My living room is 22 deep, 20 wide, 12ft ceiling. the kitchen opens at the end of the room and is 14.5 deep, 20 wide, 10ft ceiling.

I failed to wire for surround when building so I'm looking for a 2 channel stereo system in the LR. 2 speakers and a sub.

I did pre-wire 2 speakers for outside that would operate on the same unit.

While I'll hook the tv to the system to make the sound fuller and louder, I primarily care about listening to music.

I'd prefer bookshelf speakers vs tower speakers to make the setup cleaner looking around the TV. Any good recommendations for small bookshelf speakers that would adequately play music in the room, along w/a sub? I don't need to wake the dead, but I also will crank the system pretty loud when cleaning, having a party, etc.

I was looking at these 2 receivers:

Yamaha R-S500:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RS500/Yamaha-R-S500.html?tp=47041&nvpair=AG_General_Features|YCMulti%40Room

Onky TX-8555:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_580TX8555/Onkyo-TX-8555.html?tp=47041&nvpair=AG_General_Features|YCMulti%40Room

It looks like I'd need a separate amplifier to power the patio speakers if I want to use separate audio sources for both inside and outside at the same time. If I don't mind playing the same thing in and out I believe I can just hook the patio speakers into the 2nd speaker outs on each unit.

Am I reading this correctly re: the 2nd room capabilities of these 2 receivers?

If I needed an amplifier to power the outdoor speakers, what would you recommend? Again - I don't need concert level volume outside.

To reiterate: What are 2 good bookshelf speakers and a sub for primarily music inside, and based on my needs which of these 2 receivers are better?

I'm also not looking to spend more than $1000 or $1200 max for the receiver, speakers, and outdoor speakers. This could increase slightly, but I don't think my wife will grant much more.

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Adam Ag 98 (edited 5/10/2011 3:03p).]

[This message has been edited by Adam Ag 98 (edited 5/10/2011 3:04p).]

Just because you didn't pre-wire for surround doesn't mean you can't have surround.

Do not buy a two-channel receiver. At least buy a surround receiver so you can have a center channel in the front. Movies and TV are better with a dedicated center. If you buy a stereo receiver you never have that option.

If you buy a two-zone capable surround receiver you don't need any other amplifiers. You can in the future consider wireless surround speakers.

If you spend $500 for your receiver, you can buy a reasonable front three plus sub. Consider 3 x HB-1 and the STF-1 sub from Hsu Research. A receiver like the Onkyo Onkyo HT-RC360 or the Denon AVR-1911 would do nicely.

[This message has been edited by SpicewoodAg (edited 5/10/2011 3:38p).]

Thanks!

Instead of 3 HB-1's should I get 2 HB-1's and the HC-1 center channel speaker?

Or w/out the rear satellites would I be fine w/an additional HB-1 instead of the HC-1 center?

I went ahead and got two HB-1's, and HC-1, and the STF2, along w/the Onkyo mentioned above and some polk atrium 4's for outside.

Now just the waiting

Good job!

+1 for Hsu Research

I bought their Ultra 1 package and have them running through an Onky TX-NR3008.

Awesome sound for the price.