I just ordered some new speakers vp150, m60, m3i, qs8, & 350 sub.
I am a seeking a little advice on a receiver. I have read
a few other posts and think a decent receiver is around $600? Are there any receivers that stand out among the rest.

I am also thinking that I may need to invest in an amp?

I am scraping my Home Theater in a box (Glorified Jack in a box!) and starting from scratch. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome Rebulx; glad to have you aboard!

I am currently using an Onkyo 602 to drive my M50s in a 16X27 room with no need(IMHO)for an additional amp.

It's my third Onkyo and I'm very happy with it, and it fits your price bracket nicely. However there are literally tons of other receivers out there that will do just fine. Simply pick the features you like and want the most! You almost can't go wrong.

Rebulx welcome!

I have an H/K 635 that I am quite pleased with. I wouldn't be too concerned with an additional amp running the 60s, QS8s, VP150 and the EP350...I had the same setup and the stand alone 635 did excellent. If you ever decided to add a pair of 4 ohm speakers such as the 80s then I would certainly consider the addition of an amp to help ease the burdon from the reciever. I do hear the H/K products carry the 4ohm loads without a problem though.

Welcome man, nice selection on your speakers. I noticed you got some M3i's, is that for the rear channel? Just curious, as I use Qs8's all the way around, for DVD's and music What color of finish did you get?

In regards to a receiver, you really have lots of choices, make sure you get a reputible brand: Onkyo, Denon, HK, Yamaha, Pioneer Elite, to name a few. I have the Denon 2805 which lists for $900, but I found it at American Electronics for around $700 on an employee price weekend. Most retail stores will charge list, unless you can talk them down. There are also online etailers, make sure they are an authorized store for your receiver you decide on. Some receivers have more bells and whistles, you need to decide if you really need all of that, or just want the basics. Sounds like you want a 7 channel receiver based on how many speakers you purchased. I like the brands that are Hich Current, full bandwidth rated models: Onkyo, Denon, HK, Elite it will say in the description.

good luck, Randy

Axiom m60's vp150 ep350 4-Qs8's (7.1)
Denon 2805
Sanyo Z2 projector
Panasonic S97S DVD

Thanks sirquack, I am going with a 6.1 system due to the awkward layout of my living room, the rear channel will be the qs8. It will be very interesting to see how it comes out. I may, later on in life, rearrange my living room.

Do you think there is a big difference between 6.1 and 7.1? I enjoy watching movies and I'm begining to think it may be worth drilling some holes in the ceiling (wall mount for the surrounds is not practical in my living room)

Was cost an issue why you didnt' buy Qs8's for the left/right surrounds? They will really out perform a direct radiating design like the m3i's. The rear channel does not get as much information sent to it, like the left/rear channels, that is why some still stick to 5.1.

Currently I don't see a huge difference between 6.1 and 7.1 as both channels get the same information sent to them. Many people just put one Qs8 or Qs5 back there since you have the 2 tweeters firing in 2 directions. Many people also put the Qs8's on stands if they can't accomodate ceiling mounted configurations.

Axiom has great customer service, so you could always get one more Qs8 and put them as your left/right surronds, I think you would find you would get a lot more performance than a bookshelf M3i

Welcome and congrats on the purchase. Axiom customer service is the best should you wish to change something on your order or ask questions.

A Denon 2805 would work well. Some refurbed units should be in the $500 area. I bought my 3805 from Ubid refurbed.

Let us know when you get the goods and your impressions of first listens.

you can get a denon 3805 refurb from ecost for $674, i think that is an awesome deal, if i want saving for a car now, it would already be on its way to my house
Denon 3805

The same place has a 2805 at 499