Build me a system

[Kaptain Kaos]

Hi home theater experts. Just moved to Savannah GA. and will be looking for a new home. One of the big aspects of this house will be the A/V system.Currently I have outdated equipment that is at the minimum 10 years old except for the CD player and the DVD player.

Looking to put together a new system. The heart of the system needs to be of good quality, especially the amplifier section. Not being up on all of the technology I need your help in suggestions in ths pros and cons. I do like Yamaha but will not rule out other manufacturers. User friendly should also be considered.

Planning on a 50 inch DLP for my video, but again will not rule out other options.

As far as speakers, I am looking for great sound as we all are at a reasonable price.

I have noticed that some new systems can play 2 sources at the same time. I really like this feature, but just don't know where to start. Auditioning these components is of the utmost importance. If I can't hear and see it first hand then I probably will be very hesitant in buying.

Any help is very much appreciated.

Price range is from$5000.00 to $7000.00 with cabling. Less money with good quality would be even better.

[Yoda]

Well on the TV issue, I definetly recommend Samsung DLP's, possibly even the new 1080p. I own a 50" Samsung DLP and it is AMAZING!! There are other manufacturers that make DLP, such as RCA, but samsung has definitely integrated it the best. I love it so much that now I am purchasing a DLP projector (Infocus 7210). Plus, when a DLP tv goes out, you just have to replace the bulb, not the entire screen like in plasmas. Also, I hope you plan on buying a DVD that can upcovert, I've heard it does wonders for video quality (which is upconverted from 480p-->720p).

I hope this helps. I myself am having a dilema on receivers and speakers to choose. I think I'm deciding on the Jamo E750 and its corresponding speakers totaling a 6.1 surround setting for about $2,200. I also plan on returning a JVC receiver I just bought, and go for a more quality receiver like Intgegra 7.4 (The upscale of Onkyo [as Acura is to Honda]) for only $1,400. Spend the rest on the TV and cables and you'll be done under $7,000

NOTE: If you are building your house, get the speaker wire in before the sheetrock goes up.

[Kaptain Kaos]

Thanks for the info on the TV. Never knew that Samsung was building higher quality gear. This is good to know. As far as an upconverting DVD, the units I have do not fall into this category. Actually never heard of this before either. Guess I am way behind the times. Will check out the receivers you mentioned also, but would like to see them first hand.

[Yoda]

There is a Panasonic DVD player that is an upconverter and is about $275 at www.vanns.com. I just ordered this a few days ago and am waiting for it eagerly. You could spend anywhere from $500 to $3,5000 on a upconversion DVD player, but I really don't think it is worth it. You see, our regular DVD's will be now trumphed by higher quality discs. The fight is between Sony's Blue Rays and HD/DDVD's. So soon, you will have to purchase a player that play those discs.....so don't spend too much on your DVD player now.