Considering that an Onkyo 601 over here is $1800, would a Harman Kardon AVR 7000, (for powerin some M80's) for $1300 be a good price?

Whats the exchange rate there?

$1AUD = $0.691659 USD
$1AUD = $0.899398 CAD
$1USD = $1.44580 AUD
$1CAD = $1.11185 AUD

but for some reason Audio equipment seems to be sooooo much more, for example the Onkyo 601, is $500 USD, which should work out to $722.90 AUD, however it can cost up to $2000 in some shops. Which is why I am getting further and further away from my dream of gettin' a pair of M80's. (well my dream would be getting some cinema speakers, or the like)

Yikes, I had no idea. I see your point.

The power is different, right? I'm just trying to think of a way to get around the "system". Have you considered anything that is made in your country? If so is it cheaper and or better? You probably already looked at this idea though.

Yeah, the power is something like 50Hz 240V over here. I was considering importing from the US and just gettin some type of power converter, but I was sort of worried about the warranty and what would happen if something went wrong.
Also another big price point is shipping. Just to get the factory second M80's ($1350AUD roughly), is $2,107.80AUD, but that includes 5% duty tax and 10% VAT(whatever the hell that is),thats about $300AUD so the shipping must be about $400AUD.

Sh*t, I guess that's the price for living in such a beautiful country.
You might want to look into a reseller's license. Here, it cut's a significant chunk of the retail price. I don't know how it works in Australia, though.. Just an Idea…
I did it because I’m cheap. It actually turned into a business for me.

Yeah well I'm only 17. So I guess I'll finish school first before looking into a business. thanks for the tip anyway.
The more I research the more the stuff I want costs, and i am getting really really sick of my tiny computer speakers. So I am looking at getting this http://www.sony.com.au/catalog/product.jsp?id=LBTXGR99AV , cause it's on sale for $999 down at the local shop. Then when I'm older and making some real money i'll upgrade to the good stuff

I saw some pretty nice receivers on that Sony page. I would look at one of those. Hell, I think the m22's and a sony receiver would do better than that Sony you showed me. I would get one of those say $600 or $700 receivers and pick up The M22's. You could up-grade to M80's later and use the M22's for surround or put them in a 7.1 (rear channel) configuration. That way you have a good starting point.

I've got a pair of m60s hooked up to an old $300 Pioneer reciever. They sound outstanding. Granted I want to get a new reciever, but I definately don't *need* a new one.

Get a new receiver. It will sound much better I think - depending on how bad your old reciever is. My new Onkyo 501 sounds much better than my 15 year old Sony Str-AV770.

Of course I am not saying anything new - just reacting. And the Onkyo is not a GREAT receiver - just a good to decent one.

Oh it's on the list, around the turn of the year "it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine." Just saying, the speakers sound fantastic regardless. I'm sure they will sound fantastically outstanding with a new reciever

I understood - I just couldn't restrain myself from preaching based on my experience.

Well how about some M60's(factory outlet) for $1,040.98 AUD, plus about $150 in tax and another $300 in shipping so $1500 roughly and then some other reciever....

Immigrating to Canada might be cheaper.

I think the M60's are a great choice. Then I would try to find a good receiver that fit's in your budget. I would start researching receivers at your local sound shops, keep in mind if you go to a mom and pop type of shop, you can usually work with them on price. Audio gear is like jewelry; it has an enormous mark up. Mom and Pop type retailers usually offer excellent service and know their products inside and out. They also want repeat customers, just let them know that you will be sending lot’s of business their way including your own.

no one has mentioned it, so i thought i might throw it out there.. if you are seriously considering getting the M80's, then you might wanna think of a different receiver than the onkyo.. the M80's are a 4ohm load, and the onkyos arent really rated for that. the 601 would struggle to push the 80's to their maximum. if you get a 4ohm speaker, consider a denon or HK receiver.

bigjohn

How about instead of a reciver I get an amp such as the Rotel rb 1080 or 1090. I only want it for two channel anyway. So would this be a good route to take. As I'm pretty sure you can get a more powerful 2.1 amp for the same price as a 5.1 receiver.