Need help picking out good, cheap surround sound

I was considering getting a home theater in a box system for my house and family, and was wondering what I should consider? I have around $600 dollars to spend, and from what I have read/seen, the onkyo brand seems reliable and great for that price range. I was looking and it seems the 6100/6200 are good, but what is the difference and why would I consider one over the other? Also, what are recommended sites to get them? Is it possible also to find the 7100 for around $650?

Thank you for all the help!

See here - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS7100/Onkyo/Ht-s7100-7.1-channel-Receiver/-Speaker-Package-Black/1.html

is there any reason tho to pick the 7200 or 6200 over the 7100/6100 series?

The 6100/7100 are last year's models, whereas the 6200/7200 are this year's models. Basically, there is not much difference. If you can find either a 6100 or 7100 for less than the newer models, go for it. You will not be disappointed. IMHO Onkyo offers the best bang for the buck on the market. :2cents

would there any disadvantage to getting a refurbished/recondition unit compared to a new one?

Thanks again!

i'm wondering the same thing, it does come with a 1year warranty

ps: to answer my own question and anyone who wonders this, the difference between the 6100 and 7100 is the fact that the 7100 is sirius ready and speaker stands

The Onkyo HT-S6100

Key features of the Onkyo HT-S6100:

* 7.1 channels, 130 watts per channel
* Seven satellite speakers plus a subwoofer
* 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs
* Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
* 1080i upconversion for analog signals, using Faroudja DCDi Edge video processing
* Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration
* Available now with a list price of $700

The Onkyo HT-S7100

Step-up features of the Onkyo HT-S7100:

* Two speaker stands included
* Sirius-ready
* Available in August with a list price of $800


source: cnet

http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-systems/onkyo-ht-s6100/4505-6740_7-33182241.html?tag=mncol;lst

and is it worth getting the 7200 over the 6200?

would there any disadvantage to getting a refurbished/recondition unit compared to a new one?

Thanks again!

I actually many times prefer a manufacturer refurbished unit. It has been tested much more thoroughly before being released so is pretty much guaranteed to work as advertised. Most of my current receivers are refurbs. I highly recommend them as they are much more cost efficient.

7100 vs. 7200 don't see any real advantage of one over the other.