I am new here, in fact this is my very first tread. Upss I see it is your very first too. You need to present yourself. So I have little experience.
True you can get low cost S2 receivers, In fact I has seen Freesat V7 for around $10 in Fleebay. I guess for starter $10 is not a waist of money.
But consider a PCSAT Card or a Linux Receiver. As soon you will be asking your self how can I do powervu, tanberg, etc.
Now as for what is the best, my like of experience can not help. Hope some one else will help you.