Does anyone know which would be better? Space is not an issue, and they both run nearly the same ($250 for SS-B3000 + Dayton amp, ~$200 for the B1000 + Dayton, while the Swans are ~$347 after shipping, but they're currently including the H2s with it right now).
 
Thanks.

not sure about the sony, but I can tell you that you will not be disappointed with the Swans at all.

Space no issue i would pick the SS-B3k but consider an entry level beefy stereo amp like the Sherwood RX-4105
http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0
Heck why not dip into the used market and go with vintage floor standers

Quote:

trog said:

Space no issue i would pick the SS-B3k but consider an entry level beefy stereo amp like the Sherwood RX-4105
http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0
Heck why not dip into the used market and go with vintage floor standers

Click to expand...

My dad has floor speakers.. they were a few thousand each, but yeah I don't have room for those hahaha. So the B3000s + amp > Swan M200MKii? And what about a 5.1 receiver + another 3 B3000s later on? Or this http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-CR3000-Channel-Speaker-Package/dp/B000OG88NQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1329068789&sr=8-6 or http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-CN5000-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B000OGA81Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1329068789&sr=8-4 2 B3000s for the rear? Kinda do want surround sound for movies too even though I have headphones .
 
Actually, if I do get floor standers, are the Sony F6000s good? Just noticed everything was sold in pairs.

Well at small budgets and room for 5.1 you'd prolly be looking at used coax/optical AVRs as those HDMI ones would blow your budget - can't say i have heard those Sony floor standers but i would think it's asking price is reasonable but look out for Polk M50s if on sale as well ^^

Alright thanks. I'll probably be going with bookshelfs.. no room for floorstanders but if I did, I'd prob use my dad's system. So the Sony B3000s > Swan M200mkii? I do like the double speaker bundle.. but it's like $150 more expensive.
 
Also it seems like I can get a Yamaha receiver for $100, don't remember what model (too lazy to check) but its a 5.1 425W receiver. Retails for 300~400 if I remember correctly.

Since u want option for headache free surround then ya a receiver + passives is the way to go. O_o which Yammy AVR is that and how long ago was it out? I nabbed a 2004/2005 opt/coax AVR for far far cheaper than $100

It's the RX-V795. I don't necessarily NEED surround sound; just seems like a fun option if I want to be fully immersed in my music, despite it being stereo sound . And for movies. I do have headphones that I can use for movies though with Dolby surround so.. Yeah. Just wondering what sounds better overall at the same price; passive or active.

Well for the best solution movies for the $$ i would say beefy entry level stereo amp and floor standers that extend low

I'm pretty happy with the setup I have now.  I have the AudioEngine A2's with a Nuforce W-1 sub/extender.  Small powered speakers and a separate small sub to fill in the lows.  I have the A2's and W-1 because the size better met my environment.  And because I got the W-1 for $99 on sale.
 
But Swan has the D1010 IV and D1080MKII08 that would pair nicely with Dayton Sub-80.  Like the Nuforce W-1 the Dayton has low level RCA in and out so hookup is simple.  Source --> Sub --> Sats.  Either the D1010 or D1080 Plus the sub would be under $300 delevered. 
 
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?p=swan-d1010-iv&products_id=166&osCsid=877a97226ad0c7db9d979ba48f03af93
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?p=swan-d1080mkii08&products_id=161&osCsid=877a97226ad0c7db9d979ba48f03af93
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-631