1. The price for KEF is ok considering it is being sold at abt 680pound in UK. I would give the Harmon Kardon a miss. Better opt for Denon 2309.

2. THX is only a standard. But given our environment (house), it is near to impossible to set up a THX certified gears as it just cost too much. Every single equipments need to comply with its std, even the room itself has to be transformed to a proper sound room.

Many companies knowing that THX does make a product 'sellable', has applied this so-called std to its products, which translte to higher pricing that we could do without.

3. What's his budget? Same amount of money?

RM7,000 is a decent budget.

May I know the size of the room? If it is small, then this spkr system will be ideal. Else, he could opt for packages.

AVR-2309 sld be a little over RM3K.

Q Acoustics 1010i 5.1 performs very well for the price range only. Moreover, the rating in What Hi-Fi is only a guidance and they lean towards Brit speakers (a bit bias).

Not abt this model but having owned a Sony AVR before, its SQ is too safe (bass) and the surr steering aint the best in the mart. My take would be Denon or Yamaha.

Tax system : 20% + 10% (if my mem didnt fail me)