First timer seeking recommendation for budget 2.1 system

[admin_exported]

Hi all,
I'm a noob when it comes to hifi stuff so bear with me...
I'm looking for a 2.1 setup for my pc, mac, dvd player and ps3. As to why 2.1, I kind of gathered that I'll get a decent 2.1 now and slowly get the other pieces for a complete HT system. I believe I need a receiver, 2 monitors and a sub, with that I could get a center and some rear monitors later for a 5.1/7.1.
So I was wondering if any of you guys could advise me on what I can start off with. Also do I need an amp? Would it be better for a novice like me to start with a 2.0, like the behringer MS40, and work my way up?
Purpose of this setup is music and movies first with some side gaming. I will be outputting from my PC through S/Pdif, mac through headphone jack/USB, dvd player through RCA and ps3 HDMI.
So listing my believed requirements...
1) Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR576 or Sony STR-DG820, or is there something else that you would recommend?
2) Sub- Wharfedale Diamond SW150?
3) bookshelf monitors- Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 or Roth Audio OLi1?
Budget wise I am looking at not spending more than 500-750, but I'm up to listen to what you guys have to recommend.
Would like to thank in advance for any replies. I understand that sound is rather subjective, but I much rather hear some advise and use that as a base to work with then go to the shops like a fool and swallow what ever they push at my face.
Thanks

 

[professorhat]

Would probably go for the Sony over the Onkyo just so you have the onboard decoding of the HD audio formats - I know it's not necessary for the PS3, but it will probably be useful for you in the future. Of course the newer Onkyo 507 also offers this now so might be worth looking at.

On the speakers, I haven't heard your choices there, but others certainly to investigate are the Q Acoustics 1010i and the Tannoy Mercury F1s - both of these have award winning home cinema packages that you can gradually build up to.

Certainly, time to get auditioning to see which you prefer when you get your shortlist.

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for the reply! 1st and only reply so far on all the boards I have inquired. I will check on you speaker recommendations and whether they are available at where I am.

Thanks again.

 

[professorhat]

No probs, here's links to the main packages just so you can see what's present in each one and can build up to each package separately. There are plenty of others out there to choose from though so don't feel restricted to these e.g. I've just seen the Wharfedale 9.1s got a good review from WHF here.

Q Acoustics 1010i 5.1

Tannoy Mercury F1 Custom