[arkay]

ranz,

Just thought I'd mention too that THX isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's not an audio format (like AC3/DTS), as many people think. It's a certification. i.e. That model has passed the parameters set by George Lucas' team of audio engineers.

In all honesty I don't know if it's all it's cracked up to be.

As for speakers that is a very personal choice. I use Jensen DX-90's front and rear and also have a large Jensen Center speaker. They all look fantastic (carved Mahogany, very nice finish). Each of the dx-90's have a subwoofer built in (they say sub base isn't directional), but I can tell you than when you get 4 of them around the sound stage it makes one hell of a difference. Jensen don't make the dx-90 anymore but I would encourage you to check out their current range. They are a very nice speaker and retail for relatively good prices these days. I also use Onkyo gear for Amp's. Have done for quiet some time now. Very nice amps if you get a chance to compare to Yamaha/Marantz etc.

Most importantly as other's have suggested you should buy all the speakers (whether 5.1 or 7.1) at the same time and from the same manufacturer preferably in the same "Series" to gaurantee that their capabilites are matched. This is true more speficially for front and centers, but you also want the rears matched too (if, like me, you listen to alot of 5 channel stereo mode stuff).

Make sure the speakers are rated from 100-20000Hz (20-20000Hz if they include subs) so you get the full spectrum of reproduction. Not all speakers have that range.

Cheers,
Arkay.