Onkyo SKS-HT240 or SKS-HT540?

[AmpedSilence]

I just ordered the Onkyo 606 receiver for HT setup and I need a set of speakers to go with it.

I've pretty much decided on one of these two. Though, I can't decide which one is better or more bang for the buck. Cnet says in the review of the 540 that they sound great for the price but if you want more style to go for the 240's. That seems odd that you would be paying almost $120 more just for the style, they should sound better also, maybe.

So, What would you recommend OR give me a comparably priced setup that would sound better?

I'll probably be placing an order in a probably a weeks or two, so there is time for debate and suggestions!

TIA!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Seems like the 540 set is actually the better set in terms of audio capability.

Are you sure you only want to get a set like this after getting a nice receiver like that? You say you're looking for suggestions so I would suggest considering not trying to get a whole 5.1 (or 7.1) set on this kind of budget. Especially if this system is going to be used for music, starting with a higher quality 2.0 or 2.1 set and then adding on to the system later would be an alternative route.

 

[AmpedSilence]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Seems like the 540 set is actually the better set in terms of audio capability.

Are you sure you only want to get a set like this after getting a nice receiver like that? You say you're looking for suggestions so I would suggest considering not trying to get a whole 5.1 (or 7.1) set on this kind of budget. Especially if this system is going to be used for music, starting with a higher quality 2.0 or 2.1 set and then adding on to the system later would be an alternative route.

I read that in the sticky at the top of the forum, but I don't listen to music that much. Mostly, I am a movie person. I went with the Onkyo 606 because it has a 4in/1out HDMI setup. Sadly all the HDMI's will be full from the get go (PS3, X360, Cable Box, Toshiba HDDVD Player). Since I watch mostly movies and tv, I would prefer the 5.1 rather than the 2.1. Even if I pick the 540, I'm still only going to 5.1. I'll pull the other two speakers into my bedroom, using the zone b ability of the receiver.

Overall, I like the 540 more also since the speakers actually match (visually) my tv, stand, and receiver better than the 240 set (the silver will just stick out).

 

[krotchy]

I have the 540 in my bedroom and it is a solid set, though the Fronts/Center are significantly better than the rears. The sub is good, and definitely a step up from an HTIB unpowered sub, however my BIC H-100 in the living room puts the sub in this set to shame and my Athenas that relegated the Onkyo speakers to bedroom duty are definitely a step up.

The 240 set I would avoid for a few reasons.
1. It is ugly as sin, I dont know how Cnet can say its got better styling.
2. It is older and has a less powerful sub.
3. It is 6.1 instead of 7.1
4. The 750 is cheaper, has better styling, sub and still follows the slim depth of the 240. Really its the full replacement for them IMO.

I cant compare the 750 to the 540 set to you directly, but I would say both are good choices for a truly budget conscious setup. My only warning is your 606+540/750 setup might prompt you to spend money on higher tier speakers, since the 540/750 will result in "the itch". I had the 540 set, and while I was satisfied with them, and somehow I still ended up buying Athena speakers for my living room, the BIC sub because of "the itch". The 540 was moved to bedroom duty, where it works like a charm, and I still like the speakers as they were a great bang/buck.

 

[AmpedSilence]

oooo... I like the 750, it has the style I want and in the right price range!

krotchy, yeah, I know about the "itch" but considering i am going from an old magnavox HTIB, to this, it's a HUGE step. Maybe in another 5 years, I'll do the whole build up by component thing, but for now, I will have to be satisfied with what i can afford!

 

[Auric]

Tip: check out shoponkyo refurbs -not only the speaker section but also the systems. It may be possible to get comparable speakers for next to nuthin' by flogging the receiver.