Budget home cinema advice

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My current set up is:

Panasonic 42" TV (TH-42PX70BA)

Sky HD

Sony Blu-ray player (BDP-S360)

Sherwood pro-logic receiver (R325RDS)

Mordaunt Short speakers (MS25i)

Gale centre speaker (Centre 10)

Decent cables etc.

I am wanting to upgrade to at least 5 channel surround and dolby digital to make the most of the blu-ray and sky movies but can't decide on which way to go. I don't really use an ipod so that isn't an issue. My budget is £300 and came across the Onkyo HT-S6305 system. Does anybody have any thoughts on this?

 

[Anonymous]

I guess what I'm really asking is should I be looking at a completely new audio set up or should add to what I have?

 

[Big Aura]

sorry - was going to reply last night, but the missus advised that I should power down the laptop, and resistance is futile.

I haven't heard the system you're referring to - but to go to an all-in-one system may be a step back (notwithstanding a step-up in terms of tech).

I think you're better to look at a step-by-step upgrade. Something like this would be good:

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/pioneer/vsx920/pion-vsx920

and then work on speakers when you can. Obviously it's better for speakers to be same brand, to fit together tonally. I'd be inclined to look at:

http://www.richersounds.com/product/speaker-packages/q-acoustics/1010i-5.1/qaco-1010i-5.1-pack

which is a bit of a bargain. If you can't stretch, move your current left/right to the rear, ebay your centre, and buy a front left/right/centre from the same brand.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the helpful reply. I must admit I did look at that combo but wondered how much difference it would make.

I guess I could stretch a little bit further if the improvements are worth it. Just checked out those speakers and unfortunately only 1 set and they are over 200 miles away so not really an option.