Home Theater for Nubs

[Canelek]

I know a few of you guys are pretty savvy on the audiophile stuff, so this may not be all firey-awesome. However, at the prices, I think I am making pretty good buys through my brother, who is a low-voltage contractor.

Ever hear of Monitor Audio? http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/

3 X R180HD (Center, fronts)
2 X R90HD (rear)
1 X R370HD (sub)

Granted, this is not their high-end platinum line, but I’m getting the setup at "employee" 60% off, or $730.

My TV is 720P, but plasma and blu ray plays prettily.

Since I use a PS3 for blu ray playback, will I see an improvement just due to the upscaling capabilities of a near-high-end receiver?


Sony STR-DA5400ES (receiver with 2nd room streaming, blah blah) came in today (MSRP = 2k, my price=500), although speakers would help for initial setup, lol….looking at a week or so until speaks arrive, blech.

So, for $1230, I think I did pretty well! I think I am more interested in any pratfalls of either the Monitor Audio Products or the receiver.

[Canelek]

Wow oh wow, did I ever make a sound investment. These things sound great! Crisp and clean. I need to learn much more about the receiver--like how to power on/off the sub, etc. Also, I need to tweak the settings here and there, but the auto-calibration (via stero mic) for the speakers was very solid.

Down-firing sub is tight and makes me worry that neighbors will eventually call the cops.