Denon AVR-S970H 7.2-Channel 8K Network AV Receiver Expired

The Monoprice T6, B6, C6 (or upgraded THX-365C) perform well for the money. I'd suggest buying fewer better speakers rather than trying to get it all at once or in a package deal. A quality 5.1 is going to perform well in most rooms and Atmos is more of an optional add on to that essential strong bed layer.

Don't skimp on the center either as it's probably the most important speaker as it allows you to hear dialogue clearly. I'd spring for the THX-365C (which is one of the best centers at any price) and then just a pair of T6 or B6 if on a limited budget for a nice 3.0 setup and add later as budget allows for a 5.0, 5.1 and so on.

Subs are expensive but SVS is running some good sales right now if you are a little more flexible for budget and want to grab a SB2000 for 500 or PB1000 Pro for 600 while you can. It's OOS for black but the RSL Speedwoofer 10s is normally 450 which is one of the best deals running for a serious sub. Being in an apartment you can hold off on the sub for now though and just set front LR to 'large'.

Can even try a phantom center by setting it to 'none' if a pair of bookshelf speaks is all you can afford for now, along with the receiver. That's how most of us started out and then you can try 4.0 later if phantom center is working ok for you and dialogue is clear enough for the time being. That's a good apartment setup that I used to use when I was younger and had better hearing haha. Now I find a good center is essential though.

I have the THX-365C and love it, along with the matching THX-365T large bookshelves and a SB2000. I think that setup is really good for the money in my medium sized Livingroom but for HT I could for sure get away will less expensive LR like the T6/B6 if needed. Center and sub is doing abo 90% of the work for HT most of the time and the rest kind of fills in as needed. Hulking towers are definitely NOT needed but if you like the look or prefer to listen to music full range then that's fine too. I'm fine with leaving the sub on all the time as it does a better job at bass than almost any tower.

Check out avs forum speaker section for more info as those guys are usually very helpful and knowledgeable and you can learn a lot just by reading the threads. GL!

You need to buy a X series Denon if you want zone 2 preouts.

S series doesn't offer that.

More power, better interface and 2nd hdmi out added. No composite though if you have an old VCR or something you use but that can be plugged directly into the TV.