....expanding from car audio into home...need help

Shawn gotcha, check out NAD, Rotel, Diva, Paradigm, Denon, Onkyo, Rega(digital source), Kimber(PBJ, hero, 4pr), Acurus; all of those should do what you need them to and fit the bill.

Gunbunny- we are all allowed are own opinion of audio, and this is NOT another debate about the use of a center channel, I've been there done that NOT doing it again. I was simply pointing out that the audio bible(available from crutchfield, on sale this month for $14.99 plus shipping and handling, LOL) doesn't know all.

Angela-Well its more like what don't I do???? Between driving new cars every year and half(not always by choice;) expensive watches, guns, high end liquor(and all that goes with it), designer cloths and audio I need loads of cash to fund my project!! also I manage to stay single, which if I didn't I am sure that would exhaust all of my monetary units, and in a hurry! Does it ever end???? LOL but I enjoy every minute of it.
Tim

OK...let me try to take one more stab at this. Since you are splitting the TV with a roommate (I hope you have decided who takes it with them when you guys move) I think that I have a good suggestion for the rest. SC53 had a good Idea with the Outlaw audio. I have read nothing but good reviews on it for the most part. You can get unbelievable bargains on NAD nowadays, but from what I have heard, old NAD (which I have) is way better than new NAD, (with the exception of the "S" series) One of you can get the outlaw and take it with them when they move.

For the Speakers, I wouldnt recommend running 4 ohm speakers from a receiver. Many high end speakers are 4 ohm but they require alot of power. When mass market stuff is run in 4ohm mode, distortion ratings rise significantly from what I understand versus high end separates some of which I have heard are stable, and clean down to a 1ohm load. B&W 303's have been getting great reviews and I think they are about $150 a piece...Get 5 of these and a powered sub and your place will rock.

With regards to DTS 5.1. Lots of dvd's are being formatted this way and Music is also leaning that way with many artists remastering their stuff in 5.1. Only a handful of titles are available in 7.1 and 10.2 just had it's release not too long ago (I dont even know if it's in private homes yet although I'm sure Bill Gates & the likes have it) If I were you, I would opt to be the one to buy the speakers since they might end up being the most versatile part of the package. I sure wouldn't want to have to lug a 50" big screen with me from place to place.

Hope this Helps

P.S.
When it comes time for speaker cables & interconnects, one of the most important things IMHO is to upgrade from the standard RCA patch cords that come with the DVD player to better interconnects...even entry level is a BIG step up.

ps...I also like Tireguys Rotel suggestion & dont be afraid of buying USED

oh...i'm a big, GIANT fan of used. :) tireguy...that's about exactly what i needed. i think i'll go with the onkyo or the denon...just because the name is a little more easily recognized. i'm sure the outlaw is good, but if i've never heard of it, the airheads that i would be trying to sell it to around here wouldn't have heard of it. :) that's the problem i have w/ my car stereo equipment. if it doesn't say 'JL' or 'Kicker', forget about selling it. grrr.

we already stepped up to the component video wires (red, green, blue) from the dvd to the tv.

onlyshawn

don't WASTE your money on 5:1 home theatre

get a great two channel setup instead
with seperate amp and preamp
(or at least an NAD integrated)

music isn't a 5 channel thing
and only a few movies are worth it

I have a killer 2 channel setup
with a Proton 36" tube tv
it blows away any home surround system soundwise anyone I know has compared it to (the owner's opinions, not my biased one)
and the money is spent on the components and great music reproduction
not bells and whistles

to stay on the inexpensive side
stick with manufacturers like NAD or SOnic Frontiers on the amp and preamp (you'll leap up to the real expensive stuff later), buy used on audiogon or get a nice deal at your local reputable dealer. Speakers? B&W or Paradign
CD? get a nice CD/DVD combo Toshiba, NAD
don't forget to spend a little money on interconnects

anyway
good luck

Tom