This seems like an awfully good price and a system that seems to get very good reviews all around.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR606-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B0015S8PGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1228106725&sr=1-1#productPromotions

I won't be getting anything until I lock down a job in Raleigh next Spring or get a graduation present from the folks, but I'm doing some research and want to go over options...

What should I be looking for and what are some recommendations?

What I have/will be using:

- Native 1080p HD television
- DirecTV
- New Blu-Ray player
- Pre-elite Xbox360
- 5.1 JBL speaker system

So I'll need two HDMI inputs and one component input obviously, at minimum. Most any receiver will be able to accommodate that.

How much of a difference to the sound would back surround speakers make?

I'm a tech noob, but am all about some good sound/video...

12/1/2008 12:00:57 AM

I own and love that receiver.

12/1/2008 12:07:25 AM

I can vouch for Onkyo making great stuff. I have an older 6.1 system, and it's been great over the last 4 years. I'll upgrade one day.

Amazon is killing newegg on the price of that receiver...

12/1/2008 1:20:33 AM

that onkyo is better than a comparable denon.

12/1/2008 2:28:38 AM

onkyo is pretty much your best bang for the buck for new-age recievers

12/1/2008 11:18:21 AM

Nice. I'm trying to parlay some online poker winnings in to being able to save up enough excess $$ to where it won't affect my budget (I'm trying to keep a strict budget while paying for grad school) at all and I can get it at that price...

Question about HDMI.

Will I be able to hear a difference between a $10-$20 cord and a monster or sony cord?

[Edited on December 1, 2008 at 12:47 PM. Reason : V thanks... figured monoprice was the way to go]

12/1/2008 12:39:49 PM

no

http://www.monoprice.com for all your cord needs

get the shortest, cheapest one you need for your application

12/1/2008 12:41:40 PM

How much do you think I could get selling this Yamaha model: HTR-5540

It's in very good condition and never had any problems.

I'd actually sell it on TWW, but I don't think most would like that I'd have to ship it ground...

12/1/2008 5:26:01 PM