In regards to 5.1 vs. 7.1, I would buy something at least capable of decoding that information (ie: everything these days) so you have the capability for the future if you ever decide to go that route. HOWEVER, when initially building the system, it will be MUCH better to invest that money that would be spent on two additional speakers on buying better speakers or electronics upfront. A system will sound much better having 5 good speakers than 7 just OK speakers. Think quality over quantity. In fact, there's no shame in taking it even further; getting a great pair of speakers (as long as they're appropriate for your amplification (aka don't buy a $300 receiver to drive $2000 speakers)), and buying matching center, surrounds, and sub at a later date. This may provide you with much more satisfaction in the long run.
As far as which products to look for; audition audition audition!! Make sure what you buy is something you can enjoy and live with! Also, dont be an a-hole and take time from a dealer to see what you like then buy elsewhere. Just make sure they offer good valued products and you wont be getting "ripped off".
If you're totally in the dark on what brands are good and which to avoid, avoid HTIB's, and Bose. They are generally not a good value, especially bose stuff. For receivers and other electronics, I have had good experiences with Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha. Higher up on the chain you could go with brands like Rotel, NAD, and Cambridge (although blu-ray players are largely unnecessarily expensive from high-end companies due to the nature of the technology behind blu-ray and HDMI). For speakers look at Paradigm, Polk, B&W, PSB, Definitive, etc... As far as higher end speakers that I find to still be reputable and a good value; Vandersteen, Theil, upper-end B&W & Paradigm, this list is really miles long... Speakers will probably the most personal-preference type of decision you make in acquiring your system, so take your time and audition lots of brands in your price point from multiple dealers if possible. If you're planning on surround sound pick a speaker brand based on how it will sound in a surround setup as well as music even if you dont plan on going surround right away. Some companies make great 2-channel speakers, but lame center channels (Martin Logan is a good example of this IMHO), for example. Matching is key to a seamless surround sound experience.
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In regards to 5.1 vs. 7.1, I would buy something at least capable of decoding that information (ie: everything these days) so you have the capability for the future if you ever decide to go that route. HOWEVER, when initially building the system, it will be MUCH better to invest that money that would be spent on two additional speakers on buying better speakers or electronics upfront. A system will sound much better having 5 good speakers than 7 just OK speakers. Think quality over quantity. In fact, there's no shame in taking it even further; getting a great pair of speakers (as long as they're appropriate for your amplification (aka don't buy a $300 receiver to drive $2000 speakers)), and buying matching center, surrounds, and sub at a later date. This may provide you with much more satisfaction in the long run.
As far as which products to look for; audition audition audition!! Make sure what you buy is something you can enjoy and live with! Also, dont be an a-hole and take time from a dealer to see what you like then buy elsewhere. Just make sure they offer good valued products and you wont be getting "ripped off".
If you're totally in the dark on what brands are good and which to avoid, avoid HTIB's, and Bose. They are generally not a good value, especially bose stuff. For receivers and other electronics, I have had good experiences with Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha. Higher up on the chain you could go with brands like Rotel, NAD, and Cambridge (although blu-ray players are largely unnecessarily expensive from high-end companies due to the nature of the technology behind blu-ray and HDMI). For speakers look at Paradigm, Polk, B&W, PSB, Definitive, etc... As far as higher end speakers that I find to still be reputable and a good value; Vandersteen, Theil, upper-end B&W & Paradigm, this list is really miles long... Speakers will probably the most personal-preference type of decision you make in acquiring your system, so take your time and audition lots of brands in your price point from multiple dealers if possible. If you're planning on surround sound pick a speaker brand based on how it will sound in a surround setup as well as music even if you dont plan on going surround right away. Some companies make great 2-channel speakers, but lame center channels (Martin Logan is a good example of this IMHO), for example. Matching is key to a seamless surround sound experience.
Hope this helps!