Quote Originally Posted by yucheng
Hi, I am looking to set up a home theater system and primary use for MOVIE only. The system will be set up in a mid-size family room and the available allowance is $3000.

My most fear is to set up the system because I know that even with the best equipment; if the speaks are placed at the wrong place or getting incorrect volumes on them, it will not sound like a theater. Therefore I almost went to buy the bose lifestyle 35 HT system because they offer ADAPTiQ audio calibration system that will set the system up easily. Nevertheless, everyone here knows that Bose is over-priced, therefore I wanted to hear from you guys. I wish to know how I can set up the system easily without spending the big bucks.

In short, I am looking for a sound that is better than Bose Lifestyle 35 when playing movies and I want to learn to make a perfect theater setting for my home. As long as it sounds good, I can go either all-in-one system or separate components. So please help.

By the way, I don't need a TV and I have a DVD player that do not have progressive scan function.

Any help is appreciated guys.

Ya stay away from the Bose !!! the amount of money you waould have spent and not be really happy !! Like the previous post I was going to recomment the yammie as well, I beleive there is also a H/K that does the same... with the yammie you can;t go wrong and its much more adaptable than the Bose (more inputs and outputs and you can upgrade!!!)
as for the speakers go to a reputable dealer bring your own fav cd's and dvd's get them to set up some speakers in you price range ( don;t waste time with speakers not in your budget) plop in the cd or dvd get ridd of the salesman and listen...maybe have 2 sets set up to a receiver so you can do an A/B test right there....maybe bring a friend. Once this is all done you will be much happier with your purchase than if you had gone with Bose and probably still have cash left over for the beer and pizza while you set the puppy up. You could also venture into getting a less expensive receiver and buying a SPL meter and doing it yourself