I have been one of those guy who always had admiration for high quality surround sound system, but always settled for basic setup when it comes to entertainment system. I have had a Sharp 37" LCD TV for the last two years (only because I was so fascinated about the flat-panel technology). Recently I lost sound (built-in speaker's shot), so I went ahead and got a set of Logitech computer speakers (That's the closest to surround sound system I had). Other than that, my experiences with SRS only at my friends and family. Now I am building my new house and I would like to upgrade that a little.:rolleyes:

I am not completing my basement yet where I have the area for "Entertainment Room" but right now I will setup my Great Room as my Entertainment Center. So, I have added the Sanus TV mount on top of the Fireplace, and already had the electrician pull cable for 5.1 sound system inside, and 2 for outside (screen porch area). I wasn't informed enough to tell him ahead what type of cable or so forth to use, so I have no clue what he used.

Realizing I didn't pull HDMI 1.3 cable from TV to the receiver (cabinet to the side), I ordered 2 25ft in-wall cable from monoprice.

I am going to buy the Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 (would this be good? This is not a audio pass through receiver, right?)

For inside the house, I was thinking something like Klipsch Synergy Quintet II Home Theater Speaker System (Set of Five, Black)

For outside, I was thinking of Polk Audio Atrium 45 All-Weather Speakers

(please recommend if you think there are other better options for 7.1 speaker setup including two for outdoor that I can manage below 1500). This sounds dumb, but I went to few store for test drive but still can't figure out what sound better. I heard JBL (sound good) Bose (Sound good), Polk (sound good). I figured I will start with a moderate system but when I complete my basement, I will go with something high end (but it will be couple of years at least)

Where are you building? You mentioning the Great Room and setup sounds just like what I am going through now building in PA.

--JK

Hi JK,
Sorry, didn't see your response until now...

I'm in Georgia (if by where you meant my location). I realized some of the things I've got wrong

-Got the speaker higher (way higher than ear level) so I have to ensure I get speakers that can be tilted downward.

-I am looking at Mirage Nansat setup but I wish the center speaker was bigger.

-I also did not plan well where I will place the TV (so Fire place, then the mantle ...and then the TV... I have very little place between the TV and the mantle to place the center speaker before making the TV just too darn high from eye level :( .. Fortunately, I got one of those good mount that will give me some flexibilities. I also did not plan my cable right (but right now I added two HDMi cable from monoprice that will come from TV to receiver and other things. I also did not get involve when electrician was cabling the house, so I could use him to pull the right type cable for good audio. ...

I've learned few things but know that I got long way to go. Fortunately, this is just my Great Room. When I work on my media center in the basement, I will do many things right.