I am a newbie here looking for some advice on how I should setup my HT. I am in the process of finishing my basement and right now I have picked out a place that is 18' X 16' (dimensions can be changed based on suggestions), hopefully for a 10 seat or so theater. I am wanting the best quality equipment (screen (fixed), HD projector, receiver, speakers, etc...) for around 25K or so for the electronic equipment. I am looking at in wall speakers for the clean look for the room. My question is what would be the best recommended equipment? I currently have a HK 7300, Infinity Beta 5.1 speaker system on our 55" Sony LCD. I though about incorporating this equipment into the room at first, but was told by a salesman at a home theater store that all of my equipment was entry level and not really that good so I have decided to go with something different. I don't know that much about all the different equipment so I am not for sure if he is right or not. I know there are many opinions about the best speaker, etc... but I am just looking for a good quality system with a crisp clear sound and picture and I would like to go with the 7.1 setup. I have searched the forums and not found any information about a complete setup like this. If there are any links that can be posted I would appreciated it. Also please let me know if this needs to be posted in a different forum. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the forum but your question is too much and totally inclusive with multiple answers that are all subjective at best. You could easily get 20 or more recommendations for just the projector. You should go to each of the forums and do lots of reading and research on one item at a time. Most of us here have spent yeeeears evolving and updating our systems (an on going process) so your not likely to find a turn key advice thread for a compete system that meets your criteria.

Thanks for the advise. Is there a place that I can go to in order to see what equipment is being used by the experienced forum members like yourself so that I can have an idea of where to begin my research on the equipment to see what best fits my needs?

If you are planning on dropping $25K just on the equip, then be smart and spend $2-3K on someone to design or at least provide consultation on the build out and equip.

I don't know anything about your equip and the salesman could be correct, but view his/her advice with some skepticism because if you build a new HT with equip you already own, the salesman does not make too much.

After several months reading threads, I went into a HT store on a rainy day while at the beach. The salesperson told me you cannot get a 1080p projector for under $15k, and then tried to sell me a display model for $12k. I stopped listening and quickly left. Certainly not every saleperson is dishonest and/or stupid like the one I met, but some are, so do your homework beforehand or hire someone you can trust to keep your best interests in mind.

As I have read many times before on this site. It's easy to upgrade your equipment, but it's a PITA to upgrade your room. I would spend more money getting the room right first.
I'm sure your current equipment, with the projector of your choice, would serve you well until you decide to upgrade.

Absolutely correct. If the room isn't right, you live with it forever.

One thought, I think you're wishfully thinking to get 2 rows of 5 seats in a 16x18 room. You'll have little to no room for walkways. 2 rows of 4 is more realistic. I'd rather have 8 good seats than 6 good ones and 4 poor ones.

Bryan