I recently stumbled upon and bought a display model Onkyo 606 for under $300(!).   I'm planning on gradually upgrading to a 4/5 series Aperion system over the next few months.  However, in the excitement of the bargin I overlooked the fact that the receiver didn't include the audyssey set up mic.  I've never used audyssey before and am curious as to how critical it is to setting up a system.  Should I forget about it, or start digging around for one in some corner of the web?  

Thanks in advance.   

Hey Breed. Good find with the 606. I went to circuit city this weekend to see how their liquidation sale was going. Not bad deals even for them. Unfortunately the places near me had no more Kuro plasma screens. 

Anyway with respect to the audyssey setup. I used it and really disliked what it did. The only thing I found it useful for was for measuring speaker distance from my listening position. I hated the EQ settings it set up. If you have one good eye and a tape measurer you can determine the distance yourself and input that data into the 606's setup menu. I can't speak for everybody but if it were me I wouldn't try to spend more money on it since it's not terribly useful. Save the money for some Aperion speakers!

Jason,

If you want to get a Kuro, you better get one fast. Pioneer announced they are getting out of the plasma business. I hava a Pio plasma, and they rock!

Hey Scottiemon, 

I heard about that which is why I figured at 60% off I could buy one. Unfortunately all they had left were 60+ inch TV's with max resolutions of 720p. I do like my sony and the room gets too much sun for a plasma as of now but I wouldn't have minded getting a kuro for the bedroom.  I've only seen them in the stores and they look really amazing, too bad they're getting out of it, perhaps they'll sell the plasma business and somebody else will pick up the line.

 Jason