Home Theater Audio Help

I have a 55 inch tv in the corner of a room that is 15x18. Its the living room in my 3 bedroom apartment. The couch is one of those L shaped deals and sits about 11 ft away from the TV which is on one of those stands that mounts to the back of it.

I need audio for the room now. I dont know if I should get 5.1 or 7.1. And I though im experienced with computers and tech Im new to audio and television setups.

I dont know what too look for as im power and 3d or other options.

Was looking for advice on what kind of equipment to look for. Is there a wiki of a sticky some where on this?

Looking around google im going to assume 7.1 is a waste for me and im going with 5.1. Id like to be able to have multiple inputs for dvd/br/htpc/video games.

Quote from matdif : Looking around google im going to assume 7.1 is a waste for me and im going with 5.1. Id like to be able to have multiple inputs for dvd/br/htpc/video games.

Most systems have multiple inputs. Just read the specs on what you are buying so you make sure the receiver has it.

What is your budget? You could spend $100 on a HTIB solution, or spend $100,000 + on a very custom system. Being in an apartment you probably won't want something huge, and will probably end up turning the subwoofer to a low level, since bass travels very well through walls, floors, and ceilings. I would look here, http://www.avsforum.com/f/ this is a big forum dedicated to all things home theater.

Also, you can always edit your original post if you decide you need to add information, instead of double posting.

Do they even sell 5.1 systems anymore?

Quote from dealgate : Do they even sell 5.1 systems anymore?

nope, only 9.1 systems these days

I got the onkyo s5300 refurb for like 220 last year. Similar dimensioned room in a condo as you. like 15x20 but my tv is at one end (above fireplace) and my couch at the other. I am using it as a 5.1 instead of the 7.1. But now I realized that since I always have the sub down low, I turned up the bass on the speakers themselves and was surprised how good it sounded. I dont need the sub at all. My point being is if you get a system with medium to large size fronts you wont need a sub and your neighbors will like you better.

Look at refurb Onkyo HTIBs. They can be found for ~$200, and are great bang for your buck units. You'll only need 5.1 for your apt, but if a 7.1 unit is at a good price, there's no reason not to get it and just not hook up the 2 rear center speakers. As mentioned, check the specs for number and type of inputs (HDMI, digital optical, digital coax, etc) to make sure it has as many as you need. Some of the receivers now will do the video switching for you with HDMI connections, so you won't need to worry about switching your TV input at the same time.