Ok, after many suggestions * thank you all very much *, i think i am going to buy a Onkyo TX-DS575X that is re-furbed for $280

1) does that sound like a good deal (about $100 off)

2) front and rear speaker set recommendations for under $200 (w/out sub)

3) anyone want to give me any good/bad experinces with this tuner?

thanks in advance

The 575 is a solid piece of gear, but for less than $100 more you can get the current version, the 595. It adds a few nice features, like Dolby Pro-Logic II.

The 575 isn't a tuner, by the way, it's a receiver. A tuner is strictly an AM/FM component. A receiver is a tuner, plus preamp and power amp.

1) That sounds like a good, but not awesome deal.

2) $200 for Fronts, Rears, and a Center? (if so you should consider a less pricey receiver) Or $200 per pair of speakers? (if so you have many excellent options)

3) A very nice unit, that is now slightly outdated.

1,3) The newer model 595 can be found at JandR for about $365-370. The open box 575X can be found at onecall for $275:http://ww2.onecall.com/PID_10299.htm

The 575 is solid performer and an excellent value, but is an older model. It lacks Dolby Pro Logic II, which the newer models have. We have a 575 in our secondary setup and my parents have the new 494 with DPL II($279 from JandR)in their main system. Personally, I would purchase the 494 over the 575X. The 494 has a nice sound and decent power. If you really want the power of the 575, then stretch for the 595. It and the 494 are new models with newer technology and will last you for years.

2)It's tough to get 4 good sounding speakers for $200. Either buy one pair to start out or add more money to the mix. Another $100 would enable you to purchase 4 psb Alpha A/Vs, which would be a nice setup.

If you only have $500 this system will give you excellent bang for the buck:

$200 Onkyo 484:http://ww2.onecall.com/PID_12585.htm. Sometimes these can be found for around $150 on ubid, but I haven't seen any for a couple of weeks.

$300 4 psb Alpha A/V

If you can add another $100 to the mix, you can put it towards a better receiver and have more options.

Here is a review of the 575X:
http://cheaphometheater.com/onkyo-tx-ds575x.htm

and the 484:
http://cheaphometheater.com/onkyo-tx-ds484.htm

benfits of prolgoic 2?

Dolby Pro Logic II is very good at upmixing 2 channel material for a 5.1 system. Excellent for movies and TV. Interesting for music.

skar - so PL2 is only used to "create" 5.1 sound out of stero sound - and i am assuming that it manages to do it better then regular PL.....

so.. if most of my DVD's are 5.1, it would follow that PL2 will not be utilized?

PL2 is used when i watch stereo DVD -

OK, so if iwnat PL2, go for the newer 494 series

If i am not concerned w/ the PL2, is the difference in the power output between the 494 and 575x going to be noticeable if i stick with speakers under $500?

I am currently seeing the value in buying a new 494.....

Here is a article on DPL2 that is well worth the read:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...c2-3-2001.html

DPL2 is a great improvement over the older Pro Logic. It works great with 2 channel sources, such as the 2.0 on DVD, TV broadcasts, VHS or music. We found that it is especially useful for broadcast TV. If a DVD has 5.1, then you would not be utilizing DPL2.

The 494 would not have any problems with the speakers you mentioned. Onkyo's specs are not padded like some of the other brands out there. You would not really be able to tell a power difference between it and the 575.

For speakers, you might want to check out this deal:http://www.yawaonline.com/psb5piecofht.html

thanks, i went to dolby.com and read up otn PL2