Help needed for new HT: Pioneer 811 vs. Onkyo (1 Viewer)

[Jeff_To]

Hi,
I'm a newbie to home theater and need some help. I noticed that BestBuy had Pioneer's 811S for $300 with free shipping so I picked that up recently but I'm having a few doubts as to what I should do. Here is what I had planned to get:
Pioneer 811S http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=...at=&e=11101285
Fluance SX-HTB 5
http://www.fluance.com/fluan5speaks.html
Audiosource 15" 200 Watt Subwoofer.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...309779-3601545
With taxes and shipping I have to pay that's about $800. A bit more than what I was wanting to spend.
I then noticed Circuit City has the Onkyo SKSHT500 for $250.
http://www.circuitcity.com/frame1.js...ONKYO&qp=00598
And I can get the HTS650 for $325 refurbished.
My DVD player is a JVC XV-523 with DTS and Dolby Digital, composite video out, optical digital out and coaxial. Also S-video and of course RCA.
The room I'm playing to put this in isn't very big, just about 10x11 but it should be about the only thing in there. I don't have to buy immediately but right now I assume would get me the best deals. Any opinions on the Pioneer, fluance setup, audiosource sub? Can I cut down on that? Is it worth it? I've never had home theater before. Do I need 6.1 and EX of Pioneer. I have 60 DVDs and plan to add more and need a home theater. Is the Onkyo system about as good as Pioneer? Should I add Onkyo speakers to the Pioneer for the best deal? Is it worth it to get Fluance and that sub. Any help for what to buy would be great and I think this is all I need for now and of course wire.

 

[David Ison]

Since you say you are new and the room is small ,get the onkyo 650. When you are ready for something better and you know your way around home theater better you can always move the 650 into the bedroom. This is a great little system to start with, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Alf S]

Stop doubting yourself!
Stick with your 811..you get many more features (component switching, more inputs) and future upgradeability, well worth the $50 extra.
I love my 811 and I'm sure you will love using it too.
Don't worry about room size vs. receiver...in you case the point is moot.
As for the rest of the items, I haven't tried them out, but I'm sure they'll be just fine for your needs. If not, just return them before the 30 days.
Alfer