beesonosu

Thanks youthman! I'm assuming that banana plugs and spade connectors are pretty much the same thing - both will work and it's mainly just a preference thing? I think I'm leaning towards that Safe Connects that Colter recommends.

Sorry about the thread bump but I just wanted to thank everyone (again!) for their input. I picked up the C2 and the Yamaha 665 two weeks ago and just got my two F2s out of the box a few minutes ago. I'll wait until tomorrow to set them up so, for now, I'll have to be content at just looking at them - and they're pretty sexy. I'm still a little hesitant about the receiver I chose (mainly does it have enough power?) but I think I'll be satisified with the results especially considering it's my first home theater system and a "beginners" one at that. Eventually I'll add at least two S2s and most likely the Sub12 if I decide to go with a Klipsch sub (which I probably will). At some point I may consider getting a seperate amp or upgrading my receiver but I'll see how this works for now. So, one more dumb question, mainly because I want to hook things up the "right" way. What banana plugs should I use? I saw that someone on another page recommend these (GLS Safe-Connect Series, for those who don't want to go to the link): http://www.speakerrepair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BR28&Category_Code=safe_connect So these are used at the speakers themselves, correct? I'm guessing they're a bit nicer than the cheaper ones found at monoprice. How many would I need for 5 speakers - just 10? Is there any preference in bi-amping (using all four speaker terminals, that is what it is called, right?) What would I use at my receiver - flex-type connectors? Man, I feel like a dope for asking but I went a little overkill with 12 gauge speaker cable and I found it difficult to hook up when I connected the C2. Then again, it was my first time.[8-|] Thanks again! Happy Easter everyone! Safe travels and have a great time with your families.

Just wanted to say thanks again for all of your recommendations and clarifications. It will probably be a few weeks until I make my big purchase (as I'm planning on coupling it with one of the newer Panasonic plasmas as we get them in. Speaking of new TVs, we just got the LED Samsung TV in a few days ago and it looks really impressive and is only 1.5" thick! Still, I'm partial to plasma. In the meantime, I'll do a lot of reading and research on receivers. I have a feeling that the are probably quite a few receivers I could get that wouldn't lead to buyer's remorse. It doesn't really take a lot of research to find both positive and negative reviews on any of them. I don't work at Best Buy but I do have a credit card with them so I'll be sure to check out their HKs soon. My store only carries Onkyo and Yahama (and Sony and Jenwood, neither of which I'm considering). If I go with HK, it seems that I'd either go for the 245 or the 345. I'll have to read the differences on them soon. I am a little hesitant about them when I read the wattage specs but I totally trust you guys when you say that they have enough power to run the Synergy 2 Series. HDMI 1.3 (at least 3, preferrably 4 in) is important to me as is something that will work great off the bat and/or has an easy way to upgrade patches, etc. I'll likely whittle it down to a few models and then post again as the time comes. Right now I'm considering the aforementioned HKs, the RXV665, RXV863, and the Onkyo 705/706.

My 550 does have analog outs but (being picky here) I wouldn't mind just using HDMI and being done with it. The less cords the better, right? Still, that gives me options. I haven't thought about using an external amp but that's only because I have no idea what it truly is or does...so I'm doing a lot of reading on it. Regardless, I like flexibility and it sounds like having pre-outs makes my setup more flexible. Duly noted, thanks! By the way, I feel like a dork asking these questions which I'm sure many of you answer over and over again on sites like this. I really appreciate it, however, and, although I can't reciprocate in terms of A/V knowledge, I'll find a way somehow.

I really haven't done any reading on the HK mainly due to my company not carrying it (which is really dumb in my opinion). I certainly don't have to stick with Yamaha or Onkyo though - sound, ease of use and reliability all go before price, at least to a degree. With the aforementioned Synergy 2 lineup, what HK would you recommend? The 3550HD look sweet but may be a little out of my price range considering I can get the Onkyo 705/706 ($510), the 606 ($319), and the Yahama 863 ($577) or 663/665 ($320). What would be comparable in features? I'm thinking the 347 or the 354. Keep in mind that I'm planning to run everthing with HDMI - so at least 3 in....I'd also like the flexibility to expand to 7.1. I can't quite remember the differences (if noticeable) between HDMI 1.1, 1.3, etc. Should that be a focal point of my research? What should? Thanks y'all - you've made me feel very welcome here. P.S. I'm set on getting the F2s, C2, S2s, and Sub 12 for an awesome 5.1. I would just need two more S2s to extend that to a 7.1, correct? What kind of wattage am I looking for as I read on the Klipsch site that a receiver that has too low wattage can hurt the speakers!

Thanks for the quick and helpful replies! I do agree that the F2s are the way to go - I just needed to hear it from someone else! Tommyboy, I'm assuming your Pioneer is your receiver..what's the Rotel - a preamp? So are there any recommendations one way or the other between the receivers I mentioned? I think the Yahama 665 would work perfectly for my needs. I can get the 863 for a decent price but I don't think I'll need the extra bells and whistles.

I've really enjoyed reading through this forum and I must say that it has ALREADY helped me a lot. I hate starting new threads (as a new user especially) but, in this case, I think it may be necessary. I tend to ramble at times but I'll try to make it simple and to the point. ANY guidance in the right direction is appreciated!! My situation: My main goal is to get a "starter" set that will suffice for a few years. I work for a regional electronics retailer and I get some pretty decent discounts on A/V stuff. I've been wanting a "decent" HT setup for awhile now and I think that this would be a good time to do it (before I quit[A])! I really had no experience with Klipsch before but I absolutely LOVE their sound. My budget is flexible but I'm looking mainly at the Synergy series. We carry the Quintet, F2, F3, C2, S2, B2, Sub 10 and Sub 12. I originally was thinking of getting the Quintet IIIs, the Sub 12 and two F3s. After some reading, however, I realized that this 7.1 system would be a little strange. Right now, I think a 5.1 setup would be the way to go. I've also read that the C3 is near impossible to come by although if I found it, I would "splurge" instead of getting the C2 (although I can pick it up for $135). I have not yet bought a receiver. I don't believe upscaling is important (in my situation)...but the ability to go 7.1 at some point is. For reasons stated before, I'm looking at Onkyo and Yamaha recievers. The 606B, 705B, 706B, RXV 663, RXV 665, RXV 863, notably. My current components: *XBox 360 (I have the HD DVD add-on, which I may use...) *Toshiba A2 *BDPS550 *HD DVR Cable Box I would like to hook all of them up with HDMI. I'm leaning towards the Yamaha 665 or an Onkyo for that reason. I currently use my TV as my computer monitor. I plan on getting another TV relatively soon but let's assume that I would like the flexibility of also plugging in my tower or a laptop to my TV - AND use my Klipsch speakers as opposed to the Logitech computer speakers I use currently. I would say that my setup would be used for 60% movies, 25% TV, 10% games and 5% music although I can certainly see myself listening to more music as time goes by. Hence, Sirius and XM-compatibility is a plus but not a must - are they still at the brink of collapse, anyway? I don't have an MP3 player yet but it would be super cool if I could use my receiver to play the mp3s I have on my computer. I'm leaning towards the Sub12, KF3s, C2, and S2s. It would cost me around $1050 before tax. Would it make a lot more sense to just get the KF2s for $70 less/speaker, thus making everything say "2"? Maybe it's the size difference, but I feel like the KF3s have a more wholesome sound. On the other hand, a C2 for $135 would make due until I can find a more suitable companion. If I couldn't find the C3, would you recommend the C2 or a step up, say a Reference Line center? Should I even consider the Quintets or do they not play well with others? I consider them a steal for $285 but I'm guessing they won't be quite as good as going with the Fxs? Maybe them and a Sub 10 would suffice for now? Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego? Of the receivers I mentioned, what would serve my purpose best? Who shot J.R.? If I were to go 3.1 at first, adding the S2s at a later point, what would you reccomend? What came first, the chicken or the egg? Disregarding price, with the speakers and receivers I mentioned, what would YOU do? If a tree falls in the woods and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound? Many blessings to anyone who takes the time to answer my novice questions. Seriously, thanks in advance.