[ljforster70]

I will be building a 5.1 system this year. I am leaning more towards separates due to the versatility and the looks. What I am thinking is a 2 channel amp for the fronts and a 3 channel for the rest. Budget for the setup to be around 3k. The room that this is going in is 18 x 18 with the ceiling starting at 9 ft and going to 12ft. I am wondering what I should be looking for in amps and the pre/pros. Meaning what specs make the biggest difference in performance besides watts/channel. I don't have alot of resources to purchase from so the purchase will more than likely be online since the premier stereo store in the area went out of business. At the present time I don't have speakers but will be looking and listening if possible. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

1. I would recommend using the 3 channel for the front three to insure that they are voiced the same. Use the stereo for the surrounds.

2. Make sure you consider acoustical treatment and/or room EQ. Your square room (approximating a half-cube at one end) will be plagued with common modes and that needs to be addressed.

3. Specs are not particularly informative but feature sets are. Read up on the choice threads here and on other sites.