I guess this is an appropriate enough topic for my first post on these forums.

A little background:

I'm a 23 year old masters student at the University of TN (computer engineering). My area of expertise is computer hardware and software; i know next to nothing about home audio other than what i've picked up when configuring computer audio for customers (i build pc's on the side of my research position at UT).

My dilema:

I currently live in a decently sized (9' 6" x 17' 8") dorm room. I'l be there about 2 more semesters then probally move into an apartment. I have a fairly nice samsung 27" flatscreen television, a fairly nice progressive scan toshiba DVD player, and the usual assortment of video game consoles (game cube, xbox, ps2, etc...). Recently i was able to experience all of the above in 5.1 dolby digital and don't think i can go back to school and settle for just 2 speaker stereo.

In short: i need help building a small home audio setup for my dorm/apartment

What I want:

I'd like to get a system for somewhere in the 800 - 1000 dollar range that can last me for the next 3 ~ 5 years (basically get me through school and into my first year of meaningful employment). I'd like the capability of doing Dolby digital 5.1 (maybe 6.1), dts, prologic II, would like 2 or 3 optical ins, a coaxial, and some svideo/component inputs (only have 2 component ins on my television, so extra component ins on the receiver are pretty crucial for me).

As far as speakers go, as i said before i'm ignorant on this stuff, but what i'm looking for is NOT volume or clarity at high volume. I want the cleanest, clearest sound i can get (afford) at mid to low volume levels. If my budget precludes a sub woofer, thats not the end of the world because my goal is not to annoy the hell out of my neighbors. I listen to quite a bit of music, play quite a few video games, and watch a wide range of movies, so something that is versitile would be nice.

What i need:

basically i'm looking for all the help i can get. I hope i've provided enough info to give folks an idea of what i'm shooting for. The upper end of my budget is pretty firm, but if i ended up spending 1200 for something very nice i don't think i'd complain much.

Please help me out if you've got a few moments to share your knowledge and experience.

Thank you,

blues.