7.1 HT under about 3k

Hi !

Look I had a 7.1 and thought everything was wonderful, but a friend of mine let me see his 5.1, and I was impressed, I would say go for the 5.1 now, spend more money on the speakers and the budget that you have for the amp-pre is very good second hand, I bought here a couple of times and the people who likes this takes very good care of his equipment.
I have Adcom GFA 5500 (3 of 3X200 W) and Theta Casanova (and costed me all together 2.500), and for the money is very good, in the home theater I have Parasound C1 and A1. There is difference, but not that much.
I insist go for the 5.1 and upgrade later, no movies with 7.1, try taking the surround speaker a little bit farther away and if you like the sound that envolves you and have room buy bipolar, but do not spend that much money on them, Axiom and Polk Audio have it on about 400US$ heard them both and are great.

Bruceomega, you are right. The thing is that depends as well on the room dimensions, the room that i Have with 5.1 is w 16.5 and 20 feet l.
For me 7.1 in this room makes no sense due to the closeness of the speakers, and my budget, he, he, he.
Joncourage, if you want to buy it perfect, but really go first with a good 5.1 (7.1 processor) and then add with time and money the two extra speakers and the amp