Hello everyone,
I've started on my basement remodeling project which includes a new bathroom(currently underway) and mostly-dedicated home theater. I've been doing a lot of research on construction techniques and which projector to get but I have to admit I'm a little (alot) confused on what to do with the audio system. The room is not very big - 16'x11' and I expect the seating will be around 13' feet from the screen. I may do a second row of seats but I'm not sure.

My first question is the all-too-common 5.1 versus 7.1 setup? Will 7.1 work in a space this small? Is it worth it? What about 6.1?

Second question - what are good equipment choices? I've had to cut my theater budget due to us expecting a baby this summer (got to build a nursery now too). Right now I'm looking around $600-$700 for everything with the idea to upgrade later on. Here are a few receivers/speakers I had in mind.

Receivers - Onkyo TX-SR304 (5.1), Onkyo TX-SR504 (7.1), Pioneer vsx-516 (7.1), or the Panasonic xr55 (7.1)

Speakers - Velodyne CHT, Acoustic Research ARXP62, or Insignia NS-B2111.

Sub - BIC H-100

Are these sound choices? Should I avoid any of them? Anything as good for less money?

Thank you all for your help.

Tiga

7.1 will work fine in your space (provided that the seats aren't right up against the back wall), but with that limited a budget, stick with 5.1 and spend more on the 6 speakers you do buy.

Sorry, don't know anything about those equipment choices.