Hello everyone, I've lurked around these forums for a while but this is my first post.
I just got word that I am going to have a single next year at college, I went down to take a look at it today (I live the floor above it right now) And I got a serious feel that its almost perfect for a simple entertainment center setup.
Its a 200 square foot room, Il do my best to illustrate it:
_________________________
| Desk |
| |
| FREE BED|
| SPACE |
|_______________ __ |
| |
| |
|_____ |

So Im going to loft my bed, place a futon/couch underneath and set up my entertainment center at the other end of the room. Right now I am on a tight budget but I already have a 1080p display and a high end laptop. I am planning on buying a tv tuner card, 1tb external Hard drive, 5.1 external sound card, and some sort of 5.1 system.
My big question is this, how many watts would be sufficient, and what brands would you recommend for a room this size on a budget of around $300. Ive never had a surround sound system and usually just use headphones so even though I know the quality is nothing like what most of you all would want, it will still make a world of difference to me.
Thanks in advance,
Chris.

Kid, it's college, get out of your room! Hang out with some people. Don't turn your room into a nest. A college room should be for sleeping and loving. I also found it easier to study in the library than a private room with a TV or audio system playing.

Just IMHO of course .

your budget should include cheap beer and rubbers. college is not for hiding away in your dorm room. It's for whoring it up and having fun.


oh and for learning and such too. i guess.

Craigs list is going to be a real good place to look for a 5.1 boxed system there is always someone looking to upgrade :)

$300 is tough, without finding a good used deal. If you could stretch to $500-$600 I would look at Energy or HSU for a good starter 5.1 system. I think you would be real happy with the Performance 1 system from HSU.