Home Theater recommendations

[NewJeffCT]

Hi folks - my wife just sprung on me the idea of getting a home theater system for the large family room in our new house. We already bought a new 51" Sony TV for the room 2 months ago and a nice home theater system would really make the room complete, I think.

We're not looking to spend a boatload of money - probably under $750. Any websites that have a good comparison tool between various systems? Should we just stick with Sony? Is it okay to mix & match? Back when I knew a lot about stereo equipment in the 80s, Polk made very good speakers - are they still very good speakers?

Thanks

[ET Awful]

1. A good place to start . . .

is http://www.crutchfield.com Not the best prices, but they do have good comparisons, etc. between their products.

Polk still makes decent speakers, but there are dozens of equally good brands out there.

[emulatorloo]

2. Mix and Match is cool, and I am very happy w my Denon receiver

good clean sound. not so much money.

[Robb]

3. I'm still a Polk fan

...although my mains are old Polks. The nice thing is their website people will help you voice-match old and new speaks. I was pleased with the recommendations.

If taken with a grain of salt (or two), Epinions.com is a good spot to start. The Polk website also has a fairly good message board, very friendly folks who'll help out.

I'm fully mixed and matched, except for the speakers which are all Polk. Sony's a good value, but you can do a little better if you shop well. My things are all careful eBay purchases, the key is to find audiophiles who just have last year's stuff and want to upgrade.

Have fun! :)

[democraticgator]

4. easy........

Go to www.cnet.com. Reviews, recomendations and comparisons for systems of different types.

[NewJeffCT]

6. thanks

A good site.

[democraticgator]

5. check this one out

http://reviews.cnet.com/Onkyo_HT_S760/4505-6740_7-30469461.html?tag=lst

[LibLabUK]

7. Hmm...

For speakers check out B&W and KEF.

Amp/Reciever-wise you won't go far wrong with one of the main brands (Sony, Onkyo, Yamaha or Denon).

How much you spend will be determined by what features you want, how many sets of inputs and how much control you have over the sound.

I'm very happy with my Sony STR-DB940 and KEF speakers (I can't for the life of me remember the manufacturer of my sub..), which I've had for 3 years or so.