My new surround system
 

Hey guys. I'd like to see what you all think of my new surround system. A few weeks ago, I bought a 50" Toshiba Projection HDTV, and I've had a mini-Aiwa system as my surround. It did the job for a while, but with the new TV, it's just not enough. So here is what I got for a surround system:

Receiver: Onkyo TX-DS676 - http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...=receivers&p=i
I got the receiver for free. My fiance's stepfather upgraded and gave us this one :)

Center Channel: JBL N-Center II - http://www.jbl.com/home/products/pro...NOR&sCatId=BFS
Normally $199, I got it for $99 at JandR.com.

Front Speakers: JBL N38II - http://www.jbl.com/home/products/pro...NOR&sCatId=BFS
Normally $199 each, I got them for $139 each at JandR.com

Rear Speakers: JBL N26II - http://www.jbl.com/home/products/pro...NOR&sCatId=BFS
Normally $199 for the pair, I got them for $129 for the pair at JandR.com

Sub: JBL PB10 - http://www.jbl.com/home/products/pro...PBS&sCatId=PSU
Normally $299, I got it as an open box buy at Best Buy for $199

The J&R order all had free shipping, and I picked up the sub directly at Best Buy.

Do you guys think I'll have a good system? It sounded GREAT the way they had it setup at Best Buy.

Mind you I have a relatively small living room, so it should be quite sufficient in there.

It seems nice enough. But then again... I would never buy any audio equipment from Best Buy (or CC) either. I also wouldn't buy a projection TV, but whatever. To each his own.

It's definitely a step up from your Aiwa mini-system! :)

According to a number of user reviews at audioreview.com, the JBL N-Center is not properly shielded, and can permanently damage your TV. You say yours is an N-Center II, so I'm not sure if the video shielding problem has been fixed in the new version. Be careful!

I called JBL and they told me not to worry, and that the n-center II is shielded.

I received all of the speakers yesterday, and wow, how awesome. What a huge difference (obviously) from my Aiwa mini system. Now it's just a matter of fine tweaking the system. Had a hard time getting the optical audio output to work on the DVD player, but that's all squared away now. Awesome stuff!

I have your center channel, surrounds and subwoofer. I love the surrounds (great bargain imo) and the sub. They both work to perfection in my setup. The center is okay and would be the first thing that I replace in my setup when and if I do. I probably will just continue to tweak my setting for a while though.

In many reviews I have read, all you would have to do is unplug your tv while it is playing (w/ your center on top of course) and then plug it back in. Supposedly this should demagnify your speaker and protect your tv's picture. I am not completely certain about this, but I would think some of our audiophiles here at DVDTalk could clarify this. I have had this center on my Trinitron for over two years and have had no problems, so you probably wouldn't have to worry anyway.

Good Luck w/ your JBL's, as you can see I like most of mine. Too bad they don't make my HLS-series (HLS610) bookshelf loudspeakers anymore, now those things were a bargain that I don't think I will ever find again.