£200 Budget, Stereo vs Onkyo HTX22HD vs Sony HT-DDWG800 or other 5.1/2.1

[Deinos93]

Hi, After some response on this thread:
Newbie Advice/Education 2.1/3.1 + Asus Xonar HDAV Deluxe

I have a small 8.5'x12' room. The speakers would be hooked upto my computer and used 50% Gaming and 50% Music Listening, mainly hard rock, power metal and a bit of Jimmy Hendrix

My question is this:
Which would I be better off buying:
A 5.1 AV Receiver (for upgradability) and stereo speakers.
Or a htib like Sony HT-DDWG800
Or an Onkyo HTX22HD

Would I get much better quality if I bought less speaker (i.e. stereo) for the same money as I would 5.1.

Also can anyone suggest some reputable brands of speaker manufactures.

Btw I know upgradability is not a word, its just it sounded stupid putting for its possible upgrade solutions

[Deinos93]

Surely there are some suggestions for a receiver and speaker combo for £200-£300

[eaglemmoomin]

Originally Posted by Deinos93

Surely there are some suggestions for a receiver and speaker combo for £200-£300

Use the search function there have been several threads asking this question in the last week or two. Also get a mod to put your question in the integrated AV amp section.

[rickbruce]

I say go for the Onkyo HTX22HD, it is only 2.1 but you can add additional speakers as your budget allows upto 5.1, or 7.1 with an additional power amp. Got mine for £185 at Richer Sounds by price matching with Superfi.

[reaper12]

You will be very happy with the Sony HT-DDWG800. I know I wrote all this in the other thread. The sony system isn't exactly like a HTIB. It's more like receiver and speaker combo. It will do you really well for such a small room and considering your budget is only around £200, I think it's one of the better options out there.

[Deinos93]

Well, I'm willing to stretch the budget a little bit to £270.

Thank you reaper 12 for your reply.

What do others think.

Should I get theSony HT-DDGW800

Or would starting with 5.1/7.1 amp like an Onkyo TXSR506 and some floorstanding Tannoy Mecury F4's or bookshelf F1's (and build up from there onwards) give me better quality audio.

I am looking for primarily good quality music and general audio over surround sound, although surround would be nice.

[Deinos93]

Surely someone else has some advice for me or even an opinion