Home Theater decision Help Please

7.1 for a bedroom wont work unless you have a good 3 feet behind your headboard. If it's flush to the wall, there's no room behind you for proper speaker placement. Stick with 5.1, at most. IMO

Joseph

Amazon and Newegg.com have that HT-S5500 on special for $349. If you are limited fro space behind you can set up the extra 2 speakers up above the tv and run the Audesy set up it will configure them as a front high channels giving a good sound as well.

+1 for the Ht-s5500. Sound is good for the money. AVR is full featured. If u worry about some of the negative reviews buy extended insurance. Look at the discussion here.

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1455095/best-home-theater-in-a-box-for-350#post_22958114

For 7.1 in a bedroom i would set up a system like the HT-s5500 with LCR and front highs. The AVR in the 5500 system is set up for that. I tried it before decided on rear fills. Kinda liked it. It is definitely a different effect. And though I like rear fill better in my main room. I actually wish I could have both front hi and rear fill

A pretty extensive quick look at the specs of the HT-s5500 can be found on this site. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTS5500/Onkyo-HT-S5500-7.1-Home-Theater-Package-w/USB-for-iPod/iPhone/1.html#!more

First Tab show the overview and details of features. Third Tab (Specs) list most of the details and connections available for the AVR.

If you were buying this system at the MSRP of $649 I would say there are probably other options to consider or even building up a system by parts/pieces. But If you can get it for between $250-350 (which is what most have been paying) the HT-s5500 is the best bang for the buck hands down. The Receiver in the HT-s5500 system has the feel of an AVR that will grow with you if you ever wanted to upgrade the speakers. I smile every time I watch / listen to a BD movie. I am very happy with the system.

And if you read negative reviews about the 5500's sub, might be ... but if it is a concern, just buy a 3 year or so extended warranty for insurance and piece of mind.

Also For What its Worth, a 7.1 Front High system would look like this and would work easily in a bedroom

If this is your first venture into Home Theater I would stick with an all in one, otherwise it could become overwhelming with choices. If I were to build a new system (well I'd try and find an old flagship on ebay) I would go for a bigger denon 2312 or 2112 if you can find it in your budget. this is not a difficult thing to do here in the USA but I get the feeling you may not be in the USA. It might help us to find you a deal if you tell us where you are

I think I would +1 with Nick_si, and also say it would be hard to beat the Onkyo HT-s5500 for the money especially if this is your first experience into Home Theater. Also, the 5500 can be run 5.1 or 3.1 or Stereo and Sub, so it is not "limited" to 7.1 only. Just a thought.