Advice to a novice regarding surround sound/hi-fi

[charlieboy]

Hi. I am a new member and a total novice. I have renovated my house and is now interested in some new equipment for the lounge/TV room (the 1978 Marantz amp and 1990 Celestion floor standing speakers are still OK, but I am itching for something new). The room is approx 6mx5m. I have a Sony LED/LCD 46" TV (KDL-46EX700). I am interested in a system with the following requirements:
1. Total amount spent on AV receiver/Blue ray player or PS3/Surround sound system with sub/iPod docking facility/Cabling +- R15000 to R20000
2. I want a good system for watching TV/movies but also regularly listen to music
3. I am not a serious gamer but have been told that a PS3 is an all-in-one setup - opinions? Special at the moment at Makro for R3500 for ? 320G PS3 with remote and game
4. Should one get a separate media player of sorts (I have a lot of music, movies and own photos which I would love to have available on this system)
5. I have been told to look at Yamaha/Onkyo AV Receivers and Boston/Kef speaker packages - opinions please?
6. Is it worth it to buy second hand (maybe get better quality equipment for less)? Quality/safety/guarantee issues? Are there certain equipment one should rather buy new?

I would love to hear your opinions!

 

[Audio Bug]

 

[charlieboy]

 

[Audio Bug]

 

[Atjan]

 

[chipwelder]