going to recommend some products but they aren't sold in au so i would follow rebelords advice and find an authorized retailer and pick up something used as you will get a great product at an excellent discount.

this recommendation is slightly over budget, but good hifi is pretty difficult to get for cheap, and the VSX-522 has some problems: inputs are EXTREMELY limited, has bad connections for everything but front L/R, . it's pretty useless if you need legacy support for anything. aussie hifi you can get a good set of bookshelfs and a VSX-826 for just over 1k and it's free shipping

VSX-826
Polk Audio Bookshelf speakers

the VSX826 has composite (probably won't use) and more importantly component in for legacy support for some devices in case you need it. it also has standard 3 way speaker connectors in the back and not the simple spring loaded connections so you will have much more solid connection on your wires or can use banana plugs/u-terminals if you prefer.

I use bookshelfs right now, and it's a great option and you can move them to surrounds later when you can pick up towers, or just have an all bookshelf system if that suits your needs more. This would pretty much be low level audiophile and have great sound.

it would hit just under $1100 but a good base to start from on a new system. let me know what you think

edited for bad grammar and add a bit of info.
Edited by Perrfekt - 11/2/12 at 12:21pm