humble home theatre

I was just reading your "this is a twofer" question and your audio only knowledge. While the audio principals aren't much different with HT a decent modern receiver and smart speaker choice can provide a surprisingly good HT experience.

That said, a few years ago I did a system for a friend with a slender $250 Panasonic class D receiver, ceiling mounted Gallo speakers, and an Optima series Velodyne sub (5.1). As much as I dislike ceiling mounted speakers Gallo offers a smart mounting that allows speaker directionality.

I would only recommend two receivers, Arcam linear solid state and Pioneer Elite switching amplification. If you decide to audition these two I recommend listening at a very high volume and listen for fatiguing and or congestion. If you like music video you will be cranking it up, it's simply to much fun. Unfortunately, these are typically large receivers. No receiver does a good job with full range speakers, stick with satellites and a small sub.

Plasma. Since the demise of the Pioneer Kuro's I'm not sure what the highest rated display is now but go as big as possible. After you've run it for a few months have it professionally calibrated.

Amend Arcam recommendation,

After reading a last post dated 01-06-11, titled "AVR 300 Powers up, * seconds later, powers off," I can't recommend Arcam receivers. My recommendation was based on an in store comparison were their product displayed a pleasing audio presentation when compared to some other brands. The Arcam also lacked many of the latest CODECs I was interested in for my HT build.

In the context of the original poster's needs it seemed a sensible suggestion. It seems there are basic design issues regarding proper internal component cooling and questionable assembly materials contributing to predictable failures. I have no knowledge of any design upgrade, retrofit, or redesign of later models.