And I thought choosing a TV was tough

skipkassidy

Last Thanksgiving I pulled the trigger and purchased a 58" Panasonic Plasma (TH-PZ58700U). Got a pretty decent deal from an Internet retailer - a price that none of the B&M can match.

Currently, the television is hooked to a Onkyo HTiaB (HT-SR800). Now this is in a family room about 16'x18'. Researching speakers, I don't want to break the bank, but seeing the RTi8 line for $150 each at Fry's Electronics is not a bad deal.

Basically, I want to upgrade the fronts, center and rears. Since this family room will be used for TV and movies (including HD and BD), would it be best to go with a 5.1 design or 7.1 design with a room of this size?

Also, for rear surround and side, what are some good speakers (either bookshelf or floorstanding).

MADGSF

That room might be big enough for 7.1 but it will depend on where you sit in relation to the back wall. I think you need some space behind the rear most seating area to take advantage of 7.1.

shimey013

lol, Choosing a TV was relatively easy compared to choosing speakers....Im like i want some nice sound, but i also want to be nice to the neighbors since i livei n a townhouse with connecting walls. So far I have the RTi8s and im extremely pleased with them....Now putting the rest together is going to be a pain.....just cause im such a noob when it comes to this stuff.

dkg999

Fill out the front with a CSi3 or Csi5 (or the new variations of them!). If you can wall mount the side surrounds the Fxi3/5 (or again the new variations) are a very good choice. If you have to use stand-mounts, then the Rti4/6 is a good choice (or even Rti8's if you want floor standing surrounds. 5.1 will get you about 80% of what a good 7.1 setup will, at least with std def DVD's.