Have to agree with Rayd. Unless you want to make audio an avocation find a good dealer with which to work. The alternative is to spend a tremendous amount of time educating yourself on the market by reading everything in sight and auditioning like a mad man.
Though not into HT (and would most assuredly steer you in the wrong direction) I do have a couple of suggestions. First, decide on a firm budget. Deduct 25% of it and use the remainder when talking to dealers. Why? Because it is inevitable you will spend more than expected on cables, tweaks, etc. The dealer, if he has any sales aptitude at all, will try to upsell you to better equipment, too. That is not necessarily a bad thing, either! Remember to consider room treatments in the price. At a minimum front and side wall treatments of some sort. They can make a huge difference.
Other than that, good luck and have a blast. BTW, let us know where you are located as someone here may have a dealer to suggest as a starting point.
Though not into HT (and would most assuredly steer you in the wrong direction) I do have a couple of suggestions. First, decide on a firm budget. Deduct 25% of it and use the remainder when talking to dealers. Why? Because it is inevitable you will spend more than expected on cables, tweaks, etc. The dealer, if he has any sales aptitude at all, will try to upsell you to better equipment, too. That is not necessarily a bad thing, either! Remember to consider room treatments in the price. At a minimum front and side wall treatments of some sort. They can make a huge difference.
Other than that, good luck and have a blast. BTW, let us know where you are located as someone here may have a dealer to suggest as a starting point.