I need the best sound possible & a HDMI solution for no more than $500.
http://i40.tinypic.com/21eng43.jpg
-Custom 7.1?
-7.1 HTIB?
-HTCT100?

At that budget, HTIB is your only choice.

You can build your own speakers, and there's been some deals had on certain drivers, but that will still blow your budget.

You can even find great deals on studio monitors, but add a sub worth having, and your budget is blown.

HTIB is your only choice I believe, if you have to haveall pieces now. There is a forum here for HTIB.