I have a decent size living room but it's not that huge.
I am on a budget obviosly and my ideal price for a home surround setup (speakers + receiver + sub, no DVD) will be around $800. If i know that for $1000 i can get something A LOT better, i would spend $1000, but no more than that.

It will be used for some DVD/TV watching and also heavily for music/parties.


So ...i am trying to decide between the following options:

1. Home surround system in a box with "everything" included for $700-800. I'm looking at brands like Onkyo, Yamaha, Sony. Not sure what else i can consider at this price range. Open to suggestions. Any specific models u can recommend?

2. Buy separate components ... Receiver (Yamaha/Onkyo/Sony or even low end Harman Kardon) and buy 2 "decent" tower speakers for front stage + cheaper/smaller rear and center channel speakers + cheaper subwoofer. For such combo i am willing to spend $1000, as long as i know that this will sound a lot better than option #1.

3. In general... for a room that is not huge, should i consider 7.1 system, or i will be better of with 5.1 system?

4. If i go with option #2 (separate components), should i spend the extra $$ for a high wattage subwoofer, or spend the money on better front tower speakers and get lower wattage sub (100 watt)?


Thank you!